Is response time better on TV or monitor?

Response Time: TV vs. Monitor

Gaming Monitor

• Response Time: Typically 1ms to 5ms on gaming monitors.
  • Monitors, especially those with TN or IPS panels, are designed for low response times, reducing motion blur and ghosting during fast-paced games.
• Better for Competitive Gaming: Faster response times make monitors ideal for eSports and competitive gaming where quick reactions are critical.

TV

• Response Time: Generally 5ms to 15ms on newer models with Game Mode enabled.
  • OLED TVs are exceptions, offering near-instantaneous pixel response times (~0.1ms) for superior motion clarity. However, overall input lag can still be higher without proper settings.

Input Lag on TVs

What is Input Lag?

Input lag is the delay between a user action (e.g., pressing a button) and the corresponding result displayed on the screen. It differs from response time, which is how quickly a pixel changes color.

Typical Input Lag for TVs

• Modern TVs with Game Mode:

  • 10ms to 15ms for high-end models.
  • 15ms to 30ms for mid-range models.
  • Game Mode bypasses image processing to reduce lag significantly.

• Older TVs or Non-Gaming Mode:

  • 40ms to 100ms, which can feel sluggish for fast-paced or competitive games.

OLED TVs

• With Game Mode: Input lag as low as 5ms to 10ms, making them highly competitive with gaming monitors.
• Without Game Mode: Higher lag due to enhanced image processing features.

Which is Better for Gaming: TV or Monitor?

Monitor Advantages:

• Consistently lower input lag (1ms to 10ms on gaming monitors).
• Faster response times (1ms to 5ms).
• Higher refresh rates (144Hz to 360Hz), ideal for competitive gaming.

TV Advantages:

• Large screen sizes for immersive gaming.
• Modern gaming TVs (like OLEDs) offer competitive input lag and near-perfect response times.
• Better for couch gaming or shared gaming setups.

Choosing Between TV and Monitor

1. For Competitive Gaming: A monitor is better due to lower input lag, faster response times, and higher refresh rates.
2. For Casual or Single-Player Games: A TV, especially with Game Mode enabled, offers a great experience with the added benefit of cinematic visuals.

Pro Tip: Always enable Game Mode on your TV to minimize input lag for gaming.