PC monitors and TVs are close relatives. Usually, they differ in design, image processing capabilities, and connectivity. TVs usually have more advanced image processing capabilities than monitors and come equipped with TV tuners and integrated speakers, whereas monitors usually have DisplayPort connections that TVs still lack.
Most TVs offer a PC Mode option, which removes the extra image processing and ensures the lowest possible input lag. The most important things to take into consideration when choosing a TV for PC monitor usage are the TV's supported resolutions, the ability to display chroma 4:4:4, and the viewing angles that can cause uniformity issues when sitting close to the screen. You'll likely want to get an LED TV to use as a PC monitor since OLED TVs have the risk of permanent burn-in, but it shouldn't be a problem if you use an OLED as a monitor and watch varied content.
We've tested more than 70 TVs in the past two years, and here are our recommendations for the best TVs to use as a PC monitor. See also our recommendations for the best TVs, the best LED TVs, and the best HDR TVs.
The best TV for computer monitor use with an LED screen that's available in a small size is the Sony XBR43X800H. This 43 inch model meets the common ground between looking for a big enough screen to open multiple windows at once and achieving a reasonable pixel density so that text still looks clear. It has an IPS panel, so you won't lose image accuracy if you sit too close.
It displays chroma 4:4:4 with both a 4k and 1080p resolution, so it should be easy reading fine text. It has low input lag and a fast response time that helps deliver a responsive desktop experience. It gets bright enough to combat glare in well-lit rooms and has decent reflection handling, so visibility shouldn't be an issue. It also has a flicker-free backlight, which helps reduce eye strain during those long gaming sessions. Our unit has good gray uniformity, but the 55 inch we tested is direct-lit, while the 43 inch model is edge-lit and may have worse uniformity.
Unfortunately, its limited 60Hz refresh rate and lack of variable refresh rate (VRR) support may turn away those looking to do some PC gaming with it as well. On the upside, it has excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy, so you can enjoy accurate colors without changing many settings. Still, if you're just looking for a small TV to use as a computer monitor, this is a great choice.
The best TV to use as a monitor with a large screen that we've tested is the Samsung QN65Q80TAFXZC. With a 65 inch screen, there's space to have multiple windows opened side-by-side, great for even the most extreme multitaskers. It delivers stunning picture quality with its VA panel, producing deep blacks and saturated colors.
It has exceptionally low input lag, and, combined with its 120Hz refresh rate, it provides an incredibly responsive desktop and gaming experience. It supports most common resolutions and can display proper chroma 4:4:4 for optimal text clarity. It has exceptional reflection handling and gets bright enough to overcome glare in any lighting condition. Viewing angles are decent due to Samsung's 'Ultra Viewing Angle' layer, so images remain accurate at the sides if you sit up close. In terms of gaming, its response time is excellent, it has a Black Frame Insertion feature to further reduce motion blur, and it supports VRR to minimize screen tearing when gaming.
There's some vignetting at the corners and some dirty screen effect on our unit; however, your experience may differ, as uniformity issues can vary between units. Also, it has a BGR subpixel structure, which doesn't always play well with Windows ClearType. Out-of-the-box, it has excellent color accuracy, so you shouldn't have to calibrate it to get the best viewing experience. Overall, it's an excellent choice to use as a PC monitor, especially for those big meeting rooms.
If you use your TV in a well-lit room and you want a brighter option, then take a look at the Hisense 65H9G. It's very similar to the Samsung Q80/Q80T QLED, as it also sports a VA panel that delivers fantastic picture quality. It overcomes glare easily and handles reflections well, and gets more than bright enough to make highlights pop in HDR content. Unfortunately, it has sub-par viewing angles, so images look washed out if you're not seated directly in front of the TV or if you sit too close. Additionally, its out-of-the-box color accuracy is mediocre, and it doesn't support variable refresh rate technology to reduce screen tearing. On the upside, it has a higher contrast ratio and better black uniformity than the Samsung to provide a superior dark room viewing experience.
Overall, go with the Samsung if you need wider viewing angles and FreeSync support. However, if you need a TV that gets brighter, and you don't mind a few compromises, go with the Hisense.
The best TV for PC monitor with an OLED panel that we've tested is the LG CX OLED. This entry-level OLED model is offered in a wide range of sizes, from 48 to 77 inches, and we even tested the 48 inch model as a monitor. It delivers excellent picture quality and is versatile enough to use for gaming.
It displays chroma 4:4:4 at any resolution at 60Hz, and it also displays it with 4k @ 120Hz content, but you need an HDMI 2.1 source for it to work. It has low input lag that stays low in 'PC' mode, and the response time is near-instant, so fast-moving content looks amazing. It has decent peak brightness and outstanding reflection handling, so it's a good choice for moderately-lit rooms. It has wide viewing angles, so the image remains accurate whether you're sitting up close or if you place it in a meeting room with a wide seating arrangement. It's also packed with gaming features such as FreeSync support, G-SYNC compatibility, and a Black Frame Insertion feature to reduce screen tearing.
Unfortunately, like any OLED, it has the risk of permanent burn-in. This could be problematic with constant exposure to static elements, such as a computer's user interface. However, we don't expect this to be an issue for those who watch varied content. Thanks to its OLED panel, it's also fantastic for dark room viewing because it has an infinite contrast ratio and perfect black uniformity. All things considered, if you're in the market for an OLED TV, this is the best TV for monitor use that we've tested.
The best TV for monitor use in the budget category is the Hisense 55H8G. It's a very good overall model, and even though it doesn't have wide viewing angles, it's still a great choice to use as a PC monitor. It's available in a good range of bigger sizes, so you can get the one that suits your needs.
The picture quality is almost as good as some higher-end, more expensive TVs. It looks great in dark rooms because it displays deep blacks, and it has a full-array local dimming feature. It performs as well in bright rooms thanks to its great peak brightness and decent reflection handling. Like the others in this recommendation, it supports chroma 4:4:4 at 1080p and 4k resolutions while it's in 'Game' mode. The input lag is also really low, and even though it has a 60Hz refresh rate, the response time is good, so motion looks smooth. It has a nice style, and it's fairly well-built.
Sadly, the image degrades quickly when viewing at an angle, so it's best to sit directly in front of it. It also has just okay color accuracy if you don't calibrate it, but on the upside, it upscales lower-resolution content without any problems. All in all, if you're on a budget, most people should be happy with it.
If you find the Hisense H8G too big, then check out the LG 43UN7300PUF. Its 43 inch IPS panel has wider viewing angles, allowing you to sit closer to the screen without losing too much image accuracy on the sides. It has excellent reflection handling but doesn't get very bright, so it's a better fit for a moderately-lit room. It has low input lag, decent response time, and it can display chroma 4:4:4 properly. Unfortunately, it isn't as well-suited for dark settings due to its low contrast ratio, which makes blacks look grayish. Also, even though it supports HDR, it can't display a wide color gamut and lacks local dimming.
For most people, the Hisense is a better choice, as it delivers better picture quality and can get much brighter to combat glare. However, if you don't have the room for such a big TV or you just prefer something smaller, the LG is a good alternative.
11/23/2020: Added the LG CX as best OLED; changed the Q80T and X800H as 'Best LED' options.
09/24/2020: Replaced Vizio PX65-G1 with Hisense H9G, replaced TCL 43S425 with LG UN7300, removed LG NANO85.
07/17/2020: Replaced the LG UM7300 with the Sony X800H, the Samsung Q80R with the Q80T, the Hisense H9F with the H8G, and the LG SM9000 with the NANO85.
05/19/2020: Minor text and structure changes; no change in recommendations.
11/22/2019: Replaced the Vizio P Series Quantum 2018 with the Vizio P Series Quantum X 2019.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best TVs to use as a PC monitor for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (a cheaper TV wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no TVs that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our TV reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no TV is perfect, most TVs are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.