The best gaming TVs available today are more compatible with the best gaming monitors than you might expect. If you play on a large screen, perhaps alongside a cutting-edge console, you’ll need something that can deliver the frame rates your device generates without excessive lag. Currently, television can provide this service.
Due to size limitations, even the most significant PC monitor on your desk may not provide the same level of immersion as a good gaming television. And now that the best gaming televisions can compete with gaming monitors in terms of image quality and response time, it is a significantly more viable option. No longer must you endure sluggish gameplay on displays larger than 50 inches.
How to choose the best gaming TV for you
There are so many factors to consider when selecting a gaming TV that a lengthy explanation can be found at the bottom of this page (click here to go directly there), but here is a condensed version.
The most important factors are the gaming console you use and the extent to which you wish to take advantage of its most advanced features.
Due to its support for 4K/120Hz gaming, Dolby Vision gaming, VRR, ALLM, and HGiG, the Xbox Series X (and, to a lesser extent, its sibling, the Series S) is the most advanced console. If you want to be on the cutting edge of gaming technology, these are the specifications you should look for in a gaming television. Games that support 4K/120Hz can give you a competitive advantage.
In addition, the PS5 supports 4K/120Hz gaming, ALLM, HGiG, and VRR, thanks to a recent software update. Dolby Vision gaming is not supported, and there is no indication that it will be added in the future, so there is no need for concern.
With gaming PCs, the situation is significantly more complex. Certain graphics cards support many of the technologies mentioned above. Still, it would be best to consider even higher refresh rates, custom resolutions, and ultra-widescreen aspect ratios, which is why many PC gamers prefer monitors to televisions. The primary audience for this guide is console gamers.
If you’re using an older console or a Nintendo Switch, almost any modern 4K HDR TV will have the specifications to make it shine (though the Xbox One X and One S do support VRR, which is less common). However, you should look for a TV with low input lag, which determines how long it takes for your button presses to be reflected on-screen.
Lastly, and most importantly, you want a television with excellent core picture quality: sharp, bright, with perfect blacks and accurate, vibrant colors. These elements are arguably more important than the specifications above, which should be viewed as icing on the cake.
10 Best Gaming TVs For PS5, Xbox Series X And More
We’ve included TVs from the past two years, and you may still be able to purchase 2020 models. However, before the charts, here is a list of our current favorite gaming television options.
1. Best overall TV for gaming: LG OLED C1 Series
Specifications
- Screen Size: 65 Inches
- Brand: LG
- Supported Internet Services: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube
- Display Technology: OLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Better picture quality than any non-OLED TV
- Superior contrast and off-angle image
- Best-in-class gaming features
- Sleek styling with ultrathin panel
- Expensive
2. Best non-OLED TV for gaming: Samsung QN90A series
Specification
- Screen Size: 65 Inches
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Supported Internet Services: Streaming Services
- Display Technology: Neo QLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Best non-OLED picture quality we've ever tested
- Incredible brightness with minimal blooming
- Stylish design, packed with features
- Expensive
- Slightly worse contrast, off-angle and uniformity than OLED
3. Highest brightness for the money: Hisense U8G series
The Hisense U8G is ideal for gamers who want to play during the day but have no control over the ambient lighting in their chosen gaming space. There are a few brighter televisions, but they are all significantly more expensive. Even though HDR is a step behind the competition and this 4K resolution TV’s games mode isn’t as sophisticated as Samsung or LG’s, contrast and color are excellent.
The Hisense U8G is a high-end 4k television that replaces the Hisense H8G in the company’s 2021 lineup. It offers an impressive selection of additional features, including HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, 4k @ 120Hz gaming support for PS5 and Xbox Series X, and FreeSync variable refresh rate support. It utilizes the Android 10 innovative interface, which offers a vast array of additional streaming applications, including all primary streaming services. Even though these are the most popular sizes, it is only available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes, which is disappointing if you have limited space or are seeking a larger size.
Specification
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Brand: Hisense
- Supported Internet Services: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube
- Display Technology: LED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Special Feature: Game Mode Pro, 4K ULED, Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant; Voice Remote, Dolby Vison and Dolby Atmos, Quantum Dot Color QLEDGame Mode Pro, 4K ULED, Alexa Built-in, Google Assistant; Voice Remote, Dolby Vison and Dolby Atmos, Quantum Dot Color QLED
- Outstanding contrast.
- High peak brightness.
- Excellent reflection handling.
- Excellent response time.
- Image degrades when viewed at an angle.
4. Affordable option with VRR, local dimming: Vizio MQ7 series
The Vizio M7 Series Quantum 2021 is excellent television. It is a midrange model that replaces the Vizio M7 Series Quantum 2020 and offers comparable performance and functionality. Unlike most 60Hz TVs available in 2021, it has native FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) support to minimize screen tearing.
It has a low input lag and a quick response time for a responsive gaming experience, but as with most VA panel televisions, there is some black smearing with objects in motion. It has an excellent native contrast for VA panels that displays deep blacks.
It has a local dimming feature for the entire array, but it’s not very good. Its viewing angles are inferior to those of comparable televisions, so it is not recommended for an expansive seating arrangement. The built-in SmartCast system lacks an app store and occasionally feels unstable, but you can cast anything from your phone using Google Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.
This Vizio’s image quality and gaming features aren’t quite as good as those of the TVs listed above, but it’s still an improvement over budget gaming TVs. Local dimming produces excellent contrast, and despite lacking 4K/120Hz input capability, this smart TV’s variable refresh rate is a price-point rarity.
Specification
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Brand: VIZIO
- Display Technology: QLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Special Feature: Cinemawide Black Bar Detection, AMD FreeSync Certified, 27 Local Dimming Zones, IQ Active Display Processor, HDMI Variable Refresh RateCinemawide Black Bar Detection, AMD FreeSync Certified, 27 Local Dimming Zones, IQ Active Display Processor, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate
- Fantastic native contrast ratio.
- Decent SDR brightness and reflection handling.
- Can cast anything using Google Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.
- FreeSync VRR support.
- Unremarkable local dimming feature; causes some blooming.
- Narrow viewing angles; even worse than other VA panel TVs.
- HDMI 2.0 inputs and 60Hz panel.
5. Incredible gaming value: TCL 6-Series Roku TV
Specifications
- Available Screen Sizes: 55, 65, 75 inches
- Screen Type: QLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Lag Time: 21.5 ms
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Ports: 4 HDMI
- Excellent QLED and mini-LED display
- Great gaming performance
- THX Game Mode and future-proofed features
- Sound is a little weak
- Roku is missing some of the latest apps
6. New gaming-centric features: LG G2 OLED TV
Specifications
- Sizes: 42-, 48-, 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch screen sizes (OLED42C2, OLED48C2, OLED55C2, OLED65C2, OLED77C2, OLED83C2)
- Input lag: 13.1ms (1080/60)
- Display type: OLED
- Refresh rate : 120Hz
- HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HGiG
- VRR: Yes
- HDMI 2.1: Yes
- Excellent, bright picture
- AI-boosted sound quality
- Clever cord management
- 4 HDMI 2.1 ports
- Can only be wall-mounted with LG-made mount
7. A killer gaming TV: Hisense U7G Android TV
Specifications
- Available Screen Sizes: 55, 65, 75 inches
- Screen Type: QLED
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Lag time: 17.5 ms
- HDMI ports: 4 HDMI (2 HDMI 2.1)
- Size: 57.0 x 33.1 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Bright quantum-dot display
- Good color and sharpness
- Low lag time
- Lack of detail in dark scenes
- Overactive motion smoothing
8. A game-ready OLED bargain: Vizio OLED TV (OLED55-H1)
Specifications
- Available Screen Sizes: 55, 65 inches
- Screen Type: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Lag Time: 21 ms
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1
- Ultra-low price for an OLED
- Generally strong picture and audio quality
- SmartCast provides plenty of smart features and free video content
- Gaming performance could be better
- Cumbersome stand
9. A great 4K gaming TV for less: TCL 4-Series Roku TV (S435)
Specifications
- Available Screen Sizes: 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 inches
- Screen Type: LED
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- HDMI ports: 3 HDMI 2.1 (1 ARC)
- Lag Time: 14.1
- HDR Support: HDR10, HLG
- Excellent value-priced 4K
- Good color fidelity
- Solid Roku skills
- No Dolby Vision support
- Minimal sound adjustments
- Picture adjustments are difficult to find
10. A killer Amazon Fire TV: Toshiba C350 Fire TV (2021 model)
Specifications
- Available Screen Sizes: 43, 50, 55 inches
- Screen Type: LCD
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- HDMI ports: 4 HDMI (1 ARC)
- Lag time: 10.7 ms
- HDR support: Dolby Vision, HDR10
- Responsive Fire TV
- Good color in standard mode
- Low lag time
- Flat HDR
- Inconsistent backlighting
Factors to consider when buying a Gaming TV for For PS5, Xbox Series X And More
The Sony PS5 can produce stunning visuals. The game features the most realistic reflections ever seen in a video game, as well as HDR and textures worthy of the term “next-generation.” It also makes an excellent home entertainment center.
You must have the proper television to get the most out of a PS5. The TV world is filled with jargon and other technical terms that most people do not understand, making it more challenging to locate a TV than a phone.
The most important aspects to consider when shopping for television to match your game console will be discussed. We will discuss why a 120Hz refresh rate is essential, what VRR is, why you may choose an LCD or OLED television, and what screen size you should get.
Here are six considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a TV that will best showcase your PS5:
1. Screen size
If you haven’t upgraded your television in many years, you may believe it’s time to switch to a larger model. 55 inches is the standard nowadays. This is not simply a matter of popularity. It also means that 55-inch televisions are typically the most cost-effective, given that more of them are manufactured.
If you have the space, 65-inch sets are preferable, while 48-inch sets are a step-down. These are the three recommended sizes for approximately 98% of individuals.
What your PS5 wants is pretty straightforward. Just like movies, video games tend to look more impressive when the image size is increased. However, your television must complement the room and your gaming console.
A tape measure is the most effective method for determining whether the proposed set will fit. On the manufacturer’s website, you can find the dimensions for nearly every TV.
This is where AR, or augmented reality, should step in, but there aren’t many great AR TV-fitting apps that allow you to point your phone at a wall and see how it will look.
However, LG TV & Audio AR Experience is worth downloading on your smartphone if you don’t have a tape measure handy.
It allows you to map a TV into your room using the camera on your smartphone. As 55-inch and 65-inch TVs are roughly comparable in size, it doesn’t matter if you don’t visualize the exact set you’ll purchase.
2. Refresh rate
This is a crucial one for avid gamers. It would help if you ideally paired a PS5 with a 120Hz television. This means that its screen image can be updated up to 120 times per second.
Some PS5 games run at 120 frames per second, so a TV with a 120Hz refresh rate is required to display the action at the same rate as the console. Such high refresh rates are ideal for twitch response and competitive gaming, and games like Borderlands 3, Destiny 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War feature 120fps modes.
Should you immediately discard any television that lacks 120Hz? Not necessarily, especially if you are purchasing an inexpensive one. However, it should be near the top of your list if you buy a high-end set.
VRR is equally essential. This allows the television to synchronize with the frame rate of your video games effectively. It prevents the tiny stutters that can otherwise occur, which is crucial because a consistent frame rate is more critical to your experience than a high one.
At the time of writing, the PS5 does not support VRR, but an update to enable it is expected very soon.
3. LCD vs. OLED
There are two types of TV panels, LCD and OLED when the TV decision is boiled down to its essentials. And although TV manufacturers invent a variety of sub-technologies and terms to make their sets appear distinctive, the real benefits and drawbacks of OLED and LCD remain unchanged.
OLEDs are unrivaled for use in dimly lit environments. They have pixels that emit light, resulting in black levels surpassing cinemas and technically infinite contrast.
However, the brightest LCD televisions provide an enhanced viewing experience in well-lit rooms. And HDR that could melt your eyes out of their sockets.
This is the decision you must make when purchasing a high-end television. However, if your budget is smaller, you must choose between IPS and VA LCD TV panels.
IPS LCD panels are utilized in many smartphones and tablets and are a good option if you need a TV that can be viewed clearly from virtually any angle.
However, VA panel televisions offer more excellent contrast and a narrower viewing angle, making them more suitable for cinephiles but less adaptable for large families. Check out our television reviews, and you’ll find that we discuss viewing grades and contrast.
4. Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels on a television. This used to be one of the primary considerations when purchasing a set, but no longer.
Almost every TV is 4K. There are a few 1080p and 720p monitors of low quality that we would not recommend for use with a PS5. Even 8K-resolution televisions are available, but they are primarily suitable for those willing to spend a fortune on a huge screen.
While some relatively inexpensive 8K televisions are available today, we recommend investing in a higher quality 4K television. The PS5 currently cannot output 8K resolution.
5. Sound considerations
If you don’t already have a surround sound system or a soundbar, you should set aside money from your TV-buying budget to purchase one. Some televisions have decent built-in speakers, but the design of modern televisions is hostile to them.
TVs are frequently made thin so they can be mounted on the wall without being an eyesore. However, speakers need a little breathing room, as the space within a speaker cabinet is equally essential to the driver.
Assuming you will not spend as much on a sound system as on a TV, ARC is the simplest way to connect one of these.
This is a feature of specific HDMI ports on televisions. You connect your soundbar or receiver to this HDMI, and the TV will play the console’s audio.
Ensure that your television has eARC, the latest version of this technology, for the best audio quality. It allows audio of a higher rate to be transmitted to your soundbar.
Gaming TV FAQs
You’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best gaming TVs, followed by tables displaying the features available on each TV.
All the advanced gaming features we’ve mentioned — 120Hz input and VRR, as well as the more common Auto Low Latency Mode, aka Auto Game Mode, and eARC — are roughly grouped under the HDMI 2.1 standard. Still, not all TVs in the charts below include every feature, nor do they deliver the full video and audio bandwidth possible with HDMI 2.1.
Even more confusing is that a TV’s input capabilities can vary. Behind the physical connection where an HDMI cable is inserted is a portion of the television’s processing, namely a chip. These chips, like everything else, cost money. To reduce costs, not every input on TV supports the most recent features and frame rates. Alternately, every road on Earth could be capable of highway speeds but constructing them all that way would be costly and largely unnecessary.
For instance, one HDMI input may support eARC but be incapable of handling 4K at 120Hz. Keep this in mind as you peruse the following charts. In addition, there are brand and model-specific details that did not fit in the chart; please see the bullet points below for more information.
The consoles themselves are also undergoing a transitional period. Technically, the PS5 can support VRR, but it has not yet been enabled, unlike the Xbox Series X and Series S. According to the PlayStation 5 FAQ, VRR will be implemented via a future software update.
Although televisions have been able to refresh at 120Hz for more than a decade, the ability to input 120Hz is a much more recent innovation. This is due to the lack of 120Hz sources, except for a relatively powerful gaming PC. No longer is this the case with the PS5 and Series X. A portion of the listed televisions support 4K at 120Hz on all HDMI inputs. Others can only do so with certain inputs, while the TCL 6-Series can only accept 120Hz at resolutions below 4K. (1440p).
The Xbox Series S can also output 4K at 120Hz, but games are rendered at a lower resolution (1440p) and then upscaled before being sent to your television.
Variable refresh rate, or VRR, is a new TV feature you’d be surprised wasn’t already available. Modern televisions all have a fixed refresh rate. A 60Hz television will create a new image 60 times per second. The issue is that a new console may not be ready to transmit a new image.
Let’s say you’re amidst a massive boss fight with numerous enemies and explosions. The console has difficulty rendering everything within the allotted time. The TV still needs something, so the console may send a duplicate of the previous image, resulting in juddering, or it may send a partially new photo, resulting in the picture appearing as if someone tore off the top of a page to reveal a new page underneath.
VRR allows the television to wait for the next frame from the console. This will result in improved gaming performance with less tearing and smoother action.
The only significant advantage that the PS5 has over the Xbox Series X is the inclusion of a USB-C port, which is an essential factor as more accessories incorporate USB-C adapters. Even though the Xbox Series X design is considerably more conservative, it is also significantly more practical.
While OLED TVs are the best TV for playing PS5 games, you may be looking for a less expensive alternative. QLED televisions are an excellent alternative because they can handle motion well and are less expensive.
This is essentially a personal preference and entirely depends on how far you sit from your screen. With a television, many argue that bigger is better since gamers are seated further away from the screen than when using a gaming monitor. Additionally, a larger screen is more conducive to split-screen multi-player setups.
43-55 inches broad
According to most experts, a 43-inch to 55-inch-wide television is optimal for gaming. You can determine the size of your gaming TV based on the resolution of your television, the available space, and other factors. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, a 32-inch television is superior.
Regarding gaming, QLED televisions hold their own, and companies such as Samsung are gradually closing the response time gap. Only an OLED television will allow for immersive and responsive viewing. If you’re on the fence about what to purchase for your PS5, bite the bullet and purchase an OLED.
Conclusion
To play the most recent AAA titles on a large screen, acquiring the best gaming TV is crucial. Given the market’s abundance of outstanding options, it is difficult to determine which is the best.
This is where we assist. Our team of experts evaluates many gaming-friendly televisions each year and compiled this list based on their findings.
We’ve included various options to find a gaming television that suits your preferences. There are premium OLED options and affordable LCD televisions available.
We have prioritized the features that are most important for gaming. Compatibility with current-generation consoles with variable refresh rate, auto low latency modes, and high frame rate output. In addition, there are general remarks about image clarity and color vibrancy.
To obtain the most accurate and reliable results, our team has extensively tested each television for several days to evaluate its performance and feature sets.
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