Your New Gaming Console Deserves an Equally Capable Gaming TV

Every gamer knows this: Having a high-quality display is mandatory. And the latest gaming consoles need a good 4K TV to showcase their full hardware potential.

Many 4K TVs have gaming modes and onboard features to enhance your gameplay. We're talking low input lag, a high maximum refresh rate, and compatibility with HDR-enhanced content. We spent weeks scrutinizing the top products from leading brands to determine the best gaming TVs.

The Best Gaming TVs

• Our Top Pick: Hisense ULED Premium U7G
• Runner Up: TCL 6-Series
• Best Budget: Vizio V-Series
• Best Performance and Picture Quality: LG C1-Series OLED
• Best for Xbox Gaming: Samsung Neo QLED QN85A
• Biggest Screen: TCL XL-Series
• Best Gaming Projector: Optoma UHD35
  

What to Consider

➥ HDMI 2.1

The above connectivity standard is one of the most important features to look for when shopping for a gaming TV, especially if you already own or plan to buy an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5. Because of its vast data bandwidth capabilities, it will allow the consoles to deliver 4K gameplay with HDR enhancements at up to a stunning 120 frames per second. For comparison, 4K TVs without HDMI 2.1 can only offer a 4K gaming in 60 frames-per-second — that's solid, but nowhere near as fluid.

HDMI 2.1 will also help the TV bring gaming with a variable refresh rate — aka, it'll help you enjoy stutter-free onscreen action that will always keep pace with your adventures.

If you plan to use your next TV with an older gaming console like the older PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One X, there’s no need to worry about HDMI 2.1 just yet. However, keep in mind that the standard is the most futureproof.

➥ Input Lag

In gaming, every millisecond matters. A low input lag, measured in milliseconds, ensures that the input from your gaming controller will be instantly reflected on the screen in front of you. This is crucial because it can make the difference between winning or losing a game.

The lower the input lag a TV has for gaming, the better. We suggest that you look for input lag that's well below 10 milliseconds during 4K gameplay. The product category's finest offer input responses as low as 1 millisecond.

➥ Refresh Rate

On the other hand, a high refresh rate makes the viewing experience and high-powered gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. When shopping for a 4K TV, it's best to look for one capable of delivering a 120 Hz refresh rate — most gaming TVs with HDMI 2.1 onboard support this functionality.

➥ HDR

An abbreviation for High Dynamic Range, HDR brings immersive onscreen content with more profound contrast and vibrant colors. I highly recommend that you shop for a TV that’s compatible with both HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. The Xbox Series X and the Sony PlayStation 5 support enhanced gameplay.

Having an HDR-capable gaming TV will also allow you to enjoy more immersive streaming content when you're not gaming.

The top 4K gaming TVs also have a gaming mode, which often becomes active when you power up your console. Enabling game mode might require you to go into your TV’s settings menu, but the functionality will optimize the input lag and screen refresh rate, guaranteeing that your games look their best.

Check out our favorite gaming TVs that will improve your favorite pastime.