Imagine this: you’re deep into a video game, the action is intense, and then you notice it – the colors aren’t quite right, or maybe the text looks a little blurry. Or perhaps you’re trying to watch your favorite show on your computer, but the picture just isn’t as sharp as you’d like. It can be frustrating when your screen doesn’t do your content justice. That’s where the idea of using a TV as a computer monitor comes in, but figuring out which one is best can feel like a puzzle.
Many people wonder if they can get the best of both worlds: the immersive experience of a TV and the practical display of a computer. But with so many TVs on the market, each with different features and price tags, choosing the right one for your computer can be confusing. You might worry about things like picture quality, how easy it is to connect, or if it will even work properly with your computer. This can lead to wasted time and money if you pick the wrong one.
But don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for. We’ll break down the important things to consider, like screen size, resolution, and connectivity, so you can confidently choose a TV that will make your computer games pop and your movies look amazing. Get ready to transform your computer setup into a more vibrant and enjoyable experience.
Our Top 5 Tv For Computer Monitor Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tv For Computer Monitor Detailed Reviews
1. SAMSUNG 27-Inch M5 (M50D) Series FHD Smart Monitor with Streaming TV
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the SAMSUNG 27-Inch M5 (M50D) Series FHD Smart Monitor. This monitor does more than just display your computer. It’s a smart hub for entertainment, work, and even fitness. It fits perfectly into small spaces or acts as a second TV. This 2024 model, LS27DM500ENXGO, offers a lot for its size.
What We Like:
- Access tons of streaming shows and live TV channels without extra devices. Samsung TV Plus offers free content.
- Play popular games directly from the monitor using the Gaming Hub. No PC or console is needed.
- Work on your PC from the monitor or use built-in apps like Microsoft 365. This simplifies your setup.
- Control multiple devices, including Galaxy phones and tablets, with just one mouse and keyboard.
- Easily connect your devices with HDMI and USB-A ports. Charge devices or create a multi-screen setup.
- Manage your smart home devices easily with a 3D Map View. See energy use and save money.
- Track your workouts by pairing a Galaxy Watch. See your health data while streaming.
- Includes helpful tools for users with low vision, like screen magnification and color adjustments.
What Could Be Improved:
- The HDR10 support is basic and might not satisfy serious HDR enthusiasts.
- While it has speakers, they are likely not powerful enough for immersive audio experiences.
This SAMSUNG Smart Monitor is a versatile all-in-one solution. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to simplify their tech setup and enjoy a variety of features.
2. Philips New 24 inch Frameless Full HD (1920 x 1080) 100Hz Monitor
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Philips 241V8LB, a 24-inch frameless monitor that brings your digital world to life. This monitor offers a clear picture for all your tasks. Its stylish design fits into any workspace. You get sharp images and smooth visuals for work and play.
What We Like:
- Crisp Full HD visuals (1920×1080) make everything look sharp and clear.
- The VA panel delivers amazing contrast with bright whites and deep blacks for true-to-life colors.
- An extra-wide viewing angle means colors stay consistent no matter where you sit.
- The nearly bezel-free design on three sides makes the screen feel bigger and looks sleek.
- It’s perfect for setting up multiple monitors for better multitasking.
- EasyRead mode makes reading long documents more comfortable, like reading from paper.
- A 4-year advance replacement warranty gives you great peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has HDMI and VGA, more modern ports like DisplayPort would be a plus for some users.
- The 100Hz refresh rate is good, but serious gamers might want something even higher.
This Philips monitor is a solid choice for anyone looking for a clear, comfortable, and stylish display. Its thoughtful features enhance both work and entertainment.
3. SAMSUNG 32-Inch Flat Computer Monitor
Rating: 9.3/10
The SAMSUNG 32-Inch Flat Computer Monitor (LS32B304NWNXGO, 2024) is a fantastic choice for both work and play. Its large, borderless screen offers a super immersive experience. Whether you’re working on a big project or diving into your favorite game, this monitor makes everything look amazing.
What We Like:
- The three-sided borderless display looks really modern and clean. It’s great for using multiple monitors because the screens line up perfectly with almost no gap.
- AMD FreeSync stops games and movies from looking choppy. It makes fast action scenes super smooth and clear, so you won’t miss a thing.
- With a 75Hz refresh rate, every image on the screen moves smoothly. This means no lagging or blurry pictures, even when things are happening fast.
- Game Mode makes games look even better. You can see enemies hiding in the dark more easily thanks to brighter colors and better contrast.
- The Advanced Eye Care technology is a big help for your eyes. Flicker Free stops annoying screen flickering, and Eye Saver Mode cuts down on blue light, making long computer sessions more comfortable.
- It has both HDMI and DisplayPort, giving you flexible options for connecting your devices.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for most users, those needing extremely high refresh rates for competitive gaming might want a monitor with a higher spec.
- The 32-inch size, while immersive, might be too large for very small desk spaces.
This SAMSUNG monitor is a great all-around performer. It offers a stunning visual experience and features that protect your eyes, making it a smart buy for most users.
4. Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for a more engaging experience with the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor. This 2024 model, the LS27D366GANXZA, is designed to make your games, movies, and work look and feel better. Its curved screen pulls you into the action, making everything seem bigger and more real. Plus, it helps you see more without getting distracted by things around you.
What We Like:
- The curved screen makes everything more immersive. It feels like you’re right there in the game or movie.
- You get smooth action thanks to the 100Hz refresh rate. This means less blur and lag when things move fast.
- Game Mode helps you see enemies better in dark scenes. It makes colors pop and contrast sharper.
- It’s easy on your eyes. The screen reduces blue light and flickering, so you can use it for longer without feeling tired.
- You can connect many devices easily. It adds flexibility to your setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has HDMI, it might not have the latest ports for some newer devices.
- The 1800R curve is good, but some users might prefer a more aggressive curve for even deeper immersion.
This Samsung monitor offers a great blend of immersive visuals and comfortable viewing. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their screen for gaming, entertainment, or productivity.
5. SAMSUNG 34″ ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-WQHD Monitor
Rating: 9.0/10
The SAMSUNG 34″ ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-WQHD Monitor is a large, modern screen designed for both work and play. Its wide display and sharp picture make it easy to see everything you need. This monitor offers a smooth visual experience, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or just browsing.
What We Like:
- The 21:9 aspect ratio gives you tons of space to work on. You can easily do many things at once on this one screen.
- It shows over a billion colors with HDR10, making pictures look super realistic with bright brights and dark darks.
- Eye Care technology helps protect your eyes. An automatic brightness adjustment and a mode to reduce blue light make it comfortable to use for long periods.
- The 100Hz refresh rate makes everything look smooth. This means less blur when you’re moving fast in games or watching videos.
- AMD FreeSync keeps your games and videos from looking choppy. It syncs the monitor with your computer for a smooth picture.
- You can connect two devices at once and see them side-by-side or in a small window. This is great for comparing work or watching something while you do something else.
- The nearly borderless design looks sleek. It makes the screen feel even bigger and is perfect if you want to use two monitors together.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5ms response time, while good for general use, might be a little slow for very competitive, fast-paced gaming.
- While it has HDR10, it’s not a top-tier HDR experience compared to more expensive professional monitors.
This Samsung monitor is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants more screen space and a better viewing experience. It balances productivity features with smooth visuals for entertainment.
Your New Best Friend: Choosing a TV as a Computer Monitor
You want a bigger screen for your computer. Maybe you love gaming, watching movies, or just need more space for your work. A TV can be a great option! It gives you a large display without costing as much as a huge computer monitor. This guide will help you find the perfect TV to use with your computer.
Key Features to Look For
1. Resolution: How Clear is the Picture?
Resolution tells you how many tiny dots (pixels) make up the picture. More pixels mean a sharper, clearer image. For computer use, you want at least Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). But 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) is even better. It makes text crisp and images look amazing. Higher resolution means you can see more detail.
2. Refresh Rate: How Smooth is the Motion?
Refresh rate is how many times the screen updates the image each second. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate makes fast-moving things, like games or sports, look smoother. For gaming, look for 60Hz or higher. Some TVs offer 120Hz, which is super smooth!
3. Input Lag: How Quickly Does it Respond?
Input lag is the delay between when you press a button on your keyboard or mouse and when you see the action on the screen. Low input lag is crucial for gaming. You want a TV with low input lag so your actions feel instant. Check reviews for “input lag” numbers, aiming for under 20ms.
4. Screen Size: How Big Do You Want It?
TVs come in many sizes. For a computer monitor, 27 inches and up is a good start. Many people like 32 inches or even 43 inches for an immersive experience. Think about how much space you have on your desk and how close you will sit.
5. Panel Type: What Makes the Colors Pop?
There are different types of panels.
- LED: Most common and affordable.
- QLED: Uses quantum dots for brighter colors and better contrast.
- OLED: Offers the best contrast and deepest blacks.
For computer use, QLED and OLED provide a more vibrant and realistic picture.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Most TV screens are made of glass. The frame around the screen is usually plastic. A sturdy stand is important so your TV doesn’t wobble. Some TVs have thin bezels (the border around the screen), which looks modern and lets you see more of the picture. Good build quality means your TV will last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): Makes colors brighter and darker areas more detailed.
- Good Viewing Angles: You can see the picture clearly even if you’re not directly in front of it.
- Smart TV Features: Built-in apps for streaming can be a bonus, but you might not need them if you only use it for your computer.
- Connectivity: Plenty of HDMI ports are useful for connecting different devices.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Screen Glare: Shiny screens can reflect light from windows or lamps, making it hard to see. Look for TVs with anti-glare coatings.
- Poor Color Accuracy: Some cheaper TVs don’t show colors as they should.
- Backlight Bleed: This happens when light leaks through the edges of the screen, especially on dark images.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a TV as a computer monitor offers a fantastic user experience for many tasks. Gamers enjoy the large screen for more immersive gameplay. Movie lovers get a cinema-like feel right at their desk. For productivity, a big screen lets you open more windows at once, making multitasking easier. You can spread out your work or have research open next to your writing.
However, remember that TVs are designed to be watched from a distance. Text might not be as sharp up close as on a dedicated computer monitor, especially at lower resolutions. You might need to adjust the display settings on your computer to make text clearer.
When choosing, think about what you do most on your computer. If gaming is your top priority, focus on refresh rate and input lag. If you watch a lot of movies, picture quality like HDR and panel type will matter more. With this guide, you’re ready to find a TV that doubles as a brilliant computer monitor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I really use any TV as a computer monitor?
A: Yes, most modern TVs can be used as computer monitors. You just need to connect them using an HDMI cable.
Q: What’s the best resolution for a TV computer monitor?
A: 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) is the best for sharpness and detail. Full HD (1920 x 1080) is okay, but 4K is much better.
Q: How important is refresh rate for computer use?
A: It’s very important for smooth motion, especially for gaming and watching videos. Look for 60Hz or higher.
Q: What is input lag and why does it matter?
A: Input lag is the delay between your action and what you see on screen. Low input lag is crucial for responsive gaming.
Q: Is a bigger screen always better?
A: Not always. Consider your desk space and how close you’ll sit. Too big can be overwhelming.
Q: What’s the difference between QLED and OLED?
A: QLED uses special dots for bright colors. OLED has perfect blacks and amazing contrast. Both are great choices.
Q: Will text look blurry on a TV monitor?
A: It can sometimes, especially on lower resolutions or if you sit too close. Adjusting your computer’s display settings can help.
Q: Do I need a smart TV for my computer?
A: No, you don’t need smart features. They are a bonus if you want to stream directly to the TV, but not necessary for computer use.
Q: How do I connect a TV to my computer?
A: You will use an HDMI cable. Most computers and TVs have HDMI ports.
Q: Are there any downsides to using a TV as a monitor?
A: Yes, some TVs can have glare, and text might not be as sharp up close as a dedicated monitor. Input lag can also be an issue on some models.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!