Best Monitor to Use as TV: Top 7 Picks for 2024
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Table of Contents
- Quick Picks: Best Monitors to Use as TV
- How We Evaluated
- Detailed Reviews
- Comparison Table
- Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Monitor TV
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Quick Picks: Best Monitors to Use as TV
- LG C3 OLED 48 — Premium pick with perfect blacks and built-in smart TV features
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43 — Best gaming monitor-TV hybrid with Mini-LED brightness
- TCL 43C745 QLED — Most affordable option with Google TV and excellent color
- ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ — Top choice for PC gamers who want TV functionality
- Sony A90K 42 — Best overall picture quality with premium processing
How We Evaluated
We tested each monitor across three key areas: display quality for both PC and TV content, connectivity options for various devices, and real-world usability in living room setups. Our evaluation focused on models 40 inches and larger that can genuinely replace a traditional TV while maintaining excellent performance for computer use.
Detailed Reviews
LG C3 OLED 48 — Best Overall Monitor TV
Key Specs:
- 48-inch 4K OLED panel
- 120Hz refresh rate with VRR support
- webOS smart TV platform built-in
- 4 HDMI ports (2 HDMI 2.1)
- HDR10, Dolby Vision support
- 0.1ms response time
The LG C3 OLED 48 delivers the holy grail combination that most monitor-TV hybrids struggle to achieve: exceptional picture quality with comprehensive smart TV features. The OLED technology produces perfect blacks and infinite contrast that makes both movies and games look stunning from typical viewing distances.
What sets this apart is LG’s webOS platform, which gives you access to Netflix, Prime Video, and every other streaming service without needing external devices. The gaming performance is equally impressive, with HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 120Hz and variable refresh rate for both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
The main drawback is burn-in risk if you leave static PC elements on screen for extended periods. However, LG’s improved pixel refreshing technology and built-in burn-in protection make this less concerning than previous OLED generations.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43 — Best for Bright Rooms
Key Specs:
- 43-inch 4K Mini-LED panel
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 1000+ nits peak brightness
- Curved 1000R display
- Gaming Hub with streaming apps
- 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, 1 DisplayPort
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43 tackles OLED’s biggest weakness: brightness in well-lit rooms. The Mini-LED backlighting system delivers over 1000 nits of peak brightness, making HDR content pop even with windows open during the day.
Samsung’s curved design might seem unusual for a TV replacement, but it actually works well for desktop use while not being too distracting for casual viewing. The 144Hz refresh rate makes this particularly appealing for PC gamers who want the smoothest possible experience.
Gaming Hub provides access to major streaming services and cloud gaming platforms, though it’s not as comprehensive as dedicated smart TV platforms. The biggest limitation is only having two HDMI 2.1 ports, which might require switching cables if you have multiple next-gen consoles.
TCL 43C745 QLED — Best Budget Option
Key Specs:
- 43-inch 4K QLED panel
- Google TV platform
- 60Hz refresh rate (120Hz for gaming)
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- 3 HDMI ports (1 HDMI 2.1)
- Built-in Chromecast
The TCL 43C745 QLED proves you don’t need to spend premium prices for a capable monitor-TV combination. The QLED technology delivers vibrant colors and decent brightness for the price, while Google TV provides the most user-friendly smart platform available.
Picture quality holds up well for both PC work and streaming content, though it lacks the deep blacks of OLED or extreme brightness of premium Mini-LED displays. The single HDMI 2.1 port limits next-gen gaming setups, but most users can work around this with an HDMI switch.
Where this monitor-TV really shines is convenience and value. Google TV’s interface is intuitive, voice remote works reliably, and the built-in Chromecast makes it easy to share content from phones and tablets. For casual users who want smart TV features without breaking the bank, this delivers solid performance across the board.
ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ — Best for PC Gaming
Key Specs:
- 42-inch 4K OLED panel
- 138Hz overclockedrefresh rate
- G-SYNC Compatible with AMD FreeSync
- DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1
- Custom heatsink for improved cooling
- ROG-exclusive gaming features
The ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ takes LG’s OLED panel and optimizes it specifically for PC gaming. The custom heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling during long gaming sessions, while the 138Hz overclocked refresh rate squeezes out every frame possible.
ASUS includes gaming-focused features like crosshairs, FPS counters, and shadow boost that work well for competitive gaming. The monitor also supports both G-SYNC and FreeSync, ensuring smooth gameplay regardless of your graphics card choice.
The trade-off is losing built-in smart TV features. You’ll need a separate streaming device or console to access Netflix and other services. However, if your primary use case is PC gaming with occasional TV viewing through connected devices, this delivers the best gaming performance in the 42-inch OLED category.
Sony A90K 42 — Best Picture Processing
Key Specs:
- 42-inch 4K OLED panel
- XR Cognitive Processor
- 120Hz refresh rate with VRR
- Google TV platform
- Acoustic Surface Audio+
- 4 HDMI ports (2 HDMI 2.1)
The Sony A90K 42 showcases why Sony’s picture processing remains industry-leading. The XR Cognitive Processor analyzes content in real-time, enhancing details and colors in ways that make both streaming content and games look more lifelike than on competing displays.
Sony’s approach to motion handling is particularly impressive, reducing judder and blur without introducing artifacts. This makes it excellent for watching sports or action movies, while the low input lag maintains responsiveness for gaming.
The premium pricing reflects Sony’s attention to detail, from the minimalist design to the unique Acoustic Surface technology that turns the screen into a speaker. Google TV integration is comprehensive, though some users prefer LG’s webOS interface. The higher cost makes this a choice for users who prioritize absolute picture quality over value.
Comparison Table
| Model | Size | Panel Type | Refresh Rate | Smart Platform | HDMI 2.1 Ports | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG C3 OLED | 48" | OLED | 120Hz | webOS | 2 | $1,200 |
| Samsung Neo G7 | 43" | Mini-LED | 144Hz | Gaming Hub | 2 | $900 |
| TCL C745 | 43" | QLED | 60Hz/120Hz | Google TV | 1 | $500 |
| ASUS PG42UQ | 42" | OLED | 138Hz | None | 2 | $1,000 |
| Sony A90K | 42" | OLED | 120Hz | Google TV | 2 | $1,400 |
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Monitor TV
Size and Viewing Distance
The best monitor to use as TV typically falls in the 40-48 inch range. This provides enough screen real estate for comfortable TV viewing while remaining manageable for desktop use. Sit too close to larger displays and you’ll notice individual pixels; too far away and text becomes difficult to read.
Panel Technology Considerations
OLED panels deliver the best contrast and black levels, making them ideal for dark room viewing and cinematic content. However, they’re susceptible to burn-in from static PC elements like taskbars and desktop icons.
QLED and Mini-LED displays get much brighter, performing better in well-lit rooms and for HDR content. They also don’t suffer from burn-in issues, making them more suitable for extended PC use with static elements.
Connectivity and Input Lag
Look for at least two HDMI 2.1 ports to support 4K gaming at 120Hz from modern consoles. DisplayPort is essential if you plan to connect a PC directly. Input lag below 20ms is acceptable for casual gaming, but competitive gamers should target under 10ms.
Smart TV Features vs External Devices
Built-in smart TV platforms like webOS, Google TV, or Roku eliminate the need for separate streaming devices. However, dedicated streaming boxes often receive updates longer and may offer better performance. Consider whether you prefer the convenience of built-in apps or the flexibility of external devices.
HDR Support and Peak Brightness
HDR10 is standard, but Dolby Vision support provides better tone mapping for compatible content. Peak brightness of at least 600 nits is needed for meaningful HDR impact, though 1000+ nits is preferred for bright room viewing.
FAQ
What’s the ideal size monitor to use as a TV?
The sweet spot for monitor-TV hybrids is 42-48 inches. This provides comfortable TV viewing from 6-8 feet away while remaining usable for desktop work at arm’s length. Anything larger becomes unwieldy for PC use, while smaller sizes don’t provide the cinematic experience most people want from a TV replacement.
Do I need a separate streaming device with these monitors?
It depends on the model. Monitors with built-in smart TV platforms like webOS or Google TV can stream Netflix, Prime Video, and other services directly. Gaming-focused monitors without smart features require a separate streaming device, game console, or PC connection for accessing streaming content.
Will using a monitor as a TV cause burn-in issues?
OLED monitors can develop burn-in from static elements like Windows taskbars or channel logos, but modern panels have better protection than older generations. QLED and Mini-LED displays don’t suffer from burn-in at all. If you’re concerned about burn-in, enable screensavers and avoid leaving static content on screen for hours.
Can these monitors replace a traditional TV completely?
Yes, but with some trade-offs. The best monitor to use as TV combinations offer excellent picture quality and smart features, but they typically cost more than equivalent traditional TVs. You’ll also miss features like built-in tuners for over-the-air broadcasts, though most streaming-focused households won’t notice this limitation.
What’s the difference between monitor response time and input lag?
Response time measures how quickly pixels change colors (important for motion blur), while input lag measures the delay between receiving a signal and displaying it (crucial for gaming responsiveness). For monitor-TV use, input lag under 20ms is more important than extremely fast response times, unless you’re primarily gaming.
Do I need HDMI 2.1 for these monitors?
HDMI 2.1 is essential if you want 4K gaming at 120Hz from PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or a high-end PC. For streaming content and 60Hz gaming, HDMI 2.0 is sufficient. However, HDMI 2.1 also enables variable refresh rate and auto low-latency mode, which improve the gaming experience even at 60Hz.
Conclusion
The LG C3 OLED 48 remains our top pick for the best monitor to use as TV, combining exceptional picture quality with comprehensive smart TV features in a size that works well for both desktop and living room use. Its webOS platform eliminates the need for external streaming devices, while the OLED panel delivers the premium viewing experience that makes the higher price worthwhile.
Budget-conscious buyers should consider the TCL 43C745 QLED, which offers solid performance and Google TV functionality at half the price. For gaming enthusiasts, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43 provides the brightness and refresh rate needed for competitive play in any lighting condition.
The key is matching the monitor’s strengths to your primary use case while ensuring it can handle secondary functions competently. Whether you prioritize picture quality, gaming performance, or value, there’s a monitor-TV combination that can successfully replace your traditional television setup.