While using a TV as a PC monitor is not the ideal option for general computing, it can be an excellent choice for media entertainment and gaming setups. However, not every TV on the market today is well-suited for double duty as a monitor.
Choosing the right display for your needs requires careful consideration of factors like size, resolution, panel type, connectivity and more. This expert guide will walk you through exactly what to look for when selecting a TV to pull double duty as a PC display. We‘ve also researched and recommended our top 5 picks that offer winning combinations of features, performance and affordability.
#1 Best Overall: Sony X85K
The Sony X85K combines incredible value with must-have capabilities like 4K resolution, a high 120Hz refresh rate and smart connectivity. Available in sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches, you‘ll find an option to fit your space requirements.
The X85K‘s LED display projects vibrant, accurate colors, while integrated Google TV features offer extensive streaming and casting versatility. For PC use, you‘ll appreciate the HDMI 2.1 support and dedicated gaming modes enhancing fast-action performance.
Overall, the X85K brings exceptional well-rounded qualities making it our Best Overall choice to use as a PC monitor.
Pros:
- Wide range of size options
- Stunning 4K resolution and color performance
- High 120Hz refresh rate
- Smart Google TV platform
Cons:
- Mediocre integrated audio
Best 4K OLED: LG B2 Series
For a premium 4K big-screen experience, LG‘s B2 Series OLED TVs are hard to beat. The self-illuminating OLED panel technology delivers incredible color accuracy, infinite contrast ratios and superb viewing angles – making it ideal for both gaming and movie playback.
Complementing the display innovations is LG‘s powerful new α7 Gen5 AI Processor adjusting picture and sound settings in real-time based on content type and ambient conditions. Gamers will also appreciate support for technologies like NVIDIA G-Sync and FreeSync Premium enhancing fluidity and response.
Available in 55, 65 and 77-inch class sizes, the LG B2 brings exceptional home theater qualities to double as your PC display.
Pros:
- Flagship-level OLED picture quality
- α7 Gen5 AI Processor maximizes visuals
- 4K resolution and 120Hz high refresh rate
- Gaming-centric features like G-Sync
Cons:
- Expensive
- Unremarkable integrated audio
Buy the LG B2 OLED TV at Amazon
Best Premium OLED: Sony A80K BRAVIA XR
For the ultimate OLED TV experience as a 4K PC monitor, Sony‘s A80K BRAVIA XR series should top your list. Powered by Sony‘s advanced Cognitive XR processor, the A80K delivers intensely realistic images – accurately reproducing everything from videos to PC games with lifelike depth and detail.
The OLED panel ensures inky blacks and precision contrast control, while technologies like XR Triluminos Pro and XR OLED Contrast adjust color and brightness in real-time – optimizing picture quality for room conditions and content. For gamers and movie buffs, it doesn‘t get better than this.
Pros:
- Acclaimed XR image processing for incredible realism
- Wide 65 and 77-inch size options
- Cutting-edge OLED contrast and color
- Auto HDR Tone tech adapts to content
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Menus can be laggy
Buy the Sony BRAVIA XR A80K at Amazon
Best Budget 4K: Hisense U6 Series
The affordably priced Hisense U6G delivers solid 4K UHD image quality that punches above its class for a budget option. It uses Hisense‘s proprietary ULED technology to boost color, contrast and motion handling – while integrated Game Mode Pro settings offer latency reduction and smoother gaming performance.
Sporting Google‘s Android TV platform, you get extensive app selection and built-in Google Assistant for intuitive voice control. The 60Hz refresh rate handles most content admirably, though won‘t match more premium 120Hz displays. Nonetheless, for shoppers on a tight budget, the U6 remains a great value choice.
Pros:
- Very affordable 4K TV
- Quality ULED display with deep blacks
- Android TV with Google Assistant voice control
Cons:
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- Mediocre off-angle viewing
Buy the Hisense U6G 4K TV at Amazon
Best Portable Display: ASUS ZenScreen Go
If you want a highly portable second monitor to use with a laptop, ASUS‘ ZenScreen Go is a great pick. This 15.6-inch full HD IPS display connects easily via a single USB-C cable for both video and power. The whole package weighs under 2 pounds for effortless transport.
Integrated battery power allows up to 4 hours of use untethered from AC power. You also get features like a protective smart case, built-in speakers and an ambient light sensor adjusting screen brightness automatically. Just bear in mind that the 60Hz refresh tops out at a 1080p resolution – limiting its capabilities for hardcore gaming or 4K video editing use cases. But for basic on-the-go productivity as a second display, the ZenScreen Go shines.
Pros:
- Ultra lightweight and portable
- Long battery life up to 4 hours
- Smart Case protects the display
- Auto screen brightness
Cons:
- 1080p max resolution
- No higher refresh rates
Buy the ASUS ZenScreen Go Portable Monitor at Amazon
How to Choose the Right TV as a PC Monitor
Using a TV as your computer monitor can work beautifully – but only if you select the right display for your particular needs and setup. Follow this 5-step guide to identify your "must-have" features before choosing a model.
Step 1: Decide on Screen Size
First, measure the physical space where you plan to install the TV and determine an appropriate size. As a general rule:
- 32 – 43 inches : great for smaller spaces like bedrooms
- 55 – 65 inches: ideal for most living rooms
- 75 – 85 inches: creates true home theater feel
Additionally, consider typical viewing distance and how large elements on-screen should appear for comfortable use over extended periods.
Step 2: Determine Required Resolution
For everyday computing like email, documents and web browsing, a 1080p Full HD resolution TV can suffice on screen sizes under 50 inches. However, for video streaming or gaming, you‘ll want at least a 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) panel rated 3840 × 2160 pixels.
4K resolution provides a sharper, more detailed image – while allowing you to sit closer to larger displays without seeing annoying pixelation. Review the two images below to appreciate the visual benefits of 4K.
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Image courtesy PC Magazine
Step 3: Select Display Technology
When choosing a panel type, OLED reigns supreme, followed by QLED or LED and finally standard LCD displays. Here‘s a quick comparison:
- OLED – Best overall viewing experience with perfectly black blacks and pixel-precise local dimming control. Most expensive option but delivers stunning imagery.
- QLED / LED – Almost matches OLED quality with deep blacks and advanced quantum dot technology. More affordable and most popular option.
- LCD – Least expensive panel tech but suffers from greyer-looking blacks without local dimming precision. Generally not ideal for high-end PC monitor use compared to OLED/LED competitors.
Step 4: Verify High Refresh Rate Support
For gaming or video playback, you‘ll want a panel with a higher refresh rate – preferably 120Hz at a minimum (measured in Hz or frames per second). Higher refresh rates create smoother, faster motion delivery for better gaming experiences and watching high FPS content or sports.
While 60Hz refresh is fine for everyday use, fast-action imagery will benefit noticeably from 120, 144 or even 240Hz panels found in many newer QLED and OLED TV models catering to gamers. Just make sure your PC‘s graphics output can match the TV‘s capabilities to take advantage.
Step 5: Check Input Options
At minimum, ensure your selected TV model has HDMI 2.0b inputs supporting 4K at 60Hz – but ideally aim for HDMI 2.1 ports enabling 4K video at 120Hz for future gaming proofing. You‘ll also want at least one HDMI input supporting HDCP 2.2 or later for DRM-protected 4K streaming content support from services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
Alongside HDMI ports, having at least 2-3 USB inputs provides handy flexibility – allowing you to connect peripherals like webcams, external drives or charging cables. Just bear in mind that USB ports on most TVs don‘t transmit video signals, so you can‘t directly use them as computer display outputs.
Tips for Using a TV as Your PC Monitor
Once you‘ve purchased your TV/monitor combo, keep these tips in mind to enhance the experience:
- For desktop use, create a custom resolution matching the TV‘s native size. This avoids underscanning or input lag from non-native signals.
- Adjust display scaling settings on your PC depending on viewing distance for comfortable text/element sizes
- Experiment with different image presets to find an optimal picture mode preventing oversaturation or crushing black levels
- Configure stereo speakers or connect soundbars via HDMI-ARC for solid audio to complement the enhanced visuals
Stay tuned to the Human Companion blog for more tips on designing an immersive, high-performance entertainment setup using your TV as a PC monitor substitute!
