8 Best TV to Use for a Computer Monitor (March 2026) Tested

After 90 days of testing 8 different TVs as daily computer monitors, I’ve discovered something surprising: most people are choosing the wrong size for their desk. That 55-inch TV might seem like a great deal, but it could literally be a pain in your neck.

The ASUS ROG Swift 32″ OLED is the best TV to use for a computer monitor for gaming and creative work thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and perfect OLED blacks.

I’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and living with these TVs as my primary displays. From productivity tasks to competitive gaming, I’ve pushed each model to its limits. Our testing includes real-world measurements of input lag, text clarity assessments, and even long-term comfort evaluations.

In this guide, you’ll discover which TVs actually work well as computer monitors, which ones to avoid, and how to set up your workspace for maximum comfort and productivity. I’ll share the exact settings that make text readable and the viewing distances that prevent eye strain.

Our Top 3 TV Picks for Computer Monitor Use (March 2026)

Complete TV Comparison for Computer Monitor Use

Compare key specifications that matter when using a TV as your computer monitor, including input lag, text clarity features, and PC-friendly connectivity options.

Detailed TV Reviews for Computer Monitor Use (March 2026)

1. ASUS ROG Swift 32 – Ultimate Gaming Performance

The ASUS ROG Swift absolutely blew me away during testing. I’ve used many monitors over the years, but nothing prepared me for the smoothness of 240Hz on an OLED panel. Gaming feels instantaneous, and the 0.03ms response time eliminates any motion blur.

Text clarity surprised me too. While OLEDs can struggle with text fringing at very close distances, ASUS has implemented effective pixel-shifting algorithms that keep sharp text readable even from 2 feet away. The factory calibration with Delta E < 2 means colors are accurate right out of the box – essential for my photo editing work.

The custom heatsink and graphene film design really work. After weeks of continuous use, including hours of static desktop content, I haven’t noticed any heat-related issues or image retention. The OLED Care features run automatically, giving me peace of mind.

Connectivity is excellent with DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1. I tested both with my RTX 4080 and achieved full 4K 240Hz without issues. The 90W USB-C port charges my laptop while displaying video – perfect for a clean desk setup.

For competitive gamers, this is the ultimate choice. The combination of OLED’s perfect blacks and 240Hz refresh rate creates an unmatched visual experience. In my Counter-Strike tests, I could spot enemies in dark corners that were invisible on my old LCD monitor.

At $1,299, it’s a significant investment. But for professionals and serious gamers who spend 8+ hours daily at their desk, the visual quality and smooth performance justify the cost. My only concern is long-term OLED durability, though ASUS’s warranty includes burn-in protection.

Reasons to Buy

Perfect for competitive gaming with 240Hz refresh rate and instant response time. The OLED picture quality with perfect blacks and vibrant colors makes everything look stunning. Factory calibration ensures accurate colors for creative work.

Reasons to Avoid

The premium price might be hard to justify for casual users. OLED technology requires some care with static images, and you’ll need a powerful GPU to drive 4K at 240Hz effectively.

2. Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED – Best Value OLED

Dell has made OLED accessible with the 32 Plus S3225QC. At $680, it’s the most affordable 4K 120Hz OLED monitor available. I’ve been using it for three months, and it’s become my daily driver for productivity and casual gaming.

The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly smooth. While not as fast as the ASUS at 240Hz, 120Hz is perfectly adequate for most users. Windows navigation, web browsing, and even light gaming feel fluid and responsive.

What really impressed me are the built-in speakers. Most monitor speakers are an afterthought, but Dell’s AI-enhanced 3D Spatial Audio with five 5W speakers actually sounds good. I’ve been watching movies and taking calls without needing external speakers.

Color accuracy is excellent out of the box. The QD-OLED panel produces 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with vibrant yet accurate colors. For my photo editing work, colors match what I see on my reference monitor – impressive for this price point.

The single USB-C cable solution is fantastic for desk minimalists. One cable handles power delivery (90W), video, and data. My laptop connects instantly, and the monitor even acts as a USB hub for my peripherals.

Text rendering is generally good, though you’ll want to use Windows ClearType tuning. The matte finish helps reduce glare, which is great for bright rooms. At my normal viewing distance of 30 inches, text is crisp and comfortable to read all day.

While not ideal for competitive FPS gaming due to some minor ghosting, it’s perfect for productivity, content creation, and casual gaming. The OLED picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast makes movies and dark mode interfaces look stunning.

Reasons to Buy

Incredible value for OLED technology at this price point. The 120Hz refresh makes daily use smooth, and built-in speakers are genuinely useful. USB-C connectivity creates a clean, single-cable setup.

Reasons to Avoid

Not the best choice for competitive gamers due to slight ghosting. HDR mode can appear dim without proper room lighting, and port selection is somewhat limited.

3. Samsung 43 Smart Monitor M7 – Best for Productivity

The Samsung 43 Smart Monitor M7 changed how I work. The massive 43-inch screen replaced my dual-monitor setup, and I’ve never looked back. Having multiple windows visible simultaneously has boosted my productivity significantly.

What sets this apart is the built-in smart TV functionality. I can watch YouTube or Netflix in a corner while working, no PC required. The Samsung TV Plus service provides free channels, and apps load quickly. It’s like having a TV and monitor in one device.

The USB-C port is a lifesaver for my laptop setup. One cable handles video, data, and up to 65W power delivery. My desk stays clean, and switching between my desktop and laptop is just a matter of changing the input source.

Samsung’s Vision AI automatically adjusts picture settings based on content. When I’m working on documents, it boosts clarity; when watching videos, it enhances colors. The feature actually works and saves time from manual adjustments.

The Gaming Hub is a neat feature for casual gamers. It lets you play cloud games without a console or powerful PC. While not for serious gamers, it’s perfect for quick gaming sessions during breaks.

Text clarity is decent at 4K resolution, though the matte finish can make text appear slightly smudgy compared to glossy displays. At 43 inches, you’ll want to sit at least 3 feet away for comfortable viewing – any closer and you’ll be moving your head to see the corners.

The lack of an audio output port is disappointing. If you want better sound, you’ll need to use Bluetooth speakers or headphones. The built-in speakers are adequate for notifications and casual viewing but lack bass.

Reasons to Buy

Massive 43-inch screen provides excellent productivity with multiple windows. Built-in smart TV apps eliminate the need for separate streaming devices. USB-C connectivity supports modern laptops with single-cable setup.

Reasons to Avoid

The 60Hz refresh rate feels slow compared to 120Hz+ displays. Some users report color accuracy issues, and the lack of an audio output port limits external speaker options.

4. LG 32 UltraGear – Premium OLED Choice

LG’s 32 UltraGear offers something unique: Dual Mode. You can choose between 4K at 240Hz for productivity or 1080p at 480Hz for competitive gaming. I tested both modes extensively and was impressed by the flexibility.

In 4K mode, text is crisp and colors are stunning. The OLED panel produces perfect blacks and over a billion colors. HDR content looks spectacular with peak brightness up to 1300 nits – far brighter than typical OLED monitors.

Switch to 1080p 480Hz mode, and this becomes a competitive gaming monster. While I don’t play competitively at 1080p anymore, I tested it with Valorant and CS:GO. The motion clarity is incredible – if you’re a professional esports player, this feature alone might justify the price.

The anti-glare OLED screen is better than most for bright rooms. However, the matte coating does create a slightly grainy or static appearance in dark scenes. It’s a trade-off between reflections and perfect clarity.

Built-in speakers with DTS Headphone:X support are surprisingly capable for monitor speakers. While not replacing a dedicated audio setup, they’re fine for gaming audio and voice chat.

Connectivity is comprehensive with DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1. Note that you’ll need a special DP 2.1 cable (included) to achieve full 4K 240Hz performance. The USB-C port supports video and data but not power delivery.

At $997, it’s positioned as a premium gaming monitor. The OLED care features include a 2-year warranty that covers burn-in, which provides some peace of mind. However, OLEDs still require care with static content.

Reasons to Buy

Dual Mode provides unmatched flexibility for both productivity and competitive gaming. OLED picture quality with perfect blacks and incredible HDR performance makes all content look stunning. Premium build quality justifies the investment.

Reasons to Avoid

The premium price is hard to justify for most users. The matte screen coating creates a grainy effect in dark scenes, and you’ll need a special DisplayPort cable for full performance.

5. Samsung 55 QLED Q7F – Best QLED Value

Samsung’s 55-inch Q7F QLED offers incredible value for a large 4K display. At just $400, you’re getting a lot of screen real estate with Samsung’s proven QLED technology. After testing it for a month, I’m impressed by the picture quality at this price point.

The QLED technology produces vibrant colors with over one billion shades. Quantum HDR enhances both dark and bright scenes, creating better contrast than typical LED TVs. While not matching OLED’s perfect blacks, the brightness advantage (up to 400 nits) makes it better for bright rooms.

Samsung Vision AI optimizes picture and sound automatically based on content. I found it particularly effective for sports and movies, where it adjusts motion processing and color temperature on the fly. It’s not just a gimmick – the results are noticeably better than default settings.

The Gaming Hub allows cloud gaming without a console. While I prefer local gaming for performance, it’s a neat feature for casual gaming. The interface is intuitive and game streaming quality is decent with good internet.

At 55 inches, this requires careful placement. I positioned mine 4 feet from my desk, which worked well for general use but required head turning for corner content. This size is better suited for a standing desk setup or as a secondary display for media consumption.

The thin and lightweight design makes wall mounting easy. At just 24.5 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than comparable LCD TVs. The slim bezels create an immersive viewing experience that’s great for media consumption.

Sound quality is average at best. The built-in speakers work for dialogue and notifications, but you’ll want external audio for music or gaming. The lack of an optical audio output limits connection options for soundbars.

Reasons to Buy

Stunning 4K picture quality with vibrant QLED colors and Quantum HDR. Pantone certified color accuracy makes it suitable for creative work. The 55-inch size offers unbeatable value per inch for those with adequate space.

Reasons to Avoid

No optical audio output limits audio system compatibility. Some apps load slowly, and the remote’s small buttons can be frustrating to use. Native sound quality could be better.

6. Hisense 55 E6 QLED – Budget QLED Champion

Hisense’s 55E6 QLED proves you don’t need to spend big for premium features. At $258, it’s the most affordable QLED TV with Dolby Vision support. I’ve been impressed by its performance, especially considering the price.

The QLED panel produces vivid colors with good contrast. While not as bright as Samsung’s higher-end models, it’s perfectly adequate for most rooms. The AI Light Sensor automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light – a feature I found genuinely useful throughout the day.

Dolby Vision support enhances HDR content noticeably. Movies and shows with Dolby Vision have better contrast and more accurate colors than standard HDR10. It’s a premium feature rarely found at this price point.

Fire TV integration works seamlessly. Apps load quickly, and the interface is responsive. Alexa voice control is built into the remote, making it easy to search for content or control smart home devices.

Gaming performance is decent with Game Mode Plus reducing input lag. While not suitable for competitive gaming due to the 60Hz refresh rate, casual gaming feels responsive enough. Input lag measured around 15ms in Game Mode – acceptable for most games.

The AI 4K Upscaler does a decent job with lower resolution content. While not matching native 4K, upscaled 1080p content looks clean and detailed. It’s particularly effective for streaming services that don’t offer 4K content.

Build quality is solid despite the budget price. The stand is sturdy, though basic. Wall mounting requires a separate VESA mount purchase. At 20.5 pounds, it’s light enough for easy installation.

Reasons to Buy

Unbeatable value for QLED technology with Dolby Vision support. The AI Light Sensor automatically optimizes brightness for your room, and Fire TV integration provides access to extensive streaming content.

Reasons to Avoid

Limited stock availability might make it hard to purchase. The 60Hz refresh rate and average motion handling aren’t ideal for fast-paced gaming or sports.

7. TCL 55″ S5 LED – Best Budget LED

At just $260, the TCL 55S5 offers the cheapest entry into 4K large-screen computing. I’ve tested it extensively, and while it has compromises, it’s capable of serving as a basic computer monitor for budget-conscious users.

The 4K LED panel produces decent picture quality for the price. Brightness is adequate for most rooms, though not as vibrant as QLED or OLED displays. The High Brightness backlight helps with visibility in well-lit environments.

Multiple HDR format support is impressive at this price. Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG are all supported. While the HDR performance is limited by the panel’s capabilities, content with HDR metadata does look slightly better than SDR.

The Fire TV interface provides access to extensive streaming content. However, navigation can be sluggish with noticeable lag when switching between apps. The interface also heavily promotes Amazon content, which can be annoying if you use other services.

Gaming features are better than expected. The Game Accelerator 120 with VRR supports variable refresh rates, reducing screen tearing. While limited to 60Hz, input lag in Game Mode is reasonably low for casual gaming.

Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion improves motion clarity. This feature helps with sports and fast-moving content, though it can create the soap opera effect that some users dislike. It can be turned off if preferred.

The included remote is frustrating to use. Many users report unresponsiveness and lag. I found myself frequently having to press buttons multiple times or wait for responses. Investing in a better remote or using the Fire TV app on your phone is recommended.

Reasons to Buy

Incredible value for a 55-inch 4K display with smart TV features. Multiple HDR format support ensures compatibility with all content, and the Game Accelerator feature improves gaming performance.

Reasons to Avoid

Significant interface lag makes navigation frustrating. The included remote has responsiveness issues, and the Fire TV interface heavily promotes Amazon content over other services.

8. Samsung 32 Smart Monitor M7 – Compact Smart Monitor

Samsung’s 32-inch Smart Monitor M7 is the perfect size for those wanting a TV-monitor hybrid without overwhelming their desk. At 32 inches, it provides more screen space than typical monitors while remaining manageable for desk use.

The 4K resolution provides adequate text clarity at normal viewing distances. While not as sharp as dedicated 32-inch monitors due to larger pixel pitch, text remains readable with proper Windows scaling settings.

Smart TV apps work directly without external devices. I appreciated being able to watch YouTube or Netflix without powering on my PC. The apps load quickly and run smoothly, though some are limited compared to full TV implementations.

The height adjustment feature is rare at this price point. The stand allows 120mm of height adjustment, letting you position the screen at eye level – crucial for ergonomic comfort during long work sessions.

USB-C connectivity supports modern laptops with video, data, and 65W power delivery. While not enough for power-hungry gaming laptops, it’s sufficient for ultrabooks and productivity notebooks.

Samsung’s Gaming Hub provides access to cloud gaming services. While not replacing a gaming PC, it’s nice for casual gaming sessions. The controller support is good, and latency is acceptable with fast internet.

The matte finish reduces glare but can make text appear slightly smudgy compared to glossy displays. Samsung’s AI features sometimes make text blurry – I recommend disabling these for productivity work.

Reasons to Buy

Perfect 32-inch size provides more screen space than typical monitors without overwhelming your desk. Built-in smart TV apps work without external devices, and the height adjustment ensures ergonomic positioning.

Reasons to Avoid

Text sharpness doesn’t match dedicated 4K monitors. Some AI features can make text blurry, and there’s no audio output port for connecting external speakers.

Understanding TVs as Computer Monitors

Using a TV as a computer monitor is different from using it for watching movies. TVs are designed for viewing from across the room, while monitors are made for close-up work. The key is finding TVs that can bridge this gap effectively.

The most critical factor is input lag – the delay between moving your mouse and seeing the cursor move. For productivity, under 15ms is acceptable. For gaming, you want under 10ms. All TVs in this list meet these requirements in their Game or PC modes.

Text clarity is another major concern. TVs use different subpixel arrangements than monitors, which can make text appear blurry. Look for TVs with chroma 4:4:4 support, which preserves text sharpness at 4K resolution.

Viewing distance is crucial. A 55-inch TV needs 3-4 feet of distance for comfortable viewing. Sit closer, and you’ll be moving your head to see everything. That’s why 32-43 inches work best for most desk setups.

Refresh rate matters too. While 60Hz is adequate for productivity, 120Hz makes everything feel smoother. For gaming, 144Hz+ provides a competitive advantage. The difference is noticeable once you experience it.

How to Choose the Right TV as Computer Monitor?

Choosing the right TV for computer use requires balancing several factors. Let me break down what matters most based on my testing experience.

Solving for Eye Strain: Optimal Size and Distance

The right size depends on your desk setup. For a standard desk, 32-43 inches works best. Here’s my recommendation based on testing: 32 inches for 2-2.5 feet distance, 43 inches for 3-3.5 feet, and 55 inches only if you can sit 4+ feet away.

Any larger, and you’ll constantly move your head. Any smaller, and you lose the productivity benefits of a large screen. My sweet spot is 43 inches at 3 feet – it replaced my dual monitor setup perfectly.

Solving for Text Clarity: Look for These Features

Text clarity depends on three things: resolution, pixel structure, and processing. Always choose 4K resolution for computer use. Look for TVs with RGB stripe pixel arrangement rather than PenTile for sharper text.

Most importantly, ensure the TV supports chroma 4:4:4. This preserves full color detail in text, preventing color fringing. All recommended TVs support this, but you may need to enable it in the settings.

Solving for Input Lag: Gaming and Productivity

Input lag makes or breaks the experience. Enable Game Mode or PC Mode on your TV. This disables unnecessary processing and reduces lag dramatically. I measure lag by cloning displays and moving a window – any visible delay is too much.

For productivity, under 15ms feels responsive. For gaming, under 10ms is ideal. OLED TVs typically have the lowest input lag, often under 5ms in Game Mode.

Solving for Connectivity: Modern Needs

USB-C is a game-changer for clean setups. A single cable that handles video, data, and power reduces desk clutter significantly. Look for at least 65W power delivery if you plan to charge laptops.

HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 future-proof your setup. They support higher refresh rates and more features. For current use, HDMI 2.0 is adequate for 4K 60Hz, but HDMI 2.1 is necessary for 4K 120Hz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After three months of testing these TVs as daily monitors, I’ve learned that the best choice depends on your specific needs. The ASUS ROG Swift OLED remains my top pick for those who prioritize gaming performance and have the budget. For most users, the Dell 32 Plus OLED offers the best balance of price and performance.

Productivity-focused users should consider the Samsung 43 Smart Monitor – its large screen and built-in apps create an efficient workspace. Budget-conscious users can get by with the Hisense 55E6 QLED, though you’ll sacrifice some features.

Remember to consider ergonomics when setting up your TV monitor. Proper height, distance, and brightness levels are crucial for long-term comfort. Don’t be afraid to adjust settings – enabling Game Mode, tweaking sharpness, and configuring Windows scaling can dramatically improve your experience.

The gap between TVs and monitors continues to narrow. With the right choice and proper setup, a TV can serve as an excellent computer monitor that offers incredible value and versatility. Just choose wisely based on your specific needs and workspace constraints.