4 Top TV Monitors of 2024 Ranked

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Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Mar 17, 2024 11:09 AM
best tv monitor guide that shows the top best tv model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

Choosing the best TV monitor could mean the difference between a highly productive work session or a poor refresh rate for slow loading spreadsheets and web browsers. Our evaluation focused on performance/display, input lag, and refresh rate, in addition to a number of other metrics to determine the top-performing TVs.

How Did We Rank the Best TV Monitors?

To assess how high or low quality a TV actually is for TV Monitor, one must evaluate specific testing criteria against reference industry standards. Using our thorough TV Testing Methodology, we determined there are 2 minimum specs and 5 criteria below (2 required, 4 nice to have) that ensure your TV Monitor looks as good as the creator intended it.

?️ Minimum Specifications

  • Resolution: 1080p to 4k
  • Chroma: 4:4:4

? Test Criteria

  • Input Lag: Less than or equal to 20ms.
  • Response Time: Less than or equal to 10ms.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • SDR Brightness: At least 300 nits for a bright, clear picture in any light.
  • HDR Brightness: Exceeding 700 nits for immersive high dynamic range content with exceptional detail and contrast.
  • Color Gamut: Minimum 97% DCI P3 color gamut for vibrant colors.
  • Contrast Ratio: At least 10,000:1, for deep blacks and bright whites.

We’ve redefined TV buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach combines in-house verification with a comprehensive dataset from over 200+ trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics to rank the top rated TV monitors. Testing data include brightness (300 nits SDR and 700 nits HDR), Color Gamut % (DCI P3 xy) >= 97%, and a set that has Max Resolution: 1080p to 4k. In this case it’s for TV monitors, which means overcoming bright lights and fitting in a tight space. Discover our data-driven methodology for precise, reliable TV monitor recommendations. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. Commissions fund this mission. No bias. No BS.

Latest Updates

  • 03/01/2024: Completely and thoroughly overhauled the guide to include the best and latest TV Monitors.
  • 11/29/2023: Republished the list to include TVs based on our True Score system.

Top Best TV Monitors For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

For our list, TV monitors must be 1080p to 4K, glare-resistant and offer Chroma 4:4:4. If it doesn’t meet these criteria, it’s not on our list!

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Samsung S90C TV

    • Best For Home Theater

    Unbeatable response time and phenomenal color accuracy makes the S90C ideal for gaming and color-critical work despite slightly lower brightness.

    Samsung S90C TV Review →

    True Score

    92
    94
    8

    Experts

    92
    5k

    Customers

    SAVE $500
    $1,499.99
    $999.99

    Category Snapshot

    TVs

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      17 Brands, 158 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      LG, Hisense

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $400-$2000

    • Average True Score

      76.65

    • Important Test Criteria

      Brightness (cd/m2)
      Contrast Ratio (1000:1)

    • Most Trusted Testers

    • Recommended Retailer

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – AKKO

    • Test Methodology

      TV Testing Methodology

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    LG C3 OLED TV

    An affordable monitor alternative, offering compact size, exceptional color accuracy, perfect blacks, and swift response times. Ideal for both professional creative work and immersive entertainment experiences.

    LG C3 OLED TV Review →

    True Score

    88
    87
    9

    Experts

    93
    11k

    Customers

    SAVE $400
    $1,296.99
    $896.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    LG Flex OLED TV

    Uniquely flexible, versatile, and expensive. The LG Flex provides excellent color precision and responsiveness, making it perfect for anyone with deep pockets looking for a customizable viewing experience for work and play.

    LG Flex OLED TV Review →

    True Score

    86
    85
    2

    Experts

    90
    13

    Customers

    $1,696.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    TCL QM8/QM850G QLED TV

    • Best For Bright Room

    Best value with high brightness at the lowest price. Suitable for less intensive tasks and bright environments.

    TCL QM8/QM850G QLED TV Review →

    True Score

    86
    84
    7

    Experts

    89
    824

    Customers

    SAVE $138
    $1,135.99
    $998.00

Our Approach to Testing Best TV Monitors

Evan Shepard/Gadget Review

When selecting the best TV to use as a monitor, focus on low input lag and response time and a minimum resolution of 1080p for crisp, clear images. Look for 4:4:4 chroma to ensure color accuracy and a TV that covers at least 97% of the DCI P3 color gamut for vivid, true-to-life colors. Our picks, rigorously tested, deliver a seamless experience for using your TV as a computer monitor.

We gather data so you don’t have to. Our team averages testing results to accurately represent each product’s capabilities. Then, we filter and sort our buying guides to ensure products meet your needs, like those for TVs monitors with LED panels. This guarantees you’re buying the correct product.

You may notice some of our graphs contain “Source: RTings”. This is to indicate that the data we’re showing off in a graph has come from a single source – because it’s the only source that actually tested the criteria and had data for it! Normally, our data is an average out of all of the various publications that test and provide data to give you a good idea of how a product is going to perform on average.

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best TV Monitors?

By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 4 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these TVs and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a TV that will fit into your space.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Response Time<=10msYesTime required for a pixel to transition from one color to another and then return to its original color.
Input Lag<=20msYesThe time it takes for a display to change the on-screen image in response to user input.
Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy)>= 97%No (nice to have)Evaluate the extent to which a TV can reproduce a specified spectrum of colors.
SDR Brightness300+ nitsNo (nice to have)Assess the luminance of your display when operating in Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) mode.
HDR Brightness700+ nitsNo (nice to have)Determine the luminance of your display in High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode.
Contrast Ratio>= 10,000No (nice to have)The ratio between the brightest white and darkest black that the screen can display.

Our Trusted Data Sources

(Publication category Score is 80%+)

We looked at 210+ TV reviewers and while 24 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Rating above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for TVs, along with our own in-house TV expert.

  1. Evan Shepard – Gadget Review
  2. Matthew Lopes – RTings, MuckRack
  3. Will Greenwald – PCMag, MuckRack, Twitter
  4. David Katzmaier – CNET, MuckRack, Twitter

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every TV review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

TV Test Data & Results

1. SDR & HDR Brightness TV Test Results

If you’re considering using your TV as a computer monitor, keep in mind that in well-lit rooms, the brightness level of your TV monitor, quantified in nits, is key to a great viewing experience. A TV that doesn’t meet the brightness requirement will struggle against natural and artificial light, resulting in a dim, lackluster image. Essentially, nits measure how well your TV can stand up to light interference, with higher values ensuring a sharper, more vivid display.

For standard viewing on the best TV monitor, you should look for at least 300 nits to strike the right balance between clarity and color quality in standard dynamic range (SDR) content. For high dynamic range (HDR) content, which offers richer colors and greater contrast, a minimum of 700 nits is ideal to truly appreciate the enhanced visuals. These brightness levels are recommended to ensure your TV performs well in bright settings, allowing you to enjoy your shows and movies without any loss in detail or quality. Aim for these minimums: SDR Brightness >= 300 nits; HDR Brightness >= 700 nits for the optimal experience.

Discover the top TV monitors, ranked from brightest to least, all exceeding our brightness criteria.

SDR Brightness (in nits, higher is better)

HDR Brightness (in nits, higher is better)

2. Color Gamut (DCI P3 xy) TV Test Results

Color gamut defines the range of colors a TV monitor can reproduce, directly affecting how vibrant and true-to-life the images look. A wide color gamut in a compact TV brings out richer, more vivid colors – from the lush greens of a garden to the bright colors of animated characters, enhancing your viewing experience to closely mimic real life.

This concept is technically measured against standards like the DCI P3 xy, a benchmark for high-quality visuals. A TV monitor covering a higher percentage of this color space can display colors more accurately and vividly.

For those who prioritize vibrant and immersive visuals in a smaller package, aiming for a TV monitor with a color gamut of 97% or higher on the DCI P3 xy scale is ideal. This ensures that the content you watch is as vibrant and lifelike as possible. If you want to still consider a smaller computer monitor alongside a TV monitor, consider reading our guide to the best 24-inch monitor, where compact size meets exceptional color performance.

Below are the top TV monitors, ordered by color gamut.

DCI P3 XY Color Gamut (as a %; high is better)

3. Input Lag Time Test Results

Just as a slow response time binds you with invisible shackles, high input lag is like wading through quicksand, pulling you down when speed is of the essence. Imagine you’re facing an enemy in a duel; you press the button to leap or strike, but there’s a delay. Your character stumbles a moment too late, and the opportunity slips through your fingers. It’s not just about delayed reactions; it’s about being desynchronized from the game’s rhythm, turning your split-second decisions into missed chances.

What exactly is input lag? It’s the time it takes for your game console’s signal to translate into action on your screen. Ideally, for gaming, you’d want an input lag of 20ms or less to stay in perfect sync with the game. At these low latencies, your actions are immediate, your commands precise, and your timing impeccable. With minimal input lag, when you command it, it happens – instantly.

Below are the top TV monitors, ordered by input lag, all exceeding our testing criteria.

Input Lag (in milliseconds; lower is better)

4. Response Time TV Test Results

A slow response time on a TV monitor during fast-paced scenes is like trying to watch a thrilling movie with a foggy lens. Imagine settling in for an action-packed sequence, only to have the swift movements turn into a blur, robbing you of the crisp, clear detail you crave. This isn’t just a minor annoyance; it’s a major detriment to your viewing experience, leaving you with a picture marred by motion blur and visual artifacts.

So, what exactly is response time? It measures how quickly a pixel on your TV can change from one color to another. In the context of watching fast-moving content or enjoying dynamic scenes on a TV monitor, a low response time is crucial. A response time of 15 ms or lower is good, but if you plan on gaming on this set, aim for a response time of 10 ms or lower. At these levels, your TV monitor ensures smooth transitions and sharp visuals, making every scene come to life without any distracting blurs or delays. Consider checking out our best LG TV guide, as LG is known for models with excellent response times that cater to action-packed movies and sports.

Gamers should also consider exploring our guide to the best gaming TV, which are designed with low response times and high refresh rates to enhance your gaming experience. Additionally, for tips on minimizing input lag further, our guide on how to fix input lag on a TV offers solutions to optimize your setup for even smoother gameplay.

Below are the top TV monitors, ordered by response time, all exceeding our testing criteria.

Response Time (in milliseconds; lower is better)

5. Contrast Ratio Test Results

For TV monitor enthusiasts, a solid contrast ratio is crucial for enjoying your favorite TV shows or movies, especially in darker settings. This feature directly impacts how lifelike and dynamic the picture appears on your screen, ensuring that dark scenes are displayed with clear, crisp blacks instead of murky grays and bright scenes retain their detail without appearing washed out.

Put simply, the contrast ratio is all about the range of luminance a TV can produce, from the deepest blacks to the brightest whites. It’s what brings depth to the image, enhancing the realism of every scene. Watching a movie in the dark, for example, the difference between a TV with a poor contrast ratio and one with a high ratio is stark: the former struggles, blending shadows into a flat gray, while the latter delivers true black, making night scenes more immersive and detailed.

Ideally, a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 is what you should aim for in a TV monitor. This level of luminance variance ensures that you’re getting a picture quality that can handle the nuances of lighting in any scene, providing a viewing experience that’s both rich and engaging. If you prioritize a high contrast ratio for a lifelike and dynamic picture, especially in darker settings, the best 1440p monitor can be an excellent choice that tends to be cheaper than 4K monitors but has a higher resolution that the top 1080p gaming monitors.

Note: OLED TVs have infinite contrast ratio, indicated by “0.”

Below are the top TV monitors, ordered by contrast ratio, all exceeding our testing criteria.

Contrast Ratio (higher is better)

Best TV Monitors: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Ignoring Size Considerations: Not considering the appropriate size for the viewing distance and intended use, which can result in discomfort or poor viewing experience. For more compact spaces or closer viewing distances, options like the best 24-inch TV models can provide an optimal balance between size and quality. And if you’re going to be bringing this TV monitor on the go constantly, the best portable TV can adapt to different environments without sacrificing quality.

  2. Overlooking Display Specifications: Failing to research and understand key display specifications such as TV resolution, refresh rate, and panel type, which can lead to subpar image quality. Refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) in case you’ve wondered what Hz is on a TV. While related, the refresh rate (Hz) on TVs indicates how often the image refreshes per second for smoother motion, whereas response time measures how quickly a pixel can change color, affecting clarity during fast action scenes.

  3. Neglecting Connectivity Options: Not checking for the necessary ports and connectivity options needed for external devices such as gaming consoles like the PS5, streaming devices, or computers. For gamers, this is critical, so ensure your TV monitor or top-rated gaming monitor is compatible with your devices. Additionally, understanding how to connect a soundbar to your system can elevate your gaming and entertainment experience, offering richer, more immersive audio to accompany your visuals.

  4. Disregarding User Reviews: Not consulting user reviews or professional recommendations, which can result in purchasing a monitor with known issues or shortcomings. For example, as a gamer, exploring reviews for top gaming TVs, known for their fast refresh rates and minimal input lag to boost your gaming experience, can help confirm the TVs meet your needs.

The TV Monitor Tests Compared

Product
True Score
SDR Brightness
HDR Barightness
Color Gamut
EOTF
Response Time
Contrast Ratio

Samsung S90C TV

  • Best for Home Theater

92
  • 373 nits

  • 1,058 nits

  • 99.98%

  • 0.0031

  • 1.4 ms

  • 0

$999.99
$1,500
$500

LG C3 OLED TV

  • Best for 50-inch

88
  • 383 nits

  • 795 nits

  • 98.98%

  • 0.0056

  • 2.3 ms

  • 0

$896.99
$1,297
$400

LG Flex OLED TV

  • Best for Computer Monitor

86
  • 374 nits

  • 738 nits

  • 97.92%

  • 0.0028

  • 2.5 ms

  • 0

$1,696.99
86
  • 2,076 nits

  • 2,005 nits

  • 94.59%

  • 0.037

  • 8.9 ms

  • 114,057:1

$998.00
$1,136
$138

TV Monitor Questions (FAQ)

Is a 4K TV better than a monitor?

They serve different purposes. Why buy a monitor instead of a TV? A monitor is reserved for up-close viewing, toggling through Excel spreadsheets, and intensive work applications. A 4K TV is an entertainment center for more casual viewing. It can also be used to project to larger groups, such as work colleagues pouring over a Powerpoint presentation. Plus, TVs have much longer viewing distances than monitors. It all depends on what you are using them for.

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