Ultra HD TVs have been available since late 2012. Initial offerings were reserved for those with thick wallets but prices have fallen considerably in recent years, inviting a wide range of consumers to the high-resolution realm of 4K. One segment that has been served particularly well by this newfound affordability is computer users...
I personally made the switch from a triple monitor (1080p) configuration to a single 40-inch 4K television in 2016 and haven't looked back. Later on I wrote an article on the switch, the implications, and what kind of monitor you should choose if you want a 4K TV to effectively work as a monitor.
The extra resolution afforded by the Samsung UN40KU6300 I chose at the time was welcomed with open arms and gaining back valuable real estate on my desk has been liberating.
Samsung 40" TV I use as a desktop monitor
Ever since writing the article about using a 4K TV as a desktop monitor, we've kept receiving questions about different TV sets, and the article has proven popular a long time after we published it.
So, if you're interested in replacing your desktop monitor with a 4K TV and want to know what to buy, you've come to the right place. Maybe you aren't quite sure where to start or could use a hand in narrowing your search. Whatever the case, this guide is intended to help steer you in the right direction.
This article has been updated as of November 2018 to include newer TV models and recommendations.
An all-around solid performer
Samsung 40NU7100 ($380)
Samsung's 40NU7100 is the newer version of the Samsung UN40KU6300 I currently own. Aside from a few small quirks, it's a great set and based on reviews of the 2018 model, it's a solid performer for the price. Input lag is low at 4K @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 although the response time won't rival faster sets. For under $400, however, it's tough to beat. You can also grab it in a variety of sizes up to 75 inches should you want something a bit larger.
Honorable mentions:
Big screen without a big budget
TCL 55R617 ($630)
If you're looking for lots of real estate but don't want to take out a second mortgage, consider TCL's 55R617. This 55-inch set is reasonably priced at under $600 and meets all of the TV-as-a-monitor criteria including 4K @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4. It features a 4.0-star rating on Amazon and has earned the company's "Amazon's Choice" award as a highly-rated, well-priced product. Viewing angles aren't the best although if used primarily as a desktop monitor by a single user, this shouldn't be much of an issue.
Honorable mentions:
When price is no object
Vizio PQ65-F1 ($2,100)
Vizio's PQ65-F1 is one of the best TVs to use as a computer monitor, period. This P Series Quantum set boasts deep blacks, high brightness levels for viewing in brightly-lit rooms, low input lag and doesn't carry a risk of permanent image burn-in. As with all sets we recommend, it can do 4K @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 when set to computer mode.
At $2,099.99, it's far more expensive than most other units in this list so you may want to do some additional research to make sure it's exactly what you're looking for before clicking the buy button.
Honorable mentions: