When hunting for the best TVs, there are tons of displays to research. And, depending on the purpose of your viewing, it can be essential to know the key differences between monitors vs LED TVs before you swipe the credit card.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- LED TVs are better for those looking for a screen of a large size.
- Monitors are usually superior to TVs for gaming purposes. They focus on reducing input lag and higher response time.
- OLED, which only comes with TVs, is better for displaying the richness of color
Differences Between Monitors and LED TVs
The same principles of display technology are present in both screen types. However, there are key differences in the specs that are important for any screen user to contemplate. Below we will sift through these areas of difference as you make your decision. If you decide to go with a TV over a gaming monitor, it also would be helpful to understand the differences between matte vs glossy tv screens.
Insider Tip
TV manufacturers don’t put response time on their spec cards, so this part will require some research.
Comparing Screen Sizes
As with many aspects of life-size matters. Typically, monitors are going to be much smaller in size, around 20 to 40 inches. For TVs, it’s easy to find something with a much larger size, up to approximately 85″, with decent image quality. That being said, if you are looking for something large, your ideal choice probably won’t lie in a monitor. Even with an ultra-wide monitor, you still won’t be coming close to the size of a TV. Of course, you could try a dual monitor setup, but this isn’t ideal for movies and works better for gaming.
However, one thing on the side of monitors regarding size is that they usually have a more adjustable aspect ratio than LED TVs.
Screen Resolution and Pixel Density
The quality of resolution depends on the viewing distance. Both TVs and monitors are now made with up to 8k (7680×4320) resolutions. But, given that monitors are usually intended for up-close viewing, monitors are built with more pixels per inch. This makes the monitor display type ideal for detail and intense color schemes compared with 32-inch tv.
Refresh Rate, Input Lag, and Response Time
The typical refresh rate for a TV is 60Hz and sometimes comes with 120Hz. For monitors, the standard refresh rate is 120Hz and can go all the way up to 360Hz. The refresh rate is critical for gaming, as it affects the smoothness of gameplay. In addition, input lag is directly related to the refresh rate, so a screen with a higher refresh rate will naturally give you less input lag.
When it comes to response times, which is the time it takes a pixel to switch colors, monitors also have the edge. Modern TVs are typically much slower than monitors, which are designed for gamers who rely on fast response times.
High Dynamic Range
An HDR display is meant to show the depth of both the black image and the bright image. OLED, which is only available in TVs, is known to be better at displaying color peaks. This gives TVs an edge when it comes to HDR display. When considering HDR, it’s also good to understand the nuances between nano cell TVs vs OLED.
Warning
Some say that replacing a computer monitor with a TV screen can cause eye strain if continuously used up close.
F.A.Q.S
Are LED and LCD displays the same thing?
They are the same in that they both use a liquid crystal display. The difference is that LED uses light-emitting diodes to power the image while an LCD screen uses fluorescent lights. As a result, LED displays are typically known to produce a better picture.
Are monitors cheaper than TVs?
In this case, more is more. The larger the screen, the more it will cost. Of course, some monitors have crazy color accuracy and insane frame rates that can run a high price tag. But generally, the larger screen will lead to a slimmer wallet.
Are Monitors better than TVs for gaming?
Generally, when buying a display for video games, monitors have the edge because of better refresh rates, lower input lag. But, some TVs come with a game mode that lowers input lag, making it better for console games. Also, if you require a screen with wide viewing angles, make sure to consider OLED TVs, which are the best when it comes to this spec.
STAT: Most televisions change the onscreen image 60 times per second, giving them a refresh rate of 60Hz. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/differences-between-led-display-and-lcd-monitor
- https://www.cdw.com/content/cdw/en/articles/hardware/the-best-monitor-for-you-lcd-vs-led.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIKzhjOv0fkr
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXewr2IIz_M
- https://www.benq.com/en-us/knowledge-center/knowledge/monitor-vs-tv-for-gaming.html
