Televisions are increasingly becoming the preferred device to use as a computer display. It is because they have superior display technology and offer larger viewing panels. Unlike projectors, TVs last longer and come at a significantly lower price point. However, not all TVs can work as PC monitors. There are specific requirements that they need to meet for you to get the best out of them. They include the display resolution, viewing angles, and type of display panel.
OLED display panels are not ideal candidates as they are predisposed to permanent burn-in. If you are in the market for a new PC monitor, here are some of the best 4K TVs to use as a computer monitor. The models that appear here are in line with the user’s preferences of size and price. Here are the top TV models for 2020.
Best 4K TVs to use as computer monitor by Size
Largest Screen Size – Samsung Q90T 65’’ QLED Smart TV
Samsung’s QN65Q90TA is the best large display to use as a PC monitor. It comes with the latest 4K quantum processor that supports resolutions of up to 1440p. The processor upscales the image input to deliver exceptional picture quality. The 16X direct full array of LED backlighting and a refresh rate of 120Hz saturates color to make images appear as if they were real life.
The screen is large enough to support split-screens, which makes it easy for you to work on different tasks simultaneously. It also comes with adaptive picture technology that responds to the brightness of the room. You no longer need to close the blinds when using the screen for video conferencing or office presentations. The Ultra Viewing Angle technology ensures that picture quality remains constant no matter where you sit in the room. For gamers, the TV comes with Real Game Enhancer+ and AMD Freesync, which help reduce lag and motion blur.
The Q90T also produces impeccable sound when used in small rooms. It has an active voice amplifier, Dolby digital plus, and object tracking sound, all of which work in tandem to ensure excellent sound quality. The built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities also come in handy when sharing presentations during meetings.
The Q90T has a 95.8% display area, which allows for more picture and less frame on design. The central-base stand is solid and makes the TV fit in with any décor. You also have a VESA mount back panel allowance of 400 X 400 mm, should you opt to have it on the wall. Overall, you can use the Q90T either as an office monitor or for your gaming room.
PC Monitor Specifications
| Model Number | QN65Q90T |
| Design | 56.94 X 32.61 X 1.37 inches without stand VESA Mount 400 X 400 mm Net weight 26.7 kilos Titan Black Colour |
| Display Technology | Full-array DLED backlighting 3840 X 2160 pixels at 4K UHD, 120Hz HDR10, HLG, Quantum 4K processor |
| Notable Features | Direct Full Array 16X Auto Motion Plus AMD FreeSync Premium Ultra Viewing Angle Game Motion Plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in |
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Smallest Screen Size – Sony 43’’ X800H
On the other side of the scale, we have the Sony 43X800H. It is a budget TV but packs enough power to function as one of the best 4k TV to use as computer monitor. The lightweight unit can perform well either at the office or for gaming. You can get your images upscaled to resolutions of up to 1080p, thanks to the built-in X1 4K HDR processor and the 4K X-Reality Pro technology.
Colors appear more vivid due to the TRILUMINOS™ technology, which adjusts to bring more clarity, depending on the input. However, the unit suffers in dark rooms since there is no local dimming technology.
The viewing angle of the Sony X800H is impressive, giving you clear picture quality with a viewing angle of 178 degrees. The unit also supports Apple Airplay and Chromecast, allowing for images to be displayed seamlessly without the need to switch cables. The lack of variable refresh rate technology also hampers performance to some extent. But, nothing too grand to cause you sleepless nights.
It supports chroma 4:4:4 very well across all picture modes, meaning your text appears rich and legible each time. If you are looking for a screen that works well across the board, you have a winner with the Sony 43’’ X800H.
Also Read: Top 5 Best TV for Watching Movies; Great Display
PC Monitor Specifications
| Model Number | XBR-43X800H |
| Design | 38.19 X 22.44 X 2.24 inches without stand VESA Mount 100 X 200 mm Net weight 9.8 kilos Black Colour |
| Display Technology | Edge LED backlighting IPS panel 3840 X 2160 pixels at 4K UHD, 60Hz HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Notable Features | 178 degrees viewing angle Motionflow XR Chromecast built-in X1 4K HDR processor 4K X-Reality Pro Frame Dimming Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in |
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Best value for money 4K TVs
Large Monitor – Hisense 55-inch H8 Quantum series
The 55H8G comes with the latest Quantum Dot™ technology from Hisense that makes images appear closer to real-life than previous models. It features full-array local dimming, allowing it to work well with any brightness setting of the room. Thanks to its Hi-View™ chipset, the tv upscales images up to 1080p with no distortion whatsoever. The dedicated game mode functions on the Motion Rate 240 technology, limits lag, and allows images to transition smoothly. Definitely a good choice when picking the best 4k TV to use as computer monitor.
Unfortunately, the viewing angle is not as great as that of the Sony X800H. Images lose quality the farther you are from the screen. It supports both Google Assistant and Alexa, which may come in handy for those hard to find functions. The audio quality is not bad, either. The two 10W stereo speakers get their power from the Dolby Audio codecs, meaning you get rich, immersive surround sound each time. The TV works well in both the conference room and home settings.
PC Monitor Specifications
| Model Number | 55H8G |
| Design | 48.3 X 28 X 3.1 inches without stand VESA Mount 300 X 200 mm Net weight 15.01 kilos Black or grey Colour |
| Display Technology | DLED backlighting with Full-array local dimming VA panel 3840 X 2160 pixels at 4K UHD, 60Hz HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Notable Features | Motion Rate 240 Hi-View Chipset Quantum Dot™ color technology Chromecast, Google Assistant & Alexa built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in |
Small Monitor – LG 43’’ Ultra HD 4K smart TV
Even though there are cheaper sets that you can use, none of them reaches the performance standards of the LG 43UN7300. It features an IPS panel, which allows for a viewing angle of up to 178 degrees. It works well in most light settings and responds to input decently well. However, the limited contrast ratio does not bode well with dark rooms. HDR support is also sub-standard as the lack of local dimming and limited color gamut compromise its effectiveness.
The anti-glare capability is impressive and ranks highly even with the more high-end sets. But, the brightness level is too low to allow usage in poorly lit rooms. It comes with a quad-core 4K image processor that responds well to fast-moving games. However, it is not comparable to any of the above TV models. The lack of variable refresh rate capability also works against it, as you may sometimes notice lags in image processing while gaming.
Given that this is a budget 4K TV, you should expect some deficiencies here and there. However, of all the other models we looked at when considering the best 4k tv to use as computer monitor, none performed better.
Also Read: Element TV Reviews; Top 3 Series To Consider For Great Viewership
PC Monitor Specifications
| Model Number | 43UN7300PUF |
| Design | 38.31 X 22.52 X 3.35 inches without stand VESA Mount 200 X 200 mm Net weight 8.1 kilos Black |
| Display Technology | DLED backlighting IPS panel 3840 X 2160 pixels at 4K UHD, 60Hz HDR10 pro, HLG pro |
| Notable Features | 178 degrees viewing angle Active HDR, HGiG Quad-Core 4K Image processor Google Assistant & Alexa built-in Apple Airplay 2 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in |
Other alternatives to consider
Samsung 55’’ QLED LSO3 Series
If you are one for aesthetics, you can opt for the Samsung QN55LS03, which is definitely one of the best 4k TV to use as computer monitor. It comes from the Samsung lifestyle TV range and features an elegant design resembling a hanging painting. Samsung advertises the unit as The Frame, and it started production back in 2018. The unit comes with an Edge LED-backlit panel capable of producing images at 3840 X 2160 pixels in UHD 4K resolution.
Among its display technology arsenal are HDR10+, HLG, Quantum Dot™ color, and ambient mode+, to mention a few. The unit is ideal for office settings, either as a conference room monitor or reception display. The screen sizes range from 32 to 75 inches. However, the price can be an issue for the average consumer.
PC Monitor specifications
| Model Number | QN55LST7T |
| Design | 49.1 X 28.7 X 2.35 inches without stand VESA Mount 200 X 200 mm Net weight 29.3 kilos Black |
| Display Technology | DLED backlighting with full-array local dimming VA panel 3840 X 2160 pixels at 4K UHD, 120 Hz HDR10+, HLG |
| Notable Features | Quantum HDR, Quantum processor 4K Game Enhancer Art Mode LED Clear Motion Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in |
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Samsung Q80R series 55’’ QLED 4K UHD TV.
If you are looking for the best 4k TV to use as computer monitor that gives you the best of both worlds, the Samsung QN55Q80R is the one. It is a 2019 model however has far superior performance levels than the Hisense 55H8G. As part of Samsung’s Quantum series of TVs, it comes with the quantum display technology that is standard in all Q Series TVs. Images are clear, and the colors are vivid. Thanks to the onboard 4K Quantum processor, the display can upscale pictures up to 1080p.
The QN55Q80R is the predecessor to the Q90T series. Therefore you can find it at a lower price point than the QN65 mentioned above.
PC Monitor Specifications
| Model Number | QN55Q80R |
| Design | 48.4 X 27.9 X 2.4 inches without stand VESA Mount 200 X 200 mm Net weight 19.1 kilos Gray |
| Display Technology | DLED backlighting with full-array local dimming VA panel 3840 X 2160 pixels at 4K UHD, 120 Hz HDR10+, HLG, HDR10+, Quantum HDR 1500 |
| Notable Features | Quantum HDR 12X, Quantum processor 4K Quantum dot color enhancer Game Mode AMD FreeSync Auto Motion Plus UHD Dimming LED Clear Motion Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in |
Conclusion
As the lines continue to blur on purpose-specific devices, it is only a matter of time before we see the integration of all functions together. But, till then, we shall have to make do with what is available. The above 4K TVs show immense versatility across the board and outperform any display from the PC manufacturer. Regardless of what your preference is, you will find the best 4K TV to use as computer monitor available with a little research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all 4K TVs function as PC monitors?
No. OLED TVs have a considerable risk of permanent burn-in and are not suitable for use as PC monitors. Your TV also needs to have the capability of displaying chroma 4:4:4. The technology allows the TV to adjust to the PC’s images as these differ compared to live TV and online streaming inputs.
What PC is ideal for connecting with a 4K TV?
Any computer can connect to a 4K monitor and vice versa. However, there are some basic requirements that they both need to fulfill. Both devices should have compatible connection ports—for example, HDMI to HDMI. The TV should also support your computer’s GPU for optimum performance. For example, the Samsung QN65Q80R is unable to decode input from an NVIDIA GPU. The TV will still display the signal, but the quality will be inferior.
