Is TV better than monitor PS5?
When it comes to choosing between a gaming monitor or TV for your PS5, there are pros and cons to both options depending on your priorities. Ultimately, it comes down to a preference for performance versus immersion.
Gaming Monitor vs TV for PS5: An Overview
Here‘s a quick comparison of using a monitor or TV with your PS5:
Gaming Monitors
- Faster response time for competitive, twitch gameplay
- Higher refresh rates up to 240Hz
- Lower input lag for instant reactions
- Smaller sizes ideal for desktop gaming
- More affordable, often under $300
TVs
- Larger screen sizes immersive experience
- Best for couch gaming from a distance
- Higher resolutions up to 8K available
- OLED TVs offer amazing image quality
- Great built-in audio from speakers
So if fast-paced, competitive multiplayer like Call of Duty or Fortnite is your thing, a high refresh rate gaming monitor is the way to go. But for open world adventures and RPGs, nothing beats kicking back on the couch with a big, beautiful TV.
Response Time
Gaming monitors have response times of 1ms to 5ms typically, enabling crisp image clarity during fast motion. TVs range from 8ms to 20ms or higher, which can create ghosting or blurring effects that competitive gamers want to avoid.
With tech like OLED improving TV response times, the gap is closing. But those looking for every millisecond of advantage will still want a quick IPS or TN gaming monitor.
Refresh Rate and Frame Rate
The PS5 targets 120fps gameplay for ultra smooth animation. To keep up, a display needs a matching 120Hz refresh rate.
Gaming monitors often go up to 240Hz, giving you headroom. TVs max out at 60Hz without HDMI 2.1, sometimes 120Hz on high end sets. Anything less than 120Hz will limit fps.
Variable refresh rate (VRR) helps match the monitor to the console‘s dynamic frame rate. Both new TVs and monitors include VRR now.
Input Lag
Input lag measures the delay between your controller and display response. Monitors designed for gaming keep this within 1-5ms typically.
Many TVs introduce 10-50ms of processing lag however, which can feel sluggish compared to monitors. Game Mode on TVs reduces this lag for playable levels, but can‘t match true 1ms monitors.
Resolution
Right now, 4K gaming at 60fps or 1440p at 120fps is the PS5 sweet spot. While 8K TVs are an option, very few games will benefit. Higher resolutions also reduce frame rates.
For desktop gaming, monitor resolutions top out at 4K. Larger 43-inch and up models provide an immersive 4K view from your desk.
On either device, stunning HDR visuals are possible with supported games. OLED TVs and Mini LED monitors excel here.
Screen Size
Monitors for PS5 gaming range from 24-inch up to 43-inch and 48-inch 4K models. Anything 27-inch and larger provides an engaging PS5 experience up close.
For TV gaming, look for panel sizes between 43-inches and 65-inches to get the most out of 4K on the PS5. You can go bigger of course – but frame rates and graphics settings may need to be adjusted for optimal performance above 65-inches.
Gaming Features
Along with high refresh rates, gaming monitors include features to smooth out gameplay. These include AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync variable refresh rate support. Some also have Black Frame Insertion (BFI) to reduce motion blur.
Newer TVs are catching up with HDMI 2.1 gaming features like auto low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR), and eARC audio. These allow TVs to match gaming monitor performance in key areas when implemented well.
Make sure any display has HDMI 2.1 inputs to take full advantage of PS5 capabilities now and future advancements.
Console Gaming Environment
Gaming monitors shine bright in desktop setups, allowing you to take advantage of their capabilities up close in a competitive environment. Their small footprint fits seamlessly into any battlestation.
For big screen console gaming, TVs can‘t be beat. Their large sizes and couch-friendly designs let you immerse yourself in PS5 games from your living room. Features like smart platforms also make them multimedia hubs.
But with monitor sizes expanding, you can also connect a PS5 to a 32-inch or larger monitor in the living room. This hybrid setup brings desktop performance to the couch.
Price
Gaming monitors offer better value overall, with very capable 1080p options under $200 and 1440p models around $300. Good 4K models run $600-$1000.
For equivalent features like 4K, 120Hz, VRR and low lag in a large 43-55 inch screen, expect to pay upwards of $1000 or more for a TV. High-end OLED TVs cost several thousand dollars.
That said, more affordable TVs in the 43-55 inch range from the likes of Hisense, TCL and Vizio can still provide solid big screen PS5 gaming nowadays even under $500.
Best Gaming Monitors for PS5
Here are some of the top gaming monitors to consider for PS5 gaming:
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Asus TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A – 28-inch 4K 144Hz monitor with HDMI 2.1 under $600
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LG 27GP950 – 27-inch 4K 160Hz HDMI 2.1 monitor with great image quality for under $900
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Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 – 32-inch 4K 240Hz monitor with quantum Mini LED backlighting providing amazing HDR
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MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD – Fast 1440p 165Hz gaming monitor with IPS panel under $500
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Razer Raptor 27 – Sharp 165Hz 1440p monitor with excellent color and motion clarity
Best TVs for PS5 Gaming
For those looking for a living room PS5 TV, here are some top models to consider:
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Samsung QN90B Neo QLED TV – Highly bright QLED 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 gaming features
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LG C2 OLED TV – Gorgeous OLED picture combined with 120Hz refresh rate in all sizes
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Sony X85K/X90K – Budget-friendly 4K TVs with PS5 ready HDMI 2.1 ports
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Hisense U8H – Impressive 4K 120Hz TV with great gaming performance under $1300
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Samsung S95B OLED – Flagship 4K OLED TV with 144Hz VRR and minimal input lag
The Bottom Line
While TVs give you big, beautiful displays for immersive living room PS5 gaming, monitors provide ultra smooth competitive gameplay thanks to their rapid response times and high refresh rates.
Consider how and where you game most when deciding between display types. Hardcore competitive players will want a gaming monitor. But those who love action adventure and narrative driven PS5 exclusives on a big 4K screen should go with a TV. For the best of both worlds, try hooking up your PS5 to a 32-inch or larger high refresh rate living room monitor.