Choosing a gaming platform is not an easy task. For making the gaming experience exciting, gamers have to select between TVs and gaming monitors. Before buying a device, they have to consider a few things. Which is better for gaming among monitors and TVs? PC gamers prefer to play on monitors, while console gamers prefer to play on TVs. Are these methods suitable for gaming?

Here is a comparison between TV and monitors with all their advantages and disadvantages in gaming.

HOW TVs AND MONITORS DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER?

• SIZE OF THE SCREEN

The main difference between TV and monitor is their screen size. The size of monitors mostly ranges from 19-27 inches. TVs have a variety of sizes, starting from desktop size to up to 100 inches. The most common TV sizes are from 30 to 60 inches. Large TV screens provide a more comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience by split-screen multiplayer.

• RESOLUTION

Screen resolution is significant to consider before buying a monitor or TV for any purpose. The screen resolution determines the number of pixels appearing on the screen. The more the pixels, the more detailed and sharper image will display on the screen

Monitors have resolutions of

• 1080p, or Full HD
• 2K: with quality of 1440p, or QHD
• 4K: with quality 2160p, or UHD

TVs come in resolutions of

• 720p called HD Ready
• 1080p or Full HD
• 2160p known as 4K

The size of full HD TVs should be a minimum of 32 inches, and even smaller TVs have a resolution of 720p. This resolution is too low for most of the modern games and thought to be outdated. TVs viewed from afar as compared to monitors. So, TVs will not provide the quality of gaming as best as monitors. Big screens will have low pixels density, and as a result, aliasing may happen.

• RESPONSE TIME

Response time determines the speed of changing shades from one another. For a smooth gaming experience, response time should be precise. The slower response time will cause a delay in movement, and the screen will become a blur, thus affecting the gaming experience severely. In modern monitors, there are choices between a 4ms IPS and 1ms TN monitor. IPS has a higher response time due to its technology. TVs have IPS panels, and response time has no significant effect on the quality of multimedia.

The response time on TV is mostly above 10ms. As TVs explicitly designed for multimedia applications, the motion blur will depend on the type of file running in them. New brand TVs will have fewer chances of this motion blur.

TVs VS. MONITORS FOR GAMING PURPOSE

TVs and gaming monitors seem to be similar, but also have differences in some options. Monitors are smaller in size, but their pixels density and refresh rates are higher. The primary focus is not on colors in monitors, and viewing angles are narrower. Monitors are designed for work, not for playing.

TVs designed for better viewing experience with proper color reproduction, the main focus is not on response rates or pixels density. TVs provide a better view of wide angles.

COMPARISON OF INPUT LAG TVs AND MONITORS

Most of the Gamers must have noticed that some games don’t play in TVs without enabling the game mode. The reason is that these TVs have their systems for handling the resolution. They have a graphics processing system to create clean images with smooth movements.

Monitors perform better for gaming in the sense that there is no need to enable Game mode. Monitors can reduce input lag more effectively in comparison to TVs. These are faster than TVs.

SYNC TECHNOLOGIES AND REFRESH RATES

Two –Sync techniques, G-Sync, and FreeSync used to improve the smoothness of the screen by matching the frame rate and refresh rate. These techniques primarily used to prevent screen tearing. Gaming monitors support these –Sync techniques.

For TVs, removing screen tearing can be costly as compared to monitors. These G-Sync and FreeSync techniques can only use in very high-end TVs.

The refresh rates for both TVs and Monitors are higher, but they handle and improve them in different ways. The 120Hz monitor can display extra frames during gaming. While for 120Hz TV, there is no significant benefit of 120Hz in gaming. Most TVs have a high refresh rate interpolation technology in them. They show a real-like image. TVs with high-end technology and high refresh rates can be used for gaming by spending on them.

COMPARISON OF PRICES OF TVs AND MONITORS FOR GAMING

Gaming TVs are available with different features. Most of them are generally complicated and more extensive in size. So, they are more expensive.

Gaming Monitors are available in a variety of prices. Even low rate monitors provide less input lag and latency than TVs. Monitors are better and cost-effective for gaming than TVs.

COMPARISON OF COMFORT

When it comes to Comfort of Gaming platform, there are two essential things to consider:

• Viewing distance
• Viewing angles

VIEWING DISTANCE

TVs provide better viewing experience without depending on the distance. Things can be seen clearly and in detail, even by sitting away from its screen. TVs offer the best gaming experience. One can enjoy and play games even by sitting at their bed or couch. They can have a clear view of the screen and can operate them easily there. As the display becomes more significant, the gaming experience becomes more interesting.

While monitors do not provide this benefit of viewing things at a much larger distance, the gamers need to stay close to monitor screen. Monitors are small in size and cannot operate from a farther place. One needs to stick to one place to play games. It is not as comfortable as playing games from anywhere in your room. Gamers additionally have to spend a lot of gaming chairs for a pleasant gaming experience.

VIEWING ANGLES

Things can be seen clearly and more effectively in TVs as compared to monitors. Due to the large display of TVs, the viewing angle can be better in TVs than gaming monitors. The more the viewing angle, the more effective your gaming experience will be. In gaming, viewing angle is the primary thing to notice. The win and loss in the game depend upon the proper view and comfort of the player.

Monitors do not provide such a precise and comfortable viewing angle. TN monitors have low viewing angles. The advanced IPS monitor also fails to serve a better viewing angle than TVs. TVs are a better option for playing games in which view is essential such as Rocket League, Ultimate, or Super Smash Bros.

THE CONCLUDING REMARKS

For good latency, high pixels density, and high response time, Monitors are the best option. But if you want a comfortable single-player gaming experience while sitting on your couch, monitors can’t do this. For a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience, TVs are best.

Monitors prove to be better and more responsive to competitive gaming in comparison to TVs. But TVs are also a choice for people who want a big screen.

For PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, HDR TVs are better options as they designed for console gaming.

If a person is not severe in playing games much and doesn’t play much, TVs are the best option to use for multi-purposes.

PC gaming is all about a person’s choice. Choosing the best gaming platforms depends totally on a person’s needs and gaming experience. Both have their advantages and drawbacks.

If a person is a competitive gamer and wants to play on top leaderboards, gaming monitors are a better option. TVs are a better option for social gamers to offer a better gaming experience.