Gaming Monitor vs TV: Which Is Better for Gaming in 2025?
Complete comparison of gaming monitors vs TVs for PC and console gaming. Covers input lag, response time, features, sizes, and expert recommendations for every gaming setup.
Gaming Monitor vs TV: The Definitive Gaming Display Comparison 2025
Choosing between a gaming monitor and a TV is one of the most important decisions for your gaming setup. While modern TVs have made significant strides in gaming performance, dedicated gaming monitors still offer distinct advantages. This comprehensive guide analyzes input lag, response time, refresh rates, HDR performance, and practical considerations to help you make the right choice for PC gaming, console gaming, or both.
Quick Answer: Gaming monitors are superior for competitive PC gaming (better response time, higher refresh rates, lower input lag). Modern gaming TVs (OLED/QLED) are excellent for console gaming and single-player experiences (bigger screen, better HDR, more immersive). For mixed use (movies + gaming + productivity), a high-quality gaming TV offers the best versatility. Budget and use case determine the optimal choice.
Key Differences Overview
Gaming Monitor Characteristics
Typical Specifications:
- Screen Size: 24-32 inches (some 34-49" ultrawides)
- Response Time: 1-4ms (G2G)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz-360Hz (some 500Hz)
- Input Lag: 1-5ms at 60Hz, <1ms at high refresh
- Resolution: 1080p, 1440p, 4K
- Display Tech: IPS, TN, VA, OLED (rare)
- Price Range: $200-1500
Primary Strengths:
- Extremely low input lag
- Fast response times (minimal motion blur)
- High refresh rates for competitive gaming
- Optimized for close viewing (desk setup)
- DisplayPort connectivity for PC
- Lower input latency at all refresh rates
Gaming TV Characteristics
Typical Specifications:
- Screen Size: 42-85 inches (some 32-43" available)
- Response Time: 5-15ms (G2G), OLED: 0.1ms
- Refresh Rate: 60-120Hz (rare 144Hz)
- Input Lag: 5-15ms in Game Mode
- Resolution: 4K (3840×2160), some 8K
- Display Tech: OLED, QLED, Mini-LED, LED
- Price Range: $400-3000+
Primary Strengths:
- Much larger screen sizes
- Superior HDR performance (OLED/Mini-LED)
- Better for couch gaming (living room setup)
- Built-in smart features and streaming apps
- HDMI 2.1 for consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X)
- Better speakers and audio systems
- Excellent for mixed media consumption
Input Lag Comparison
What Is Input Lag?
Definition: The time delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. Critical for competitive gaming and fast-paced games.
Acceptable Thresholds:
- <10ms: Excellent (competitive gaming)
- 10-20ms: Good (most gaming)
- 20-30ms: Acceptable (casual gaming)
- 30ms+: Noticeable lag (poor for gaming)
Input Lag Reality (2025)
Gaming Monitors:
| Category | Input Lag @60Hz | Input Lag @144Hz | Input Lag @240Hz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Gaming (TN/IPS) | 3-5ms | 1-2ms | <1ms |
| Mid-Range Gaming | 2-4ms | 1ms | <1ms |
| High-End Gaming | 1-3ms | <1ms | <1ms |
Gaming TVs:
| TV Type | Input Lag @60Hz | Input Lag @120Hz | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget LED TV | 20-40ms | N/A | Poor for gaming |
| Mid-Range QLED | 10-15ms | 5-10ms | Acceptable |
| High-End QLED/Mini-LED | 5-10ms | 3-5ms | Good for gaming |
| LG OLED (C3/G3) | 5-6ms | 3-4ms | Excellent for TV |
| Sony OLED (A95K) | 8-10ms | 5-6ms | Good for TV |
| Samsung OLED (S95C) | 5-6ms | 3-4ms | Excellent for TV |
Key Takeaway: Best gaming monitors have 1-3ms input lag. Best gaming TVs have 5-10ms input lag. The 4-7ms difference is noticeable in competitive gaming but negligible in single-player games.
Response Time and Motion Clarity
Response Time Explained
Gray-to-Gray (G2G): Time for pixel to change from one shade of gray to another. Affects motion blur and ghosting.
Response Time by Technology:
| Display Type | Response Time | Motion Blur | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TN Panel (Monitor) | 0.5-1ms | Minimal | Competitive FPS |
| Fast IPS (Monitor) | 1-2ms | Very Low | Balanced gaming |
| Standard IPS (Monitor) | 3-5ms | Low | General gaming |
| VA Panel (Monitor) | 4-8ms | Moderate | Immersive gaming |
| LED TV (60Hz) | 10-20ms | High | Casual gaming |
| QLED TV (120Hz) | 6-10ms | Moderate | Console gaming |
| OLED Monitor | 0.1ms | None | Premium PC gaming |
| OLED TV | 0.1ms | None | Premium console gaming |
Practical Impact:
- Competitive FPS (CS2, Valorant): 1-2ms response essential → Gaming monitor wins
- Fast-Paced Action (Apex, COD): 3-5ms acceptable → Both work
- Single-Player Games (RDR2, Cyberpunk): 5-10ms fine → TV works great
- Racing Games: <5ms preferred → Gaming monitor or OLED TV
- Fighting Games: <3ms critical → Gaming monitor wins
Related Guide: Confused about panel types and response times? Read our IPS vs TN vs VA Gaming comparison.
Refresh Rate Analysis
Refresh Rate Capabilities
Gaming Monitors:
- Entry: 144Hz (1080p/1440p) - $200-350
- Mid-Range: 165-180Hz (1440p) - $350-600
- High-End: 240-280Hz (1080p/1440p) - $600-900
- Extreme: 360-500Hz (1080p) - $800-1500
- 4K Options: 144-160Hz - $600-1200
Gaming TVs:
- Standard: 60Hz (4K) - $300-700
- Gaming: 120Hz (4K) - $700-2000
- Premium: 144Hz (4K, rare) - $1500-3000
- Note: Most TVs are 60Hz or 120Hz maximum
High Refresh Rate Benefits
144Hz vs 60Hz Impact:
- Competitive Advantage: 144Hz shows 2.4× more frames
- Motion Smoothness: Dramatically smoother gameplay
- Input Feel: More responsive controls
- Target Tracking: Easier to track fast-moving targets
- Eye Strain: Less eye fatigue in extended gaming
240Hz+ Benefits:
- Diminishing returns for most players
- Mainly beneficial for elite competitive players
- Requires powerful GPU (RTX 4070+)
- Only available on gaming monitors
Console Limitation: PS5 and Xbox Series X max out at 120Hz, making high-refresh monitors (240Hz+) unnecessary for console gaming.
Refresh Rate Guide: Want to know if 240Hz is worth it? Check our 144Hz vs 240Hz Gaming analysis.
HDR Performance
HDR Capabilities Comparison
HDR Standards:
- HDR10: Basic HDR standard
- HDR10+: Dynamic metadata (better than HDR10)
- Dolby Vision: Premium HDR with dynamic metadata
- HLG: Broadcast HDR standard
Gaming Monitor HDR:
| Monitor Type | HDR Standard | Peak Brightness | Local Dimming | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Monitor | HDR400 | 300-400 nits | None | ❌ Fake HDR |
| Mid-Range IPS | HDR600 | 400-600 nits | Edge-lit | ⚠️ Mediocre |
| High-End Mini-LED | HDR1000/1400 | 1000-1400 nits | 512-1152 zones | ✅ Good |
| OLED Monitor | True HDR | 400-1000 nits | Per-pixel | ✅ Excellent |
Gaming TV HDR:
| TV Type | HDR Standard | Peak Brightness | Local Dimming | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget LED TV | HDR10 | 300-400 nits | None/Edge | ❌ Fake HDR |
| Mid-Range QLED | HDR10+ | 600-800 nits | FALD 50-100 | ⚠️ Decent |
| High-End QLED | HDR10+/DV | 1000-2000 nits | FALD 200+ | ✅ Very Good |
| Mini-LED TV | HDR10+/DV | 1500-3000 nits | 1000+ zones | ✅ Excellent |
| OLED TV | HDR10/DV | 800-1500 nits | Per-pixel | ✅ Best |
HDR Verdict: High-end gaming TVs (OLED, Mini-LED) deliver vastly superior HDR compared to most gaming monitors. For HDR gaming, TVs are the clear winner unless you buy a premium OLED or Mini-LED monitor.
Screen Size Considerations
Optimal Viewing Distance
Gaming Monitor (Desk Setup):
- 24" (1080p): 60-80cm viewing distance
- 27" (1440p): 70-90cm viewing distance
- 32" (1440p/4K): 80-100cm viewing distance
- 34" Ultrawide: 80-100cm viewing distance
Gaming TV (Couch Setup):
- 43-50": 1.5-2.5m viewing distance
- 55-65": 2-3m viewing distance
- 75-85": 2.5-4m viewing distance
Field of View (FOV):
| Screen Size | Viewing Distance | FOV | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27" Monitor | 75cm | ~40° | Optimal for competitive |
| 32" Monitor | 90cm | ~40° | Balanced |
| 43" TV | 1.5m | ~35° | Immersive but manageable |
| 55" TV | 2m | ~35° | Very immersive |
| 65" TV | 2.5m | ~35° | Extremely immersive |
| 85" TV | 3m | ~35° | Cinema-like |
Competitive Gaming: Smaller screens (24-27") better for tracking entire screen at once Immersive Gaming: Larger screens (43"+) better for single-player experiences
Size Guide: Need help choosing the right monitor size? Read our Gaming Monitor Size Guide.
PC Gaming: Monitor vs TV
Competitive PC Gaming
Gaming Monitor Advantages: ✅ Higher refresh rates (240-360Hz) ✅ Lower input lag (1-3ms) ✅ Faster response times (1-2ms) ✅ Optimized desk setup ✅ DisplayPort connectivity ✅ Multiple monitor setups easier ✅ Lower GPU requirements (1080p/1440p)
Why TV Struggles: ❌ Limited to 120Hz maximum ❌ Higher input lag (5-10ms) ❌ Worse for competitive advantage ❌ Too large for desk viewing ❌ Requires more GPU power (4K)
Verdict: For competitive PC gaming (CS2, Valorant, Apex, LOL, Dota 2), gaming monitors are objectively superior. No serious competitive PC gamer uses a TV.
Single-Player PC Gaming
Gaming TV Advantages: ✅ Larger, more immersive screen ✅ Better HDR for cinematic games ✅ Superior image quality (OLED) ✅ Better for controller gaming (couch) ✅ Great for story-driven AAA games ✅ Mixed use (movies, shows)
Gaming Monitor Advantages: ✅ Better for mouse + keyboard ✅ Desktop-friendly size ✅ Lower GPU requirements ✅ Better productivity integration
Verdict: For single-player PC gaming (Cyberpunk, Witcher, RDR2), either works well. Choice depends on preferred gaming position (desk vs couch) and GPU power.
Console Gaming: Monitor vs TV
PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X
Console Specifications:
- Maximum refresh rate: 120Hz (select games)
- Resolution: 4K (3840×2160)
- HDR: HDR10 supported
- VRR: Variable Refresh Rate supported
- Connectivity: HDMI 2.1
Gaming TV Advantages for Consoles: ✅ Designed for living room couch gaming ✅ Larger screens (55-85") more immersive ✅ Superior HDR (especially OLED/Mini-LED) ✅ Better built-in audio ✅ HDMI 2.1 standard (4K 120Hz) ✅ Mixed use (streaming, movies) ✅ Natural controller gaming position
Gaming Monitor Advantages for Consoles: ✅ Lower input lag (competitive advantage) ✅ Faster response times ✅ Better for competitive console FPS ✅ Smaller footprint (bedroom/desk setup) ✅ Lower cost for similar specs
Recommended by Use Case:
| Gaming Style | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive MP (Warzone, Fortnite) | 27" Gaming Monitor (1440p 144Hz) | Lower lag, faster response |
| Story Games (GOW, Horizon) | 55-65" OLED TV | Immersion, HDR, comfort |
| Racing Games | 32" Monitor or 48" OLED TV | Either works great |
| Fighting Games | 24-27" Monitor | Response time critical |
| Mixed Casual Gaming | 55" Gaming TV | Versatility, living room |
Verdict: For competitive console gaming, monitors offer an edge. For immersive single-player console gaming, TVs provide better experience. Most console gamers prefer TVs for the living room experience.
Features and Connectivity
Monitor Features
Standard Features:
- DisplayPort 1.4 (PC gaming)
- HDMI 2.0/2.1 (console compatibility)
- USB hub (some models)
- Adjustable stand (height, tilt, swivel, pivot)
- VESA mount compatibility
- On-screen display (OSD) controls
Gaming-Specific Features:
- G-Sync / FreeSync (VRR)
- Low input lag mode
- Crosshair overlays
- FPS counters
- Black equalizer (dark scene visibility)
- Blue light filters
- Flicker-free technology
What Monitors Lack:
- Smart TV features / streaming apps
- Built-in good speakers
- TV tuner
- Remote control
- Multiple HDMI inputs (usually 1-2)
TV Features
Standard Features:
- HDMI 2.1 (4K 120Hz for consoles)
- Smart TV platform (webOS, Tizen, Google TV)
- Streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
- Voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant)
- Multiple HDMI inputs (3-4)
- Good built-in speakers (or soundbar sync)
- Remote control
Gaming-Specific Features (Modern Gaming TVs):
- Game Mode (low latency)
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
- Game Optimizer menu
- HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group)
- FreeSync Premium / G-Sync Compatible
What TVs Lack:
- High refresh rates (limited to 120Hz)
- DisplayPort connectivity
- Adjustable stands (fixed or basic tilt)
- Compact sizes for desk use
Price-to-Performance Analysis
Budget Tier ($300-500)
Gaming Monitor:
- 27" 1440p 144Hz IPS: $350
- Good for competitive gaming
- Decent all-around performance
- Example: Dell S2722DGM
Gaming TV:
- 43-50" 4K 60Hz LED: $400
- Basic gaming features
- Better for casual/single-player
- Example: Hisense U6K
Winner: Monitor for gaming focus, TV for mixed use
Mid-Range ($500-1000)
Gaming Monitor:
- 27" 1440p 240Hz Fast IPS: $700
- Excellent competitive performance
- High refresh advantage
- Example: ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM
Gaming TV:
- 55" 4K 120Hz QLED: $900
- Good HDR, low input lag
- Great all-around gaming
- Example: Samsung Q70C
Winner: Monitor for PC/competitive, TV for console/immersive
High-End ($1000-2000)
Gaming Monitor:
- 32" 4K 144Hz Mini-LED: $1200
- Excellent HDR, high refresh
- Best of both worlds (smaller)
- Example: ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX
Gaming TV:
- 55-65" OLED (LG C3/G3): $1500-2000
- Perfect blacks, excellent HDR
- Near-instant response time
- Premium gaming experience
Winner: TV offers better overall value for immersive gaming
Premium ($2000+)
Gaming Monitor:
- 32" 4K 240Hz OLED: $2500+
- Ultimate PC gaming display
- Best response time + high refresh
- Rare/limited availability
Gaming TV:
- 65-77" OLED (LG G4, Sony A95L): $2500-5000
- Best HDR and image quality
- Perfect for high-end gaming + home theater
- Ultimate living room setup
Winner: Depends on use case—TV for versatility, monitor for pure gaming
Real-World Use Cases
Use Case 1: Competitive PC Gamer
Profile: Plays CS2, Valorant, Apex Legends ranked. Wants every advantage.
Recommendation: 27" 1440p 240Hz Fast IPS Gaming Monitor ($600-800)
- Why: 1-2ms response, 240Hz, low input lag, optimal competitive size
- Example: ASUS VG279QM, Alienware AW2723DF
Why Not TV: 120Hz limit, higher input lag (5ms+), too large for desk
Use Case 2: Console Gamer (Living Room)
Profile: Plays PS5 on couch. Mix of multiplayer and single-player games.
Recommendation: 55-65" OLED Gaming TV ($1200-2000)
- Why: Immersive size, excellent HDR, great input lag (5ms), 4K 120Hz
- Example: LG C3 OLED, Sony X90L
Why Not Monitor: Too small for couch viewing, less immersive, limited HDR
Use Case 3: PC + Console Hybrid Gamer
Profile: Plays competitive PC games at desk, console games on couch.
Recommendation: Both - Monitor for desk + TV for living room
- Monitor: 27" 1440p 165Hz ($400) for PC gaming
- TV: 55" 4K 120Hz ($900) for console gaming
- Total: $1300 for complete setup
Use Case 4: Story-Driven Single-Player Focus
Profile: Plays Cyberpunk, Witcher, RDR2, God of War. Values visuals over competition.
Recommendation: 55" OLED TV ($1400) or 48" OLED TV ($800)
- Why: Incredible HDR, perfect blacks, immersive experience
- Works with both PC and console
- Example: LG C3 48", Sony A80L
Use Case 5: Budget Conscious Student
Profile: College student, limited budget and space, PC gaming focus.
Recommendation: 24-27" 1080p 144Hz Monitor ($200-300)
- Why: Affordable, compact, good gaming performance, desk-friendly
- Easy to move, dual-purpose (gaming + study)
- Example: AOC 24G2, ASUS VG249Q
Common Myths Debunked
Myth 1: "TVs have terrible input lag"
Reality: Modern gaming TVs (2023+) have excellent input lag in Game Mode. LG OLED C3 has 5-6ms input lag at 60Hz, 3-4ms at 120Hz—close to gaming monitors. Old TVs (pre-2020) did have 30-50ms lag, giving TVs their bad reputation. Not true anymore for quality gaming TVs.
Myth 2: "You need a monitor for any competitive gaming"
Reality: For elite esports (pro level), yes. For casual competitive (ranked play), a 120Hz gaming TV with <10ms lag is perfectly fine for most players. The difference between 3ms and 8ms won't make a Gold player reach Diamond. Skill matters more than 5ms lag.
Myth 3: "Bigger screen is always better for gaming"
Reality: False for competitive gaming. Professional gamers use 24-27" monitors because smaller screens allow easier visual tracking of the entire screen without eye/head movement. For immersive single-player, bigger is better. For competitive, 24-27" is optimal.
Myth 4: "Monitors can't do good HDR"
Reality: Mostly true but changing. Most gaming monitors have mediocre HDR (HDR400/600). However, high-end Mini-LED and OLED monitors (ASUS PG32UQX, LG 27GR95QE) deliver excellent HDR comparable to TVs. Just expensive ($1000-2500).
Myth 5: "4K gaming on monitor is pointless"
Reality: Partially true. At 24-27", the difference between 1440p and 4K is subtle. At 32", 4K provides noticeably sharper image. Also, 4K gaming at 32" requires less GPU power than 4K gaming on 55" TV (same resolution, closer viewing distance makes it "feel" higher resolution on larger screen).
Myth 6: "OLED TVs have terrible burn-in"
Reality: Overstated for gaming use. Modern OLED TVs (2023+) have robust burn-in protection (pixel refresh, logo dimming, screen shift). For varied gaming content, risk is low. For heavy static UI gaming (MMOs, strategy games with permanent HUDs), risk increases. Most gamers can use OLED safely with basic precautions.
Expert Recommendations 2025
Best Gaming Monitor Overall
LG 27GP850-B (27" 1440p 165Hz Nano-IPS) - $400
- Why: Best balance of price, performance, and features
- Great for both competitive and single-player gaming
- Excellent color accuracy and response time
Best Budget Gaming Monitor
AOC 24G2 (24" 1080p 144Hz IPS) - $180
- Why: Incredible value for competitive gaming
- Good image quality, low input lag
- Perfect for esports and budget builds
Best High-Refresh Gaming Monitor
ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM (27" 1440p 240Hz Fast IPS) - $700
- Why: Premium competitive performance
- 1-2ms response time, G-Sync Ultimate
- Best for serious competitive gamers
Best Gaming TV for Consoles
LG C3 OLED (55"/65"/77" 4K 120Hz) - $1400-2800
- Why: Perfect blacks, excellent HDR, low input lag (5ms)
- Industry-leading gaming features
- Best overall gaming TV in 2025
Best Budget Gaming TV
Hisense U7K (55" 4K 144Hz Mini-LED) - $700
- Why: Excellent value with 144Hz, VRR, low lag
- Good HDR, Mini-LED local dimming
- Best budget option for serious console gaming
Best Hybrid Solution
LG C3 OLED 48" ($800) or ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG48UQ (48" 4K 120Hz) - $1200
- Why: Large enough for couch, usable on desk
- Works great for both PC and console
- OLED picture quality with gaming features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gaming monitor better than a TV for PS5?
For competitive gaming, yes—monitors have lower input lag (1-3ms vs 5-10ms) and faster response times. For single-player and immersive gaming, TVs are better—larger screen (55"+), superior HDR, and more comfortable couch gaming experience. Most PS5 users prefer TVs for the living room setup, but competitive players choose monitors.
Can I use a TV as a PC monitor?
Yes, but with considerations. Modern 4K TVs work well as PC monitors for productivity and gaming. However: (1) TVs are large (43"+) requiring more desk space, (2) text clarity may be lower than native monitors at close viewing, (3) some TVs have chroma subsampling issues in PC mode. Best for couch gaming, not ideal for desk work.
What size monitor is best for gaming?
24" for competitive esports (1080p 144-240Hz), 27" for balanced gaming (1440p 144-165Hz), 32" for immersive gaming (1440p/4K). Larger than 32" becomes unwieldy for desk use. Professional gamers prefer 24-27" for better visual tracking of entire screen without head movement.
Do gaming TVs have higher input lag than monitors?
Yes, but the gap has narrowed. Best gaming monitors: 1-3ms input lag. Best gaming TVs: 5-10ms input lag. The 4-7ms difference matters in competitive esports but is negligible in casual gaming. Budget TVs (30ms+) still have poor input lag—avoid for gaming.
Is OLED or QLED better for gaming?
OLED is better for image quality (perfect blacks, infinite contrast, instant response time) but has burn-in risk and costs more. QLED is brighter (better for bright rooms), no burn-in risk, and usually cheaper. For gaming: OLED for best experience, QLED for better value and peace of mind. Both are good choices in 2025.
Can a 60Hz TV be good for gaming?
For single-player and casual gaming, yes—60Hz is adequate. For competitive gaming, no—60Hz feels sluggish compared to 120Hz+ after acclimation. PS5 and Xbox Series X support 120Hz in many games, making 60Hz TVs a bottleneck. Minimum recommendation: 120Hz for modern console gaming.
Why do pros use gaming monitors instead of TVs?
Four reasons: (1) Lower input lag (1-3ms vs 5-10ms) for faster reactions, (2) Higher refresh rates (240-360Hz vs max 120Hz TV), (3) Smaller size (24-27") allows tracking entire screen without eye movement, (4) Desk setup is tournament standard. No competitive disadvantages tolerated at pro level.
Is a curved monitor or TV better for gaming?
Curved monitors (1800R-1000R) provide more immersive experience for desk gaming, reduce eye strain, and improve viewing angles. Most beneficial at 27"+ and ultrawide formats. Curved TVs are rare and unnecessary—viewing distance too great for curve to matter. For desk gaming: curved is nice bonus. For living room: flat is fine.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
Decision Framework
You're a Competitive PC Gamer → Gaming Monitor (27" 1440p 240Hz)
- Why: Every millisecond matters, high refresh is critical
- Budget: $600-900 for top competitive performance
- Example: ASUS VG279QM, Alienware AW2723DF
You're a Console Gamer (Living Room) → Gaming TV (55-65" OLED/QLED)
- Why: Immersion, comfort, HDR, mixed media use
- Budget: $1200-2000 for excellent experience
- Example: LG C3 OLED, Samsung Q80C
You Play Story-Driven Games → Large Gaming TV or OLED
- Why: Immersion and HDR enhance cinematic games
- Budget: $800-2000 depending on size
- Example: LG C3 48" ($800) or 65" ($2000)
You're Budget Conscious → Entry Gaming Monitor
- Why: Best performance per dollar for gaming
- Budget: $180-350
- Example: AOC 24G2 ($180), Dell S2722DGM ($350)
You Want Best of Both Worlds → Gaming Monitor + Gaming TV
- Why: Optimized for each use case
- Budget: $1000-2000 total
- Example: 27" 1440p 144Hz ($400) + 55" 4K 120Hz TV ($700)
Final Recommendation
For 70% of gamers: A quality gaming monitor (24-27" 1440p 144-165Hz) is the right choice—better performance, lower cost, desk-friendly.
For console exclusives: A gaming TV (55" OLED or QLED 120Hz) provides superior experience for living room gaming.
For enthusiasts: Both displays optimized for their use cases delivers the ultimate gaming and entertainment setup.
The "best" choice depends on your gaming habits, space constraints, and budget. There's no wrong answer—only what fits your lifestyle.
Complete your gaming setup: Explore our other gaming display guides: