Monitor vs TV for work – which one is better?

Which are better for work, Monitors or TVs?

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If you want to get a new display for your professional set and you’re debating “monitor vs TV” for work, then we’re here to help you. 

Now, “Should I get a TV or a monitor for my workspace?” – is a question that has sparked countless debates among office workers, freelancers, and remote employees alike. While some swear by the multi-purpose nature of the best TVs, others swear by the best PC monitors.

Of course, TVs and monitors are two completely different devices and serve different purposes. With technology becoming smarter each day, monitors deliver TV-like picture quality, and TVs come with features usually seen in monitors, like high refresh rates. 

But at the end of the day, both are screens that will complement your hardware and meet your specific requirements. For instance, if you want to multitask, then we’d recommend getting a curved monitor. But if you want to stream content aside from working, then a TV might be suitable. 

If you have a look at the TVs and monitors available on the market, you’re likely to get overwhelmed by the variety. So our team of experts has researched, compared, and put together a guide on “Monitor vs TV” for work. 

Top Monitors and TVs for work

Monitor vs TV for work – In-depth comparison

For this guide, we have compared TVs and monitors on various grounds, including image quality, color accuracy, multitasking, ergonomics, and more.

Image quality

Now, the primary use case for TVs is streaming, so the display is optimized for entertainment. You can expect larger screens, smoother motions, and good colors. However, TVs are not always optimized for text, so the text might look blurry. While TVs can be good for presentations (slideshows) or playing videos, they might not deliver a comfortable reading experience. 

Meanwhile, monitors are designed to deliver sharp text and detailed images, so you won’t be straining your eyes to read text. While monitors are generally smaller than TVs, they come with blue light filters, eye comfort modes, dark modes, and similar features that make reading and typing less difficult on the eyes. Further, if you have a good budget for a monitor, then you can invest in a QHD or 4K monitor with higher refresh rates to get a better experience during media consumption.

Responsiveness

By “responsiveness,” we mean refresh rate and response times. Usually, TVs have a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for watching stuff. However, for gaming and smoother performance, you might want to go for a 120Hz or better refresh rate. Further, TVs might have a higher input lag, which can cause a noticeable delay between your actions and the result on the screen. 

On the other hand, monitors generally have lower input lag and faster response times, so you get smoother visuals. This makes monitors better for tasks like gaming and fast-paced work. Much like TVs, you will have to find monitors with 120Hz refresh rate or more. It is worth noting that monitors with high refresh rates are quite common, and you will likely find one within your budget. 

Color accuracy

Have you ever looked at a picture on your computer and then on your phone and wondered why the colors look so different? That’s because the color accuracy of your display is important for a professional setting. Monitors are designed to be color-accurate and are calibrated to produce the truest shades possible. TVs, on the other hand, are not necessarily designed for that and produce oversaturated hues. So if color accuracy is a top priority, then a monitor is a better choice for you. Quantum dot technology can help TVs here, but more and more monitors also employ this technology these days.

Eye care technology

Staring at a screen for long hours is detrimental to your eye health. And that’s where eye care technology comes in. Monitors often come with features such as flicker-free technology and low blue light filters to combat and drastically reduce eye strain. However, TVs usually don’t come with these features, which could lead to eye fatigue and headaches.

Some newer TVs, though, have the Eye Comfort Display technology, which automatically adjusts the screen’s color temperature to minimize eye strain. So, if you’re looking for a TV that won’t make your eyes bleed over time, make sure to check if it has this feature.

Multitasking

Let’s admit it: we all like to multitask. Whether it’s watching a video while working or having multiple windows open at once, multitasking is a crucial part of our workday. Monitors are made to be more versatile in terms of multi-tasking. They have a higher resolution and purposefully designed operative systems, which allows for more windows to be open at once. TVs, on the other hand, are mostly designed for a single purpose – to watch TV shows and movies (some are for gaming).

But wait, there’s more! Some modern TVs, such as Samsung’s Neo QLED line, have a “Multi-View” feature that allows for split-screen multitasking. This means you can have multiple windows open at once, just like on a monitor.

Design and ergonomics

TVs are usually larger as they’re meant to be viewed from a distance, and this is why they remain stationary once installed. Most TVs have a stand, but the adjustments usually have limitations. So, the viewing experience may not be comfortable and may lead to eye and neck strain.

Meanwhile, monitors are generally smaller and are viewed from a closer distance. Most monitors come with stands with several adjustments – so you can adjust height. Plus, usually, monitors also offer adjustments like swivelling, tilting, and pivoting, which should give you a comfortable angle.  

Monitor vs TV for work – Verdict

To conclude, monitors are better for work. TVs are suited for casual use, and even the best ones lack the flexibility and customization an average monitor provides. That being said, whatever your decision, just remember to take frequent breaks and look away from the screen to protect your precious peepers.