How to choose the best gaming TV

There are a few key things to consider when you're choosing the best gaming TV for you. Game Mode and low latency: Latency is the time between when an image is sent by the console and when it actually shows up on the screen. Modern TVs do a lot of clever processing to images to make them look better, but this takes time, which means there's a delay between you pressing a button on a controller and seeing the result – that's not ideal in a fast-paced game. All TVs now have a Game Mode, or something with a similar name, which reduces the processing, meaning lower latency. HDMI 2.1: The latest and greatest HDMI connector tech, which includes support for ALLM, 4K 120Hz, and VRR. ALLM: Auto Low Latency Mode is a newer feature where consoles can tell the TV to switch into Game Mode automatically – you won't have to set it with a remote. 4K 120Hz: This means a TV can refresh its screen up to 120 times per second, while still displaying at 4K resolution. Cheaper TVs are more likely to refresh at 60 times per second. You may also find some mid-range 4K TVs that refresh at 120Hz, but don't include HDMI 2.1, so they can only show Full HD resolution at 120Hz, or 4K at 60Hz. VRR: Variable Refresh Rate is a feature that means the TV will synchonize the speed at which is refreshes the screen with whatever the current framerate of your game is. This means games don't have to stay locked to 30, 60 or 120fps to avoid screen tearing, which means they can offering better graphics. There are three types of VRR: HDMI forum; FreeSync and G-Sync. HDMI forum VRR: This is supported by both the PS5 and Xbox Series X, and is an official part of the HDMI 2.1 spec. Most TVs with HDMI 2.1 support it. AMD FreeSync: This is supported by the Xbox Series X and AMD graphics cards on PC. It's pretty common to find on TVs, including on some without HDMI 2.1. Nvidia G-Sync: This is supported by Nvidia graphics cards on PC, but not by consoles. It's pretty rare to find on TVs, too, but it does happen.

Is a TV good for PC gaming?

We've established that gaming TVs are fantastic companions for your games consoles, but what if you play on PC? There's certainly an appeal in playing graphically intensive PC games on a big screen, but how does that play out in practice? While a gaming TV can certainly substitute for a PC gaming monitor, you'll need to make sure your PC can handle the resolution. 4K screens are naturally more taxing on your PC's resources due to them offering much higher image quality. If your PC is up to scratch, you'll get a smooth experience at 4K on a bigger screen. If not, you may have to switch your game to a lower resolution like 1440p or 1080p, in which case your gaming TV might not be able to handle the upscaling needed very well. This will result in a blurrier than intended image thanks to the size of the TV compared to a monitor. It's a double-edged sword, then, and almost entirely dependant on how powerful your PC is. If you've got the high-end parts to make it happen, then PC gaming on a TV can produce wonderful results. If it's not quite there, then you're better off playing on a smaller monitor able to output a sharper, cleaner image.

How much is a gaming TV?

TVs suited for gaming vary wildly in price, depending on a wide number of factors. 4K TVs are incredibly common these days, and can be bought for as little as $300 / £300 / AU$450. Of course, you're getting very basic features with a TV at this price, with a size of around 43 inches, and almost certainly lacking 4K 120Hz support, and variable refresh rates. But these features can be found on TVs that aren't too expensive, often available for under $800 / £900 / AU$1,200 in smaller sizes. If you want gaming feature for next-gen consoles, you need to assume you'll pay something starting in that region.

Do I need an 8K gaming TV?

The short answer? No. While 8K games are absolutely on the horizon , and the PS5 / Xbox Series X console come with this capability baked-in, there's no immediate need to get an 8K TV for gaming. Gaming devs are still getting to grips with 4K performance, and in general other picture specifications like a high frame rate (60fps, 120fps) are going to be more important in the coming years. In 2025, maybe it'll be a different answer, but for now we think the 4K gaming TVs listed above will do you just fine.

The best gaming TV for 2023: TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X

Jump to:

Quick list
Best overall
Best for PS5
Best cheap gaming TV
Best cheaper 120Hz TV (US)
Best cheaper 120Hz TV (UK)
Best for bright rooms
Best for size options
Best budget OLED
Super-bright OLED TV
How to choose
How we test
Latest updates

BEST GAMING TV: QUICK MENU

A Samsung S90C gaming TV in front of a dramatic two-toned background — (Image credit: Samsung / Future)

1. The list in brief
2. Best overall
3. Best for PS5
4. Best cheap gaming TV
5. Best cheaper 120Hz (US)
6. Best cheaper 120Hz (UK)
7. Best for bright rooms
8. Best for size options
9. Best budget OLED
10. Super-bright OLED
11. How to choose
12. How we test
13. Latest updates

Looking for the best gaming TV is the same as hunting for the best TV for movies or streaming. You need to find a TV with fantastic image quality, a budget that's right for you and a size that fits into your living room. But there are also several specific gaming requirements you need to consider as well.

Here at TechRadar, when we're reviewing the best TVs, we're also testing their gaming features, to see which make the best gaming TVs. For example, gaming TVs need to have a low level of input lag, meaning there isn't a delay between you pressing a button and what you see on your screen. We test this ourselves, and look for input lag of under 15ms to suit the majority of gamers, or under 10ms for those who want the absolute best results.

Today's top TVs all have high-end gaming features built-in. Higher-end models, including many of the best OLED TVs, are usually excellent for gaming regardless of which one you choose. If you need to stay within a budget, you might find one in the best TVs under $1000 or the best TVs under £1000. But be careful, some of the cheaper models won't include the 120Hz screen or HDMI 2.1 connectivity that makes the most of the next-gen PS5 or Xbox Series X consoles.

Take a look at our guide below for our pick of the best gaming TV for all consoles, covering a range of budgets. You'll also find out if these displays work particularly well for certain consoles to help you make the best choice to suit your needs.

The quick list

If you want to quickly find the perfect gaming TV for you, try this list – you can also get a more in-depth write-up of any particular model by clicking the TV link!

Best overall

1. Samsung S90C

The best gaming TV for most people

The Samsung S90C is an OLED TV that's majorly brighter than others at the same price, and has almost every gaming feature going, with four HDMI 2.1 ports. No Dolby Vision gaming, though.

Read more below

Best PS5 OLED

2. Sony A80L

The best gaming TV for PS5

This a beautiful (though not super-bright) OLED with 'Perfect for PS5' tech, including 4K 120Hz and VRR support, plus a special HDR mode for PS5 unique to Sony TVs.

Read more below

Best budget

3. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED

The best cheap gaming TV

It lacks 4K 120Hz support, but it has Dolby Vision gaming, VRR and ALLM for a very cheap price, so is as good as it gets for gaming tech at this price. The picture is impressive, too.

Read more below

Best cheaper 120Hz TV (US)

5. Hisense U8K

The best budget 120Hz gaming TV (US)

This TV gives you 4K 120Hz support, VRR and stunningly bright images from its mini-LED backlight, for massively cheaper than Samsung or Sony.

Read more below

Best cheaper 120Hz TV (UK)

6. Samsung Q80B

The best budget 120Hz gaming TV (UK)

This QLED TV has four HDMI 2.1 ports, all with 4K 120Hz support, so is amazing for gamers on a budget who want lots of flexibility. It's available in the US too.

Read more below

Best for bright rooms

6. Samsung QN90C

The best TV for lighter rooms

Want to play during the day in a bright room? This TV is brighter than the rest here, looks fantastic, and has four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz.

Read more below

Load the next products...

Best for size options

7. LG C3

The best gaming TV for size options

The LG C3 has every gaming feature imaginable, and comes in more sizes than any other TV here, from 42 inches to 83 inches. It's less bright than the Samsung S90C, though.

Read more below

Best budget OLED

8. LG B3

The best cheaper gaming OLED

This is the cheapest 2023 OLED TVs you can get with 4K 120Hz support. It's less bright than the LG C3 and only has two 2.1 ports, but if you want supreme contrast for less, it's a top buy.

Read more below