A TV and a computer monitor are both screens that may perform similar functions, but wouldn’t you want to invest in something that delivers precisely what you need? While each device can fulfill the same function, TVs and computer monitors have their specific features that set them apart.
You need to understand their differences and features to decide between the two. You also have to understand your needs and preferences to choose what matches your needs. Overall, you can find a TV and a monitor with a high-definition display, which you need for gaming and watching movies. The differences lie in the price, functionality, and size.
TVs Vs Monitors Summary:
When choosing between a TV and a monitor, it depends on what you plan to use it for. A monitor is probably all you need if you’re just looking for a general display for your home office or bedroom. But if you’re looking for a media center to replace your old TV, you might consider getting a big-screen TV. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each:
TVs:
+ Bigger screen size = better viewing experience
+ Can be used as both a television and a computer monitor
+ Often come with built-in speakers
+ Some models come with built-in DVD players or other features
– More expensive than monitors
– Can be harder to find a model with the right specs for your needs
– Some people find the picture quality on TVs to be poorer than on monitors
Monitors:
+ Easier to find a model with the right specs for your needs
+ Picture quality is usually better than on TVs
+ Some models come with built-in speakers
– Smaller screen size = worse viewing experience
– Can’t be used as a television (without an external tuner)
– No built-in features like DVD players, etc.
– Often more expensive than TVs at equal resolution
TV vs Monitor – The Debate!
Factor #1: Size
When it comes to size, TVs are, without a doubt, the winner. You can find models between 19 and 85 inches and even larger. They mostly have a 16:9 aspect ratio. On the other hand, monitors are available from 15 to 50 inches.
Media Screens
Media Screens
The limited sizes of computer monitors are simply that ordinary work desks will not have enough space for larger screens. On the other hand, TVs can be mounted directly on the wall or low boards with significantly more space.
One crucial factor when choosing based on size is the aspect ratio (the ratio between the height and width of the screen). HDTVs can be limited, offering the standard 16:9 widescreen ratio. Monitors, however, need to be more flexible and provide more variety, so narrower or wider monitors are available.
Factor #2: Ports
TVs have a significant advantage because they usually have more HDMI, VGA, USB, DVI, and coaxial ports. When needed, it can also be expanded. Monitors may have similar options, but they have fewer ports in general. However, the advantage is that it can be expandable using adaptors and bridges.
These ports (VGA, DVI, USB, and HDMI) provide most of your needs. The HDMI can connect a computer with a TV or monitor, while a USB supports devices like Chromecast. VGA and DVI are standard ports for monitors and TVs to connect to a computer.
However, TVs offer a coaxial cable and a port for an antenna, which computer monitors do not have. In this aspect, TVs are the clear winner regarding number and variety.
Factor #3: Price
Let’s face it; price is a huge factor in deciding what to buy. The good news is that you can find options for every budget. TVs can be, in general, more expensive, costing as much as $50,000. But if you do not have much money to spare, you can find them for as little as $100. On the other hand, a monitor will cost you at least a couple of hundred to a few thousand. IN the mid-range prices, you have great monitors for under $300.
The price differences lie in how big the model is and what features they offer. You might also find differences in the resolution, the type of screen, and the inputs available. There are kinds of screens, like OLED, available in TVs but not on computer monitors, which is a factor in the price difference.
If you have the cash to invest in the best model, a TV will have more options. However, if you want a fancy monitor that already offers a lot, you can expect it to be cheaper than a top-end TV.
Factor #4: Screen Resolution and Type
In a nutshell, both TVs and computer monitors have resolutions of up to 8k. The differences lie in the screen types. TVs are available in LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED, while monitors have LCD, LED, and IPS. Monitors have resolutions of 1366×768 or 1920×1080 pixels, which can match TV models’ pixel density. While both will support resolutions of up to 7680×4320, the higher the count, the more expensive it will be.
QLED is only available in TVs, which can independently light every pixel on the screen (like OLED). On the other hand, LED and LCD rely on a backlight to light up the entire screen. You can only find it in TVs if you specifically look for OLED or QLED technology.
Overall Verdict
Have you made up your mind yet on which one to buy? The choice is not easy. Are you looking for something for gaming or for watching cable or other online streaming services with the whole family? If you are just looking for something for the usual video calling and internet browsing, then you might not need the newest technology.
It is best if you know what kind of ports you need. If you have a laptop you want to connect to, start with what you have. Think about what else you want to connect and make sure all these ports are supported by the screen you buy. You also need to count exactly how many of these ports you need, so if you want to plug in a PlayStation, or a Blu-ray player, use it as a monitor for your online gaming and others, make sure you have several ports available.
If you are looking for something for the whole family to use for film nights, you know that a monitor might not be big enough for the job, so you are better off getting a nice, big-screen TV or perhaps even a projector TV!
For something that can serve different purposes, you might still find a TV more flexible and capable of meeting your needs. Plus, there are tons of brands and models to choose from based on your budget. You can get something bigger or something with a better resolution for the same price.
But if you are the type to spend hours on your computer, then a monitor is better suited for you. A larger TV can be uncomfortable for a long time, and unless you are sitting a few feet away, you do not need something too large.
TVs VS Monitors Q&A:
Why you shouldn’t use a 4K TV as a computer monitor?
4K TVs are becoming increasingly popular, but there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t use one as a computer monitor. One reason is that 4K TVs typically have a lower refresh rate than traditional monitors, so your computer’s visuals may appear choppy.
Additionally, 4K TVs often have trouble displaying smaller fonts clearly, so you may have difficulty reading text on the screen. Finally, 4K TVs usually don’t come with built-in speakers, so you’ll need to purchase external speakers if you want to use one as a monitor.
Overall, while 4K TVs have some advantages over traditional monitors, they also have some significant drawbacks that make them less than ideal for use as a computer display.
Why are monitors more expensive than TVs?
Monitors are more expensive than TVs for a variety of reasons. First, monitors generally have a higher resolution than TVs. This means that they can display more detailed images and videos.
Additionally, monitors tend to have a faster refresh rate than TVs. This means that they can display images and videos more smoothly.
Finally, monitors typically have better color reproduction than TVs. This results in more accurate and vibrant colors being displayed on the screen.
Why are 4K TVs cheaper than monitors?
Regarding televisions, 4K TVs are still relatively new to the market. Because of this, they tend to be more expensive than their 1080p counterparts. However, 4K options have been available for much longer and are therefore more affordable when it comes to monitors. In addition, 4K TVs typically have a larger screen size than monitors, which also contributes to their higher price tag.
What are the pros and cons of using a TV as a computer monitor?
There are a few pros and cons to using a TV as a computer monitor. One pro is that TVs usually have a much larger screen than most computer monitors, so you’ll be able to see more of your work at once. Additionally, the resolution on many TVs is better than on most monitors, so your visuals will be sharper.
However, there are a few potential drawbacks to using a TV. The input lag – the time it takes for the image on your screen to update after you make a change – can be higher on TVs than on monitors.
Additionally, because they’re designed for different purposes, how information is displayed on a TV (e.g., in terms of brightness and contrast) might not be ideal for working on a computer. Ultimately, whether or not using a TV as a monitor is right for you will come down to personal preference and what type of work you’ll be doing on your computer.