Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for TV and Gaming
Three 43-inch 4K screens with built-in TV apps, from a 60Hz smart monitor to a 144Hz Mini LED.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
A screen that doubles as a TV needs built-in streaming apps as well as gaming inputs. Only three listings we found state both at a gaming refresh rate or better.
We compared refresh rate, smart features and HDR from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Refresh
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart
The highest refresh rate here (144Hz).
Best for: Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Our take Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart (opens in a new tab)
Best TV Value
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV
A 120Hz mode and a gaming hub.
Best for: Consoles and cloud gaming.
Our take Check price for Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV (opens in a new tab)
Best Smart Monitor
Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor
Streaming apps and wireless display.
Best for: Streaming and casual games.
Our take Check price for Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest refresh rate here (144Hz). | Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates. | Check price for Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart (opens in a new tab) |
| A 120Hz mode and a gaming hub. | Consoles and cloud gaming. | Check price for Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV (opens in a new tab) |
| Streaming apps and wireless display. | Streaming and casual games. | Check price for Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Refresh1 of 3
Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 43-inch Smart on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's Odyssey Neo G7 43 is a 43-inch 4K Mini LED screen at 144Hz with built-in Smart TV apps.
Best for
- Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Samsung M70H was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker says the picture can shrink to a smaller on-screen size. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 144Hz, ahead of the Samsung M70H (120Hz). You get a DisplayHDR 600 here, which sets it apart from the M70B 43 and its an HDR10.
It also comes with Quantum Mini LED backlighting and an adjustable on-screen size from 43 down to 20 inches. Reaching 144Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Only the M70B 43 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 3 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- Response: 1ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR 600
Pros
- 144Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- DisplayHDR 600 certification
- Built-in Smart TV apps
Cons
- Costs more than the Samsung M70H at the time of writing
Best TV Value2 of 3
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini LED Smart TV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's M70H is a 43-inch 4K Mini LED TV with a 120Hz mode through Motion Xcelerator.
Best for
- Consoles and cloud gaming.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when refresh rate of 120Hz, behind the Odyssey Neo G7 43 (144Hz is a problem.
Why we like it
Its gaming hub covers consoles and cloud services. Its 120Hz refresh rate ranks second of 3 here, behind the Odyssey Neo G7 43 (144Hz) and ahead of the M70B 43 (60Hz). It is the only pick here with a mini LED HDR; the Odyssey Neo G7 43 has a DisplayHDR 600 instead.
It also offers Samsung TV Plus channels. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Another plus is 4K resolution for sharp text and detail. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the M70B 43 was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- HDR: Mini LED HDR
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- Motion Xcelerator with DLG 120Hz
- Gaming hub for consoles and cloud services
- Samsung TV Plus channels
Cons
- Refresh rate of 120Hz, behind the Odyssey Neo G7 43 (144Hz)
Best Smart Monitor3 of 3
Samsung M70B 43-inch Smart Monitor on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's M70B is a 43-inch 4K smart monitor with built-in TV apps, wireless display and USB-C.
Best for
- Streaming and casual games.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games.
Why we like it
It runs at 60Hz, so it suits streaming and casual play. On refresh rate it trails the group at 60Hz, while the Odyssey Neo G7 43 offers 144Hz. An HDR10 is unique to it among these picks, while the Samsung M70H uses a mini LED HDR.
You also get wireless display from phones and laptops and SmartThings IoT hub. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Worth noting too: 4K resolution for sharp text and detail. When we checked, only the Samsung M70H cost less, and the Odyssey Neo G7 43 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 43 inches
- Response: 4ms
- HDR: HDR10
- USB-C: Yes
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a USB-C input for laptops
- Built-in streaming TV apps
- Wireless display from phones and laptops
Cons
- a 60Hz refresh rate that suits work more than fast games
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- Refresh rate trails the Odyssey Neo G7 43 (144Hz)
How We Chose These Monitors for TV and Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connectivity and stand
- We checked ports, USB-C and stand adjustment where the listing states them.
- Resolution and refresh
- We compared listed resolution and refresh rate against the graphics power each needs.
- Panel
- We noted panel type and the trade-offs it brings for motion, contrast and burn-in.
- HDR and colour
- We recorded DisplayHDR certifications and listed colour gamut.
What to Look for in a Monitor for TV and Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
Check ports and cables
High refresh rates at 1440p and 4K need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1. Consoles need HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz.
Choose a refresh rate you can reach
A higher refresh rate only helps when your PC delivers matching frame rates. 144Hz to 180Hz suits most players; 240Hz and above rewards competitive shooters.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
Read HDR labels carefully
HDR10 means the monitor accepts an HDR signal, not that it displays it well. DisplayHDR 600 or True Black 400 certifications say more about real HDR performance.
Pick the panel type
IPS offers wide viewing angles and good colour. VA has higher contrast but slower dark transitions. OLED has perfect blacks and very fast response but carries a burn-in risk with static content.
How to Choose a Monitor for TV and Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Esports players with a GPU that can feed high frame rates | Odyssey Neo G7 43 | The highest refresh rate here (144Hz) |
| Consoles and cloud gaming | Samsung M70H | A 120Hz mode and a gaming hub |
| Streaming and casual games | M70B 43 | Streaming apps and wireless display |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey Neo G7 43 | 144Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | 1ms |
| Samsung M70H | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | Not listed |
| M70B 43 | 60Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 43 inches | 4ms |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Samsung M70H, M70B 43 |
| About $500 to $1000 | Odyssey Neo G7 43 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use HDMI or DisplayPort?
On a PC, DisplayPort usually supports the highest refresh rates. HDMI 2.1 is equivalent and needed for consoles.
Does a FreeSync monitor work with an NVIDIA card?
Most do as G-SYNC Compatible over DisplayPort. Check the product page or NVIDIA's compatibility list for the model.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
It is a risk with static elements over many hours. Current OLED monitors use pixel-refresh routines to reduce it; check the maker's warranty for burn-in coverage.
Is HDR worth it on a budget monitor?
Rarely. Budget HDR10 monitors accept HDR but lack the brightness and contrast to show it well. OLED or DisplayHDR 600 models do it better.
Is 1080p fine on a 27-inch monitor?
It works, but text and detail look softer. 1440p is sharper at 27 inches; 1080p is best at 24 to 25 inches.
Do I need a GPU that matches the refresh rate?
To benefit fully, yes. A 240Hz monitor still feels smoother at 150fps than a 144Hz one, but the gains shrink when frame rates are far below the refresh rate.
Bottom Line
Samsung's Odyssey Neo G7 43 is the best for gaming. The M70H TV adds a 120Hz mode for less, and the M70B smart monitor suits streaming and casual play.