Way back when, if you wanted to use a TV as amonitor, you had to make an abundance of compromises – and some sacrifices. But, now that technology has advanced, you may use some of the better TVs as full-timePC displaysas long as you make a few strategic decisions. Here’s what you need to know going in, and the options you may have depending on your hardware. In many circumstances, you should be able to make the switch at no extra cost.
Best 4K TVs: High-Res heaven
OLED, Mini-LED, and QLED options from LG, Samsung, and Sony.
What you need to use a TV as a monitor
The quality of your TV matters here
The most critical requirement is a 4K TV. You can technically use a 1080p TV, but with Mac or Windows content that resolution is likely to look fuzzy or pixelated, particularly text. Many 1080p sets are also functionally outdated – they’re not going to supportHDR(high dynamic range), much less other features that would put them on par with dedicated monitors.
One of those features is support for variable refresh rates (VRR). Many cheaper TVs are limited to a fixed 60Hz, which can result in sub-par output, particularly when it comes to PC games. The higher the refresh rate, the better, and VRR allows a TV to scale up or down to match onscreen content, just like a monitor. Strictly speaking, you don’t need VRR, but it’s always preferable. You should be hunting for it if you’re TV shopping.
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Another feature you’ll want is minimal response time. OLED TVs tend to be far superior in this area, yet you may be alright with an LCD or mini-LED TV as long as there’s a “game mode” you can use. Poor response times result in ghosting effects, which are distracting for anything on a computer that involves motion.
Finally, you’ll want a TV with low input lag – below 20 milliseconds at a minimum. TheLG C3TV, for example, has low input lag. High input lag probably isn’t a big concern if you’re web browsing or working in Google Docs, but it could be irritating for anything more intense.
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How to turn your TV into a monitor
You’ve got two avenues here. Note that only the first one is particularly suitable for gaming and other activities that demand instant feedback.
Using an HDMI cable
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Many modern PCs can handle basic 4K output, but might struggle with gaming at that resolution if they don’t have a dedicated GPU from AMD or Nvidia.
You should be good to go, but remember that resolutions, refresh rates, and frame rates are also dependent on your computer’s GPU (graphics processor). Many modern PCs can handle basic 4K output, but might struggle with gaming at that resolution if they don’t have a dedicated GPU from AMD or Nvidia.
Using wireless casting
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Q: Can I use wireless casting for gaming?
It’s a bad idea for anything but puzzle or turn-based games. Wireless connections introduce extra latency on top of input lag and image response times.
Q: What size should I choose for a TV doubling as a monitor?
At a desk, probably the smallest 4K TV you can find that meets essential specs. Even a 40-inch set is going to feel gigantic from a couple of feet away. If you’re setting your PC up in the living room, there’s no limit on screen size.
