The 6 Best 4k TVs For PC Monitors - Spring 2019
Reviews

PC monitors (see our monitor reviews) and TVs are close relatives. Usually, they differ in design and 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.

We've tested 95 TVs and here are our recommendations for the best TVs to use as a PC monitor.

Note: Since new TVs tend to launch at very high prices, it's unlikely that these newer models will become reasonable choices until the latter half of the year. Because of this, some of the 2018 models remain as picks in our recommendations.

1. Best Small TV To Use As A PC Monitor: LG UM7300

   

   LG UM7300

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   B&H
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.3

   Test Benches:

   • 1.3: Spring 2019
   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2015
   • 0.9: Winter 2014
   • 0.8: Winter 2013

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.5

   PC Monitor

   What it is: PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.

   Score components:

   • 27% Inputs
   • 14% Viewing Angle
   • 13% Response Time
   • 8% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 6% Reflections
   • 5% Temporary Image Retention
   • 4% 4k Input
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 3% 1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 3% 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Curved
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% 1080p Input
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Black Uniformity
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : LED
   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : IPS
   Resolution : 4k
   Sizes : 43" 49" 50" 55" 65"

   The best TV for use as a PC monitor is the LG UM7300. It is available in 43" which, although still large, can fit on a large desk. It has an IPS panel, and thanks to the wide viewing angles the image remains uniform at the sides when you sit up close. It has excellent low input lag, for a responsive desktop experience, and the response time is fast so there is very little blur trail behind fast-moving objects. It can display proper chroma 4:4:4 in any resolution, so text looks good.

   Unfortunately, the backlight flickers at 120Hz, which might bother some people, and the dark room performance is lacking due to the low contrast ratio.

   Overall, this is an excellent TV for use as a monitor.

   See our review

2. Best Large TV To Use As A PC Monitor: Samsung Q80/Q80R QLED

   

   Samsung Q80/Q80R QLED

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   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.3

   Test Benches:

   • 1.3: Spring 2019
   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2015
   • 0.9: Winter 2014
   • 0.8: Winter 2013

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.9

   PC Monitor

   What it is: PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.

   Score components:

   • 27% Inputs
   • 14% Viewing Angle
   • 13% Response Time
   • 8% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 6% Reflections
   • 5% Temporary Image Retention
   • 4% 4k Input
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 3% 1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 3% 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Curved
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% 1080p Input
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Black Uniformity
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : LED
   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA
   Resolution : 4k
   Sizes : 55" 65" 75"

   If you find the size of the LG UM7300 limiting and want a TV that will also perform well in dark environments, then check out the Samsung Q80R. It's not available in 43" and it's more expensive than the LG in 55".

   This TV doesn't have an IPS panel, but thanks to the TV's 'Ultra Viewing Angle' layer, the image remains accurate for wider angles and can deliver a more uniform image if you sit up close. It has a very low input lag and it feels very responsive. It can display proper chroma 4:4:4, so the text is crisp in any resolution and the response time is very fast, leaving only a small blur trail behind fast-moving objects.

   Unfortunately, it's not available in sizes smaller than 55" which might be a limitation if you wish to place it on a desk. Overall, this is an excellent large TV for use as a PC monitor, and it excels in any other usage as well.

   See our review

3. Brighter Alternative: Vizio PQ65-F1

   

   Vizio PQ65-F1

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   B&H

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   If you're looking for the brightest TV for use as PC Monitor then, get the Vizio P Series Quantum. It's almost as good as the Samsung Q80R, but does not have the wide viewing angles and is only available in 65". This TV lacks the FreeSync Variable Refresh Rate option found on the Samsung, but it's an excellent TV for use as a PC monitor with great picture quality and deep blacks for dark rooms. It can get very bright, so you can use it in a bright room without any issues.

   When used as a PC monitor, it reacts immediately to your actions thanks to the low input lag, and the very fast response time leaves almost no blur trail in fast motion. Finally, it accepts most common input resolutions and can display clear and crisp text, as it supports chroma 4:4:4.

   See our review

4. Alternative With Wider Viewing Angles: LG 55SK9000

   

   LG 55SK9000

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   B&H

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : IPS

   Resolution : 4k

   If you find that the viewing angles of the Samsung Q80R cause uniformity issues, then check out the LG SK9000. You will not get the deep blacks of the Samsung, nor will you have FreeSync support for tear-free gaming. Nevertheless, this is a TV with a very low input lag that reacts instantaneously to your actions, supports chroma 4:4:4, and can display crisp text, which is great if you use it as a PC monitor. It has wide viewing angles thanks to the IPS panel, so you will not experience uniformity issues at the edges when you sit up close. Overall, it's a great TV that also serves well as a PC monitor.

   See our review

5. Best Budget TV To Use As A PC Monitor: TCL 55R617

   

   TCL 55R617

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.3

   Test Benches:

   • 1.3: Spring 2019
   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2015
   • 0.9: Winter 2014
   • 0.8: Winter 2013

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.3

   PC Monitor

   What it is: PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.

   Score components:

   • 27% Inputs
   • 14% Viewing Angle
   • 13% Response Time
   • 8% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 6% Reflections
   • 5% Temporary Image Retention
   • 4% 4k Input
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 3% 1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 3% 4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Curved
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% 1080p Input
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Black Uniformity
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : LED
   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA
   Resolution : 4k

   If you find the Samsung Q8FN expensive, the best budget TV to use as PC monitor is the TCL R617. This TV does not have the great local dimming, the excellent reflection handling, or the good gray uniformity found on the Samsung.

   On the upside, it's a very good TV with deep blacks that result in very good picture quality. When used as a PC monitor, it has an impressive performance. It accepts most common resolutions, including chroma 4:4:4, so text is clear and crisp. It has very low input lag and is very responsive. The TV has excellent brightness and thus can be placed in a bright room.

   Overall, this is a very good TV for many different usages and it's a good choice for someone who wants to use it as a PC monitor.

   See our review

6. Cheaper Alternative: TCL 55S425

   

   TCL 55S425

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   If you find the TCL R617 expensive, get the TCL 4 Series S425. It is not as good as the TCL 6 Series; as it cannot get as bright, nor is it equipped with more advanced features like motion interpolation. It is, however, a very good TV for use as a PC monitor, with excellent low input lag that feels very responsive. It will accept most common resolutions, and text is clear and crisp thanks to its ability to display chroma 4:4:4 properly.

   See our review