If you’re buying or building a new PC, you’ll need a display to go with it. The question is: should you opt for a computer monitor or a TV?
Both devices can do the job, whether that’s displaying the files, documents, games or movies you’re accessing on your PC. However, there are several advantages and disadvantages to each option.
Keep reading to learn how computer monitors and TVs compare when paired with a PC, or head to our buying guides to discover all the best TVs, gaming TVs, monitors, 4K monitors, and gaming monitors.
Difference between computer monitor and TV
The biggest difference between computer monitors and TVs is the purpose they’re designed to fulfil.
Monitors typically start in smaller sizes and are available in a wider range of aspect ratios and corresponding resolutions, with wider displays making it easier to view multiple windows at the same time. This is particularly useful for those who might want to have a game, video chat and browser open at the same time, such as streamers.
It’s also useful for students and office workers juggling several documents and windows at a time, and artists running editing apps alongside other programmes.
Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED (2024)
Samsung QE65S95D
TVs, on the other hand, are often larger, more immersive and come in a more standard 16:9 aspect ratio. Common resolutions include 1080p and 4K, with a limited but slowly expanding number of 8K options available at a premium.
Many TVs also include built-in tuners, making it possible to access free TV without an internet connection.
Monitor vs TV image quality
TVs are designed to reproduce pictures for TV shows and movies, making brightness, contrast and colour accuracy important areas for these displays. Technologies like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ ensure bright highlights and deep shadows, while 4K upscaling improves image quality even from sources that don’t support the higher resolution. This makes them a great choice if you plan to stream a lot of Netflix and Disney+ from your PC.
Monitors, meanwhile, are typically designed for trawling through documents, creative work and gaming. All of these areas benefit from highly accurate colours and sharp detail, with the latter being particularly crucial for discerning small text. Faster refresh rates and reduced input lag are also useful, especially when it comes to PC gaming.
Monitor vs TV image quality input lag
Monitors typically have a lower input lag compared to TVs, meaning these displays can be more responsive to your actions, mouse clicks and key presses. This is, again, particularly handy for competitive gamers for whom a delayed button press could result in losing a game.
AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD
Panasonic TV-55Z95A
Monitor vs TV image quality response time
The same goes for response times. Where TVs often have typical response times between 5ms and 15ms, monitors can drop as low as 1ms. This helps to prevent any motion blur or ghosting in the midst of a game for a smoother experience.
Monitor vs TV image quality refresh rate
Faster refresh rates are another feature that can make monitors appear smooth, especially when playing games. However, a faster refresh rate can make a slower response time – or motion – more noticeable. This makes both specs highly important.
Philips 27B1U7903
Samsung QE75QN900D
Why is a monitor better than a TV for your computer?
You might find a monitor to be a better choice than a TV if you’re a competitive gamer and require speedy refresh rates, fast response times and limited input lag.
The same goes for digital artists, video editors and anyone working in documents who will benefit from sharper text and increased colour accuracy, along with the productivity boost that comes from a wider aspect ratio (if you choose to opt for a larger monitor).
Why is a TV better than a monitor for your computer?
If you primarily plan to use your computer to browse the web and stream video, you might find you can get a better image from a TV with higher contrast and features like 4K upscaling on hand.
A large TV is the more immersive choice and often supports wider viewing angles for multiple people if you plan to use it as the main TV in your home. You might also be able to access free content if the model you select comes with a built-in tuner.
