If you’re lucky enough to have got your hands on the coveted PS5, you’re probably wondering whether you should use your existing TV or invest in a gaming monitor to get the best experience.
With intense graphic capabilities and incredibly fast load times, the PS5 demands a display that can keep up.
In this guide, we’ll compare using a TV vs. a monitor for PS5 gaming to decide which is best for you.
TV or Monitor for PS5: Key Factors to Consider
Resolution: The PS5 supports 4K resolution. You’ll want a 4K TV or monitor for the best image quality. Many new TVs support 4K, but monitors must be specified as UHD or 4K.
Refresh Rate – The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the visuals. Aim for 120Hz or higher. This allows games to run at up to 120 FPS.
Input Lag – is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the response on the screen. Faster is better, so check reviews for input lag times.
Viewing Angle – TVs tend to have wider viewing angles than monitors. If you co-op with others, a TV may be better for viewing from multiple positions.
Response Time – Important for fast-paced games. 1ms is ideal but 5ms or less is still good. Monitors generally offer faster response times than TVs.
Adaptive Sync – Look for AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync support to prevent screen tearing with variable frame rates.
HDR – High dynamic range increases contrast and color. Ensure the TV or monitor supports HDR10 or Dolby Vision.
Size – Bigger is often better, especially with 4K resolution. For monitors, aim for 27″ or larger. TVs can be 65″ or more!
TV as a PS5 Gaming Display
Using your existing TV for PS5 gaming can be a convenient and budget-friendly option.
Here are some benefits of using a TV:
- Large screen size – Bigger screens immerse you in stunning PS5 visuals and environments. Go as big as your space allows!
- 4K resolution – Newer mid-range and premium TVs offer 3840 x 2160 4K Ultra HD resolution to match the PS5’s capabilities.
- Many 4K TVs support HDR (High Dynamic Range) for enhanced contrast, deeper blacks, and bolder colors.
- Surround sound – TVs allow you to use the PS5’s 3D spatial audio for an immersive surround sound experience.
- Viewing angle – TVs are designed for wide viewing angles so more people can enjoy the action. Great for family gaming and parties.
- Multi-purpose – You can watch movies/shows and gaming on the TV. Having a dedicated monitor only for PS5 may seem indulgent.
However, there are a few disadvantages to using a TV for gaming:
- Input lag – Many TVs have higher input lag, which can impact reaction times in action games.
- Refresh rate – TVs often max out at 60Hz, while 120Hz would better match the PS5.
- No adaptive sync – Most TVs don’t support variable refresh rate technologies like FreeSync or G-Sync.
- Response time – Slower response times on some TVs can cause ghosting or motion blur.
So while using your TV can work well, a monitor designed specifically for gaming can optimize the experience.
Gaming Monitor for PS5
Gaming monitors allow you to leverage the full capabilities of the powerful PS5 console. Here are some of the benefits:
- Fast response time – Monitors have response times as low as 1 ms to keep up with fast-paced action.
- 120+ refresh rate – Gaming monitors match the PS5’s 120 FPS output for smooth visuals.
- Adaptive sync – AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync prevent stuttering and screen tearing.
- Low input lag – Some monitors aim for imperceptible input lag for instant on-screen feedback.
- Optimized presets – Gaming-centric OSD settings and presets enhance visibility in FPS games.
- Ergonomics – Adjustable stands and eye-level use encourage better posture than slouching on a couch.
- Focus – No distractions like apps and notifications that can take away from the immersion.
- Competitive edge – Unlock your full gaming potential with smoother, lag-free visuals.
The key disadvantages of monitors are:
- Smaller screen – More expensive to get a monitor in sizes over 32″. Hard to match the vastness of a wall-mounted TV.
- No speakers – You’ll need a headset or external speakers for sound.
- Limited viewing angles – FPS games are best played centered so viewing angles aren’t as important. But co-op and party games are still better on a TV.
- Single purpose – A monitor can’t be used beyond gaming. A TV offers more versatility.
So if you’re looking for a truly optimized PS5 gaming experience, grabbing a high-performance monitor is the way to go.
Aim for 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync or G-Sync support, and fast response times.
Recommended PS5 Gaming TVs and Monitors
Here are some of the top-rated TV and monitor options specifically suited for PS5 gaming:
TVs
- LG C1 OLED – Superb 4K OLED image quality with intense HDR, 120Hz refresh rate, and under 1ms response time make this a top PS5 TV.
- Sony X90J – Features cognitive XR processing to optimize PS5 gaming. 4K resolution with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Samsung QN90A Neo QLED – Mini-LED backlighting delivers amazing contrast and brightness. Has a 120Hz refresh and 5.8ms input lag.
- Hisense U8G – Budget 4K TV with 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision HDR, and Auto Low Latency Mode to automatically reduce input lag for gaming.
Monitors
- LG 27GN950 – 4K 144Hz IPS monitor with 1ms GtG response time and FreeSync and G-Sync support.
- Acer Nitro XV282K KV – Large 28-inch 4K monitor with 144Hz refresh rate and 90% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage.
- Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ – 32-inch 4K monitor with 144Hz refresh rate and 98% DCI-P3 color space ideal for PS5.
- MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD – 27-inch WQHD monitor with 165Hz refresh rate and Fast IPS panel with 1ms GtG response.
FAQs
Ques 1: Is a 4K TV better for PS5 or should I get a gaming monitor?
Ans: A 4K gaming monitor is ideal for PS5 for the best graphics and performance.
But a 4K TV also works well and gives you a much larger screen size. Ultrawide monitors are another immersive high-end option.
Ques 2: What size monitor is best for PS5?
Ans: 27 to 32 inches is ideal for gaming monitors.
This provides enough screen real estate to appreciate 4K resolution and see details clearly in competitive multiplayer, while still offering a broad, immersive viewing experience.
Ques 3: Do I need HDMI 2.1 for PS5 monitor or TV?
Ans: HDMI 2.1 enables 4K 120Hz, allowing you to take full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities.
Some HDMI 2.0 monitors and TVs can still do 4K 60Hz. But HDMI 2.1 future-proofs your display.
Ques 4: Does refresh rate matter for PS5?
Ans: Yes. A higher refresh rate results in much smoother visuals. A 120Hz or 144Hz monitor or TV matches up with the 120 FPS the PS5 can output. This is especially important for fast-paced online multiplayer games.
Ques 5: Is 1ms response time necessary for PS5?
Ans: While 1ms response time isn’t absolutely essential, it will provide the most lag-free and crisp visual experience for PS5 gaming. 5ms or less is still good though. Avoid TVs with 10ms+ response times.
Ques 6: Do I need HDR screen for the PS5?
Ans: HDR is not mandatory, but it takes advantage of the PS5’s visual capabilities, providing greater contrast, colors, and luminosity. Games look much better with rich HDR10 or Dolby Vision quality.
The Bottom Line
In summary, while you can use a TV and a monitor very effectively with the PlayStation 5, each has advantages for different players and gaming scenarios.
Those wanting maximum visual performance for competitive multiplayer and not mind a smaller screen should grab a high-spec gaming monitor. Casual gamers who want a lean-back big-screen experience for story adventures and local co-op are better suited with an advanced 4K HDR TV.
Make sure to look at specs like refresh rate, response time, and adaptive sync support when choosing a display to unlock the power of your PS5 fully!
