Gaming Monitor vs TV: Which is Better for Gaming?

With all the advancements in display technology, it’s a legitimate question: should you game on a traditional gaming monitor or a larger, brighter TV?

It was a question that had a simple answer. If you’re playing on a console, TV gaming is really the only way to go. If you’re playing on PC, you’d never consider playing on anything but a gaming monitor.

But now with OLED technology’s super-fast pixel response times, gaming monitors support HDR standards 600, 1000 and higher, super-fast 240Hz, 300Hz and 360Hz refresh rates, and new standards like HDMI 2.1As well as smaller TVs with game-focused features, the decision is harder than ever.

Gaming monitors versus TVs: Screen size

An important factor when buying any TV or gaming monitor is your distance from the monitor itself. While buying an 85-inch TV can be great, it will only make you physically uncomfortable if you’re typing in front of it all day: you won’t be able to enjoy the full picture and it won’t work. cause unnecessary eye strain. Similarly, it’s less likely to buy a 32 or 34-inch ultra-wide monitor if you’re sitting a meter or more away — you won’t be able to know any of the details.

So size matters — or relative size, at least. Gaming monitors are typically 32 inches and smaller, which is great for desk environments where you’re at arm’s length from the screen. Even smaller TVs can be too large for most PC setups. The smallest LG C1 OLED TV, a popular choice among PC gamers thanks to its infinite blacks and fast response times, still 48 inches. Recommended viewing distance for one The screen size is 1 meter.

If you want a big gaming monitor, there are more and more options available, such as 49-inch monitors SamOdyssey G965 inches Asus ROG Swift PG65UQor Alienware OLED 55-inch AAW5520QD. But at that size, the cost of many gaming monitors starts to match or even exceed TVs of the same size.

Where gaming monitors often have the edge is with smaller screens. Models like 25 inch Alienware AW2521HF and 27 inches LG 27GN950 allows players to keep all actions in their field of view. These smaller screens are also easier to move around, especially if you want quick access to the ports on the rear.

Gaming Monitor vs TV: Resolution

There are many types of gaming monitors Determined like Full HD 1080p, 1440pand 4K CZK to fit different systems. On the other hand, most TVs are either FHD 1080p or 4K, although 8K TVs have begun to be available (though 8K content is not yet available).

Higher resolutions have better image sharpness and clarity, but it comes at the expense of performance. Play the best game PC and laptop on the market have the necessary hardware to run the game in 4K at a reasonable frame rate, but many others will have a better, smoother experience at 1080p or 1440p due to their hardware.

For many users, it makes a lot of sense to own a monitor that best matches the capabilities of their PC. On the other hand, it may be feasible to get a monitor with the highest possible resolution for some degree of resistance going forward. The monitor can always be run at a lower resolution: you can run Windows for your productivity and work applications on a 4K display at its native resolution, but you can always lower the resolution according to your needs. manually in individual games for better performance.

The control panel, on the other hand, has established specifications and works with most compatible displays. Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 consoles support 1080p, 4K, and 8K output and will work with any TV or monitor with HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1. However, the Xbox Series X is the only console that supports 1440p output, while the PS5 will automatically downscale the picture to 1080p when connected to a 1440p display.

Gaming Monitor vs TV: Refresh Rate

Modern gaming monitors have refresh rates ranging from 120Hz to 360Hzwith 144Hz and 240Hz options are also very popular. The faster refresh rate pairs well with eSports-focused games like Valorant, League of Legends or Fights backoften run at super high frame rates due to their design and age.

Coupled with a high refresh rate display, players can often enjoy faster response times and a crisper experience than if they were trying to play the same game through a 4K, 120Hz TV.

But that speed comes at a cost literally and figuratively, with the highest-end 360Hz monitors having the same high-end as the latest 4K gaming monitors. Their resolution is also quite poor, with 360Hz displays currently limited to 1080p. Although that might be good for CS GO1080p is generally not ideal for many single-player games, office applications, or just enjoying content.

If you’re interested in 4K gaming, the highest possible refresh rate is currently 144Hz, as seen in LG 27GN950. Monitors like these will also support 4K/120Hz via the HDMI input, which makes them a good choice for use with PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, most 4K gaming monitors lack local dimming areas, contrast ratios, and the ability to reproduce high dynamic ratio (HDR) content as well as TVs.

Gaming Monitor vs TV: Adaptive Sync

Modern gaming monitors include adaptive sync technology to match the display and GPU frames to reduce screen tearing. AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync are the two most popular options, with most monitors today shipping with FreeSync or FreeSync Premium minimal support.

The new Xbox Series X also supports a version of adaptive sync called Variable refresh rate (VRR) match the monitor’s refresh rate to its output. Sony’s PlayStation 5 does not yet support VRR, although it is expected to drop in a future update.

Most TVs don’t have adaptive sync, although some manufacturers prefer LG and Samsung have begun bringing FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility to their 2020 and 2021 TVs. Newer TVs like TCL R635 and LG Nano85 will also ship with the feature installed, although adaptive sync support is much more common in gaming monitors.

Gaming Monitors vs. TVs: Pricing

Pricing can be tricky as TVs and gaming monitors fall between budget and high-end products with different features.

Buyers who prioritize screen size may find the TV more valuable because they can choose much lower-end options than gaming monitors. Gaming monitors, on the other hand, often have much better features, including faster refresh rates, better response times, and adaptive sync support.

Hot spots for many gaming monitors are typically between $399 and $799. For example, Gigabyte M28U offers 4K/144Hz gaming with stable features for only $649while you can take 32-inch M32U for $749.

That’s almost the same amount LG A1 OLED – although if you want an OLED display with variable refresh rate support, black frame insertion and better overall brightness, LG 48-inch C1 starting at $1099. You can invest in a cheaper 4K TV, like Samsung Q60A QLED 50 inchbut TVs in this price range typically don’t support 4K/120Hz gaming, have full HDMI 2.1 functionality, and often have greater input lag.

Other factors to consider

Design – Most TVs have a rectangular shape optimized for 16:9 aspect ratio. Players looking for ultra wide screen or aesthetic features like RGB lighting can instead look at the gaming monitor.

Connection – It is always wise to make sure that your TV or monitor has compatible ports to support your PC or console. HDMI 2.1 ports are a must-have feature for console gamers who want 4K resolution, and they’re found on most current monitors and TVs made in 2021 or later. DisplayPortMeanwhile, most TVs are nowhere to be found because most audio and video devices are built on the HDMI standard. Most TVs are built in WIFI and a Network port for functions like smart TV apps, game streaming, and more.

Response time – Response time is how long it takes for a pixel on the screen to go from one color to the next and then back again. Gaming monitors have some of the fastest response times with most manufacturers claiming around milliseconds, although actual numbers are often higher. TVs typically have higher response times than monitors, but buyers can turn on game mode to reduce response times while they’re playing.

Use – Buyers who play casual games and mainly use their monitors to stream shows and other media might be better off with a TV because they won’t need so many player-focused features. Hardcore gamers who only use their monitor for gaming should consider using a gaming monitor for higher refresh rates and adaptive sync.

There is no clear winner and choosing the best one depends on your requirements and budget.
TVs are larger in size, but most do not support high refresh rates beyond 120Hz. However, TVs are better at creating an immersive environment, and they’re better suited for HDR content thanks to advancements like quantum dot layers and OLED panels. And if you’re mainly focused on console gaming, or your PC isn’t capable of running games faster than 120fps, then 120Hz might be all you need.

Monitors are typically smaller than TVs, but they have faster refresh rates and other features optimized for gaming performance. While they lack the brightness and contrast ratios of many TVs, they generally have better response times and can often be more accessible and affordable.