- Quick Summary:
Choosing the right display is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when building a sim racing setup. While your wheel and pedals are crucial, the screen you race on can have just as much impact on immersion, responsiveness, and overall driving experience.
Both TVs and gaming monitors have their strengths. The right choice depends on how and where you race, whether you're chasing lap times in competitive events or simply enjoying a few casual sessions after work.
Here's how they compare.
Price: Which Offers Better Value?
There's no clear winner when it comes to price, as it largely depends on the size and features you're looking for.
A 27-inch or 32-inch 4K gaming monitor will often cost less than a premium OLED TV. Models like the LG UltraGear 27GR93U-B deliver excellent gaming performance without reaching flagship TV prices.
However, once you start comparing smaller TVs with similarly sized monitors, the gap narrows considerably. Displays such as the Amazon 32" Ember can be surprisingly affordable while offering the flexibility of a smart TV like the LG OLED evo C5.
It's also worth remembering that TVs include features you'll never find on a monitor, including built-in streaming apps, TV tuners, and smart home integration. If your display will double as your main television, paying a little extra may be worthwhile.
Top 4K monitor
Best TV around
Smaller TV
Compact HD smart TV with Fire TV, Alexa voice control, fast performance, gaming, and easy connectivity.
Screen Size: Bigger Isn't Always Better
The biggest difference between the two comes down to screen size.
TVs
TVs are available in much larger sizes, typically starting around 43 inches and extending well beyond 75 inches.
A larger screen can make racing games feel more cinematic, especially if you're sitting several feet away. They're also the obvious choice if your setup is in a living room or shared entertainment space.
Monitors
Monitors prioritise viewing position over sheer size.
Ultrawide and curved displays create a cockpit-like field of view that can make you feel more connected to the car. A monitor like the Samsung G95SD, with its 49-inch ultrawide panel, wraps around your peripheral vision and delivers a level of immersion that's difficult for a traditional TV to match.
For dedicated sim rigs or desk-based setups, monitors also tend to be easier to position correctly, allowing you to sit closer to the screen without overwhelming your field of view.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
If you're aiming to be competitive, this is where gaming monitors pull ahead.
Gaming Monitors
Gaming monitors are built with speed in mind. They typically offer:
- Higher refresh rates
- Lower input lag
- Faster response times
High-end displays such as the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQN can reach refresh rates of up to 360Hz with response times as low as 1ms, delivering incredibly smooth motion and instant feedback.
That extra responsiveness can make a noticeable difference when you're making precise steering corrections or reacting to sudden changes on track.
TVs
Modern TVs have improved significantly in recent years, particularly OLED models.
Many now support 120Hz refresh rates alongside gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and HDMI 2.1, making them excellent options for console players.
That said, even the best gaming TVs generally have higher input lag than dedicated monitors, so they aren't usually the first choice for serious competitive racing.
Should You Buy a TV or a Monitor?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how you use your setup.
A gaming monitor is likely the better option if you:
- Race competitively online.
- Want the lowest possible input lag.
- Value high refresh rates and fast response times.
- Use a dedicated sim rig or desk setup.
A TV makes more sense if you:
- Mainly race for fun.
- Want a larger, more cinematic image.
- Use the display for films, streaming, and everyday gaming.
- Play from a sofa or living room.
Final Verdict
For most serious sim racers, a gaming monitor remains the best choice. Faster response times, lower latency, and higher refresh rates make it easier to drive consistently and react quickly during races.
A TV, meanwhile, offers greater versatility. If your display serves as both your gaming screen and your main television, the larger image and smart features can make it a better all-round investment.
Ultimately, neither option is objectively better. The right display is the one that fits your racing style, your available space, and your budget.
If your priority is outright performance, choose a gaming monitor. If you want a display that can do a bit of everything, a modern gaming TV is hard to beat.
Stay tuned to RacingGames.gg for more sim setup guides and tips!