Monitors and TVs have a lot in common. It can display content from computers, consoles, and video boxes, sharing similar inputs such as HDMI ports. For example, when choosing what to attach to your PlayStation 5, you can choose between a monitor and a TV.

But despite their similarities, these displays serve two different purposes. Some key differences, depending on the context, a monitor can beat a TV or vice versa.

If you want to get the best output and image possible no matter what device you have connected to your screen, know that both work to some extent but only one is better than the other Choosing the right one for the job requires a good understanding of the pros and cons of each type of display.

Keep in mind that these two categories have a huge amount of models, and the technology in these products has changed and become more sophisticated over time. TVs are getting better as monitors, and monitors are getting better as TVs, so it’s always worth checking the individual specs for more information.

And when it comes to PC gaming, monitors outperform TVs in many areas. Monitors typically offer higher refresh rates and response times, so games look smoother and don’t leave ghostly trails of moving objects. Technologies such as Nvidia G-Sync, which are mostly available in monitors, can help gamers get better results here as well.

The best gaming monitors on the market have less input lag than most TVs. This means you can more quickly see the action triggered by pressing a button on your keyboard, even if it’s just a few milliseconds. This is important for serious PC gamers, but not so much if you’re not trying to get every competitive edge possible, or if you’re just watching Netflix.

Generally speaking, monitors also offer better color accuracy. If you’re a creative professional and need to know exactly what colors you’re seeing, a monitor is a better choice. This is important if you’re working on an image or video edit, for example, but less important if you’re sitting watching YouTube.

Monitors and TVs have about the same resolution (most offer 4K at the time of writing), but monitors are much more flexible when it comes to shape. For example, buying a monitor that works in portrait mode or an ultrawide monitor with more horizontal space can help you open multiple programs at the same time. On TV, you don’t have the same options.

If you’re using a screen with a laptop or desktop computer, or are a PC gamer looking for the best possible screen response and refresh rate, we recommend using a monitor. Of course, you can use a TV, but you usually won’t get the same clarity or smoothness. Also keep in mind that you are more likely to sit closer to your monitor than your TV. This is why pixel density (screen sharpness) really matters.

TVs are also usually cheaper for screens of the same size. So saving money can be one of the reasons if you use your TV as a computer screen, especially if for your laptop he will need a second display. TVs are also generally much larger, usually starting at around 32 inches and going up to 85 inches or more. Monitors, on the other hand, are mostly in the 24 to 50 inch range.

One of the main reasons people choose TVs for their gaming consoles is to get more screen space for less money. The Xbox Series X, for example, works fine with a variety of monitors, but if you buy a TV, you can get a bigger one for the same price. It excels in terms of sharper, smoother images. So if you’re willing to splurge, a gaming monitor will do wonders for his PS5’s graphics.

[Related: Flip your computer monitor vertically. It will change your life.]

Finally, when it comes to contemplating HDR technology, it’s not so easy to declare a winner between TVs and monitors. This feature keeps the darkest and brightest parts of the image visible, but is confusing in terms of performance. I don’t have the space here to go into too much depth, but here’s the short version: TVs and monitors support multiple versions of this technology, but most TV sets are better at HDR than most monitors. Brighter. This makes the TV a good place to sit and watch movies and shows.