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I replaced my monitor with a TV, and it was better than I thought
I'm usually at my desk for hours a day and can't work without a dual-monitor setup as it significantly improves my efficiency. I use my 17-inch laptop as my primary display, and I pair it with either a 27-inch gaming monitor for daily use or a 15.4-inch portable monitor when I'm on the go and working in coffee shops.
Monitors can be pricey, and you can use your old TV as an alternative if you have one lying around. Budget TVs are often inexpensive, and you can get one at a significantly lower price than a similarly sized monitor. They offer fantastic value considering their size, but they lack certain monitor features that I find useful. I tried using a 32-inch Samsung TV as a monitor, and it was better than I expected for these reasons.
Size
It sometimes matters
The 32-inch TV I tried was noticeably larger than my 27-inch monitor, and I appreciated the extra real estate while working. I think it's decent for productivity because I could have more open browser tabs. I also enjoyed watching YouTube videos on the bigger screen. On the other hand, I was slightly put off by the TV's distracting glossy finish compared to the non-reflective matte display on my monitor.
I don't have the biggest desk, and the extra space required by the TV leaves me with a limited area to work with. I needed to move my laptop more to the side and place the TV at a strategic angle to fit them both without feeling cramped. It was especially tricky because the TV's legs are far apart compared to my monitor's central base, and I just managed to squeeze it in with little space to spare. I got used to the setup within a couple of days, and it wasn't a big deal after that.
Performance
There's no comparison
My gaming monitor has a 2560x1440 resolution and a 300Hz refresh rate. The TV I tried has 1920x1080 resolution and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. There was a noticeable difference in the smoothness of daily tasks, especially when scrolling fast and switching between windows. I could also see the individual pixels on the TV, especially since I was sitting so close.
The TV's lower resolution and refresh rate weren't a big deal for me when I was typing articles or browsing. I thought it got the job done without a fuss, despite lacking the crispness of the monitor. As expected, it can't match the monitors' resolution and sharpness for games and movies. There was a massive difference between them, and the TV's detail, clarity, and color accuracy weren't in the same league as the monitor's.
Adjustability
More and less
My gaming monitor has impressive adjustability features that the TV can't match. I can fine-tune the height, swivel, and tilt of my monitor to achieve the perfect viewing angle. It even rotates up to 90 degrees, allowing me to use it in portrait mode if I like. Although I appreciate the flexibility, I don't use it often and usually leave my monitor in a single optimal position, not moving it once it's set.
The TV I tried has no adjustability options and consists of a frame on a pair of legs. I needed to move the entire TV to find the best viewing angle, and there was no option to adjust the height, swivel, or tilt. The height wasn't an issue for me, probably because I'm pretty short, and I think it could be an issue for taller users. Overall, the TV got the job done and wasn't an issue after I found the best position.
Connectivity
It's a toss-up
My gaming monitor features a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports and DisplayPort 1.4 connections. It also has a 3.5mm audio port and a single USB-A port. I usually connect it to my laptop via DisplayPort, and I have never used HDMI connections before.
The TV has no DisplayPorts and includes a pair of HDMI ports to connect to my laptop. Other ports include 3.5mm and optical audio, LAN, and older AVs. Connecting to the TV wasn't a big deal and only required a different cable from the one I normally use. Where the TV beats the monitor is its smart connectivity. I connected it to my Wi-Fi, and I could use it to browse the Internet or stream movies and shows without needing my laptop.
Price
Different brackets
Comparing the price of a high-performance gaming monitor to an entry-level TV doesn't make sense, so I thought I'd base it on size instead. Basic 32-inch monitors sell for around $180 and above, depending on the brand and specifications. Similarly sized entry-level TVs cost around $120, and you can sometimes find them for well under $100 when they are on sale.
You get what you pay for, and the monitor justifies its higher cost with better adjustability, higher resolution, and faster refresh rates. TVs offer decent value and make up for their shortcomings with built-in audio and smart connectivity.
Is it worth using a TV as a monitor?
I think it comes down to your budget and requirements. TVs can be a reliable option in a pinch and offer impressive value due to their low cost. They are fine for basic productivity but struggle with gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. Monitors are better all-around performers despite their higher cost. I wouldn't mind using a TV as a monitor if I had an old one lying around, but a monitor is still the better option if you can afford it.
