Do Monitors Have Less Input Lag Than TVs? Can a 4K TV Be Used as a Gaming Monitor?

When it comes to choosing a display for gaming, one of the most important factors that gamers often consider is input lag. Input lag refers to the delay between pressing a button on your controller or keyboard and seeing the result on screen. For fast-paced games, such as first-person shooters or fighting games, even a small delay can make a noticeable difference in performance. This leads many gamers to wonder: Do monitors have less input lag than TVs? And can a 4K TV be used as a gaming monitor?

In this blog, we'll break down these questions to help you make an informed decision when selecting your gaming display.

Input Lag: Monitors vs. TVs

Input lag is typically lower on monitors compared to TVs, but the gap is narrowing as TVs improve.

1. Monitors: Gaming monitors are designed with low input lag in mind. The technology in gaming monitors, including faster refresh rates and dedicated gaming modes, prioritizes responsiveness and minimal delay. Many monitors have input lag as low as 1ms to 5ms, which is ideal for competitive gaming.

2. TVs: While modern TVs have made significant strides in reducing input lag, they still generally have higher input lag than dedicated gaming monitors. This is because most TVs are optimized for watching movies and shows, where input lag is less critical. However, many high-end 4K TVs now feature "Game Mode," which reduces input lag by disabling some processing features. Some premium TVs offer input lag as low as 10ms or 15ms, which is perfectly acceptable for most casual gamers.

Why Do Monitors Have Less Input Lag?

Monitors, especially those designed for gaming, are built to handle rapid pixel updates and immediate responsiveness. They typically use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 connections, both of which support higher refresh rates and faster response times. Monitors are also more likely to be equipped with NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync technology, which helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering while ensuring a smoother gaming experience with minimal lag.

In contrast, many TVs process additional visual enhancements (such as motion smoothing, image upscaling, and HDR processing) to improve picture quality for watching movies or shows. While these features enhance visual quality, they often introduce additional processing delays that increase input lag. However, in Game Mode, most TVs disable these features, significantly reducing the input lag.

Can a 4K TV Be Used as a Gaming Monitor?

Absolutely! A 4K TV can be used as a gaming monitor, but there are some things to consider to ensure you get the best performance.

Advantages of Using a 4K TV as a Gaming Monitor:

1. Larger Screen Size: One of the main advantages of using a 4K TV for gaming is the larger screen size. If you're playing from a distance (e.g., from the couch), a 55-inch or 65-inch TV can provide an immersive gaming experience that a traditional monitor simply can't match.
2. Stunning Visuals: 4K resolution provides crisp and detailed visuals, and when paired with HDR, it can offer a rich and dynamic picture quality. This is especially beneficial for open-world games, RPGs, or visually striking titles.
3. Smart Features: Many 4K TVs come with built-in apps for streaming and are compatible with voice assistants, providing a multi-functional entertainment experience.

Disadvantages of Using a 4K TV as a Gaming Monitor:

1. Higher Input Lag: As mentioned earlier, most 4K TVs have higher input lag compared to monitors, especially if you're not using the TV in Game Mode. If you're a competitive gamer who demands ultra-fast response times, a dedicated gaming monitor would be a better choice.
2. Potential for Screen Size Issues: If you're sitting too close to a large 4K TV, you may not get the optimal viewing experience. The individual pixels on a TV may be larger compared to a monitor, which can result in a less sharp image up close.
3. Refresh Rate Limitations: Some 4K TVs only support a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is fine for casual gaming but less ideal for competitive gamers who want higher refresh rates (120Hz or more). However, some newer models of 4K TVs do support 120Hz, so it's important to check specifications before making a purchase.

Tips for Using a 4K TV as a Gaming Monitor

• Enable Game Mode: Always enable Game Mode on your TV to reduce input lag and disable unnecessary processing features.
• Use HDMI 2.1: If your TV supports HDMI 2.1, make sure to use an HDMI 2.1 cable to take full advantage of 4K gaming at higher refresh rates (e.g., 120Hz).
• Adjust Your Sitting Distance: Ideally, sit at a comfortable distance from the TV (usually 6-10 feet) for the best viewing experience and to avoid pixelation.

Conclusion: Monitors vs. TVs for Gaming

If you’re looking for the absolute lowest input lag for competitive gaming, monitors are generally the better choice due to their specialized features and faster response times. However, for casual gaming or an immersive experience with larger screen sizes, 4K TVs can offer excellent performance as long as you ensure they’re set up properly with Game Mode and the correct connections.

A 4K TV can definitely be used as a gaming monitor, especially for single-player games or media consumption, but for competitive gaming, a gaming monitor is likely the better option.

References:

• Input lag
• 4K TV

By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose the right display for your gaming needs!