When choosing the right screen for your needs, two alternatives are available: PC monitors and traditional TVs. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, which you need to consider before purchasing.

Regarding the similarities, monitors and TVs, have much in common. Their primary function is similar; for instance, screens display content from desktops, consoles, and video boxes. Under the hood, they share identical connectivity ports, including HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, etc. So, when you're picking something to attach to your Xbox or PlayStation 5, you can choose either a PC monitor or a TV. 

Likewise, a TV and monitor may also come equipped with similar display technologies such as LCD, OLED, LED, or QLED. In addition, both support similar display resolutions such as standard, Full HD (1920 x 1080) or 4K (3840 x 2160) and refresh rates including 60 Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz.

However, despite their significant similarities, these displays serve different purposes, and some key differences can result in a monitor outperforming a television and vice versa, depending on the type of activity.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how these two devices are more alike than they are different and how these similarities can affect your decision-making process.

Let's briefly discuss the similarities between a computer monitor and a television!

Screen Size 

Screen size is everyone's primary consideration for buying a monitor or a TV. Both PC monitors and traditional Televisions come in sizes ranging from 13 to 34 inches or higher. That means you have a vast selection according to your needs and budget.  

Whether you are looking for a compact form factor to style your small desk or a more significant screen real estate for an immersive gaming or multimedia experience, you can find similar sizes of monitors and TVs.  

Display Technology  

Display technology brings the image to a visual form and determines the quality of the image on the screen. Multiple display technologies are incorporated in TVs, computer monitors, smartphones, or AR/VR headsets.  

Both PC monitors and TV panels may come designed with similar display technologies, including LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), LED (Light Emitting Diode), and QLED (Quantum Dot LED).  

Screen Resolution & Refresh Rates  

Resolution is another factor used to describe the sharpness and clarity of an image and is commonly calculated on the number of pixels displayed on the image. Television and monitors are available in three resolutions ranging from HD, FHD, or 4K UHD; however, the QHD resolution of 2560x1440 pixels is frequently overlooked.  

Refresh rates, however, is a term used to determine how many times per second the display can refresh itself. Many monitors and televisions support almost identical refresh rates from 60Hz or 240Hz or between. On the other hand, some high-end gaming monitors can offer refresh rates of 360Hz or greater, which is excellent for content creation and gaming. 

HDR & Image Quality 

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a type of technology that improves the brightness and adds more richness and clarity to the colours you see on the screen. When selecting a 4K monitor, be sure it supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), as this feature elevates the image quality by offering brighter and more colourful graphics for HDR-compatible content.  

While HDR has become a standard feature for PC monitors in terms of technology and available content, it's worth mentioning that HDR TVs are also available on the market.  

Connectivity Options  

I/O Ports are something we need to connect to an external device or accessories for data sharing and charging. The monitors and standard TVs share input interfaces such as USB C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA, allowing you to attach numerous external devices such as PCs, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, etc. 

How Computer Monitors and TV Screens Differ? 

While the technology that powers televisions and computer monitors is standard, many things distinguish both devices; you can use them interchangeably. Still, you may run into pitfalls if you use one for a task for which the other was intended.

An average user can ignore these pitfalls, but it might significantly impact creative professionals and hardcore gamers. Here are some key differences between the two. 

  • Response Times 

     

Response time is when a pixel changes its colour on the screen. TV manufacturers typically skip this feature from the specs list, so you must do some digging. When both devices' response times are compared, IPS panel TVs with response times of roughly 15ms exhibit increased ghosting and trailing of the fast-moving images.

On the other hand, an average monitor with an IPS panel has a response time of about 5ms, up to three times faster than that of a TV. 

  • Colour Reproduction 

Monitors are equipped with more advanced features and technologies that produce more accurate screen colour. While the features on the TVs are optimised for the shows and movies. This can distort the colours and reduce the quality of the image in creative tasks.  

  • Adaptive Sync Technologies 

     

Adaptive Sync technologies are incorporated into the devices to minimise the flickering and screen tearing during high-end applications. Only PC monitors support adaptive Sync technology such as Nvidia G-Sync or AMD Free-Sync.  

These technologies only function with the graphic cards and provide dynamic frame rates, which reduce screen shuttering and visual tearing. However, standard TVs lack this support and cannot work the same.  

What to Choose Between a TV or a PC Monitor? 

Both computer monitors and televisions provide the best possible output and picture to a certain extent. However, to select the right one for your work, you'll need to familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of each type of display. 

A PC monitor is the best choice if you intend to use your display with a desktop PC or a laptop or if you're a dedicated user who wants the high-resolution, best screen response, refresh rates, and precise image quality for tasks, including graphic design, office work or competitive gaming, and you have limited space. 

You can use a television but will not be able to get the same level of fluidity and clarity. In another case, a TV might be the better bet if you want something to watch your favourite shows, Netflix series or play console games.

TVs are designed for larger, more immersive, and engaging viewing experiences.

Lastly, no matter what you choose your needs, all you have to remember is that there is a diverse range of models available in these two categories, and the technologies on these models are changing or evolving from time to time.

TVs are getting more efficient at being monitors, and monitors are getting better at being TVs, so we recommend you check each product's features and specifications.

To explore a considerable collection of cutting-edge PC monitors, visit the Laptop Outlet. From sleek finishes to premium quality, the latest technologies, to affordable prices, there is something for everyone!