Choosing the best TV monitor could mean the difference between a highly productive work session or a poor refresh rate for slow loading spreadsheets and web browsers. Our evaluation for this monitor buying guide focused on performance/display, input lag, and refresh rate, in addition to a number of other metrics.
After more than 16 hours of research, our pick for the best TV monitor goes to the Samsung NU6900 TV Monitor. This monitor delivers with a UHD engine 4K upscaler, Motion Rate 120 for smooth, no blur motion, and PurColor technology for 1+ billion colors for amazing depth and contrast. Continue reading to learn more about these TV monitors. And, while you are at it, also check out our guide to the best TVs.
Top 10 Best TV Monitor
#1 Samsung NU6900 TV Monitor
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This large screen 55″ TV monitor comes with a full HD picture and UHD engine. for upscaling of 1080p content to 4K, an excellent choice as a TV monitor to share with larger groups.
Read Full Review: Samsung NU6900 55 Review
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- 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful UHD engine for upscaling 1080p to 4K
- Uses SmartThings App to control smart home devices
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- Only two HDMI ports
- Light bleed at bottom with high motion scenes
- Limited HDR support
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This TV’s monitor’s strength is in its picture. PurColor technology introduces 1+ billion shade colors for a more realistic picture and a Motion Rate 120 frame rate ensures smooth image capture with no noticeable blur.
Our favorite feature with this TV/computer monitor combo is the SmartThings App, which allows users to connect and control multiple smart home devices. Its Smart Home Automation features allow for voice control command of lights, coffee makers, refrigerators, and other connected devices -excellent for home office workers who do not want to toggle different remotes or access a distant Echo Dot or Google Home device. . This Samsung monitor is a 2018 model, but keep in mind that the 2019 model features NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, and could be compared to one of the best G-Sync monitors on the market today
#2 LG SM9000 TV Monitor
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K Ultra HD TV monitor delivers with an a7 GEN 2 intelligent processor for AI image rendering and full-array local dimming for black level and contrast optimization – an excellent choice for people who want a pure performer for even the most mundane of spreadsheet tasks.
Read Full Review: LG SM9000 Review
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- Great sounding 40-watt speakers
- a7 GEN 2 intelligent processor for accurate color rendering
- Uses SmartThings App to control smart home devices
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- Slight learning curve with ‘Magic Remote’
- Black levels could be better pronounced
- No AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support
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This TV monitor is an all-around performer, with a7 GEN 2 intelligent processor and HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, and Advanced HDR for a crisp picture. On the audio side, it’s also formidable – supporting Dolby Atmos for truly immersive and surround sound. that casts over a room.
Big shoutout to this best 4K TV for computer monitor’s intuitive UI, which displays all of the traditional streaming services in an easy thumbnail format. This “ThinQ” and “AI” based OD offers smooth menu transitions and a ‘Magic Remote’ uses an on-screen pointer to click on content – a much better alternative than button mashing. Kudos for built-in Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls. Consider a 1080p 144hz monitor as well for added performance, especially if you’re a gamer. And if you’re starting to want to consider alternatives beyond a TV-monitor hybrid and want to use something you already have, like just your TV, consider using your TV as a monitor.
#3 Sony X720E TV Monitor
Award: Best Low Input Lag
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV monitor shines with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support and 4K X-Reality PRO for upscaling of non-HD content to 4K – a neat choice for people preferring a vivid picture and low input lag.
Read Full Review: Sony X720E
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- Motionflow XR for reduced input lag
- Dynamic Contrast Enhancer for improved color depth
- Dedicated YouTube and Netflix buttons remote
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- Lacks Android TV platform
- Does not include forward-facing speakers; soundbar recommended
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This big-screen TV panel is an all-around workhorse. The combo of High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Dynamic Contrast Enhancer provides crisp, vivid imagery and massive color depth with a separate refresh rate for technology smooth game flow and response time. Our only knock is its limited brightness, with light output reaching roughly 360 nits, compared to pricer monitors routinely hitting 600 nits, so we don’t recommend using in bright rooms.
Because this is an older model, it does not run the Android TV platform, but Sony’s own proprietary user interface. It decently transitions between menu items. Three HDMI ports and a single USB port is more than enough to connect a larger household or office’s external devices.
#4 Sony XBR43X800H TV Monitor
Award: Best for Gaming
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV features a breathtaking TRILUMINOS Display for a rich color palette and a dedicated game mode that ensures optimized motion rates for intensive applications – ane excellent choice for gamers.
Read Full Review: Sony XBR43X800H
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- Striking TRILUMINOS display
- Powerful X1 4K HDR processor for real-life depth and rendering
- Intuitive Android TV platform for content discovery
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- Not a true 120Hz refresh rate
- No local dimming feature
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This best monitor or best TV for gaming is very formidable, led by an X1 4K HDR processor for rich image rendering and HDR/Dolby vision support. Its TRILUMINOS display specializes in transforming notorious different shades (reds, greens, and blues) for better gradation and replication for a wider color spectrum – critical for a unique gaming experience. Another technique, Precision Color Mapping, uses its engine to optimize color output in real-time.
Our favorite feature with this HDR gaming TV monitor is its Android TV platform, which uses voice commands to access popular apps and content. Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant compatible with direct connections to smart camera images and similar smart devices. All in all, we were very impressed with this TV monitor’s overall picture quality/depth of UI and streaming ability, and it is our choice for the best gaming monitor on this list, and one of the best HDR gaming monitors on the market. Compare this to the best 120Hz gaming monitors for more options.
#5 Samsung QN65Q80TAFXZC TV Monitor
Award: Best for Bright Rooms
WHY WE LIKE IT: This QLED TV set comes with Direct Full Array 12X technology for deep blacks and an anti-glare screen, making it an excellent choice for viewing in bright rooms.
Read Full Review: Samsung QN65Q80TAFXZC
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- Powerful pair of speakers
- Great bright room performance with anti-glare screen
- Supports HDR10, HDR10+, HLG for powerful image clarity
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- The remote design could be more intuitive
- Picture size adjustment not automatic
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This computer monitor is a visual stunner with Direct Full Array 12X processor for sharp, shade management, optimal contrast ratio, and 4K AI upscaling. Quantum Dot technology which delivers 1+ billion colors for outstanding TV shows clarity. Controlled backlights also deliver a richer palette of blacks. Kudos for a Real Game Enhancer+ and Motion Rate 120 which works to reduce blur in high motion action scenes, excellent for football scrimmage, and intense gaming. If you like this product, you might be interested in our review of the best TVs for sports.
Down firing and up-firing speakers also provide an immersive sound, filling the gaps in large rooms. Big bonus points go to built-in Alexa for voice control of remote functions and hands-free activation of smart home devices.
#6 TCL 43S425 TV Monitor
Award: Best Interface
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV monitor is a serviceable workhorse, featuring 4K Creative Pro Upscaling for 1080p upscaling to 4K and an intuitive Roku TV platform for streaming content, an excellent choice for people who do not want to toggle buttons too much to find content.
Read Full Review: TCL 43s425 Review
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- Super bright screen (<= 1000 nits)
- Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls
- Generous 3 HDMI ports and1 USB port
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- Not the most anti-reflective screen
- Legs too far apart; not ideal for narrower stands
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This computer monitor delivers excellent value across the board, starting with serviceable 4K Ultra HD display and support for HD10, a technology that renders more than over 1 billion colors for up to 1000 nits of peak brightness. It is a solid performer in bright rooms. A 60Hz, 120Hz CMI also provides decent blur handling with high motion scenes.
Arguably this computer monitor’s biggest strength is the Roku TV platform, one of the easiest to use interfaces we’ve researched with bold and bright thumbnail app icons, a classic lightbox-style navigation, and customized feeds. .Why not compare this monitor with the best curved monitor with the same with a 1080p display, which boasts a subtle, yet highly effective, 1800r curvature, a relatively fast refresh rate of 75Hz, and integrated anti-flicker technologies.
#7 Acer SB220Q TV Monitor
Award: Best Compact Design
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV monitor delivers modest FHD 1080p and an ultra-thin frame, an excellent choice for office tasks sitting in smaller desks and tables.
Read Full Review: Acer SB220Q
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- Gorgeous borderless display
- AMD Radeon FreeSync technology for smooth motion scenes
- Low input lag
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- Only one HDMI input
- Odd button placement at bottom of the monitor
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This TV computer monitor is pretty basic, with a 21.5 IPS display delivering a modest 1920 x 1080 resolution and a Zero Frame style that boasts only 0.24 inches of thickness. Along with a borderless display, it really maximizes screen share, even more so with a narrow bezel.
Gamers will especially appreciate this TV monitor’s AMD Radeon FreeSync technology, which consists of variable refresh rate and response time that helps to minimize tearing and stuttering, resulting in a smoother picture. First-person shooters and sports titles benefit greatly. All in all, the combination of a simple display and boosted refresh rates gives it poop for value-conscious gamers. Being one of the best FreeSync monitors, you should compare this with one of the best 1440P monitors on our review.
#8 LG 24LM520D-WU TV Monitor
Award: Best for Wall Mounting
WHY WE LIKE IT: This 24-inch screen HD TV monitor comes with basic HD 720p and is wall mounted using a screw hole rear panel, a great choice for someone with office desks sitting flush with the wall.
Read Full Review: LG 24LM520D-WU 24 Inch HD TV Monitor
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- Connectable to HD source (e.g. Blu-ray)
- Decent color accuracy using Triple XD Engine
- Excellent for smaller desk setups
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- Could use more HDMI inputs (only one)
- Two 3W built-in speakers could be louder
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This basic TV computer monitor offers great value and convenience. Images are passable with a Triple XD Engine graphics card for response time, contrast, and color optimization – along with single HDMI input, allowing it to connect to an HD source, such as a Blu-ray player or Amazon Fire Stick.
Our favorite feature with this TV monitor is its rear panel, which accommodates screw holes in a 75mm x 75mm configuration for easy mounting on a wall. Our only knock is that wall mounting hardware is not included and needs to be purchased separately.
#9 Sceptre E246BV-FC TV Monitor
Award: Best Value
WHY WE LIKE IT: This value-friendly full HD TV monitor comes with a modest 1080p resolution and multiple inputs (HDMI, VGA, Component, and Composite ), a solid choice for infrequent movie watching and extended work tasks.
Read Full Review: Sceptre E246BV-FC 24″ LED HDTV
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- Excellent backlight life of 30,000+ Hours
- Crisp 1080P resolution for good picture quality
- Includes inputs for HDMI, VGA, and component
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- No DisplayPort
- Built-in speakers could be stronger (2 x 3-watt)
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Consider this TV monitor strictly no-frills, leading with a 1080p display that does an adequate job of color reproduction and contrasts. HDMI, VGA, Component, and Composite inputs allow multiple external devices to be connected, including old DVD/VCR player combinations and a Blu-ray player.
Our favorite feature with this TV monitor is its small, compact size (24″), good for smaller office desks. All in all, it’s an excellent choice for people who value cost savings over performance.
#10 Pyle 15.6-Inch TV Monitor
Award: Best on a Budget
WHY WE LIKE IT: This budget-conscious TV monitor comes in an ultra-compact size (15.6 inches) and removable base stand, a great choice for people who would prefer to wall mount in tight spaces (e.g. under kitchen cabinets).
Read Full Review: Pyle 15.6-Inch 1080p LED TV
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- Compact and portable size
- Easy to remove base stand
- Good for wall mounting
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- So-so viewing angles; not ideal when viewing from side or overhead
- Difficult to switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio
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This TV monitor leads with a Full HD 1080p display. Built-in full-range stereo speakers also provide decent volume and a removable base stand makes it ideal for wall mounting. A single HDMI port pairs well with an external streaming device (ew.g. Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast) for quick conversion to Smart TV.
Our only knock is this TVs odd viewing angles, with so-so picture projection when viewing from the side or overhead. All in all, consider this TV more as a companion on road trips with a quick connection to a wall outlet to watch your favorite movies or perform quick work tasks.
How We Decided
In determining the best TV monitors to buy, we explored performance, picture quality, input lag, and refresh rate.
The picture quality is king. Look for the best TV computer monitors that can support 4:4:4 chroma at 1080p with a 4K resolution for a good spectrum of deep blacks and high color contrasts, which should especially fare well when viewing in dark rooms. Our favorite display processor runs on NVIDIA GSync for up to 360Hz gameplay.
While researching, we easily determined input lag as a Top 3 criteria. Look for the best TV monitors with an input lag or 20 or less. Input lag at these levels is barely noticeable, with characters that do not stall or freeze up during gameplay. Even minute details such as depicted smokestacks on the screen will flow smoothly. Anywhere about 30 ms and you will start to notice a difference.
Consider the refresh rate key. The refresh rate is the speed at which pictures refresh every second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the overall image appears. Our aim is for a refresh rate of at least 120Hz, which really kicks in solid response times. Kudos for TV monitors with a DisplayPort for HDMI for gaming. The best TV monitors for gaming have many more connection options too.
Best TV Monitor Buying Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
Display
Our recommendation is for displays to carry a rich color spectrum range with a high native contrast ratio and deep uniform blacks. A high native contrast ratio makes for better viewing in a dark room. Picture quality should not degrade at any angle and the picture should be equally bright in HDR and SDR modes.
Input Lag
Input lag is a very important consideration. Since external devices will be used to control both your PC and Smart TV, refresh rates and lag times must be on point. Streaming and game applications should flow smoothly with no cuts or dips in play. When translated to a number, look for the best TV monitors with a 20 or under ms input lag, a range where we find lag, not at all noticeable. Anywhere about 30 ms and you may be in trouble.
Refresh Rate
Refresh rates determine how often your TV monitor results in the image per second. The more a picture is refreshed per second, the smoother the overall picture looks. Our preference is for TV monitors with refresh rates with a minimum 120Hz refresh rate.
