Can You Use a TV as a Computer Monitor? (Read This First)

Short answer: yes, you can.

Just hook up your TV to your PC with an HDMI cable, and you’re good to go.

BUT before you think this is the perfect swap, here’s the deal: while a 4K TV can double as a monitor for casual use, it’s not always the best choice for pro-level tasks like video editing or competitive gaming.

Let’s break down why.

When to Use a TV as a Monitor?

Using a TV as a PC monitor isn’t always a compromise—it can excel in the right scenarios:

• Budget-friendly large screens: If you want a big display without spending a fortune, a normal TV as a PC monitor offers excellent value for casual gaming or streaming. For the price of a 32-inch monitor, you can snag a 50-inch 4K TV, giving you a massive upgrade in screen size.
• Immersive gaming setups: Pairing a 4K TV as a computer monitor with a gaming PC can create a cinematic gaming experience, especially for single-player titles or slower-paced games where input lag isn’t a deal-breaker.
• Entertainment-centric builds: Imagine playing Cyberpunk 2077 in HDR, then switching over to stream some Netflix in 4K without missing a beat. You can combine gaming, streaming, and light productivity on a TV with HDR and Dolby Vision for vibrant visuals. It's perfect for hybrid setups.
• Secondary or occasional displays: Need an extra screen for presentations or multitasking? It’s especially handy for tasks that don’t need ultra-sharp pixel density or fast refresh rates. Think spreadsheets, media playback, or reference docs while you work. A TV as a second monitor with HDMI works like a charm.
• Living room or couch gaming setups: Relax on the couch and game or stream without being tethered to a desk. Open-world titles like Skyrim or Horizon Zero Dawn feel right at home on a big screen, letting you soak in every detail from the comfort of your couch.
• Budget-conscious creators and editors: If you’re a casual content creator or editor, a newer 4K TV can give you a ton of screen real estate without the steep price tag of a pro-level monitor. Plus, the added size is perfect for multitasking—open Premiere Pro on one side and your references or timeline on the other. (e.g., LG OLEDs with VRR and ALLM)

Pro Tip: If you’re building a hybrid gaming and entertainment system, TVs like the LG C2 OLED or Samsung QN90A offer excellent visuals and gaming-specific features.

Limitations of TV as a Monitor

While using a TV as a computer monitor for gaming or work can be convenient, there are some notable drawbacks. Here’s what to consider:

No Ultra-Wide Options

Why it matters?

Ultra-wide monitors are favorites for multitasking or immersive gaming.

You can have your timeline in Premiere Pro stretched across the screen or see more of the battlefield in ultrawide-supported games like Horizon Zero Dawn. TVs? They’re locked into traditional 16:9. Good luck fitting all those extra tabs or enjoying that cinematic feel.

Impact?

You lose that extra screen real estate that’s perfect for productivity workflows or gaming setups that thrive on peripheral vision.

Fixes?

Stick to standard 16:9 resolutions, or better yet, pair your TV with a secondary monitor to get the best of both worlds—productivity on one side and big-screen visuals on the other.

Scaling Challenges

Why it matters?

On a big TV—text and UI elements can look oversized, blurry, or just plain awkward. If you’ve ever squinted at fuzzy icons or struggled to read tiny text on a large screen, you know what we’re talking about.

Impact?

This can make working on spreadsheets, reading emails, or even navigating game menus a hassle. (Nobody wants to lean forward just to read their health bar in a game or decipher file names during a project.)

Fixes?

• Adjust the scaling settings in Windows to make text and icons clearer. Start with 150% or 200% scaling for 4K TVs.
• For better clarity, consider a smaller TV with higher pixel density—something in the 32–43 inch range works best for close-up use.

Pro Tip: Use TVs with Chroma 4:4:4 support for sharper text rendering. Without it, text can appear blurry no matter how good your scaling is.

Limited Ergonomic Adjustments

Why it matters?

Unlike monitors, most TVs don’t come with adjustable stands.

No tilt, no height adjustments, no swivel. This means you’re stuck with the default position, which can leave you craning your neck or sitting at awkward angles.

Impact?

Over time, improper positioning can cause serious discomfort, especially if you’re working or gaming for hours on end. I mean nobody wants their setup to double as a chiropractic case study, right?

Fixes?

• Invest in a VESA-compatible wall mount for precise positioning. Adjust the height and tilt to align with your eye level.
• If wall-mounting isn’t an option, go for an adjustable TV stand or riser to get the right angle.

Pro Tip: Keep the center of your screen at eye level for the most comfortable viewing experience. And don’t forget to sit a bit farther back than you would with a regular monitor—TVs are designed for longer viewing distances.

Overheating Risks

Why it matters?

(Again) unlike monitors, TVs aren’t designed to handle non-stop use.

They’re optimized for watching shows or gaming sessions—not running productivity apps or intense workloads all day. Without proper ventilation, the extra strain can lead to overheating.

Impact?

Overheating can throttle performance, reduce image quality, and over time, even shorten the lifespan of your TV.

Fixes?

• Place your TV in a well-ventilated area to prevent heat buildup. Avoid cramming it into tight spaces like entertainment centers without airflow.
• Take breaks during long usage sessions to let it cool down.
• If you’re using a TV as a monitor for extended hours, consider adding external cooling fans or upgrading to a display designed for continuous use.

Pro Tip: Check your TV’s thermal specs or user manual for maximum operating times. Some models handle long sessions better than others.

Refresh Rate Limitations

Why it matters?

Most TVs are locked at 60Hz, which is fine for movies but a letdown for fast-paced gaming.
Competitive titles like CS:GO, Valorant, or even Call of Duty thrive on higher refresh rates. With only 60Hz, you’ll notice motion blur and a lack of smoothness that could throw off your aim or reaction times.

Impact?

A 60Hz cap means even if your GPU is pumping out 120+ FPS, the TV can’t keep up. This mismatch results in choppy visuals, especially during high-motion scenes.

Fixes?

• Look for TVs with 120Hz or higher refresh rates, particularly those with HDMI 2.1 support. These models can handle higher frame rates and deliver a smoother experience.
• Enable Game Mode or similar features to reduce input lag and optimize the refresh rate for gaming.

Pro Tip: Don’t fall for marketing tricks—some TVs advertise 120Hz but rely on motion interpolation. Check for native refresh rate specs to ensure you’re getting true performance.

Color Accuracy for Professionals

Why it matters?

TVs aren’t built with color-critical work in mind.

They’re designed to make movies and shows look vibrant, not to deliver the color precision you need for tasks like video editing, graphic design, or 3D rendering.

Out of the box, most TVs crank up saturation and contrast to make visuals pop—but that’s not what professionals want.

Impact?

Inconsistent colors can throw off your workflow.

Imagine editing a video or designing a logo, only to find the colors look completely different on other devices. For creators who need accuracy, these discrepancies can waste time and lead to costly mistakes.

Fixes?

• Stick with professional-grade monitors that come factory-calibrated for color accuracy and support wider color gamuts like AdobeRGB or DCI-P3.
• If you must use a TV, invest in a color calibration tool like a SpyderX to tweak the settings for better accuracy.
• Look for TVs with Chroma 4:4:4 support, as this ensures proper color rendering for text and design work.

Pro Tip: Even with calibration, TVs often lack the consistent backlighting and panel quality needed for high-level professional work. Save the TV for your gaming or streaming sessions, and let a proper monitor handle the color-sensitive tasks.

Connectivity and Port Options

Why it matters?

TVs aren’t designed with PC builders or gamers in mind.

So you’ll often find fewer port options compared to monitors. While most monitors come loaded with DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and even multiple input options, TVs stick to a few HDMI ports and maybe an optical audio out.

Impact?

Limited ports mean juggling cables or swapping devices if you’re running a multi-monitor setup or connecting peripherals like external GPUs, audio interfaces, or multiple consoles.

It can get messy fast, especially if your setup isn’t simple.

Fixes?

• Use an HDMI splitter or switch for extra connections if your TV is your primary display.
• Consider USB-C to HDMI adapters or docking stations if your PC doesn’t have multiple HDMI ports.
• If you’re aiming for multi-monitor setups, stick to dedicated PC monitors that offer more flexibility in connectivity.

Pro Tip: If your TV lacks a DisplayPort, make sure your GPU has enough HDMI ports to support your setup

While TVs have their perks, these limitations might push you to buy a monitor instead of a TV for specific use cases.

How to Future-Proof Your Setup

Whether you’re using a TV as a second monitor with HDMI or sticking with a traditional monitor, here’s how to make sure your setup lasts:

For TV Users

• Choose gaming-ready TVs: Go for models like the LG C2 OLED or Samsung QN90A. These come with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) to keep gaming smooth, even during intense sessions.
• Invest in accessories: A high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable is a must for 4K gaming at 120Hz. Don’t skimp here—cheap cables can bottleneck performance. Add a TV stand or wall mount to fine-tune your screen positioning and avoid neck strain.
• Ensure compatibility: Check your GPU specs. If you’re rocking a card like the RTX 3060 or better, you’re golden for most TVs. Just make sure your GPU supports the resolution and refresh rate you’re aiming for.

For Monitor Users

• Pick monitors with versatility: Don’t just settle for any monitor—go for one that adapts to your future needs. Look for adjustable stands, VESA mount compatibility, and multiple input options like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. These features make it easier to tweak your setup or expand it without needing extra adapters.
• Consider future GPU needs: Planning to upgrade your GPU soon? Pair it with a monitor that can keep up. Invest in higher refresh rates (like 144Hz or 165Hz) and resolutions such as 1440p or 4K. A monitor like the Gigabyte M32U or Dell S3222DGM will deliver buttery-smooth visuals now and be ready for a beefier GPU later.

Accessories That Make Both Better

Whether you’re rocking a TV or a monitor, the right accessories can elevate your setup. Here’s what to consider:

Display calibrators

For pros doing photo editing, video production, or design work, a calibrator like the Datacolor SpyderX ensures accurate colors. TVs and even some monitors can be overly vibrant out of the box, but a quick calibration aligns everything perfectly.

External speakers or soundbars

Let’s face it: most built-in TV speakers sound like tin cans. Upgrade with a soundbar like the Sonos Beam or Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers. Monitors aren’t much better in the audio department, so an external speaker setup is a win for both.

Docking stations

Need more ports?

A docking station like the CalDigit TS4 or Anker PowerExpand adds USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet options for either setup. It’s especially useful if you’re juggling multiple devices or need quick-switching between a laptop and your PC.