Gaming is usually best done when you have proper, high-quality equipment, and sometimes that means using expensive monitors. However, is it possible that a tv might be able to work just as well? Here’s the answer!
TVs actually can be used as gaming monitors. Most sets are usually capable of serving gaming needs well. However, for a TV to be a proper gaming monitor, it will need to have all the correct ports and plugins, otherwise, it will not be compatible with most gaming gear.
Some TVs work and some TVs do not. If you are considering using a TV instead of a monitor, read on to learn which TVs could work and the pros and cons of using a TV as a gaming monitor. Hopefully, this information will help you to make an informed decision!
Best TVs to Use as Gaming Monitors
You might be wondering, is there that big of a difference between TVs and gaming monitors? Appearance-wise, it’s true, they are not that different. However, while TVs tend to have better clarity and picture, gaming monitors were designed for fast response and better connectivity. TVs tend to experience much more lag than traditional gaming monitors. Obviously, the lag TVs experience is usually only measured in mere milliseconds, but for serious gamers, a millisecond could mean the difference between winning and losing.
All that said, there are still several good TVs out there that will do just as well as any gaming monitor. Before taking a look, though, let’s talk about what you should look for when searching for a good gaming TV. As mentioned before, TVs often suffer from input lag which can make gaming difficult and even frustrating.
The Sony KD-43X80J
An expert I talked to before writing this article actually recommended several Sony models as excellent gaming monitors and said that Sony had several considerable choices. The Sony KD-43X80 is no exception. The Sony KD-43X80 is a TV on the smaller end of the scale, making it a perfect choice for anyone who has a smaller room or desk space. It is an entry-level TV and should be easy for anybody (including beginner gamers) to use.
This TV has fairly wide viewing angles, a feature that makes it an excellent choice for a monitor. Plus, despite its size, it usually performs just as well as most larger models. The 4K resolution is remarkable which will provide gamers with fantastic clarity and picture. It also comes equipped with an ADS panel and an RGB sub-pixel layout. Thanks to these features, the text clarity is not affected nearly as much as it is on TVs with other panel types.
Another perk to using the KD-43X80 is that it has a flicker-free backlight. This helps to reduce eye strain during gaming sessions. It does, unfortunately, lack variable refresh rate (VRR) support to help reduce screen tear, but it has incredibly low input lag in comparison to several other TVs. This should keep gamers feeling pretty satisfied with their overall experience.
A few other Sony TVs you could think about using include the Sony 55″ class X750H Series, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90J, and the X80J Series. These all come in varying sizes and have several features similar to the KD-43X80. This means you can pick any one of these that fits your budget and your desk space. It might be tempting to mount a monster TV on your wall for gaming, but the truth is that smaller screens are much more practical and easy to use.
The Samsung QN65Q80AAFXZA/The HISENSE 65U8G
For all you gamers out there who are in search of a larger screen, the Samsung QN65Q80AAFXZA is just the TV for you. This model, like the Sony KD-43X80, comes equipped with an ADS panel, giving it several wide viewing angles. These wide angles are very much ideal for a PC gaming setup. What’s more, the 65″ screen is large enough that you can open multiple windows side by side or enjoy a completely immersive gaming experience.
Thanks to its 120Hz panel and excellent response time, this TV has a remarkably low input lag and produces high-quality, smooth action. It also has an HDMI 2.1 port which makes it compatible with the XboxSeries X and the PS5. Though it can’t always display proper chroma, the Samsung can display all resolutions up to 120Hz in 4k. This TV set is a very high-quality choice for gamers out there who value size and picture clarity. You can’t really go wrong here!
The HISENSE 658G is similar to the QN65Q80AAFXZA except cheaper and just a tad smaller. While this model does not have the same wide viewing angles as the Samsung, it actually has better dark room performance (so it’s perfect for those who prefer a dark environment). But don’t worry, it has great visibility in bright environments just as well as dark environments.
In essence, HISENSE and Samsung both offer the same perks and features. Both work extremely well for gamers with PC setups and both will be worth the money you pay. Plus, you have two different budget options here! The Samsung is a tad more expensive and the HISENSE TV is perfect for those who are looking for a slightly cheaper option.
The LG C1 OLED
The OLEG LG C1 is one TV that has actually been tested as a gaming monitor and has proven to be one of the best models that OLED has to offer. The OLED panel has self-lit pixels which allow the TV to nail blacks and darker colors and to almost perfectly achieve a near-infinite contrast ratio. This gives the picture an extremely clear, smooth appearance. This model is particularly nice because of how versatile it really is. It comes in dozens of different sizes, is very well built, and is equipped with several different features such as VRR support, HDMI ports, and ALLM.
Like the other two mentioned already, the LG C1 has fairly low input lag which makes it ideal for most gamers. It also has a 120Hz panel which supports most resolutions including chroma 4:4:4, which, as we have seen, makes for better text clarity. Additionally, it has exceptional motion clarity and, thanks to its low lag, it has almost instantaneous response time. It will provide gamers with a very satisfying desktop gaming experience and they will experience minimal frustration because the lag is so low.
Another thing that gamers favor about this particular set is its compatibility with FreeSync and G-SYNC which both help to reduce screen tearing. It also contains a wide color gamut, fair HDR brightness, and an exceptional contrast ratio, all of which combine to make for an exceptional HDR experience.
The only downside to using the OLED LG C1 is that it comes with the risk of permanent burn-in, especially when static elements (such as a desktop interface) are displayed for extended periods of time. However, if you are careful to vary your content, this should not have to be a problem. If you are choosing to go with an OLED product, this is definitely the one for you!
The HISENSE U6G
Just like its predecessor on the list, the HISENSE U6G is a prime option for anybody who is on a slightly tighter budget. Even with its reduced price, the U6G will provide you with a valuable and optimal performance. Some would even say it can compete with more expensive options, thanks to its brilliant performance in both light and dark environments. Unlike the Sony KD, the U6G never has a problem with displaying its picture in chroma 4:4:4, so it will always deliver clear text when you’re using it as a PC monitor.
Unfortunately, this TV set has particularly narrow viewing angles which makes it difficult for people to “share” the TV. If you are viewing directly from the front, it is hard for anybody sitting to the side to see anything on the screen. It is also not a brilliant choice if you are into competitive PC gaming. This is primarily because the TV is limited to a 60Hz panel and does not support VRR technology. Despite these things, however, it does fight glare remarkably well and has excellent reflection handling.
Some U6Gs have a very warm color temperature and might need to be calibrated, but that’s a generally small price to pay for this set. Even with its low price, the HISENSE U6G does offer gamers a quality experience in their craft. This option ensures your wallet will survive but still works hard to fulfill all of your gaming needs.
Pros and Cons to Using a TV
Now that we have talked about which monitors are perfect for gaming use, you probably want to know the definite pros and cons of using a TV as your gaming monitor. Here are a few that might help you decide!
Pros
One of the nice things about using a TV as a gaming monitor is that you have plenty of options. Most modern models (while they do not have the same compatibility as most actual gaming monitors) will serve the basic needs of your average gamer. Most have at least one HDMI port so you should be able to at least use an Xbox or PS5 on your TV. They vary in brands, sizes, and prices, so most TVs can accommodate thousands of different needs and preferences.
Additionally, some gaming and computer monitors can cost you a pretty hefty price. It is not as though TVs are cheap, but they do cost a considerably smaller amount than a lot of these top-end monitors do. Another reason people prefer TVs over gaming monitors is their size. Gaming monitors are not quite as flexible as far as size is concerned, but TVs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, making them fairly versatile and more easily shared with other people.
Additionally, living room gaming is becoming highly popular nowadays. Several years ago, you may have had to run yards and yards of cables to and from your TV which was kind of a pain. Now, you can simply connect your PC to your TV with an HDMI cable or one similar. Plus, there is now wireless gear (mice, headsets, keyboards, and controllers) that do not require any sort of cables or cords. This makes TVs an appealing choice for a lot of modern gamers.
Cons
Before you decide to reset your entire gaming system, however, you had better take a moment to consider the downsides to using TVs because there are a few. Let’s talk about the most important ones.
As mentioned before, TVs often struggle with input lag. While gaming monitors were specifically designed to create a smooth picture and optimal performance, TVs were not designed with video games in mind. They can often have a lovely picture, but sometimes the input will lag. Granted, this will only be for a few milliseconds, but if you are a hardcore gamer, milliseconds could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Compatibility is also a big issue with TVs. HDMI cables and ports are extremely useful, but they can only take you so far, unfortunately. Most monitors nowadays accept DisplayPort inputs which provide better and faster displays. For this reason, using a TV for your gaming monitor might not be the smartest thing.
If you have a large TV that only supports full-HD resolutions instead of accepting QHD and UHD, you may find that it could actually harm your video games rather than improve them. Games that can only handle around 1080p are best displayed on smaller types of TVs (usually no more than 30 inches). If you try to play a game like that on a larger TV (ex. 65 inches) and are sitting the same distance away from it, you will find that the picture is nowhere near as good as it could be.
You might as well pick something that will provide you with excellent visuals. In the end, whether you use a TV or a gaming monitor will largely depend on what you need it for. More competitive gamers cannot play without the features offered by a gaming monitor, whereas people playing to enjoy the game can benefit from the excellent visuals a TV can offer.