TV vs Monitor: Which is Better?
In the past, the differences between TVs and computer displays were obvious - TVs were the entertainment hub of the home, with access to shows, sports and movies, while monitors allowed you to access the internet and PC games.
As technology has evolved, however, the similarities between the two are greater than ever before. When deciding between using a TV or a monitor for your next display, you should consider what you will use your display for, whether that’s work, gaming, or entertainment.
Basic Differences Between TVs and Monitors
Usage and Features
The primary distinction lies in their intended use. TVs are designed for entertainment, such as watching shows, movies, sports, streaming content, or console gaming.
They typically feature antenna connectivity and entertainment-oriented features like apps and viewing modes for movies or gaming. However, TVs often have fewer display port options, which can limit compatibility with laptops and PCs.
Pixel Density (PPI)
Another major difference is pixel density (pixels per inch). TVs, while capable of high resolutions (up to 8K), are larger, meaning their pixels are spaced farther apart.
This makes individual pixels more noticeable up close. In contrast, monitors have smaller screens with the same resolution packed into a tighter area, resulting in sharper visuals where individual pixels are nearly invisible. Learn more about monitor resolution and its impact on clarity.
By understanding these differences, you can decide which display best suits your needs.
Quick Comparison
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Best For
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Screen Size
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Pixel Density (PPI)
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Refresh Rates
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Price
- Best For : Entertainment, console gaming
- Screen Size : Larger sizes
- Pixel Density (PPI) : Lower, less sharp
- Refresh Rates : Usually up to 120Hz
- Price : More affordable when considering screen sizes alone
- Best For : Productivity, PC gaming
- Screen Size : Smaller sizes but sharper details
- Pixel Density (PPI) : Higher, sharper for close-up viewing
- Refresh Rates : Up to 360Hz for gaming monitors
- Price : Higher cost for gaming/professional use
Best Use Cases for TVs
TVs are ideal for entertainment, particularly for watching shows, movies, and sports, thanks to their large screens and high resolution. They offer better brightness, wider colour ranges, and HDR (high dynamic range) for exceptional picture quality. Built-in speakers are often high-quality, and TVs can easily connect to external sound systems for an enhanced audio experience.
Modern TVs are highly versatile, featuring various image settings like AI scaling and image sharpening to enhance the quality of older or lower-resolution content. These features can be toggled easily. Smart TVs add even more convenience with streaming apps, built-in games, and other entertainment options.
Additionally, TVs are well-suited for local multiplayer gaming. Their larger screens and compatibility with gaming consoles make shared gaming more comfortable and practical compared to a PC setup.
Best Use Cases for Monitors
Monitors are optimised for computer tasks, making them perfect for office setups and PC gaming. Gaming monitors boast faster refresh rates and response times than most TVs, while professional monitors often deliver superior colour accuracy and wider colour gamuts.
The panel type you choose - IPS, VA, TN, or OLED - can make a significant difference based on your needs. Their customisable designs also allow users to create more efficient, productive workspaces. With higher pixel density (PPI), monitors provide sharper image quality at high resolutions, making finer details like text clearer.
Matte screens reduce reflections and help minimise eyestrain, enhancing comfort during long usage. Monitors also offer more aspect ratio options, like 21:9, and integrate seamlessly into workspaces with wall-mount or monitor arm compatibility.
Monitors also offer more aspect ratio options, like 21:9, and designs like curved or flat screens for enhanced immersion and productivity.
For PC gaming, monitors excel with their superior speed, responsiveness, and precision, sometimes outperforming even the latest TVs.
Gaming Performance Comparison
Choosing between a TV and a monitor for gaming depends on the type of games you play and your gaming setup. Both options can deliver high refresh rates (120Hz+), low input lag, and sharp visuals, particularly models designed for gaming. Features like OLED displays and adaptive sync (such as GSync or FreeSync) are now common in both TVs and monitors, enhancing gameplay.
Ultimately, TVs are better for shared or casual gaming experiences, while monitors excel in speed, precision, and competitive gameplay.
When to Choose a TV
Ideal for console gaming or local co-op games.
Larger screens and high resolution provide a more immersive and comfortable console experience.
Glossy finishes, brighter colours, and HDR enhance game visuals.
Less suited for fast-paced games like first-person shooters due to longer viewing distances and potential difficulty tracking fine details.
When to Choose a Monitor
Best for games requiring visual precision, such as competitive shooters, due to closer viewing distances and higher pixel density (PPI).
Gaming monitors are faster, with lower input lag and less interference from features like TV viewing modes that can increase lag.
Offer more aspect ratio options, like ultrawide or curved displays, for an expanded field of view.
Productivity and Work Comparison
Monitors are specifically designed for tasks like web browsing, document editing, video conferencing, and more. They are highly adaptable, with compatibility for monitor arms and risers, and can seamlessly integrate into dual monitor setups for enhanced productivity.
Features like matte screens, adjustable height, and higher pixel density (PPI) make monitors preferable for reducing eye strain and displaying text and details with clarity. Even smaller monitors have good usability, and ultrawide options provide ample horizontal space for multitasking.
Challenges of Using a TV for PC Work
Sitting close to a TV can cause eye strain and make resolutions look pixelated.
Text may appear blurry, and larger screens can suffer from colour bleed.
TVs are bulkier, heavier, and less practical for mounting webcams or integrating into a workspace.
Some TV features, like OLED automatic dimming, can interfere with PC use and may be hard to disable. TVs also often lack PC-specific conveniences like sleep mode.
For tasks requiring precision, comfort, and efficiency, monitors are the clear choice over TVs.
Price Comparison
Monitors vs. TVs
Both monitors and TVs vary widely in price, but specific features can make one more
cost-effective than the other. However, it's important to prioritise the features you need. Ultimately, balancing affordability with usability is key when choosing between a TV and a monitor.
Screen Size
TVs are generally more affordable than monitors when comparing screen size alone. Monitors are equipped with hardware tailored for PC use, which can drive up their cost.
Panel Types
Certain panel technologies, like OLED, are often cheaper in TVs. For instance, a large OLED TV can cost less than a smaller OLED gaming monitor.
Gaming Features
Monitors with gaming specs, such as high refresh rates and low input lag, are typically more suitable for desk setups and can be more affordable than TVs with equivalent features.
Usability vs. Price
While TVs may offer larger screens at lower prices, they may not fit the ergonomic or performance needs of a desktop setup.
Using a TV as a Monitor and Vice Versa
Matching the display to your primary use case ensures the best performance and viewing comfort.
Using a TV as a Monitor
A TV can work as a PC or laptop display for specific tasks, like gaming or visual design, if chosen carefully:
Advantages: TVs with glossy screens, vivid colour reproduction, and large sizes are great for immersive visuals.
Key Considerations:
Look for TVs with high refresh rates and resolutions to reduce issues like low PPI blurriness.
Be cautious of glare; position the TV to minimise reflections.
Using a Monitor for Media Consumption
Monitors can serve as excellent displays for watching movies and shows:
Key Features to Look For:
Wide viewing angles and support for longer viewing distances to allow flexibility, whether you're at your desk, on a couch, or in bed.
Consider panel types like OLED or MiniLED for dynamic, rich visuals that enhance the viewing experience.
Conclusion
While TVs and monitors have become more similar over time, and both displays can work well for a variety of uses, it’s still important to choose a screen type that has the right specs for your needs. The best TV for shows and movies won’t always be the best fit for a productive workspace, and the fastest gaming monitor may not be able to compete with a TV designed for cinematic visuals.
When choosing between a TV and a monitor, it’s essential to consider what your needs are, your preferences, and your budget. For more tips on selecting the right monitor or TV for your needs, check out our comprehensive Monitor Buying Guide and TV Buying Guide.
