While using a TV as a PC monitor is not the ideal option for everyday computing tasks, it can be a perfect combination for gaming, streaming videos, or other entertainment uses.
Not every TV on the market today is well-suited for double duty as a monitor replacement. Certain specs like display panel type, resolution, connectivity ports and more are critical factors.
Below I‘ll introduce 5 of the top-rated TV models in 2024 that can pull double-duty as excellent PC monitors. I‘ll also provide a step-by-step guide on exactly what features to evaluate so you can choose the right display for your needs.
Top 5 TV Recommendations for Use as a PC Monitor
1. Sony X85K Series – Best Overall
The Sony X85K Series combines strong performance, great connectivity and sizes ranging from 43" up to 85" screen sizes.
With native 120Hz refresh rates on its 4K LED panel plus four HDMI 2.1 ports, the X85K delivers incredibly smooth visuals whether you‘re gaming or streaming high-fps video content from a PC.
Integrated Google TV provides smart streaming features and voice control. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts picture brightness and quality. At a reasonable price point for the technology included, the X85K is a top contender for either mixed TV/monitor use or as a dedicated external display.
2. LG B2 Series – Best Display for Gaming
Serious gamers will appreciate the LG B2 Series 4K OLED TVs with gaming-oriented capabilities like Nvidia G-Sync and FreeSync Premium built-in.
With over 8 million self-lit OLED pixels providing perfect blacks and vivid image quality, the LG B2 really shines when connected to a high-end GPU.
120Hz refresh rates ensure smooth rendering even in graphics-intensive titles. Available in 55, 65 and 77 inch variants, the LG B2 is ideal for gamers wanting the best visual performance paired with features like variable refresh rate support.
3. Sony Bravia XR A80L – Top Picture Quality
The Sony Bravia XR A80L utilizes a next-generation cognitive processor to analyze and optimize every scene in real-time. Combined with the inky blacks and vibrant colors of its OLED panel, the A80L produces the most true-to-life picture quality on this list.
With cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 120 fps, Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture mode switching and more, the Bravia XR A80L is perfect for cinematic gaming or maximizing detail work like photo/video editing. It‘s a premium option aimed at buyers who want the very best visual fidelity from their display panel technology.
4. Samsung M70B Series – Best Versatility
Sometimes you need a display that can pull triple duty as a TV, monitor AND smart hub for your mobile devices. That‘s where Samsung‘s M70B Series comes in.
With integrated apps like Office 365, Teams and Samsung DeX built right in, you can connect your phone or tablet and push content seamlessly to the 43" or 32" UHD screen. Remote PC Access and Apple AirPlay allow for flexible working too.
Picture-in-Picture and MultiView modes allow displaying two input sources simultaneously. For productivity plus entertainment in one sleek, affordable package, the versatile M70B is a great bang-for-buck choice.
5. Toshiba 55C350U – Most Budget-Friendly
Proving you don‘t need to spend a fortune for decent 4K PC monitor performance, Toshiba‘s 55C350U Series Fire TV Edition displays start at just $250.
With HDR support, DCI-P3 wide color gamut and low input lag, the 55C350U can keep up with gaming or streaming videos seamlessly thanks to Toshiba‘s RegzaEngine 4K video processor.
Integrated Amazon FireTV features give you access to tons of content too. Available in 43, 50, 55 and 65 inch models, the affordable Toshiba 55C350 is a great budget-priced option.
How to Choose the Right TV for Monitor Use – Buyer‘s Guide
Using just any TV as a PC display can result in a sub-par experience. Avoid issues by evaluating models on these key criteria:
Display Size
Consider the environment where you will set up the TV. Measure the physical space to determine ideal screen sizes. Most PC users will be comfortable with display sizes between 32" to 65" inches for desktop use.
Bigger screens are more immersive for gaming and movie watching, but can cause issues viewingsmaller text at close distances.
Display Panel Type
OLED TVs offer the best overall image quality, color accuracy and contrast by far. But they come at a premium price point.
LED/LCD TVs are more affordable while still providing good 4K resolution and refresh rates. Avoid older CCFL-backlit LCD models – they cannot compete on picture quality.
Resolution
Look for native 4K or Ultra High Definition 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution. This four times more detail than older 1080p TV models. Higher resolution provides sharper text and images ideal for PC use.
Refresh Rate
Choose a TV with at least native 60Hz refresh rate, but 120Hz is even better for gaming or high-fps video playback. Higher refresh rates translate to smoother on-screen motion and responsiveness.
Connectivity
Must-have ports like HDMI 2.1 allow transmitting 4K video at up to 120 fps from modern GPUs. DisplayPort and USB inputs are also nice for connecting peripherals directly to the display.
Integrated Smart Features
Many newer TVs utilize integrated platforms like Google TV, Amazon FireTV, Tizen or WebOS. These give you access to apps, streaming services and voice control.
Built-in Chromecast or AirPlay mirroring makes it easy to push content from other networked devices too.
Gaming Features
For the best gaming experience, choose a TV with HDMI 2.1, high refresh rates, FreeSync/G-Sync support and low input lag. OLED panels with per-pixel lighting also render fast motion better with less blurring.
The Benefits of Using a TV as a Monitor
Let‘s recap some of the biggest advantages of hooking up a PC to a modern television:
- More screen real estate – TVs are available in much bigger sizes than traditional monitors
- Sit further back unlike desktop monitors demanding close proximity
- Get superior contrast and colors from OLED/QLED panels
- Use smart capabilities like built-in streaming apps
- Take advantage of gaming-centric features unavailable on most monitors
- Better future-proofing with HDMI 2.1 ports that can handle higher 4K/120Hz signals
For mixed usage including entertainment, gaming and media consumption, today‘s best TVs rival all but the most expensive niche gaming monitors. Choosing the right display panel and connectivity is key to ensuring a great experience though.
I hope my TV recommendations and buyer‘s guide above helps you select perfect model to use as a high-performance external monitor replacement! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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