Best gaming TVs 2024: the top LG, Samsung and Sony sets for your PS5 and Xbox Series X tested by experts

LG OLED42C3 TV with a blue image featuring a bright constellation-like pattern on the screen
(Image credit: Future)

Gaming TVs are an increasingly difficult purchase, even for tech-savvy buyers. This is largely because when the PS5 and Xbox Series X arrived, they brought with them a number of new game-changing features that not all TVs support – not even now we're four years on from launch.

As well as the number of HDMI 2.1 ports a TV has, and whether it supports 4K at 120Hz, VRR and ALLM, there are a number of qualities that a gamer should have high on their wishlist, including low input lag and quick response time. Sufficient brightness and contrast are also required to pick out every detail when you’re playing a game with lots of dark scenes, while minimal screen reflections will make sure you can see everything that’s going on. 

This is why we’ve created this guide detailing the best 4K TVs for gaming we’ve tried and tested. Every set on this list has been checked by our team of experts to make sure it delivers a truly brilliant gaming experience. 

You can get a detailed breakdown detailing how we test the best 4K TVs for gaming at the bottom of this page. The short version is that every set recommended here has been tested for gaming performance, picture and audio quality with a PS5 and Xbox Series X.

The quick list

Here's a quick breakdown of our picks for the best 4K TVs for gaming with a short summary and some of the key features that each offers. Want more details? Click the photo of the TV to drop down to the in-depth entry.  

Recent updates

25th July 2024: Simplified the how to choose section and added a new entry about 8K to the FAQ.

Written by
Tom Parsons
Written by
Tom Parsons

I'm What Hi-Fi?'s TV & AV Editor, and I've been an avid gamer since the days of the BBC Micro. Gaming drives many TV technology enhancements and every TV I've ever bought – from a widescreen Sony Trinitron CRT in 2001 to a 32-inch HD-Ready Toshiba flatscreen for the launch of the Xbox 360 and on to my current 4K OLED – has been chosen with gaming in mind. Specs matter for gaming, so I'm looking for a TV that supports 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM, and I also expect very low input lag. Just as important, though, is overall picture quality, which needs to be brilliant but balanced, so that it can do justice to both the punchy, colourful games out there but also those grittier modern blockbusters. TVs that tick all of the boxes are rare, but I consider it my mission (or 'quest', if you prefer) to find them.

The best gaming TV overall

The best gaming TV at a modest size

Specifications

Screen size: 42 inches (also available in 48in, 55in, 65in, 77in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Operating system: webOS23
HDMI inputs: x4
HDMI 2.1: 48Gbps, x4
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 54 x 93 x 4.1cm

Reasons to buy

+
Sharp, solid and detailed without exaggeration
+
Amazing contrast
+
Exceptional gaming specs

Reasons to avoid

-
Minor upgrade on C2
-
Weak sound
-
Slight lack of shadow detail

With the LG C4 now available, the C3's time in the sun may be setting, but while the C4 is still at its launch price and the C3 is massively discounted, it's this older model that we recommend.

Why? Where do we start? Notwithstanding the 144Hz spec that some newer TVs boast but that is irrelevant to console gamers, the C3's gaming specs are flawless, with four HDMI 2.1 ports enabling a full suite of gaming features such as 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. LG's TVs are still unusual in offering Dolby Vision gaming right up to 4K/120Hz, and its HGiG mode is particularly well implemented, making it easy to get better HDR tone mapping in many modern games.

Because it's a smaller set, the pixel density is higher, making graphics sharper and the action that bit crisper. And while it's not as bright as a bigger TV, it's still immensely dynamic, with subtle shading and natural colours. In short, everything looks as it should, which is essential when gaming.

Away from gaming, it's still an excellent TV. The Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor brings plenty of picture improvements, even if there is still a slight lack of shadow detail, and the webOS 23 operating system has been streamlined to make it easier to use.

The TV sounds a little weedy – as do most TVs this size – and the feet could do with some extension in order to make it easier to accommodate a soundbar (which you should definitely invest in). But for most people, this is the best 4K TV for gaming around.

Read the full LG OLED42C3 review

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LG OLED42C3 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureSharp, solid and detailed without exaggeration★★★★★
SoundWeak, even by small TV standards★★★☆☆
FeaturesGreat app selection and flawless gaming specs★★★★★
A top tip when buying the C3
Alastair Stevenson What Hi-Fi profile
A top tip when buying the C3
Alastair Stevenson

When buying a 4K TV for gaming the best advice we have is that, while some features are more important than others, the main thing you need to remember is that it still needs to deliver good picture and sound quality. If you don’t have these essentials no amount of flashy high refresh rates, HDR support or clever gaming menus will make up for the fundamentally flawed experience you’ll have. Thankfully the LG C3 largely delivers that in spades when it comes to picture quality and value for money. Our only big gripe is its weak audio, which is why we recommend investing in a separate soundbar alongside it, such as the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).

Best large gaming TV

Go big with the finest 65-inch gaming TV around

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 42in, 48in, 55in, 77in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Operating system: webOS23
HDMI inputs: x4
HDMI 2.1: 48Gbps, x4
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 144 x 4.5cm

Reasons to buy

+
Balanced, authentic picture quality
+
Flawless gaming spec
+
Now available with huge discounts

Reasons to avoid

-
Only a minor upgrade on the C2
-
Sony A80L offers punchier pictures and sound
-
Newer C4 is better still – but also more expensive

The 65-inch take on LG's C3 only earned four stars, but that was for a very good reason: it wasn't a big improvement on its predecessor. This allowed rivals such as the Sony A80L to gain ground. However, if it's gaming we're talking about, LG's effort is the better bet.

That's because, like the 42-inch model above, it has four HDMI 2.1 ports, which means you can plug in multiple gaming consoles at once while still keeping one socket for connecting a soundbar via eARC. Also like the 42-incher, it supports all the usual gaming features these ports allow (4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM) along with rarer standards including HGiG and Dolby Vision gaming (which the Sony doesn't support).

The other reason for its four-star review? Its high launch price. But that's since come down significantly.

The C3's new processor delivers even better visuals and more advanced audio upmixing, while the webOS 23 operating system is simpler and easier to navigate than last year's version, with a more sophisticated Game Optimiser menu complete with a dedicated sound sub-menu. 

Picture quality is refined, subtle and plenty detailed, and that goes for games as well as movies and TV shows. Highlights are bright and there's a healthy amount of shadow detail throughout, even if the Sony A80L is punchier. The sound is still a poor relation to the picture, but that's easily fixed with a decent soundbar.

Of course, the C4 is now available, and that's a serious step up in performance terms. However, it's new-ness means it's currently comparatively very expensive, which is why this C3 is still our preferred option – for now.

Read the full LG OLED65C3 review

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LG OLED65C3 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureBalanced, authentic picture quality★★★★★
SoundRivals offer punchier audio★★★☆☆
FeaturesFlawless gaming specs★★★★★

Best cheap gaming TV US

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (QL65F601)

The best cheap gaming TV available in the US

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 43in, 50in, 55in, 75in)
Type : QLED
Backlight: Full-Array LED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats supported : HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Fire OS
HDMI inputs: x4
Gaming features : VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output? : Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 85 x 145 x 8.7cm

Reasons to buy

+
Consistent, balanced picture performance
+
Strong features for the money
+
Clear sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Slight lack of detail, particularly in shadows
-
Occasionally smeary motion

The 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is the best gaming TV on a budget we've tested that's currently available in the US, where the TCL below is unfortunately not available. Though it's missing the ability to play games in 4K/120Hz, considering the amount of screen real estate and its otherwise competitive feature set it's still a strong value option for any PS5 or Xbox Series X/S owner.

For gamers, outside of its price, the big selling point of the Omni QLED is its support for ALLM and VRR, and its dedicated Dolby Vision game mode. ALLM aside, these aren't features we see at this price very often. The 11ms of input lag that we measured also makes it incredibly responsive compared to many of the other gaming TVs on a budget that we've tested at this level.

If that isn't enough to tempt you, it also offers generally decent picture quality considering its price. There's a slight lack of detail in darker areas, and motion can occasionally be a bit smeary, but whether it was Rogue One in Dolby Vision or Blade Runner 2049 in HDR10, the TV offered best-in-class performance for its price. This is why our testers concluded:

"It’s telling that members of our test team, who are spoiled on a daily basis by the latest OLED TVs, agreed that they would be happy to have the Omni QLED at home. There aren’t many TVs at this price that they would say that about."

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Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (QL65F601)
AttributesNotesRating
PictureReliable, though black levels aren't perfect★★★★☆
SoundAdequete but you'll need a soundbar★★★★☆
FeaturesThe best you'll find this price★★★★☆

Best cheap gaming TV UK

One of the best TV bargains is also one of the best 4K TVs for gaming

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 55in, 75in, 85in)
Type: QLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Google TV
HDMI inputs: x4
HDMI 2.1: 48Gbps, x2
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision gaming
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 145 x 8.5cm

Reasons to buy

+
Stunningly bright, contrast-rich and colourful
+
Comprehensive gaming features
+
Incredible value

Reasons to avoid

-
Picture needs careful set up
-
Minor clouding with some HDR images
-
Occasional subwoofer buzzing

At this price, even a modestly-specced 65-inch TV would look pretty attractive, but this one is that and then some. In fact, it has most of the gaming features you could ask for, making it very attractive to anyone looking to get their gaming kicks on a big screen that costs less.

It's a bit chunkier than a lot of TVs at this size, and not evenly thick throughout, so it's not the neatest proposition if wall-mounting. But the bulk houses plenty of features, including two HDMI 2.1 sockets (out of four total HDMIs) capable of handling 4K games at 120Hz. Its Game Master Pro 2.0 system supports VRR in the AMD FreeSync and ‘basic’ HDMI flavours, and it has ALLM switching so the TV will always turn to its fast-response Game mode when a game source is detected.

There's even a dedicated gaming menu, with helpful signal information and game-specific features such as an Aiming Aid, multiple game picture presets, and the facility to adjust the brightness of dark parts of the picture without overcooking the brightness elsewhere.

And when it comes time for telly? You'll be equally well served, with support for all the main HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, although you do get some minor clouding with some images. Google TV handles the software side of things, and TCL will even gift UK customers who are missing some catch-up services a free Roku streaming stick to fill the gaps.

Add bright pictures, excellent black levels for the price, and a high level of sharpness and clarity, and, even with a subwoofer that can sometimes be a bit buzzy, you've got yourself a gaming TV on a budget that can mix it with the big boys.

Read the full TCL 65C845K review

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TCL 65C845K scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureStunningly bright, contrast-rich and colourful★★★★★
SoundOccasional subwoofer buzzing★★★★★
FeaturesComprehensive gaming features★★★★★

Best premium gaming TV

The first MLA-equipped OLED TV is a gamer's delight

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 55in, 77in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Operating system: webOS23
HDMI inputs: x4
HDMI 2.1: 48Gbps, x4
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 82 x 144 x 2.4cm

Reasons to buy

+
Brilliantly bright and vibrant highlights
+
Generally balanced and natural
+
Flawless gaming specs

Reasons to avoid

-
Pale colours in low-light scenes
-
Dull sound
-
Doesn’t come with a stand

Like its C3 sibling, the G3 is on its way out. Its replacement, the LG G4, is now in shops but it commands a predictably high price at this stage, which means this G3 is still currently the premium 4K TV for gaming that we recommend. Ultimately, this is a TV with the same incredible gaming specs of the C3, but with an even better screen.

That better screen has Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech to boost brightness, which has long been considered the chink in OLED's armour. And it works. Highlights are noticeably brighter, making the overall picture more vibrant and immersive. This extra brightness helps the contrast, making the darker parts of the picture look even more pitch black, but with more dark detail visible within. If we're being picky, though, colours can look a little pale in low-light scenes.

Gamers can also enjoy all of the same gaming features as on the C3, including four HDMI 2.1 ports capable of handling 4K/120HzALLM and VRR, as well as Dolby Vision gaming up to 4K/120Hz and HGiG for more accurate HDR tone mapping. You also get the same Game Optimiser menu with the Boost mode to reduce input lag to under 10ms.

The G3 does carry a premium over the C3, and it doesn't come with a stand, so you'll have to weigh up how much you'll value the extra brightness. But if money is no object and you're happy to add a soundbar or speaker system to make up for its dull audio performance, this is the best premium 4K TV for gaming going.

Read the full LG OLED65G3 review

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LG OLED65G3 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureBrilliantly bright and vibrant highlight★★★★★
SoundDull sound★★★☆☆
FeaturesFlawless gaming specs★★★★★

Best 2024 gaming TV

If you don't mind paying the new TV premium, the LG C4 is the best 4K TV for gaming to buy

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 42in, 48in, 55in, 77in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Operating system: webOS24
HDMI inputs: x4
HDMI 2.1: 48Gbps, x4
Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, 4K/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 144 x 4.5cm

Reasons to buy

+
Punchy, sharp, rich and vibrant, yet still natural
+
Much improved sound quality
+
Excellent UI and flawless gaming specs

Reasons to avoid

-
Minor lack of shadow detail in SDR
-
MLA tech would have been nice
-
Brand new so priced high

We’re all about performance-per-pound (or bang-for-buck, if you prefer), which is why we pretty much always recommend buying a gaming TV that has been out a while and seen some heavy discounting over one that has just launched. There are many people, though, who would prefer one of the very latest sets and who don’t mind paying a premium to get it. If that’s you, the new LG C4 is the model we recommend.

This isn’t a money-no-object recommendation – the LG C4 is actually really good value for a brand new set – but it commands a hefty premium over the outgoing C3. That premium is to a degree justified by an upgraded performance, but knowing that the C4 will receive its own big discounts in the coming months makes its a qualified recommendation at this stage in its life.

Got the context? Great – on with the review.

Like the C3, the C4 boasts four HDMI 2.1 sockets, each of which can handle those lovely 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM gaming features. Unlike the C3, the C4 can actually support 4K right up to 144Hz – that’s only currently of benefit to PC gamers with super-serious rigs, but it’s a nice benefit to have.

As with other LG sets, the C4 supports Dolby Vision gaming (right up to that 120/144Hz limit), and the HGiG setting makes it really easy to get accurate and awesome HDR from the latest games.

What sets the C4 apart is the increased punch and crispness to its delivery. The underlying specs have changed very little – there’s no MLA upgrade here, most importantly – yet LG has managed to squeeze more brightness out of the existing tech and increased sharpness without adding unrealism. There is a minor lack of detail with SDR images, but that's not something you'll need to worry about when gaming.

These picture traits are great for movies, of course, but they’re even more valuable for games, where the increased brightness and sharpness really make next-gen titles pop – and without harming the hyper-realism of grittier titles such as The Last of Us Part II.

Sound has been significantly improved, too, with the dull-as-dishwater delivery of the C3 having been replaced by a far more peppy and engaging presentation that still does a surprisingly effective job of spreading sound out to the sides and above the TV. That said, this is still only decent sound by mid-range TV standards, and even an entry-level soundbar will sound much better. We heartily recommend that you budget for one if you possibly can.

All told, this is the new benchmark for mid-range OLEDs and the best 4K TV for gaming you can buy if you must have a new one. In time, once the price comes down, you may well find it at the top of this list.

Read the full LG C4 review

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LG OLED65C4 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureBright, punchy and consistently accurate★★★★★
SoundA big improvement on the C3 but a soundbar would be a big improvement★★★★☆
FeaturesEvery gaming feature across all four ports – and 144Hz support, too★★★★★

Best Sony gaming TV

Combining the spectacular and the subtle, the A80L can hold its own against fancier panel technology

Specifications

Screen size: 55 inches (also available in 65in, 77in, 83in)
Type: OLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Operating system: Google TV
HDMI inputs: x4
HDMI 2.1: 48Gbps, x2
Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 71 x 123 x 5.3cm

Reasons to buy

+
Beautifully sharp, detailed and dynamic…
+
…yet also subtle and authentic
+
Impressively atmospheric sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Sound could be bassier
-
Slight lack of shadow detail in SDR

Surprised? You shouldn't be. True, the A80L only has two HDMI 2.1 ports, and it doesn't support Dolby Vision gaming or HGiG, but it is certified as 'Perfect for PlayStation', which means it can calibrate itself to the best settings for your PS5. 

That applies whether you're gaming or watching a film on the console (though in our experience this isn't 100 per cent accurate, so it's always worth checking these settings yourself). Still, it's a nice extra. And seeing as the PS5 doesn't support Dolby Vision gaming, PlayStation gamers really won't be missing out with this TV.

Those two HDMIs can handle the usual 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM standards, so gamers are well catered for. And in terms of picture quality, this TV takes some beating.

It effortlessly combines the spectacular and the subtle, creating an image that's more than the sum of its parts. There's real solidity to the picture, giving it a greater sense of depth and making it look more realistic. Sony's TVs have consistently tested best for motion processing, so fast-moving games pose the A80L no problems. Detail is also outstanding, with clothing textures, skin imperfections and complex patterns all rendered crisply but without artificial definition.

This is a TV that uses actuators placed behind the screen to create sound, and while it's an impressive party trick that projects well, it's a little lacking in the bass department, which isn't ideal for games that require a real low-end rumble.

The A80L is also soon to be replaced by the Bravia 8, but that model will be expensive at launch and hasn't yet been subjected to a What Hi-Fi? review. So, for now, the A80L is still the 4K TV for gaming we recommend to gamers who simply must have a Sony.

Read the full Sony XR-55A80L review

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Sony XR-55A80L scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureBeautifully sharp, detailed and dynamic★★★★★
SoundImpressively atmospheric sound★★★★☆
FeaturesGood, but not as packed with connectivity as rival LG models★★★★☆

Best non-OLED gaming TV

These OLED gaming models have a fierce rival from Samsung...

Specifications

Screen size: 65 inches (also available in 55in, 75in, 85in)
Type: QLED
Resolution: 4K
HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+
Operating system: Tizen
HDMI inputs: x4
HDMI 2.1: 48Gbps, x4
Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM, HGiG
ARC/eARC: eARC
Optical output?: Yes
Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 83 x 144 x 2.1cm

Reasons to buy

+
Dazzlingly bright HDR pictures
+
Peerless black levels for an LCD TV
+
Excellent gaming support

Reasons to avoid

-
No Dolby Vision support
-
Some out-of-the-box backlight flaws
-
Default motion settings are poor

While we don't think OLED burn-in should be a deciding factor when choosing a new TV, we understand how even the tiniest possibility could put some people off. If that's you, you could opt for Samsung's flagship QLED from last year, the QN95C, which is impervious to the phenomenon and is both excellent and, now, superb value.

But that's not the only thing it has going for it – it's also one of the best 4K TVs for gaming, thanks to four HDMI sockets all supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. That means you can plug in a PS5, Xbox Series X and a soundbar (via eARC) and still have a fully featured HDMI port left to play with.

There's no Dolby Vision, and you do need to tweak the default settings to get the best out of it, but the Samsung's performance is ideally suited to games, with an ultra-bright picture that's super vibrant and sharp. Not only will that make games look their best, but the greater clarity will help you spot enemies first, potentially giving you a slight competitive advantage.

A dedicated Game Bar menu screen gives you fast access to a few other gaming-specific features, too. You can, for instance, trade a little response speed for enhanced visuals if you’re playing something such as an RPG that isn’t dependent on super-fast reaction times.

You can also raise the brightness floor of dark parts of a game’s graphics to make it easier to see hidden enemies or traps; you can magnify and even share a game’s minimap if it has one; and you can call up a virtual aiming point in the centre of the screen.

What else do you need to know? It's a looker, with thin bezels and a very slim profile, and it has an input lag of just 9.8ms. Did we mention it's the best non-OLED gaming TV around?

You could of course opt for the replacement model – the QN95D – but that set is currently very expensive so we recommend picking up this discounted outgoing model instead.

Read the full Samsung QE65QN95C review

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Samsung QE65QN95C scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
PictureDazzlingly bright HDR pictures★★★★★
SoundGood, but some fuzz during bassy scenes★★★★☆
FeaturesExcellent gaming support★★★★☆

Also consider

LG G4
The G4 is a more substantial upgrade on the G3 than it seems on paper. The second-generation MLA panel makes for a vastly brighter picture but with the perfect blacks and balanced colours we’ve come to expect from LG’s OLEDs. The gaming specs are flawless, as ever, and you can even now get the 55- and 65-inch versions with a bundled pedestal stand. Only the high launch price holds it back from a place in the main list.

Samsung S95D
Samsung’s third-generation QD-OLED TV is capable of going even brighter and more vibrant than its predecessor, but the brand has also employed an extra degree of restraint in the tuning, which makes for a more authentic performance all-round. It’s a punchy delight with games, and all four HDMI sockets support 4K/120Hz (and 144Hz), VRR and ALLM. There’s no Dolby Vision, though, which might be a concern for Xbox gamers.

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (50-inch)
If you’re on a very strict budget that can’t stretch into Mini LED territory then the 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is worth considering. Though its refresh rate caps at 60Hz, the inclusion of VRR support is atypical on a TV at this price. During our tests, though not perfect, this makes it the best gaming TV at this sort of level.

TCL 745K
The TCL 745K is a great value TV let down by one fatal flaw – for slightly more you can get the TCL845K, which offers a substantial performance boost based on our checks. But if you really can’t afford to pay any more it is still a good alternative.

Philips OLED908
If you’re after next-generation, brightness-boosting MLA tech on your gaming TV but don’t fancy the LG G3, we’d recommend considering the Philips 908. Though it only has two HDMI 2.1 sockets, during our checks we found it sounds significantly better and offers excellent picture quality.

How to choose the best gaming TV

Which gaming features you need to look out for depend a little on which of the current-gen consoles you plan to plug into your TV. 

Both the Xbox Series X and PS5 support 4K/120Hz gaming, which translates to smoother graphics at full resolution, while that’s also boosted by the presence of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which matches the TV's refresh rate to the frame rate being output by the console in real-time. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) is simpler: it just means that the TV will automatically switch to its 'game mode' to reduce input lag when it senses a game signal from your console, while HGiG generally results in a more accurate HDR picture with deeper blacks and more detailed highlights. Only the Xbox has Dolby Vision gaming, so if you own a PS5 you don’t need to worry about that one.

None of these are essential features, but they will help your games to look as polished as possible, so choosing a TV that also supports them is wise if you’re going to be using it to play a lot of games.

Whether all of these standards are fully supported also depends on which HDMI port you use. They require the extra bandwidth offered by HDMI 2.1, so if you’ve got more than one games machine to connect to your TV, make sure it has enough suitably-specced HDMI sockets for all your gear – and bear in mind that one of them will probably be taken up by your soundbar.

Things get a bit more complicated if you’re a PC gamer. Many of the technologies mentioned above are supported by some graphics cards but you also have even higher refresh rates, custom resolutions and ultra-widescreen ratios to consider, which is why many PC gamers prefer monitors to TVs. This guide is primarily aimed at current-gen console gamers.

With all consoles you should be looking for a TV with low input lag, which dictates how long it takes for your button presses to be reflected as on-screen actions. Lower is better, but anything below 40ms will be imperceptible to almost all gamers, and 20ms or less is lightning-fast.

Finally, but very importantly, you also want a TV with excellent core picture quality: sharp, bright, with excellent blacks and vibrant, accurate colours. Arguably, those elements are more important than the specs mentioned above, which should really be considered the icing on the cake.

How we test gaming TVs

To put it plainly, manufacturers aren't always as honest or forthcoming about gaming specs as they might be, so we ensure that we test every TV to find out whether it supports the next-gen specs we're looking for and whether it does so properly and effectively. We also measure input lag ourselves and don't simply reprint the figure given by the manufacturer.

But specs only tell half the story, so we also test each TV's real-life performance with a number of games from a number of genres, on both the Xbox Series X and the PS5. Here, we're not only making sure that the TV lives up to its spec sheet, but also that it delivers the core picture quality we're looking for, from sharpness to responsiveness, contrast to colour vibrancy. 

For example, it needs to have the punch and saturation to do justice to brighter, flashier games such as Astro's Playroom, but also a natural balance that doesn't oversaturate tonally subtler blockbusters such as Elden Ring.

We're also testing the sound here: while most gamers will (and should) connect their TV to a dedicated sound system (such as a soundbar) or their console to a gaming headset, there are those who will rely on the in-built speakers, so we need to ensure those deliver a clear, spacious and engaging sound.

All of our testing is comparative, so every gaming TV is compared side-by-side with the best 4K TV for gaming at its size and price, and every test we conduct is collaborative, so no one member of the What Hi-Fi? team rates a product in isolation. The end result is a completely unbiased, exhaustively thorough review.

Gaming TV FAQ

Do you need HDMI 2.1 to game?

If you have a current generation PS5, Xbox Series X/S games console or gaming PC with a modern GPU, you’ll need an HDMI 2.1 input to take full advantage of their next-generation features. The biggest of these is the ability to play games at high refresh rates. But to do this the TV will also need a high refresh rate panel. Traditionally TVs have been locked to 60Hz, but since the latest consoles from Sony and Microsoft launched, many sets can now go up to 120Hz. The benefit of this is that it lets games run at higher frame rates, making animations smoother and games generally feel more reactive by reducing the delay between each new frame/image being shown. The downside is that outside of LG and some Samsung TVs, most sets only have two HDMI 2.1 sockets, one of which doubles as an eARC input. This means you can’t have more than one current generation console connected alongside an Atmos speaker system or soundbar as the latter requires eARC to run.

Is OLED or LED better for gaming?

OLED TVs are a common sight at the top end of the market, and as a result, they are more likely to have all the features and connectivity you need to take full advantage of the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S’ features – though this is not a given, especially if you’re buying a refurbished older model. But that doesn’t mean an OLED TV is always going to be better than a competing LED-backlit LCD in every area. The caveats here are largely the same as OLED vs LCD in general. OLED offers deeper blacks due to the way it charges individual pixels, as opposed to a full backlight, to create images. But we’ve seen plenty of great LCD sets pass through our labs that deliver better value for money and beat OLEDs in certain areas, like audio performance and max brightness. This is why you should always do your research, even when paying top-dollar for an OLED set. 

Is input lag a problem on gaming TVs?

Input lag (sometimes also referred to as input latency) is a key annoyance that can ruin any gaming experience, especially ones where reaction time is key. The term refers to the amount of time that passes between an electrical signal being sent and the corresponding action being enacted. In the case of gaming, this refers to the delay between you enacting a command on your gamepad and it playing out on screen. Having checked TV input lag times for many years, while they have improved, it can still be a problem on certain sets – which is why we still test for it whenever we review a TV. 

Should I get an 8K TV for gaming?

Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X can handle 8K in theory, but neither has the feature enabled at this point, and Sony has even removed the logo from the PS5’s packaging. The current focus is more on higher frame rates, with higher resolutions potentially coming later. Even then, native 8K gaming seems unlikely. It's broadly agreed that neither console has the processing power to run blockbuster games at that resolution, so there’s no real argument for buying an 8K TV now. Such sets will likely be much, much more affordable by the time 8K gaming becomes a serious concern – assuming it ever does.

Recent updates

  • 25th July 2024: Simplified the how to choose section and added a new entry about 8K to the FAQ.
  • 25th June 2024: Added the LG C4 as 'best 2024 gaming TV' and the LG G4 and Samsung S95D as 'also considers'.
  • 13th March 2024: Updated to feature Also Consider, FAQ sections and updated entries referencing new reviews. 

    More info:
Tom Parsons

Tom Parsons has been writing about TV, AV and hi-fi products (not to mention plenty of other 'gadgets' and even cars) for over 15 years. He began his career as What Hi-Fi?'s Staff Writer and is now the TV and AV Editor. In between, he worked as Reviews Editor and then Deputy Editor at Stuff, and over the years has had his work featured in publications such as T3, The Telegraph and Louder. He's also appeared on BBC News, BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4 and Sky Swipe. In his spare time Tom is a runner and gamer.

With contributions from
  • Deckard
    Brilliant list. Wondering if it’ll soon be updated to include the Samsung S95B, since I cannot decide which TV to buy
    Reply