Have you ever looked at a giant TV and thought, “Could this actually work as my computer screen?” Many people wonder about using a television as a computer monitor. It seems like a great idea: you get a huge screen for less money! But mixing TVs and computers is not always easy. You might worry about blurry text, slow response times, or weird colors.
Choosing the right TV for this job feels tricky. Manufacturers design TVs for watching movies, not for reading spreadsheets or gaming quickly. This creates real headaches for computer users. You need to know which features truly matter when a TV becomes your main display. Poor choices lead to eye strain and frustration.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what specifications to look for, like resolution and refresh rate. By the end, you will know how to pick a TV that acts like a perfect, giant monitor. Get ready to transform your desk setup without breaking the bank!
Top Tv For Use As A Monitor Recommendations
No. 1
SAMSUNG 32-Inch M5 (M50F) Series FHD Smart Monitor with Streaming TV, Speakers, HDR10, Gaming Hub, Multiple Ports, Workout Tracker, Vision Accessibility Tools, Black, LS32FM502ENXZA
- Discover all your favorite streaming apps lined up in one place. Browse and watch content directly from your monitor with ease.
- Tune into various free channels, including Samsung TV Plus channels, to watch news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more — all on your Smart Monitor. With new content added continuously, there’s always more to explore.
- Access the ultimate gaming realm. In the Samsung Gaming Hub, you can play the biggest games from top streaming partners, with no PC or console needed. Discover new games or replay old favorites all in one place
- Immerse yourself in the scene with true-to-life audio. Adaptive Sound uses audio scenic intelligence to analyze scenes in real-time and optimize the sound based on content type.
- Effortlessly stream your content on the big screen. Easily connect and enjoy content from your mobile — videos, photos and documents — on your Smart Monitor.
No. 2
KTC 25 Inch Portable TV - Smart Touch Screen with Google Play, Android 14, Qualcomm 8G RAM+128G Storage, 1080P Smart Handy TV with 8MP Camera and Battery, Touchscreen Monitor for Camping, Bathroom
- Smart Handy TV: Experience the convenience and functionality of this smart handy touchsceen TV featuring 24.5 inch screen and 1080P resolution and bring entertainment everywhere you want! Perfect for movie nights under the stars, watching videos on the bathroom, cooking in the kitchen, kids entertaiment on the road trips
- Google EDLA Certified & Android 14: Boasting full Google certification, and being outfitted with the latest Android 14 operating system, this touch screen monitor provides you with quick access to your favorite apps on Google Play. The smart portable monitor supports touch screen control, remote control as well as voice control.
- SM6115 CPU & 8G+128GB: Powered by Qualcomm Chip SM6115, along with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, you can enjoy seamless streaming and fast performance when using apps like Netflix or YouTube on this portable smart screen
- Flexible Screen & Long Battery Life: The fully adjustable touch screen of this smart portable mobile TV enables you to watch it in a landscape mode or in a portrait mode. 5000mAh battery makes sure you could fully enjoy the movies, shows, games or works without being tied to an outlet, perfect for home or outdoor gatherings
- Portable TV 24.5 Inch with Camera: Featuring 1080P resolution, 16.7 million display colors, Max 400cd/m² brightness, this KTC 24.5 inch portable monitor creates a excellent visual environment for you, bringing you high-definition visual experience wherever at home or on camping. The built-in hidden 8MP camera and stereo speakers are great for video calls or meetings
No. 3
Samsung 27-Inch M5 (M50F) Series FHD Smart Monitor with Streaming TV, Speakers, HDR10, Gaming Hub, Multiple Ports, Workout Tracker, Vision Accessibility Tools, Black, LS27FM502ENXZA
- Discover all your favorite streaming apps lined up in one place. Browse and watch content directly from your monitor with ease.
- Tune into various free channels, including Samsung TV Plus channels, to watch news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more — all on your Smart Monitor. With new content added continuously, there’s always more to explore.
- Access the ultimate gaming realm. In the Samsung Gaming Hub, you can play the biggest games from top streaming partners, with no PC or console needed. Discover new games or replay old favorites all in one place
- Immerse yourself in the scene with true-to-life audio. Adaptive Sound uses audio scenic intelligence to analyze scenes in real-time and optimize the sound based on content type.
- Effortlessly stream your content on the big screen. Easily connect and enjoy content from your mobile — videos, photos and documents — on your Smart Monitor.
No. 4
Small Smart TV，Mini TV with 7-inch Touchscreen,Built in Apps,Support SD,WiFi,Bluetooth,USB,HDMI Input，Kitchen TV Also As a Projector,Suitable for Home RVs and Outdoor Use
- 【Advanced Android 11 Operating System】This small smart tv comes equipped with Android 11, offering smartphone-like functionality with 4GB RAM and 32GB storage. Mini tv supports multiple languages and comes preloaded with popular apps, while also allowing access to thousands more through the app store.
- 【7-inch Touchscreen】This kitchen tv features a 7-inch touchscreen display and an integrated Android system, allowing you to easily browse apps just like on a smartphone. Unlike other Traditional TV, its touchscreen provides easier and more accurate text input and navigation.Simply connect to Wi-Fi and watch your favorite shows through the app—no TV dongle required.
- 【WiFi 6 Ultra-Fast Connectivity + Universal Connection Hub】This small smart tv features WiFi and Bluetooth with multiple ports including HDMI 2.0 (cable sold separately), USB 3.0, 3.5mm AUX, and Bluetooth 5.0. It supports WiFi 6’s ultra-fast dual-band 2.4G/5G connectivity, offering faster speeds compared to WiFi 5.
- 【Projection Feature】: This mini smart tv includes a projection capability. To enlarge the screen, just turn on the projection switch to expand your viewing area. It provides an outstanding experience for movie watching or gaming and comes with automatic keystone correction for extra ease of use.
- 【 Ultra-Portable Adventure Buddy】Kitchen tv compact 7.5" body ， weighing under 2 lbs. Small projector fits in any backpack—take cinema-grade adventures camping, on road trips, or business travels.
No. 5
Samsung 27-Inch M5 (M50F) Series FHD Smart Monitor with Streaming TV, Speakers, HDR10, Gaming Hub, Multiple Ports, Workout Tracker, Vision Accessibility Tools, White, LS27FM503ENXZA
- Discover all your favorite streaming apps lined up in one place. Browse and watch content directly from your monitor with ease.
- Tune into various free channels, including Samsung TV Plus channels, to watch news, sports, movies, kids’ shows and more — all on your Smart Monitor. With new content added continuously, there’s always more to explore.
- Access the ultimate gaming realm. In the Samsung Gaming Hub, you can play the biggest games from top streaming partners, with no PC or console needed. Discover new games or replay old favorites all in one place
- Immerse yourself in the scene with true-to-life audio. Adaptive Sound uses audio scenic intelligence to analyze scenes in real-time and optimize the sound based on content type.
- Effortlessly stream your content on the big screen. Easily connect and enjoy content from your mobile — videos, photos and documents — on your Smart Monitor.
No. 6
YDSCart 22 Inch 1080p Portable tv Built-in Camera, Portable Touch Screen Monitor Rollable Tablet TV, Wireless TV on Wheels Touchscreen Battery(6-8H) (Upgraded Version - Supports Scalability)
- 📺【Portable Touch Screen Monitor built in 800W Camera】 Portable tv use 22inch capacitive tv on wheels touch screen. The portable monitor features a 1920x1080 pixelsolution and 800W camera for an high-definition visual experience. The tablet on wheels can be adjusted by rotating 360° and tilting at different angles. The smart screen with wheels can be automatically adjusted to display vertical or horizontal states according to gravity sensing.
- ♫ 【Application Download by Tablet on wheels】 portable smart screen has received full certification, allowing to effortlessly install any application available on the Play Store such as Netflix, Youtube and Facebook. With Android 12.0, 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, portable tablet tv can easily run all your favorite apps.
- 📲【 Projection Touch Screen TV 】Tablet on wheels supports screen projection for iOS and Android. touch tv on wheels touch screen offers both wireless and wired screen casting options , giving you the flexibility to choose the best method for easily sharing your favorite content from your phone, tablet, or computer with those around you.
- 🌟【Rollable Android TV Touch Screen】 The wireless rollable tv tablet built-in 6000MAH battery that can last up to 6-8 hours, making it a mobile entertainment center. Five silent universal wheels in the base allow wireless tv on wheels touchs creen to easily roll the smart screen over even surfaces from room to room. You can freely move portable touch screen tv to different areas of your home whether it be your living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, or even outdoors, depending on where you are.
- 👣【Quality Assurance and Return Policy】Smart Screen Rotatable Monitor has passed a series of quality certifications such as FCC, CE, RoHS and 3C. Peace of mind with a 2-year replacement warranty (we have a warehouse in the US). Packing list: 1* Smart screen, 1*mobile device holder, 1* power cord, 1* certificate, 1*instructions . R & D engineers 24 hours for you to solve problems about Portable TV.
No. 7
JUN-ELECTRON Mini Monitor 7 Inch Screen HDMI, VGA, AV, BNC, 1024 × 600 Small IPS Screen with Built-in Speakers, 178° Viewing Angle LCD Portable Monitor for PC/TV/DVD/CVBS (7 inch - Non Touch)
- HD mini-monitor: 1024*600 resolution, IPS viewing angle of 178°, brightness can be adjust easily, and this 7-inch mini screen provides clear and vivid images for you to see the screen from all directions.
- Multi-interface monitor: Our 7-inch mini monitor with HDMI, VGA, AV, BNC and interface can be connected to many different devices, such as DVD, TV box, Raspberry Pi, camera, laptop, PC, CCTV, etc. The back button or the power cord on/off can turn off the monitor.
- Plug and Play: This mini monitor can connect the device through the HDMI/VGA/AV port and view the images on the screen without installing drivers or software. It can also be powered by DC (12 V/1 A) or Micro-USB (5 V/2 A), which is used with the power bank to improve the portability of Raspberry Pi, laptops and other items.
- Wide application: This tiny monitor can be used as a security system monitor, raspberry Pi, camera, laptop, PC, closed-circuit television system, rear view camera monitor, and CCD, DVD, DVR, camera, etc. It can also be used as a small video display LCD display in the studio for live broadcast.
- Compact&convenient VGA Monitor: Only the 7-inch monitor display is very convenient to carry and travel. Its shell is made of aluminum alloy, which is durable, scratch-resistant and drop-resistant, and lightweight. It has a brightness adjustment function, which is convenient for you to use it at any time and in different environment.
No. 8
Hididi HDMI Splitter Adapter Cable, 1080P 1 in 2 Out, HDMI Male to 2 Female 1 to 2 Way Cable for HDTV, LCD Monitor
- Function: This HDMI Splitter Adapter operate as a signal router, can distribute 1 HDMI input signal (Such as: HD - DVD, Bule - ray DVD, Xbox, Xbox360, PS3, STB, Notebook, So-ny HDTV ) to two Visual HDMI Output Devises (such as, HDTV, Monitor, etc.).
- Advantage: Gold_plated Connectors for better signal transfer.Allow to connect HDMI devices that have Build-in HDMI ports, like HDTV, PlayStation 3, Upconvertor DVD Player, LCD Monitor and projectors.
- 1080P Resolution: This HDMI Splitter supports HD resolution, including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p.
- Easy to use: HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 out Just plug in and it plays, please connect it to the corresponding connector. (Package include: 1 Piece HDMI Male to 2 HDMI Female Splitter.) Length: 12.2 inch
- Please Note: Only 1 output device should be active at any time. It cannot support 2 displays being active at the same time, please close one display when you want to use another. Does not support any Laptop or Computer. And not Support HDCP. It does not work on TV boxes/cable boxes like Ro-ku.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Right TV as Your Monitor
Using a TV as a computer monitor offers a big screen experience. It’s great for watching movies or playing games. But not all TVs work well for everyday computer tasks. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a TV to use with your computer, some features really matter. Look closely at these points before you spend your money.
Resolution and Size
- Resolution: Choose a TV with 4K resolution (3840 x 2160). This means the picture is very sharp. Lower resolutions make text look fuzzy.
- Size: Bigger isn’t always better for desk use. A 32-inch to 43-inch TV often works best on a desk. Larger screens might make you move your head too much.
Input Lag and Refresh Rate
These two things affect how fast the picture reacts to your mouse clicks or keyboard presses. Low numbers are what you want.
- Input Lag: This is the delay between your action and seeing it on screen. Look for input lag under 20 milliseconds (ms). Anything higher feels slow, especially when gaming or editing.
- Refresh Rate: This measures how many times the screen updates per second. A 60Hz rate is okay for general work. If you game a lot, aim for 120Hz.
Color Accuracy and Panel Type
Good colors make everything look better.
- HDR Support: High Dynamic Range (HDR) makes bright spots brighter and dark spots darker. This looks amazing in videos.
- Panel Type: Most modern TVs use LED or OLED panels. OLED screens offer perfect blacks and better contrast, which is fantastic for viewing quality.
Important Materials and Connections
The way you connect your computer matters a lot. Make sure the TV has the right ports.
Connectivity
- HDMI Version: You need at least HDMI 2.0 for true 4K at 60Hz. If you have a powerful PC and want 4K at 120Hz, you must have HDMI 2.1.
- DisplayPort (Rare but Useful): Some computer monitors have DisplayPort, but TVs usually rely on HDMI. Check that your computer has the right HDMI output.
Build Quality
Look for sturdy stands or easy mounting options. A good plastic or metal frame helps the TV last longer. Thin bezels (the frame around the screen) give you more screen space.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a TV a great monitor? What makes it a bad one?
Improving Quality (What to look for):
- PC Mode/Game Mode: Many TVs have a special setting that turns off extra picture processing. This feature drastically lowers input lag. Always activate this!
- Good Viewing Angles: If you sit close, you need good viewing angles so the colors don’t shift when you look from the side.
Reducing Quality (What to avoid):
- Overscan: This is when the TV zooms in slightly on the picture, cutting off the edges of your desktop. Good TVs let you turn this off.
- Poor Text Rendering: Some TVs do not display small text clearly. Test this if possible, or read reviews specifically mentioning text clarity.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the TV changes what you should buy.
Use Case 1: Productivity and Office Work
For typing documents and browsing the web, focus on high resolution (4K) and excellent text clarity. Low input lag is less important here.
Use Case 2: Gaming
Gamers need very low input lag (under 15ms) and a high refresh rate (120Hz). HDR capability makes modern games look stunning.
Use Case 3: Media Consumption
If you mostly watch movies or YouTube, prioritize panel quality like OLED for deep blacks and great contrast. Refresh rate matters less than color accuracy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I connect my laptop to any modern TV?
A: Yes, most laptops connect easily using an HDMI cable. Make sure your TV has an available HDMI port.
Q: Will using a TV hurt my eyes more than a regular monitor?
A: It can if the TV has high input lag or poor brightness control. Using “PC Mode” helps balance the brightness for a better experience.
Q: What is the biggest problem when using a TV as a monitor?
A: The biggest problem is often input lag, which makes the computer feel unresponsive, especially for fast-paced tasks.
Q: Do I need a special cable?
A: Usually, a standard HDMI cable works fine. For 4K at 120Hz, you need a high-speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1 rated).
Q: Is 4K resolution necessary for a TV monitor?
A: While 1080p TVs exist, 4K gives you much sharper text and more desktop space. We strongly recommend 4K.
Q: How do I make text look clear on a TV screen?
A: Check the TV settings for options like “PC Mode,” “Sharpness,” or “Aspect Ratio.” You need to turn off “overscan” and any heavy image smoothing.
Q: Are OLED TVs better than LED TVs for this purpose?
A: OLED TVs are technically better because they have perfect black levels. However, they are usually more expensive.
Q: What refresh rate do I need for casual web browsing?
A: A standard 60Hz refresh rate is perfectly fine for casual web browsing and office tasks.
Q: Can I use the TV’s built-in smart features while using it as a monitor?
A: Yes, you can switch inputs easily. You use HDMI 1 for your computer and switch to HDMI 2 for your streaming apps.
Q: Will the TV get too hot sitting close to me all day?
A: Modern TVs are designed to run for many hours. Sitting too close might cause eye strain from the large size, but the heat produced is usually minor.