Monitor vs. TV for Gaming: Which One Better?

Hardcore gamers often wonder which screen they should go for console gaming. There has been a long-haul debate comparing monitor vs TV for gaming to evaluate which one would be the ultimate bang for the buck. That's why many gamers are still confused, thinking about how they can optimize their gaming experience.

Every gamer loves having well-defined visuals and a fast-paced response when playing games—having such features often make it easier for gamers to evaluate whether they should use a TV or a monitor for gaming.

The monitor we are addressing here is a gaming monitor and not a regular one. There is a little difference between the two, so it is important to know what is a gaming monitor before you make any comparisons.

Is a monitor better than a TV for gaming? We have tried making everything as simple as possible for you in this article. That's why we have first talked about gaming monitor’s basics. Next, we have discussed the difference between a gaming monitor and a TV.

We would suggest you stick with us till the end as we have shared an extensive comparison and our verdict, in the end, to help you make the best decision. Now, let’s begin. 

What is a Gaming Monitor?

Before diving into the details, it is important to discuss the gaming monitors briefly. The gaming monitors are slightly different from the regular monitors.

The gaming monitors come with a higher refreshing rate and lesser response time. They are designed to offer a better gaming experience by ensuring you get a speedier and swifter performance. Nevertheless, the resolution is a bit compromised in these monitors at times.

The best part about getting a good gaming monitor like the Pixio PXC327 gaming monitor is that you get the best of both worlds. What we mean by that is these monitors are as good as regular monitors in terms of the features that are found best in regular monitors, and they offer you a great gaming experience too. Pixio monitors do that with their ultra-fast refresh rate of 165Hz, which you can never get in a regular monitor.

Now that you are aware of the gaming monitors, you are all set to make a comparison between gaming on TV vs. monitor. 

Difference Between Gaming Monitor and TV

The gaming experience that you achieve with a gaming monitor is very different from what you get from playing on a TV. You can evaluate the difference in experience if you draw a comparison between certain features that you expect to get from both. We have made such a comparison below to help you out. 

Response Time

The response time is the time that is taken by a screen to show you the movement of a pixel. Ideally, this time should be as small as possible. Response time is measured in milliseconds for both gaming monitors and TV.

It is found that the response time is smaller in gaming monitors than it is for TV. Thus, fast-paced scenes are better viewed when you are using a gaming monitor. Gaming monitors like Pixio 327C offer a response time as low as one millisecond, which is desirable for professional gamers. 

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate determines the number of times a screen refreshes any image to ensure you have a smoother gaming experience. You usually find TVs having a refresh rate of 60Hz generally. This refresh rate is quite lower than that offered by professional gaming monitors.

For instance, the PX275C Prime Productivity Gaming Monitor offers you a refresh rate of 100Hz. Other advanced versions like the PXC325 Curved Gaming Monitor have a refresh rate of 165Hz. Thus, you can expect to have a smoother gaming experience using these gaming monitors. 

Adaptive Sync

Adaptive Sync is a feature that ensures the image does not tear apart when viewed on a screen. This feature is now found in modern ultra-wide gaming monitors. Having adaptive sync, the gaming monitors ensure that you get a better picture, and the pixels are not torn apart when you view them.

Usually, NVIDIA and AMD are there to equalize refresh rate to frame rate to ensure a smoother gaming experience.

You usually don't find the Adaptive-Sync feature on TVs. Nevertheless, Samsung and LG have added certain sync technologies like FreeSync and G-Sync in their latest versions. 

Resolution

Resolution defines the sharpness of the image you view on your screen while playing any game. TVs usually come with a 1080p or 4K resolution. Nevertheless, you can find modern TVs with 8K resolution as well. Like TVs, gaming monitors are also available in different resolutions. The higher the resolution, the better clarity and sharpness of image you achieve. 

Input Lag

Input Lag is the feature that gives a gaming monitor its biggest edge over a TV. Input lag is basically the time it takes to show your reactions getting registered on screen. Ideally, this time should be lower for a better gaming experience. As far as thinking about whether to choose TV or monitor for gaming in terms of Input Lag, a gaming monitor is better because you experience improved lag here. 

Final Verdict

Coming towards the end, here we are with our final verdict. Comparing the features of a gaming monitor vs TV for gaming, we have concluded that a gaming monitor like the ones by Pixio is better for a better gaming experience.

This is because the advanced input lag, refresh rate, adaptive Sync, and phenomenally short response time gives the gaming monitors an edge over TV. Now, it's up to you which type of monitor screen you choose upon evaluating a curved monitor vs flat monitor.

Although the features of a gaming monitor make it a better choice, you can go for a TV if you have any personal biases in terms of pricing or use.