There are lots of excellent TVs out there that are just fine for watching cable or streaming Netflix. But if your screen needs are a bit more video-game-inspired, it’s in your best interest to invest in a TV that’s tailor-made for gaming. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to spend an arm and a leg for a TV that plays nicely with your Xbox or PlayStation, there are a few essentials you should be on the lookout for, especially when it comes to HDR performance, input lag, and response times.
While noteworthy TV brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG all produce TVs that are designed to handle all your console and PC gaming needs, brands like Hisense and TCL offer a couple of more budget-friendly offerings, too. Our TV experts spent more than 200 hours testing TVs this year, giving us the expertise we need to put together this roundup of all the best gaming TVs you can buy. Here are some of our recommendations.
The best TV for gaming
LG G4 Evo OLED
- Outstanding brightness
- Astounding accuracy
- Unprecedented flexibility
- Awesome gaming performance
- Five-year warranty
- Hit-or-miss sound
- Frustrating remote
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, 77, 83, and 97 inches |
| Display type | OLED |
| HDR support | Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG |
| Operating system | webOS 24 |
| Connectivity | 4 x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, optical, 3 x USB-A |
What is there to say about the magnificent LG G4 Series OLED that hasn’t been said? For starters, there’s what our editor-at-large and TV expert, Caleb Denison, had to say: “The LG G4 is a triumph of modern television engineering.” Those are big words, but Caleb couldn’t be any more astute. The LG G4 delivers some of the best brightness levels we’ve ever seen from an OLED TV. We clocked 1,500 nits at one point, which is the kind of illumination generally reserved for a QLED set.
That’s thanks in part to LG’s decision to use Micro Lens Array (MLA). When combined with the TV’s class-leading HDR support, it’s hard to beat the vibrant colors and fantastic contrast the LG G4 is capable of. LG’s Alpha 11 AI Processor with AI Picture Pro and 4K upscaling are working hard behind the scenes, too. And with its HDMI 2.1 connectivity, low input lag, and LG’s Game Optimizer picture mode, your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S gameplay is going to blow your mind.
There’s a small risk of burn-in with the LG G4, but as long as you keep your TV turned off when it’s not in use (or have an auto-timer set up), you shouldn’t have any issues. The LG G4 Series OLED is available in 55-, 65-, 77-, 83-, and 97-inch sizes, and the three largest models come with LG’s Slim Wall Mount (the 55- and 65-inch versions come with a stand).
Best budget gaming TV
Hisense U7N ULED Series
- High brightness
- Great contrast
- Vivid color
- Surprising accuracy
- Great for gaming
- Poor off-angle viewing
- Risk of dirty screen effect
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches |
| Display type | mini-LED |
| HDR support | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 4 x HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, optical, 3.5mm analog audio out, 2 x USB-A |
Sitting one rung below Hisense's U8N ULED and a step above its U6N ULED, the Hisense U7N is a bright and colorful QLED (Hisense just likes to say ULED) that continues to showcase Hisense’s takeover of the budget-friendly TV market. With its full-array mini-LED backlighting and Hisense’s Hi-View Engine PRO chipset, the U7N does a fantastic job at optimizing every frame. We’re very impressed by the contrast levels this mini-LED is capable of, too, but you may experience the occasional bit of light bloom during darker scenes in movies, shows, and games.
Speaking of gaming, the Hisense U7N is tailor-made for console and PC hookups. On top of HDMI 2.1 connectivity (on inputs 3 and 4), a 144Hz refresh rate, and VRR support, the TV’s Auto Low Latency Mode kicks in when a PlayStation or Xbox is detected and automatically switches over to Game Mode.
The U7N ULED isn’t half bad when it comes to sound quality either. A built-in subwoofer helps to drive extra low end into the soundstage but doesn’t trump dialogue and vocals. You’ll also be able to stream Netflix, control smart home devices, cast content, and more with the U7N’s Google TV OS.
Available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes, the Hisense U7N ULED doesn’t have the best off-angle viewing, but this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re working with a smaller to medium-sized viewing space.
Best runner-up gaming TV
Sony Bravia 9
- Super-clean picture
- Deep blacks, minimal blooming
- Excellent contrast
- Searing HDR highlights
- Excellent motion handling
- Backlight fluctuations visible in dark rooms
- Very expensive
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 65, 75, and 85 inches |
| Display type | mini-LED |
| HDR support | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 4 x HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, optical, 2 x USB-A |
New in 2024, the Sony Bravia 9 Series was not only the company’s flagship set of the year but it’s also one of the best TVs you can play video games on, bar none. According to Sony, microcosmic LED controllers allow the Bravia 9 to achieve the kind of contrast accuracy and inky black levels usually associated with the best OLED TVs. We loved what we saw (and heard) in our hands-on review of this mini-LED set, but how exactly does the Bravia 9 fare against input lag and demanding online gameplay? Quite nicely, though there is a slight caveat. We’ll let our editor-at-large Caleb Denison, shine some light on the matter:
“[The Sony Bravia 9 Series] doesn’t do 144Hz refresh rate, so it isn’t perhaps going to unlock that one feature for those using high-end gaming PCs. But it does support VRR (variable refresh rate), ALLM (auto low latency mode), and source-based tone mapping, so it’s a great companion to both of the Xbox and PlayStation 5 consoles.”
Beyond that 144Hz limitation, though, each of the Bravia 9’s four HDMI ports is HDMI 2.1 certified, ensuring you’ll get the absolute best motion and lag performance when connecting a modern console. And thanks to the chart-topping illumination this mini-LED monolith can achieve and the set’s excellent reflection handling, you should have zero issues gaming in a brightly lit room.
Oh, and the Bravia 9 is an absolute champ when it comes to support for class-leading codecs like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound. We’re also glad to report that the sound on this TV isn’t half-bad either, though home theater diehards and gaming enthusiasts may prefer a soundbar, surround system, or gaming headset.
Best budget TCL for gaming
TCL QM7 Series (2024)
- Excellent brightness, colors, and contrast
- Solid gaming optimizations
- Phenomenal HDR performance
- Google TV runs smoothly
- Issues with VRR at 65Hz
- Not the greatest off-angle viewing
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, 75, 85, and 98 inches |
| Display type | mini-LED |
| HDR support | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 4 x HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, optical, 3.5mm analog audio out, 2 x USB-A |
TCL is another excellent brand that produces exceptional, budget-friendly TVs that look and feel like higher-priced QLEDs and OLEDs. The TCL QM7 Series is a 2024 model that sits between the TCL Q6 Series and the QM8 Series. Equipped with TCL’s AIPQ PRO processor, TCL claims the QM7 is able to hit 2,400 nits at peak brightness. We’re assuming this is relegated to HDR. Still, the TV’s full-array LED backlighting, quantum dots, and numerous local dimming zones allow the QM7 to remain vibrant and colorful even when viewing SDR content.
As for gaming, the TCL QM7 has very low input lag and ALLM support, which allows you to game with a PlayStation, Xbox, or PC at up to 4K at 144Hz (limited to HDMI 1). And thanks to ALLM, the TV will automatically switch over to Game Mode when compatible gaming hardware is detected. This ensures you’ll get the best response times possible both online and offline.
While most gaming titles max out at 60 fps, do keep in mind that the QM7 Series has some trouble when the frame rate is between 60 fps and 70 fps. You’ll also want to make sure you’re sitting as centered with your TCL QM7 as possible, as the TV doesn’t have the best off-angle viewing.
When it comes time to stream some Disney+, the QM7 Series uses Google TV to get you access to apps, free live TV stations, smart home controls, and more. It’s not a perfect TV by any means, but if you’re looking for a 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, or 98-inch QLED that you’ll love playing video games on, the TCL QM7 Series is well worth your consideration.
Best midrange OLED for gaming
LG C4 OLED Evo
- Excellent contrast
- Rich color
- Very good upscaling
- Great for gaming
- Accurate out-of-the-box settings
- Weak audio system
- Slight green tinge off-angle
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches |
| Display type | OLED |
| HDR support | Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG |
| Operating system | webOS 24 |
| Connectivity | 4 x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, optical, 3 x USB-A |
What is there to say about the excellent LG C4 OLED Evo that hasn’t already been said? Brought to us by the folks who know OLED TVs better than any manufacturer, the C4 Series sits just one rung below LG’s flagship G4 model. Like any good LG TV, the C4 is available in numerous sizes and delivers the kind of rich colors and impressive contrast levels that only an OLED can achieve. And thanks to LG’s Evo panel tech and features like Brightness Booster Max, the C4 is actually able to go toe to toe with a handful of LED-LCDs over illumination numbers.
But why is this TV so good for gaming? Not only will you be able to game at up to 4K/144Hz but each of the C4’s four HDMI ports is 2.1 certified. Whether you’re connecting a PS5 or desktop PC, HDMI 2.1 ensures you’ll get the best response time and reduced input lag. This is also thanks to features like VRR and class-leading HDR support, both of which can be found on the C4 Series.
The C4 even has a built-in Game Optimizer, though this preset is noticeably less bright than other picture settings. Should you decide to go with the C4, you’ll also want to make sure your seating is as close to the screen center as possible. In our tests, we noticed a slight green tinge when viewing the C4 off-center.
One of the best screens in the business
Sony XR A95L QD-OLED
- Outstanding color accuracy and brightness
- Excellent contrast and luminance
- Great sound
- Gorgeous game mode picture quality
- Incredibly good upscaling
- Some deep features not available at launch
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, and 77 inches |
| Display type | QD-OLED |
| HDR support | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 4 x HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, optical, 2 x USB-A |
OK, we know it's a 2023 TV, but the Sony XR A95L is still one of the best TVs we've ever tested, and if you can find one on sale it will make a fantastic gaming TV. Available in 55, 65, and 77-inch sizes, this is another QD-OLED set that employs quantum dots and self-emissive pixels, with a healthy dash of Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR thrown in for some of the best picture processing and upscaling in town.
As you can guess from our writeup on the Samsung S95C, the QD-OLED results are simply amazing. We’re talking incredible peak brightness levels, rich colors, unbelievable contrast, and lightning-fast motion handling for the A95L. But beyond the flagship features that we most certainly expect from a TV that starts pricing at around $2,800 for the 65-inch, what impeccable gaming tech can we anticipate from this bad boy?
Well for starters, like the midrange Sony XR X93L, the A95L model is optimized for Playstation 5 gameplay. Two of the TV’s four HDMI inputs are 2.1 certified, with support for 4K at up to 120Hz. To further buttress the motion handling, the A95L also includes support for VRR and ALLM, ensuring you’ll experience as little lag as possible when playing online or offline.
But perhaps our favorite A95L gaming feature is the set’s Auto HDR Tone Mapping. This is a feature you’ll enable during the initial setup of your PS5 with the A95L. Once activated, all of your gameplay visuals will receive full HDR treatment (as long as the actual game is available in HDR), giving you the best brightness, colors, and contrast, regardless of the genre.
The Sony XR A95L also supports Multi-View, which lets you game on one part of the TV screen, while the second half of the screen can be used to stream a movie or show from apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video. And like many of the models in this roundup, the A95L comes with a gaming dashboard that lets you adjust things like motion clarity and picture presets without having to go into the TV’s main settings menu.
Best gaming TV for bright rooms
Samsung S95D QD-OLED
- Exellent brightness
- Eye-popping color
- Snappy operation
- Great gaming features
- Awesome for bright rooms
- Anti-glare treatment is polarizing
- Blacks may appear lifted in bright rooms
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, and 77 inches |
| Display type | QD-OLED |
| HDR support | HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG |
| Operating system | Tizen OS |
| Connectivity | 4 x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, optical, 3 x USB-A |
In our review, we called the 2024 Samsung S95D “one hell of a TV, one of the brightest — and definitely one of the best of the year.” We also explained the uproar the TV caused when it was revealed at this year’s CES, which centered on it’s anti-glare feature.
The technology reduces ambient light reflecting off the screen by spreading it across its surface. This helps create a more comfortable viewing experience, especially in bright rooms where traditional OLEDs often struggle. However, some people prefer a more localized effect, as the dispersion affects the entire screen, unlike on most other TVs.
But whether you care about the S95D's anti-glare tech or not, it's included on this list because of its excellent performance in brightly lit rooms, as well as its excellent gaming specs. Gamers will love the S95D's lag-free and smooth gameplay thanks to the QD-OLED's 144Hz refresh rate. It also features AMD's FreeSync Premium Pro and Auto Low Latency (ALLM) gaming mode that automatically switches the TV to this setting when a game console is detected. And if you don't have a console, that's OK, too — because it's a Samsung, it features Sammy's Gaming Hub that allows you to play a ton of games from Xbox and other online cloud streaming game services.
Of course, when you're done laying waste to your enemies, you're also getting one of the best TVs of the year to watch movies and TV shows on. The flagship S95D benefits from Samsung's latest NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, and supports HDR10+, as well as Dolby Atmos sound for immersive audio.
Best midrange Samsung TV for gaming
Samsung S90D QD-OLED
- Unbelievable colors and contrast
- Solid brightness levels
- Top-notch HDR performance
- Great motion handling
- No Dolby Vision or DTS support
- QD-OLED is only on 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches |
| Display type | QD-OLED (55-, 65-, and 77-inch), WOLED (42-, 48-, and 83-inch) |
| HDR support | HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG |
| Operating system | Tizen OS |
| Connectivity | 4 x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, optical, 3.5mm analog audio out, 2 x USB-A |
For those unaware, Samsung actually took a stab at OLED TVs well over a decade ago, and the results were… good. Then, the Big S quickly switched to only LED-LCD production for many years. And guess what? Now they’re making OLEDs again, only this time Samsung is back with a quantum dot-inspired vengeance.
The Samsung S90D is one of the brand’s 2024 OLEDs, and Samsung decided to do something rather polarizing with this premium TV: selling it with two different panel types. The 55-, 65-, and 75-inch versions of the S90D come with the superior QD-OLED panel, which was standard for all sizes on last year’s Samsung S90C. The more traditional WOLED display is used for the S90D’s 43-, 48-, and 83-inch sizes.
Equipped with Samsung’s Neo Quantum 4K AI Gen 2 processor, the S90D is able to leverage AI to continuously optimize picture quality from one frame to the next, regardless of the source. You can also expect bright HDR performance, vibrant colors, and inky black levels, courtesy of the TV’s amazing contrast. Gamers will be glad to learn that HDMI 2.1 connectivity is spread across all four HDMI ports, and the S90D is able to output 4K at up to 144Hz. And thanks to VRR and ALLM support, auto-switching to Game Mode happens as soon as you turn your PS5 or Xbox on.
As for apps, games, and mobile device casting, the S90D is powered by Tizen OS, which does a nice job of loading content quickly. Navigation from one screen to the next is smooth and intuitive, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we sign off, we thought we'd go over how we’ve come up with these entries, and what’s important to us when selecting a gaming TV.
The first thing we look for is low input lag. Because if there’s too much delay between the action of your thumbs and the action on screen, well, that’s just a frustration nobody needs. Plus, it can be a huge disadvantage in competitive gameplay, where a few milliseconds literally can be the difference between a win or a loss.
Next, we look for solid picture quality in the TV’s "game mode" preset, which is what you’ll want to use for the lowest input lag. The picture quality doesn’t have to be videophile-grade awesome, but it can’t be trash, either. Today’s game graphics are gorgeous, and you deserve all that gorgeousness, so we seek to find the best balance between low input lag and awesome picture.
Then we need to see great motion resolution. We don’t have to have 120Hz native panels for good motion resolution. A 60Hz TV can look good, but, not all of them do, so we want to make sure we see as little blurring and stutter as possible for the best clarity during fast-moving gameplay.
But since we mentioned 120Hz, that definitely is nice to have, along with some other advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR), auto-game mode, Dolby Vision gaming, and maybe even up to a 144Hz refresh rate in some cases. We also want to make sure that these TVs do a nice job at displaying both HDR and SDR gaming content.
While you could most likely get away with using any of the best TVs on the market for your gaming needs, there are a few boxes to tick off when deciding. First, you're going to want to look for a TV with a low input lag — this is the time it takes for that gameplay video signal to run from your game console to your TV's HDMI port. Measured in milliseconds (ms), you want this to be as low as you can afford (some of the best TVs clock in around the 5ms range).
Of course, you want the TVs color, resolution, and brightness to be on point no matter what you're using your TV for, but another important element for gaming is making sure it has HDMI 2.1 inputs to ensure the best experience. This latest HDMI technology will make sure you can take advantage of the latest gaming features such as variable refresh rate (VRR) — this includes AMD's FreeSync and Nvidia's G-Sync — as well as the latest refresh rates such as 144Hz and 120Hz.
