A gaming Monitor or a TV? This is a question that still confuses many console game lovers who want an impressive gaming experience.
Let’s suppose you have purchased an Xbox Series 5 or PlayStation console to enjoy many exclusive games. However, you don’t know whether a Monitor or a TV display would be the best for high-level performance and visuals.
Undoubtedly, the decision to select one of them will be frustrating, as well as time-consuming.
To save you from being stuck between these two options, I have compiled a detailed comparison.
In this blog post, I have outlined the pros and cons of both monitors and TVs, enabling you to make an informed decision with confidence.
Let’s start!
Monitor Vs TV: What to Choose for Console Gaming?
Now, I will discuss some key features of Monitor Vs TV for Console Gaming, including input lag, refresh rate, screen size, performance, speed, and others. This will explain which one( Monitor or TV) stands out when it comes to these features:
1. Refresh Rate
Before determining which one is better in terms of refresh rate, it is essential to understand what this actually means.
What is the refresh rate?
Refresh rate refers to how many times the display updates an image on the screen per second. It’s usually measured in Hertz(Hz), the unit of frequency. This refresh rate is extremely essential due to;
- Reducing blurriness
- Smooth motion
- Enhanced gaming experience
- Reducing eye strain
Monitors: The refresh rate of a gaming monitor starts from 144Hz and goes up to 360Hz. This makes them ideal for competitive console games. For example, the ASUS ROG Swift is a gaming monitor whose refresh rate is about 540 Hz.
TVs: On the contrary, a standard TV offers a refresh rate of 60Hz and is limited to 120Hz, which is very as compared to a normal monitor. For example, Samsung QN90A offers a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz.
Verdict: The higher the refresh rate, the better the gaming experience. So, in this race, gaming monitors have taken the lead.
2. Screen Size
If I compare these two displays concerning their size, there are some notable differences, as discussed below;
Monitors: Gaming monitors often come with a screen size from 24-35 inches. For a better viewing experience, you have to sit near the screen.
TVs: However, if I compare the size of TVs with such monitors, their size ranges from 40-85 inches and beyond this size. Especially, if you have invested in an Xbox, the TVs for Xbox Series X offer a cinema-like experience for gaming sessions.
Verdict: When it comes to screen size, a monitor has no comparison with TVs. Many users prefer to watch videos from a long distance, prioritizing these TVs over monitors.
3. Input Lag
Unlike refresh rate, Input lag is also a new term that many users don’t know. So, let’s provide its brief overview before further comparison.
What is Input Lag?
Input lag is a delay between your provided input and the moment an action is seen on a screen. As we all know, delayed actions can ruin our overall gameplay. Now, it’s time to compare a Monitor and a gaming TV, keeping this term in front of the eye.
Monitors: Gaming monitors are designed to lower this Input Lag. When enjoying any console game on this display, it will provide you with the results immediately. Many such models achieve this lag of only 1- 6ms.
TVs: If I talk about TVs, their delay time is at least 15- 40ms. Although the Input Lag of many TV models has been improved recently. However, most of them come with higher delay times.
Verdict: Many games where even milliseconds are counted, monitors stand out, offering quicker response times.
4. Image Quality
Let’s compare these two displays in terms of image quality.
Monitors: As I discussed in the previous section, monitors are smaller in size compared to TVs. This smaller screen size often provides users with images that are of high resolution. Most monitors have a resolution of at least 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (Quad HD or 2K), and 4K (Ultra HD).
TVs: On the other hand, TVs, due to having larger size, often provide content with a lower pixel density. It means low pixels make small items on the screen, providing the texts and icons with a blurry appearance. These displays often offer 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels).
Verdict: Although TVs offer a big screen size with 4k resolution, gaming monitors again make a lead over them. This is due to their higher pixel density on smaller screens.
5. Audio Quality
Audio quality is also a significant factor to consider when comparing these two displays. Let’s compare them.
Monitors: Most monitors don’t have such speakers that can produce better audio sound quality. You have to use any external sound setup, such as headphones and dedicated sound speakers.
TVs: As compared to monitors, TVs often come with high-level built-in speakers that offer relatively better sound quality. For example, Haier M80F Gaming TVs offer cinema-quality, immersive sound with their 2.1ch speakers, Dolby Atmos, KEF tuning, and dbx-tv technology.
Verdict: So, if I consider the winner of this race, a gaming TV is far ahead of a gaming monitor.
6. Smart Built-in Features
Smart features make any display more than a gaming device. Here, I have to see who is the winner in the case of these built-in features.
Monitors: Monitors often focus on just performance. If you want to stream any video content or watch a YouTube video using it, you will have to connect it to another PC.
TVs: TVs come with so many built-in features, such as;
- Built-in apps like Netflix and YouTube for instant content streaming.
- Voice assistants enable hands-free control and smart TV navigation features.
- Wireless screen mirroring and Bluetooth offer seamless device connectivity options.
Verdict: Here’s the winner once again: a gaming TV that offers a wide range of features, which are not exclusive to gaming monitors.
Monitor Vs TV- What Is Right for You?
Now, what is the right display for you depends upon your own preference. In this blog post, I have discussed a detailed comparison guide to explore whether a gaming Monitor or a TV is good for your console gaming experience.
After this review, I suggest using gaming monitors if your priority is higher refresh rates, lower input lag, and improved image quality. However, there are some aspects where TVs have a lead over these monitors. For example, audio quality and some other built-in features.
