Home Electronics TV The Best TVs To Use As Monitors
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Graphic artists and visual content creators may want a TV to use as a monitor for bigger screen space and better image quality. These days, TVs have become versatile enough to connect to a computer with compatible ports and cables. With 4K and 5K capabilities, TVs can offer more depth, detail, and clarity than a regular monitor. TVs are usually bigger than monitors, so you also get a lot more real estate to do your work. Here we’ve rounded up the best TVs to use as a monitor if you ever want to level up from your current setup.
If you work in low lighting, getting an OLED TV like the LG OLED C1 series is a good move. Crystal contrast and life-like details are superbly realized with OLED screens as their pixels are self-lit, unlike backlit TVs. It supports 4K video input and has 4 HDMI 2.1 ports. You might need to ensure you have enough desk space for this monitor as its base is almost the same size as the screen. Another option would be to mount it on a wall. With its low input lag, 1 ms response time, and G-Sync certification, you can expect apps and fast-action videos to run without any motion blur. This ability makes the LG OLED C1 a great gaming TV. Taking advantage of OLED technology, the LG C1 delivers true blacks and infinite contrast, which means it looks great from any viewing angle. Another reason for using a TV instead of a monitor is its various connectivity options. This TV has one HDMI input port at the rear, along with 2 USB ports, 1 ethernet port, 1 headphone jack, and 1 digital optical audio output. On the left side of the screen are 3 more HDMI ports and 1 USB port.
Stunning picture qualityGaming-ready TV4 HDMI 2.1 portsFast response time
No HDR 10Glass is reflective in daylight
The Sony X90J comes from the Bravia line of TVs. It provides great performance and image quality, making it one of the best TVs to use as a monitor. This model is designed to replicate natural colors, so the X90J has solid color accuracy, brightness, and contrast. In addition, the Sony X90J offers exclusive perks that include a Bravia Core streaming service that gives you access to Sony and Imax movies in UHD, dedicated gaming optimization for the PlayStation 5, and Google TV as its main interface. You can also find streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney Plus on this TV’s home screen, but not Netflix. In terms of build and design, Sony went for a minimalistic approach with the X90J. The bezels as well as the rest of the body are made of black plastic, and the screen is supported by narrow “feet” that jut forward and back. Because of this, you may need a fairly large desk space if you plan on using a keyboard and mouse with this TV.
Great image qualityPlayStation 5 supportGoogle TV
More expensive than brands with similar performance
For the best TV to use as a monitor, the Samsung TU8000 43” 4K UHD HDR smart TV might just fit your needs, and it won’t break the bank to get it. Regardless of its price, the picture quality is a huge improvement from the run-of-the-mill monitor. In addition to 4K UHD image quality, the TU8000 looks polished and a lot like higher-end models in Samsung’s many TVs. The thin bezel and sleek, modern design help achieve that premium look you wouldn’t expect from an entry-level TV. Viewing angles and brightness can be limited with this TV, but that may not be an issue if you intend to use it as a monitor and not a part of a home cinema setup. While it doesn’t have local dimming functions, contrast and blacks are still great as long as the room isn’t extremely bright. When it comes to color accuracy, this model passes the standards and is able to replicate details and color without any issues.
AffordableImpressive color accuracyPremium design
Limited brightness
The Hisense U6G series brings a feature-packed display at a reasonable price. Using ULED technology, the screen is able to produce crystal clear image quality with a boost in brightness, contrast, and speed. It also has Quantum Dot wide color gamut, which is responsible for creating over a billion shades. Unlike the Samsung TU8000, this TV has a local dimming function. To be specific, it carries 600 nits peak brightness across 36 local dimming zones. This simply means that contrast and blacks will be better and more true to life. It also helps fight glare in overly bright rooms or outdoor locations. AI Picture Optimization detects the right picture settings for what you are watching, and Auto Low Latency Mode shifts the TV to gaming mode. Ports are located at the back and side of the unit. This TV has 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, 1 ethernet port, and 1 optical audio output port. The Hisense U6G runs on Android 9 and uses Android TV as its main interface. The remote has a voice command function, but the TV also supports voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
Solid contrast and brightnessValue for moneyAndroid TV
Image loses quality at certain angles
If you don’t need the fancy extra features of a high-end TV, then the TCL S435 series is an entry-level TV with basic functions that should be more than enough to make it a good monitor. First, it’s one of the few models in its price range that offers 4K UHD resolution. It’s also a smart TV powered by Roku, so the interface gives easy access to lots of streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney Plus. While there’s no local dimming function, and brightness is average on the TCL S435, it is still able to deliver quality images and videos. This TV is also one of the most affordable 4K TVs you’ll find anywhere, so the lacking features are forgivable given the extremely low price.
Decent graphicsLow priceBuilt-in Roku TV
Poor viewing anglesNo local dimming
If you want a hands-free TV/monitor (via Alexa), then the Amazon Fire TV Omni Series is the best choice. Released in 2021, the Fire TV is the first TV produced by Amazon, with sizes ranging from 43 to 75 inches at fairly approachable price points. With built-in Alexa and compatibility with the Amazon smart home ecosystem, it’s an attractive option for those who have already invested in Amazon products. All models in the Omni Series support 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, but only the 65-inch and 75-inch versions support Dolby Vision. As for connectivity, all TVs in the series have 3 HDMI 2.0 ports as well as one HDMI eARC 2.1 port, which makes it possible to connect a soundbar and get high-definition sound. While the display quality and performance are not on par with the ones from LG, Sony, or Samsung, it’s still above average and a great deal for the price. The built-in Alexa feature itself is a gem because you don’t need to use a remote to control the TV. You can even use it to control other smart devices in your home that are connected to your Amazon account.
Reasonably pricedBuilt-in AlexaHDMI eARC for connecting a soundbar
60 Hz refresh rateLighting uniformity issues
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