There is a common question raised by new gamers “Why is a Monitor better than a TV for Gaming?”. TV and gaming monitors serve a wide range of purposes. They allow gamers to experience a high-quality gaming experience. Let’s see the detailed answer!
Why is a Monitor better than a TV for Gaming?
In general, both TV and monitors may look like screens displaying media content. But actually, there are differences between them specifications wise.
Since TV technology has gone to unbelievable updates and standards, some may consider TV better than a monitor.
Especially after the advent of 4K gaming, TVs may look like a better option because of the screen size and the highest resolution available. But there are key specifications we need to consider for gaming before choosing a display.
Screen Size
TVs have a large display which makes them a good contender for gaming.
Nowadays the screen size starts from a minimum of 32 inches and with the higher resolution, it looks like a better option. But it is useful only for console gaming. The larger screen size makes it difficult to sit at close range and get blur-free visuals.
For PC gaming, monitors are better. They have a screen size of a maximum of 27 to 32 inches and it is the optimum size for sitting in a close range to get a good viewing experience.
Unless you really need a large screen for specific purposes like multiplayer games, monitors are better for PC gaming.
Resolution
There is no doubt that TVs have the highest resolutions when compared to a monitor. It has gone up to 8K and 4K has become the new normal in the TV. Also, the High Dynamic Ranging (HDR) tech is available only in TVs.
But all this high resolution and HDR is useful only for console gaming. PC gaming hasn’t reached the 2K mark as well as doesn’t support HDR.
Gaming monitors have gone up to 4K resolution and IPS tech gives good color reproduction too. Also, monitors are also trying to incorporate HDR but unless PC games support the tech, it will be useless. Therefore, in terms of resolution, monitors are optimum for PC gaming purposes.
Input Lag
Input Lag is the time taken for the display to process the input signal and show it on the screen. TVs take a lot of time to perform this compared to monitors because the number of processes done by TV is many. The response time starts from 5ms to 20ms in TVs which is way more than a monitor.
A monitor doesn’t process the input signal like a TV. That is why it has a response timing of 1ms to 5ms. Therefore, monitors have low input lag which makes them comfortable for gameplay.
Refresh Rate and Sync technology
TVs do not have a high refresh rate which is very important for gaming. Monitors have a high refresh rate of 120 and 144Hz. This will give a fluid gaming experience.
Also, monitors come with Sync technology, which dynamically matches the refresh rate with the frame rate which reduces screen tear and shows a seamless flow of scenes.
Both AMD and Nvidia provide this Sync technology, namely G-Sync and FreeSync.
Pricing and Viewing Comfort
TVs are priced better than monitors even though TVs have a larger display. But, when it comes to viewing comfort for gaming, monitors are better.
Due to the high refresh rate and sync tech, monitors provide a better gaming experience compared to TV. TVs are excellent for viewing whereas monitors are perfect for gaming.
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Which type of monitor is best for gaming?
There are three types of monitors available. They are TN, IPS, and VA monitors.
Among these three, IPS panel monitors are the best for gaming. IPS monitors have great color reproduction, good response time, higher refresh rates, and better viewing angle compared to their counterparts.
If the price is no bar, you can undoubtedly go for IPS monitors. But if you are a little tight on the budget, you can go for TN monitors which have faster response time and refresh rates.
Does pro gaming require a 1440p monitor or a 1080p monitor?
When going for high resolution like 1440p, the GPU needs to process the extra pixels that give the higher picture quality. The drawback of this is that it reduces the frame rate and cannot sustain at higher resolutions.
Therefore, in order to sustain higher refresh rates, 1080p is the optimum resolution sought by gamers. Higher frame rates provide smooth gameplay and it is required for quick action while playing.
What is the best monitor Hz for gaming?
Higher refresh rates provide a greater advantage in gaming, especially for competitive games. If your opponent has a lower refresh rate like 60Hz, then you have a clear advantage over them.
The 144Hz refresh rate monitors are optimum and are available for a mid-range price point too. 240Hz monitors are also great but price may be a factor to consider. Higher the refresh rate, the greater the gaming experience.
Conclusion
Monitors are better than TVs for gaming purposes. They have a clear advantage over TVs even though monitors might have a slightly higher price point. TVs are good for viewing whereas monitors are optimal for gaming and provide a smooth experience.
