Best gaming TVs 2024: the top sets for your PS5 and Xbox Series X tested

Best gaming TV: Quick menu

Gaming TVs are an increasingly difficult purchase, even for tech-savvy buyers. This is largely because since the PS5 and Xbox Series X,/S came out you need specific features to be able to take full advantage of your console’s next-generation power.

On top of that, even if a TV has all the connectivity and features you need, having tested more sets than we care to count, we can confirm there are still massive performance differences between different models, even in the top end of the market. For example, just because a TV can recognise Dolby Vision Gaming HDR signal, doesn’t mean what comes out on screen will be perfect. 

This is why we’ve created this guide detailing the top gaming TVs 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 gaming TVs at the bottom of this page. The short version is that every set on this has been tested for gaming performance, picture and audio quality with a PS5 and Xbox Series X.  

Written by
Tom Parsons
Written by
Tom Parsons

I’ve been an avid gamer since the big news in the console wars was the jump from eight to 16-bit. I’ve loved seeing gaming performance become an increasingly important focus for TV makers as a result. But, while it’s great to see many new TVs sporting gaming-specific functionality, such as lightning-fast refresh rates, having tested more than I care to count I can confirm only a select few do true justice to the PS5 and Xbox Series X’s hardware. That’s why I take personal care of this list, and make sure our team of testers checks any TV’s gaming chops alongside its movie-watching credentials when it passes through our test rooms.

The quick list

Here's a quick breakdown of our picks for the best gaming TVs 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.  

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/120, 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 set to launch later this year, the C3's time in the sun may be setting, but for now, the 42-inch model is the best gaming TV we've tested. 

The 65-inch C3 isn't a big upgrade on its predecessor and carries a much higher price, so we feared the same might be true of its 42-inch sibling. Thankfully not. Because while the smaller C3 still isn't a big improvement on its equivalent C2, it's still miles ahead of the competition. Add to that an eminently reasonable price, and you have hands down the best all-round gaming TV you can buy.

Why? Where do we start? Its gaming spec is peerless, with four HDMI 2.1 ports enabling a full suite of gaming features like VRR, ALLM, 4K120, Dolby Vision gaming and HGiG. LG's TVs are unique 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, and the webOS 23 operating system has been streamlined to make it easier to use. It sounds a little weedy – as do most TVs this size – and the feet could do with being able to extend to more easily accommodate a soundbar (which you should definitely invest in). But for most people, this is the best gaming TV 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 gaming TV 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, like the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).

Best large gaming TV

Go big with the finest 65in 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/120, 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
+
Very user-friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
Only a minor upgrade on the C2
-
More expensive than the C2
-
Sony rival offers punchier pictures and sound

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 the C2. This allowed rivals like the Sony A80L to gain ground. But 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, meaning you can plug in multiple gaming consoles at once while still using one socket for a soundbar via eARC. Also like the 42-incher, it supports all the usual gaming features these ports allow (VRR, ALLM) along with rarer standards like 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. Even the fact it's similar to the C2 it replaces isn't really a big drawback, seeing as the C2 was a multi-Award winner.

The C3 retains the elegant design of the C2 but adds a new processor for even better visuals and more advanced audio upmixing. The webOS 23 operating system is simpler than last year's version too, and easier to navigate, and it brings 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. Some highlights are a little brighter than the C2's, and there's a healthy amount of shadow detail throughout. The sound is still a poor relation to the picture, but that's easily fixed with a decent soundbar. If you want gaming on a big screen, this is the TV for you.

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 around 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 cheap gaming TV we've tested that's currently available in the US. Though it's missing the ability to play games in 120Hz/4K, considering the amount of screen real estate and its otherwise competitive feature set it's still an amazing value option for any PS5 or current gen' Xbox owner.

For gamers, outside of its price, the big selling point is its support for ALLM and VRR and dedicated Dolby Vision game mode. These aren't features we see at this price very often. The 11ms we measured also make it incredibly responsive compared to many of the other sets this price we test. 

If that wasn't enough to tempt you, it also offers generally decent picture quality considering its price. 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 year's best TV bargains is also one of the best gaming TVs.

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/120, 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 you wall mount it at your own risk. But the bulk houses plenty of features, including plenty for gamers, like two HDMI 2.1 sockets (out of four HDMIs) capable of handling 4K games at 120Hz, and a Game Master Pro 2.0 system with support for VRR in the AMD FreeSync and ‘basic’ HDMI flavours and 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 like 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 at 4K/120Hz, which not many TVs can boast. 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 you've got yourself a bargain TV 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/120, 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 set to be replaced by the newer LG G4 later this year. But for now, it's the best premium gaming TV we recommend. This is largely because it's got all the gaming-specific features of the 65-inch 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 than the G2 that came before it, 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, with more dark detail visible within.

This will benefit gamers as well as cinephiles, of course. Gamers can also enjoy all of the same gaming features as on the C3, like 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 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, so you'll have to weigh up how much you'll value the extra brightness. But if money is no object, this is the best premium gaming TV 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 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 ok, it doesn't support Dolby Vision gaming or HGiG, but it is certified as 'perfect for PlayStation', and so 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 4K120, 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. PS5 gamers – and viewers – look no further.

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 LCD TV black levels
+
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, the QN95C, which is impervious to the phenomenon.

But that's the only thing it has going for it – it's also an ace at games, thanks to four HDMI sockets all supporting 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. That means you can plug in a PS5, Xbox Series X and soundbar via eARC and still have a fully featured HDMI port left to play with.

Its performance is ideally suited to games too, with an ultra-bright picture that's super vibrant and sharp. Not only will that make games look their best, the greater clarity will help you spot enemies first, giving you the 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 like 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?

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

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 caps at 60Hz the inclusion of VRR and ALLM support is atypical on a TV this price. During our tests, though not perfect, this makes it the best gaming TV we’ve tested at this price.

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. 

What to look for in a new gaming TV

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The most crucial factors at play are which console you play games on and to what extent you want to take advantage of its most advanced features.

(If you're unsure what the acronyms below mean, click the links or scroll to the bottom of the page for more information)

How we test

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.

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 gaming TV 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.

How to choose the best gaming TV

Important gaming TV features to look out for

Broadly speaking, a TV that's great for TV and movies should also be great for games but, if you're looking for the very best TV for gaming, there are a few gaming-specific features to look out for, particularly if you've got or are planning to get a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

The big one is input lag, which tells you how long your gamepad button presses will take to appear 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.

There are now a number of next-gen gaming features to look out for, too – Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and 4K/120Hz are all part of the HDMI 2.1 spec but, somewhat confusingly, aren't all necessarily supported by a TV even if it has HDMI 2.1 sockets. There are also plenty of TVs that will support some of these features even though their HDMIs are certified as 2.0. In short, you need to check which specific next-gen gaming features are supported by the particular TV in question.

VRR matches the TV's refresh rate to the frame rate being output by the console in real-time, resulting in a smoother, faster gaming experience. The Xbox Series X, Series S, One X and One S (and certain PCs) can all output VRR, and it's even now supported by the PS5 thanks to an April 2022 software update.

ALLM is simpler: it just means that your TV will automatically switch to its 'game mode' to reduce input lag when it senses a game signal from your games console. It's also intelligent enough to switch game mode off again if you play a movie or TV show via your console, using the Netflix app, for example. This is a feature of both the Xbox Series X and the PS5.

4K/120Hz has suddenly become a big deal, too, as both the PS5 and Xbox Series X support it. Put simply, this allows a TV to handle 4K games at frame rates of up to 120fps. This feature is becoming more common.

Microsoft has recently upped the ante further by introducing Dolby Vision gaming, right up to 4K/120Hz. Most TVs that support Dolby Vision for movies and TV shows should support gaming in Dolby Vision, but very few will do so at 4K/120Hz and some (including Sony) lack a dedicated Dolby Vision Game mode, and that can have a big impact on input lag. With those TVs you're best off sticking with standard HDR rather than the more advanced Dolby Vision format.

On the subject of HDR, it's also now worth looking out for HGiG. Rather than a fixed standard or certification, HGiG (which stands for HDR Gaming Interest Group) is a consortium of companies that have come together in order to create guidelines and best practices for the implementation of HDR in gaming. Console-makers Microsoft and Sony instigated the creation of HGiG, and members include TV manufacturers such as LG, Samsung and Panasonic, and game developers and publishers such as Activision, EA, Rockstar and Ubisoft.

Put simply, the aim of HGiG is that each game is tailored to the specific capabilities of your TV without the need for endless calibration screens. Samsung, LG and Philips have added HGiG settings to their top sets, and they generally result in a more accurate HDR picture with deeper blacks and more detailed highlights.

General qualities that translate well for gaming

Those specific gaming features are all well and good, but focusing on specs alone really isn't wise: your new TV also needs a broad range of core skills. For example, it needs to have the punch and vibrancy 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.

Black depth is important for delivering drama, too, but you want to be able to see plenty of detail in shadows, so avoid a TV with a reputation for crushing dark detail and be sure to tweak the brightness/gamma setting for your game – most titles have a specific option for this.

HDR is a must, of course, as the PS4, PS5, Xbox One X, One S, Series S and Series X all output HDR, and you might want to look for one that supports Dolby Vision gaming as well as standard HDR10 if you're an Xbox Series X owner. More obviously, it would be a mistake not to get a 4K screen, even if you don't yet have a 4K console. The good news is that it's now pretty hard to buy a TV that doesn't have 4K and at least HDR10.

8K vs 4K/120Hz

OLED TV: LG OLED65G3

(Image credit: Future)

But what about 8K? Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X can handle 8K in theory, but neither has the feature enabled at this point.

It seems that the focus is on higher frame rates in the short term, 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. We might, though, see games appear that dynamically scale at resolutions above 4K before being output as an 8K signal, much as the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X invariably handled 4K on games (truly native 4K games were very rare until this new console generation, and one might argue that they're still a myth).

In other words, while 8K should perhaps be at the back of your mind, it's certainly not essential that you buy an 8K TV right 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

  • Updated: 13/03/24: Updated to feature Also Consider, FAQ sections and updated entries referencing new reviews. 

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 framerates, 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 Atmost speaker system or soundbar as the latter requires eARC to run.

Are OLEDs 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 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 passed 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. 

  • Looking for more of an all-rounder? These are the best TVs currently available
  • Here are the best cheap TVs for those on a tight budget
  • If you're still torn on which console to buy, check out our PS5 vs Xbox Series X shootout
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