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TV vs Monitor for Gaming: Key Differences and How to Choose

BenQ
2025/04/24


More and more console gamers have made the switch to a dedicated gaming monitor to pair with their PS5 to take advantage of what once were exclusive PC gaming features. TVs have te upper hand in terms of size and, depending on the technology, image quality. However, gamers have prioritized the fast, smooth, and responsive gaming experience that only monitors provide. This guide dives deep into the key differences and helps you decide which display suits your needs.

A good monitor for amazing gaming experience
Table of Contents

Key Differences Between TVs and Monitors for Gaming

1. Viewing Distance and Pixel Density

Although TVs and monitors often differ in size and aspect ratio, their display performance also varies significantly! Typically, the PPI (pixels per inch) density of a TV is lower than that of a monitor. This means that while TVs are ideal for long-distance viewing where pixelation is less noticeable, they tend to reveal their coarser image quality when viewed up close, making them unsuitable for close-distance use.

 

In contrast, a 27-inch 4K monitor has a much higher PPI than a TV. Higher pixel density ensures that the enhanced resolution delivers a noticeably sharper and more detailed image.

 

2. Response Time

Another spec that is worth paying attention to is response time. Also measured in milliseconds, it refers to how fast pixels on the display switch from one color to another.  Faster response times result in better viewing experiences during fast-paced scenes, while slower response times can result in ghosting or blurring of the image. 

 

Response time relates closely to the type of panel technology used in displays: twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA), and in-plane switching (IPS). While you do not need to understand their technical differences, it is worth mentioning their pros and cons for gamers. TN panels tend to have the best response times while trading off picture quality. IPS panels are the opposite with great colors and viewing angles but slower response. VA panels offer the best of both worlds with good response times and color reproduction.

Faster response time with clear image and with no image smearing

Faster response times will give you smooth flowing images and prevent blurring and ghosting.

Overall, modern TVs have much higher response times than monitors, which might result in ghosting and worse picture quality. Casual gamers are happy with a response time of about 10 milliseconds, while competitive and professional gamers usually target something closer to 1 millisecond. Be sure to checkout the BenQ.

3. Refresh Rate and Adaptive Sync

The third aspect that is different between monitors and TVs is the refresh rate. Televisions typically change the image on the screen 60 times every second, generally referred to as a 60Hz refresh rate.

 

Because most consoles were initially designed for TV usage, the refresh rate used to be a less critical factor. However, Xbox received an update in 2018 that allows it to work at up to 120Hz, taking advantage of a monitor’s capability to run at refresh rates higher than 60 frames per second (FPS).

monitors have a higher refresh rate so no blurry images and tearing. TV only has lower refresh rate

A 144Hz gming monitor can display more than double the frames per second compared to a traditional 60Hz monitor.

Additionally, Xbox supports a feature usually reserved for PC gaming called variable refresh rate, also called as VRR. This technology, commonly found in the form of AMD FreeSync (or NVIDIA’s proprietary G-Sync), allows the video source and monitor to communicate and dynamically match the FPS of the source to the refresh rate of the display for smooth and tear-free gaming. Gaming monitors like the BenQ support AMD FreeSync and a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming free of screen tearing.

 

For refresh rate further detailed information may refer this article: https://www.benq.com/en-us/knowledge-center/knowledge/240hz-monitor.html

monitors have a higher refresh rate so no blurry images and tearing. TV only has lower refresh rate

The Differences Between Freesync On and Off

4. Input Lag

One of the main advantages of playing console games on a monitor instead of a TV is the improved input lag, which is the time it takes for the signal received by the display to be processed and shown on the screen. TVs tend to rely heavily on filters that improve image quality when watching TV, like noise reduction and upscaling, but this takes extra time and translates into input lag. However, none of these features are desirable when playing console games, as the console and game engine. Any added processing on the TV side simply adds latency.  

 

Lag or latency slows down your gaming experience with a noticeable delay between button presses and actions seen on the screen. Monitors, on the other hand, do not suffer from severe input lag. They take the digital signal from the console and directly send it to the screen without much processing, providing a quick visual response to button presses on your controller. While some TVs have a Game Mode which can reduce lag from 60 milliseconds to around 20, it is still very far from a monitor’s benchmark of 10 milliseconds.

 

However, if you are into competitive gaming or want the best performance, a monitor offers the most noticeable improvement over traditional TVs. The rule is: the lower the input lag, the better, which is especially true for fast-paced games like shooters.

And here's the quick view for TV vs Monitor:

Feature

TV

Monitor

Feature

Viewing Distance and Pixel Density

TV

Suitable for long-distance viewing

Monitor

Ideal for close-distance viewing)

Feature

Response Time

TV

Slow 

Monitor

Fast

Feature

Refresh Rate 

TV

Low

Monitor

High

Feature

Input Lag

TV

High

Monitor

Low

Gaming Scenarios: Which Display Fits Your Needs?

1. Console Gaming on a Couch

TVs shine in living room setups, offering a cinematic gaming experience with their large screens and vibrant visuals. They’re perfect for multiplayer gaming or immersive story-driven games played from a distance.

Console gaming on a couch

2. PC Gaming at a Desk

Monitors are the go-to choice for PC gamers who need precise control and responsiveness. Their compact design and higher refresh rates make them ideal for desk setups, especially for first-person shooters and real-time strategy games.

PC Gaming on a Desk

3. Hybrid Gaming Setup

TVs shine in living room setups, offering a cinematic gaming experience with their large screens and vibrant visuals. They’re perfect for multiplayer gaming or immersive story-driven games played from a distance.

PC Gaming on a Desk

Here's the table to check which scenario fits you the most:

Best Choice

Scenario

Description

Best Choice

TV

Scenario

Console Gaming on a Couch

Description

Offering a cinematic experience with large screens and vibrant visuals. Perfect for multiplayer or story-driven games.

Best Choice

Monitor

Scenario

PC Gaming at a Desk

Description

Monitors provide precise control, higher refresh rates, and compact designs, making them ideal for FPS and strategy games in desk setups.

Best Choice

TV + Monitor 

Scenario

TV + Monitor Hybrid Gaming Setup

Description

for versatility—use the monitor for competitive gaming and the TV for casual or shared gaming experiences.

Final Verdict: TV or Monitor for Gaming?

Choosing between a TV and a monitor for gaming boils down to how you game and where. TVs are the go-to for cinematic, couch-based experiences and casual gaming, offering large screens and vibrant visuals. On the other hand, monitors cater to competitive gamers with their fast response times, high refresh rates, and superior pixel density. For the best of both worlds, a hybrid setup may be the answer. No matter your choice, understanding your needs and priorities will ensure you pick the perfect display to elevate your gaming experience. 

Why MOBIUZ Monitors?

Visuals of course determine just how much you enjoy gaming, and added features that optimize visuals make a big difference. MOBIUZ monitors feature Light Tuner and HDRi to enhance details and create a smart HDR effect that adjusts to game visuals and ambient conditions. With those, PS5 graphics look much better than baseline.

 

Light Tuner is a custom BenQ technology that ensures contrast and brightness are balanced, and thus prevents detail washout or crush in bright and dark areas of the screen. This is especially helpful when looking for hidden enemies!

 

HDRi technology further auto adjusts screen brightness and color temperature based on visuals at any given time and ambient light conditions in your room. It creates a smart and reactive HDR effect that makes game graphics much bolder and more life-like, while reducing eye strain and fatigue to make extended gaming sessions far more comfortable.

 

On the audio front, MOBIUZ monitors feature powerful dual speakers and a custom subwoofer for realistic 2.1 channel sound in all your games. Select models even have an AI noise canceling microphone built in, so if you don’t want to use a headset, we’ve got you covered for audio and chat. With great sound already on the monitor, including an AI noise-cancelling microphone, you don’t need to invest in external speakers or headphones unless you want to! 

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