Is a monitor better than a TV for gaming? The ultimate guide

Gamers debating buying a new display for gaming are often faced with the choice between a dedicated gaming monitor or a smart TV. Monitors and TVs each have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to gaming performance and features. This comprehensive guide will break down all the key differences to help you decide whether a gaming monitor or TV is the better pick for your gaming needs.

Gaming monitor vs TV: Key factors to consider

Here are the most important factors to weigh when choosing between a monitor and TV for gaming:

• Input lag and response time – Monitors are faster for competitive play
• Refresh rate – Monitors can achieve 144Hz and beyond, most TVs max out at 60Hz
• Resolution – TVs boast 4K while monitors tend to top out at 1440p for high frame rates
• Screen size – Monitors range from 24-32 inches, TVs start at 40 inches and go up
• Features – Gaming monitors have extras like variable refresh rate technology
• Price – Budget monitors can be very affordable, high-end TVs are more expensive
• Usage – Monitors for desktop setups, TVs to game from the couch
• Display technology – The panel type impacts characteristics like viewing angles, color reproduction and response time

Let‘s explore each factor in greater detail.

Input lag and response times

Input lag and response time are critical factors that determine how smoothly your games run and how responsive gameplay feels.

Gaming monitors aim to minimize input lag, usually reaching 10ms or less. Their response times range from 1ms to 5ms on models using TN panels, and 4ms to 10ms on IPS gaming monitors. This makes monitors ideal for fast-paced competitive multiplayer games where split second reaction times give you an edge. According to a study in the International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations, decreasing input lag and display response time by just 8-10ms can improve player performance in FPS games by up to 7%.

TVs tend to prioritize picture quality over pure speed and have higher input lag ranging from 15ms on good gaming TVs, up to 50ms or more on models not optimized for gaming. Their response times also tend to be slower, from 8ms to 20ms depending on the display panel. This extra lag means controls and on-screen actions take slightly longer to register on a TV. While fine for slower paced single player games, TV lag can be a disadvantage when competing against other players in twitch-reflex games like Call of Duty or CS:GO.

So if you play multiplayer shooters, MOBAs, fighting games, or other competitive genres, a high performance gaming monitor is the way to go for the smoothest, most responsive gameplay. TVs work well for more laid back single player titles.

Refresh rates

The refresh rate determines how many frames per second (FPS) a display can show. Standard monitors and TVs have a 60Hz refresh rate.

Gaming monitors can have refresh rates of 144Hz, 240Hz, and even 360Hz on cutting edge models like the ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN. The higher the refresh rate, the more fluid and smooth gameplay becomes. This allows you to fully take advantage of the higher FPS from modern GPUs.

Since such high frame rates aren‘t essential for movies and TV content, most televisions still max out at 60Hz. There are exceptions though – some high-end TVs designed for gaming now include 120Hz modes, like the LG C9 OLED which supports 4K at 120Hz over HDMI 2.1.

But in general, monitors can achieve noticeably higher refresh rates compared to TVs. This translates into buttery smooth motion clarity in supported games. According to Nvidia, increasing refresh rate from 60Hz to 144Hz can deliver up to a 55% improvement in ability to spot targets in games.

Resolution

4K resolution at 3840 x 2160 has become standard for most TVs, while monitors aimed at high frame rate gaming typically max out at 2560 x 1440 (1440p).

The higher resolution of 4K TVs delivers more detailed and crisp images. However, gaming at 4K requires serious GPU power. Consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X can often only manage 30 FPS at 4K in demanding AAA games. Hitting 60 FPS at 4K in PC games requires an expensive high-end RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT class GPU.

1440p monitors make it realistic to game at frame rates of 100+ FPS with a mid-range graphics card like an RTX 3060 Ti or RX 5700 XT. Competitive esports players often opt for 1080p monitors with extremely high refresh rates since resolutions above 1080p are difficult to drive at 240+ FPS.

If you have a high end PC or next gen console and want maximum detail, a 4K TV like the LG CX OLED is a good choice. For high frame rates on mid-range hardware, a 1440p or 1080p monitor like the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ is preferable.

Size

Gaming monitors tend to range in size from 24 to 32 inches diagonally. 40 inches and up is typical for most smart TVs.

The larger screen of a TV provides a more immersive experience, especially when sitting far away from a big screen. However, competitive gamers tend to prefer smaller monitors between 24 to 27 inches. At that size, it‘s easier to see details and view the entire screen at a glance without excessive head movement.

Larger displays also often have lower pixel density, resulting in a slightly less sharp image compared to smaller monitors. For large living room setups a big TV like a 55" Samsung Q80T QLED is great for gaming from the couch. But at a desk, a 24 to 32 inch monitor hits the ideal size sweet spot for desktop gaming.

Display technology

The monitor panel type also impacts gaming performance and visuals. Key technologies include:

• TN – Fastest response times (1-5ms) but poorer viewing angles and color vs IPS and VA. Budget monitors use TN.
• IPS – Middle ground with good 4-10ms response times and excellent viewing angles. Most mid-range+ gaming monitors are IPS.
• VA – Best contrast but slower 4-16ms response times. VA panels offer deep blacks for dark games.
• OLED – Extremely fast 0.1ms response time and exceptional contrast. But risk of burn-in exists.

For competitive esports games, TN or fast IPS gaming monitors are a good choice. IPS monitors balance speed and picture quality. VA monitors excel at contrast for atmospheric horror and sci-fi games but aren‘t as fast.

OLED TVs like the LG B9 can compete with even the fastest gaming monitors in response time at 0.1ms. But OLED isn‘t immune to burn-in which can be a risk factor for gamers.

Refresh rates

Gaming monitors include extra features tailored for gaming that aren‘t found in standard TVs. Key examples include:

• Variable refresh rate – Technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync match the monitor‘s refresh rate to the game‘s frame rate. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for very smooth gameplay.
• Blur reduction – High refresh rate monitors can use strobing backlights to reduce motion blur, making fast motion crystal clear.
• Enhanced viewing angles – IPS and VA panels offer better colors and visibility from the sides than TVs, perfect when gaming up close at a desk.

TVs lack these extras but are catching up when it comes to gaming features. Some 2019+ TVs include HDMI 2.1 variable refresh rate support and gaming-optimized display presets. But monitors still have the edge when it comes to advanced gaming tech.

Price

You can spend anywhere from under $200 for an entry level 1080p monitor to $2000+ for a cutting edge 4K 144Hz monitor with all the bells and whistles. Similarly, TV prices run the gamut from affordable entry-level models to ultra high-end OLEDs.

Here are some ballpark price ranges to expect:

• 1080p monitors from $100 to $300
• 1440p monitors from $200 to $600
• 4K 60Hz monitors from $300 to $800
• Mid-range 4K TVs from $500 to $1500
• High-refresh gaming monitors from $500 to $2000
• High-end 4K 120Hz TVs from $1500 up past $4000

There‘s overlap in pricing but you can generally get a solid monitor for under $300 while decent TVs start at $500+. At the high-end, top of the line 4K OLED TVs get extremely pricey compared to all but the most advanced gaming monitors.

Usage: Desktop vs living room gaming

Gaming monitors are designed for desktop use, while TVs are made for bigger living room setups.

Monitors have stands with height, tilt, and swivel adjustments so you can dial in your setup. TVs are meant to be wall mounted or viewed from across the room.

Desk setups benefit from a monitor‘s smaller footprint – getting up close to a 27" screen is ideal for PC gaming using mouse and keyboard.

TVs work better when leaning back on the couch with a controller. Their larger screens immerse you from a distance. Monitors can feel small and harder to see from far away in a living room.

Features like motion blur reduction also work best when sitting near a monitor where the full effect is visible. 4K resolution is better appreciated on a big TV further away where the added detail is still discernible.

For living room gaming, a TV like the Sony X900H with smart streaming apps also doubles as an entertainment display for shows, movies and console gaming on a comfy couch. Monitors are relegated to desktop use.

So consider your space – a monitor for a desk, or a TV for gaming from the couch. You can connect either one to a PC or console. But monitors serve best for desktop gaming, while TVs allow more flexible living room setups.

The verdict: monitors for competitive gaming, TVs for immersion

To summarize the key differences:

• Monitors offer faster response times and lower input lag for a competitive edge in multiplayer games.
• TVs have larger screens and higher 4K resolution for enhanced visual immersion.
• Monitors achieve higher refresh rates for ultra smooth motion clarity.
• Gaming monitors include features tailored specifically for gaming like FreeSync/G-Sync.
• Monitor sizes suit desktop gaming while TVs are better for big living rooms.

Hardcore competitive players who want every possible advantage in multiplayer games are better off choosing a high refresh rate gaming monitor.

More laid back gamers who want to be immersed in expansive single player worlds are well served by the bigger screens and superior picture quality of a 4K TV.

If you play a mix of competitive and single player games, both monitors and TVs can work well. Each has strengths in certain areas so weigh your priorities carefully when buying a new display.

For those seeking the ultimate gaming experience, a monitor and TV each connected to your system can cover all the bases. Use the monitor for competitive gaming requiring lightning quick response. Then kick back on the couch with your TV to enjoy cinematic single player adventures. This lets you benefit from the unique advantages monitors and TVs offer.