Gaming on TV vs Monitor: Which is Better?

Are you torn between gaming on a TV or monitor? The debate on which is better has been ongoing among gamers.

We will explore the key differences between gaming on a TV and monitor, such as display size, input lag, and sound quality. We will also discuss the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you prefer the larger display of a TV or the faster response time of a monitor, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Gaming on TV vs Monitor

Understanding the differences between gaming on TVs and monitors is essential for both console gaming and PC gaming enthusiasts, as each offers unique benefits and drawbacks that can affect your overall experience, whether you seek high-end immersive experiences or a competitive edge.

What are the Differences Between Gaming on TV and Monitor?

Exploring the differences between gaming on a TV versus a monitor involves examining various factors such as display types, input lag, frame rate, and image processing to understand how each impacts the gaming experience.

Display Size and Resolution

The display size and resolution are crucial factors to consider when choosing between a TV and a monitor for gaming, as larger display sizes and higher resolutions can enhance the viewing experience.

Opting for a larger display size, such as a 55-inch TV or a 32-inch monitor, allows you to immerse yourself in the game and catch every detail with precision.

Higher resolutions, like 4K or even 8K, deliver sharper images and more vivid colors, providing a more realistic and immersive gaming environment. See also our review for Acer Nitro KG241Y Sbiip 23.8.

Larger display sizes can take up more space in your room, and higher resolutions may require a more powerful graphics card to fully leverage their potential.

Input Lag and Response Time

Input lag and response time are critical aspects that affect the responsiveness of a display, with lower input lag and faster response times being particularly important for competitive gaming.

In terms of input lag, TVs generally have higher latency compared to monitors due to their larger screens and additional image processing. This can result in a noticeable delay between your actions and what you see on the screen, which is not ideal for fast-paced games.

On the other hand, monitors are designed for quick performance, offering lower input lag and faster response times. Features like Game Mode on both TVs and monitors can help optimize performance by reducing input lag and enhancing responsiveness specifically for gaming, ensuring a smoother and more immersive experience.

Refresh Rate and Frame Rate

The refresh rate and frame rate are crucial for a smooth gaming experience, with technologies like Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and VESA Adaptive Sync playing a significant role in reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

In terms of gaming, the refresh rate refers to how many times per second the screen updates with new images, while the frame rate indicates how many frames per second the graphics card is producing. A higher refresh rate and frame rate result in smoother visuals and more responsive gameplay. See also our review for CRUA Curved Gaming Monitor Review.

Technologies such as Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and VESA Adaptive Sync synchronize the monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate output of the graphics card, eliminating issues like screen tearing and stuttering.

By ensuring a seamless communication between the display and GPU, these technologies enhance the overall gaming experience by delivering fluid motion without interruptions. FreeSync and G-Sync are also supported by KOORUI 27 Inch QHD Gaming Monitor.

Audio and Sound Quality

Audio and sound quality can enhance the gaming experience, with TVs often featuring built-in speakers that provide immersive sound.

While built-in speakers on TVs are convenient and provide adequate sound quality for casual gaming, external sound systems offer a superior audio experience for serious gamers. Monitors, on the other hand, commonly lack built-in speakers, requiring users to invest in separate audio solutions. This can be seen as a drawback for those looking for a more streamlined setup.

Pros and Cons of Gaming on TV

Gaming on a TV offers several advantages, such as a larger display size and the convenience of couch gaming, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more relaxed and immersive experience, though it does come with some trade-offs, such as higher input lag.

Larger Display Size

One of the main benefits of gaming on a TV is the larger display size, which can provide a more immersive gaming experience, especially for single-player and story-driven games.

Games like action-adventure, RPGs, and open-world titles truly shine on a big screen, allowing players to fully appreciate the detailed environments and epic landscapes.

Strategy games, with their intricate maps and strategic elements, benefit greatly from the increased screen real estate, making it easier for players to plan their moves and tactics.

Sports and racing games offer a more realistic and engaging experience on a larger display, immersing players in the dynamic visuals and enhancing the feeling of being on the field or track.

Better for Couch Gaming

Couch gaming is a significant advantage of using a TV for gaming, as it allows players to relax comfortably while enjoying their favorite games.

One of the main benefits of couch gaming is the level of comfort it provides. Instead of sitting straight on a chair at a desk, players can sprawl out on a cozy couch, cushioned with pillows, allowing for a more relaxed gaming experience. Couch gaming fosters social interactions, as friends and family can gather around the TV, creating a lively and engaging environment. This shared experience enhances the fun and excitement of multiplayer games, promoting camaraderie and friendly competition.

Built-in Speakers

Many TVs come with built-in speakers that provide decent audio quality, eliminating the need for external sound systems and enhancing the overall gaming experience.

While external audio setups can offer premium sound quality and surround sound experiences, built-in speakers in TVs have their own set of advantages.

One of the key benefits is convenience; you don’t have to worry about additional wires or space constraints with built-in speakers. They also provide a seamless integration with the TV, catering to those who prefer a minimalist setup.

For casual viewers or gamers, the built-in speakers can often deliver more than satisfactory audio performance without the added cost or complexity of external speakers. It’s all about finding the right balance between convenience, budget, and quality when deciding between built-in speakers and external audio systems.

Higher Input Lag

One of the drawbacks of gaming on a TV is the higher input lag, which can negatively impact response time and the overall gaming experience, particularly in fast-paced games.

Input lag refers to the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on the screen. This delay can result in missed opportunities, decreased accuracy, and general frustration for gamers.

To mitigate the effects of input lag, many modern TVs come equipped with a Game Mode setting. When enabled, Game Mode reduces the processing done by the TV, minimizing input lag and providing a more responsive gaming experience.

Using a wired connection for your controller instead of wireless can help to further reduce input lag, as can ensuring your TV’s firmware is up to date. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly enhance your gaming performance and immersion. See also our review for Sceptre 34-Inch Curved Ultrawide.

Pros and Cons of Gaming on Monitor

Gaming on a monitor offers several advantages, including faster response times and higher refresh rates, which are particularly beneficial for competitive gaming, though it generally involves smaller display sizes compared to TVs.

Faster Response Time

One of the key benefits of gaming on a monitor is the faster response time, which leads to more immediate reactions and a smoother gaming experience.

Fast response times in gaming monitors can make a significant difference, especially in genres like first-person shooters (FPS) and racing games where split-second decisions can determine victory or defeat.

The reduced input lag allows players to react quicker to in-game events, providing a competitive edge in multiplayer matches. Games with fast-paced action sequences, such as fighting games or platformers, greatly benefit from the enhanced responsiveness offered by monitors with low response times.

Higher Refresh Rate

Monitors typically offer higher refresh rates compared to TVs, which can significantly enhance the fluidity and smoothness of gameplay, especially in fast-paced action games.

Having a higher refresh rate on a monitor means that it can display more frames per second (fps), resulting in smoother motion and reduced motion blur. This is crucial for competitive gaming, as every split-second counts. The difference between a 60Hz and 144Hz monitor, for example, is immediately noticeable, with the latter offering a much more responsive and immersive gaming experience. Some advanced gaming monitors even go up to 240Hz, catering to the needs of professional gamers who demand the highest level of performance. See also our review for Gawfolk 25-Inch Gaming Monitor.

Better for Competitive Gaming

Monitors are generally better suited for competitive gaming due to their low input lag, fast response times, and high refresh rates, all of which contribute to a more responsive and precise gaming experience.

In a competitive gaming environment, every millisecond counts, and monitors provide the responsiveness needed to stay ahead of the game. A low input lag ensures that your actions are reflected on screen almost instantly, giving you a competitive edge. The fast response times prevent motion blur and ghosting, keeping visuals sharp and clear during fast-paced gameplay. The high refresh rates offer smoother gameplay, reducing stuttering and tearing, which are crucial for maintaining immersion and accuracy in competitive matches.

Smaller Display Size

One of the downsides of gaming on a monitor is the smaller display size, which may not be as immersive or enjoyable for some gamers who prefer larger screens.

Smaller display sizes can limit the overall visibility of in-game details, making it harder for players to spot enemies or navigate through complex environments. The reduced screen real estate can also affect the overall gaming experience by constraining the field of view, which is crucial for strategic gameplay.

Which Should You Choose: Gaming on TV or Monitor?

Choosing between gaming on a TV or a monitor depends on several factors including your gaming setup, preferences, and budget, as each option offers distinct advantages and disadvantages that cater to different types of gamers.

Consider Your Gaming Setup

When deciding between a TV and a monitor for gaming, it’s essential to consider your overall gaming setup, including the types of ports available (HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, USB ports, USB-C input), power delivery needs, and the calibration process.

For gamers seeking a more immersive experience with high-quality visuals, a television with larger screen sizes, such as 55 inches and above, can provide a cinematic feel that draws you into the game world.

On the other hand, monitors are often preferred by competitive gamers due to their faster response times, typically ranging from 1ms to 4ms, which can give them an edge in fast-paced games that require quick reflexes.

Consider Your Gaming Preferences

Your gaming preferences play a critical role in deciding between a TV and a monitor, with console players (Xbox Series X, PS5) potentially favoring TVs, while PC gamers might prefer monitors with features like Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync technology , and VESA Adaptive Sync.

For console enthusiasts, the expansive screen size and immersive experience of a TV can elevate games like action-packed adventures or sports simulations.

On the other hand, PC gamers often value high refresh rates, low input lag, and customizable settings, making a monitor with advanced technologies like G-Sync essential for competitive gaming.

Consider Your Budget

Budget is a significant factor when choosing between a TV and a monitor for gaming, with high-end displays like the LG C2 OLED, Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ, Samsung Odyssey Neo G8, Alienware, LG UltraGear OLED 27, Hisense U8K, Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, and Alienware 34 QD-OLED offering premium features at various price points.

While the LG C2 OLED boasts stunning visual clarity and deep blacks, the Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ is known for its ultra-fast response times, ideal for competitive gaming. On the other hand, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 stands out with its immersive curved screen, providing a more engaging gaming experience.

If budget is a constraint, the Hisense U8K offers solid 4K resolution and decent refresh rates at an affordable price point. For those seeking top-notch performance, both the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 and Alienware 34 QD-OLED deliver cutting-edge technology for a premium gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions