The best gaming TV for all budgets, all real-world tested by our experts

LG C5 on blue background
(Image credit: LG)

When you're shopping for the best gaming TV, you'll want to balance crystal-clear image quality with a size and setup that works in your room. There are a few important gaming-specific factors to keep in mind, however, while you hunt for the best screen.

Our gaming TV shortlist prioritizes different features and specs to our overall best TV rankings. For instance, we've selected TVs with a low level of input lag, so there's no delay between pressing a button on your controller and the action happening on-screen. Other considerations include refresh rate (around 120hz), picture quality, and as many HDMI ports as possible – so you won't have to keep switching cables for different consoles.

Today's top TVs all have high-end gaming features built-in. Higher-end models, including many of the best OLED TVs, are typically excellent for gaming regardless of which one you choose, though some are better value than others. Budget picks exist, too, though they might lack 4K 120Hz support or HDMI 2.1 if they're super-cheap.

The TechRadar team has tested all of the TVs in this guide using specialist equipment. We also took the time to hook them up to gaming consoles and get a real-world feel for how they perform. While all of the TVs we've highlighted below are great picks for gamers, we've considered different determining factors to help you find the best gaming TV for your space – including size, sound, and budget.

Written by
Matt Bolton
Written by
Matt Bolton

I've been testing and reporting on TVs since 2017, but my experience writing about and reviewing screen technology stretches back to 2010. I love seeing all the latest TV releases as they come through our testing rooms, and I shape this guide by working with our reviewers and editors, to agree which TVs are the best fit for gaming, balancing features, sizes and price.

Recent updates

4 June 2026
Replaced the LG C5 with the LG C6 as 'best super-bright'. Moved the Sony Bravia 8 II to position #5. Added LG C6, LG B6, Samsung S95F, TCL QM8L to 'Other TVs We've Tested'.

The best gaming TVs you can buy

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The best gaming TV for most people

The best gaming TV overall

Specifications

Available sizes: 42, 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83-inches
Measured input lag: 9.2ms
Refresh rate: 144Hz
VRR support: FreeSync, G-Sync
HDMI ports (HDMI 2.1): 4 (4)

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional picture quality
+
Four HDMI 2.1 ports
+
Fantastic suite of gaming features

Reasons to avoid

-
Average sound quality
-
Only a small upgrade over the C4
Buy it if:

✅ You want lots of size options: Whether you’re gaming in the bedroom or the living room, the LG C5 comes in sizes from 42 to 83 inches to suit any setup.

✅ You want a superb OLED TV for gaming: With a low 9.2ms input lag and a full suite of gaming features – including 4K 144Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming across four HDMI 2.1 ports – it’s built for smooth, responsive gameplay.

Don't buy it if:

You want powerful built-in sound: Audio performance is decent, but it doesn’t quite match the C5’s excellent gaming features or picture quality.

❌ You’re shopping for the cheapest OLED for gaming: The LG B4, further down this list, is more affordable and still offers some of the same features.

The LG C5 builds on everything that made the C4 before it one of the best gaming TVs, refining performance with a new Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI processor and a brightness boost that makes HDR gaming look even more vivid. With sizes from 42 to 83 inches, it suits everything from desk setups to home cinema gaming spaces.

The C5 remains a gaming powerhouse, featuring four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144 Hz support, VRR (including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium), ALLM, HGiG and Dolby Vision Gaming. Input lag is measured at a super-low 9.2 ms, which makes gameplay fluid and super responsive whether you’re on console or PC. Cloud gaming apps are here, like GeForce Now and Amazon Luna, which are also built-in via the Game Quick Card, which you’ll find on LG’s updated webOS 25 interface.

Picture quality really is outstanding. You’ll get rich contrast, vibrant colors and impressive HDR performance, especially considering this is a mid-range OLED. The only weak spot is audio. The 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos system is fine, but just fine. Pairing the C5 with a soundbar is your best bet, as that’s where you’ll see its full cinematic and gaming potential.

Although it’s only a modest upgrade over the C4 and currently more expensive, the LG C5 delivers premium gaming performance, superb image quality and long-term versatility too, making it our current top pick and one of 2025’s best gaming TVs.

Read the full LG C5 review

The best budget gaming TV in the US

The best budget gaming TV in the US

Specifications

Available sizes: 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 & 98-inch
Measured input lag: 13.1ms
Refresh rate: 144Hz
VRR: HDMI forum, AMD Freesync Premium, Nvidia GSync
HDMI ports: 4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Reasons to buy

+
Dolby Vision gaming and 4K 144Hz
+
Mini-LED on a budget

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two HDMI 2.1 ports
-
Average built-in sound 
Buy it if:

✅ You want a budget TV for gaming: The QM7K is well equipped for gaming for its affordable price, with 4K 144Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming included.

✅ You want a TV that has a good picture for the money: The QM7K boasts vibrant colors and contrast, which make game graphics pop.

Don't buy it if:

You want the best picture: While great for the price, the QM6K does have some vignetting and middling brightness.

❌You want immersive built-in sound: The QM6K's sound is fine, though it does feel narrow, and the bass is uneven.

The TCL QM6K has an impressive list of gaming features for a very affordable price. Its picture quality also surprises, delivering more than what you'd expect at this price range.

The QM6K has a packed suite of gaming features, including 4K 144Hz, VRR including AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync support, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM. It has a commendable 13.1ms input lag time and delivers smooth performance, as we found when we tested games such as Uncharted, Ride 5, and Dead Island 2. The QM6K's picture is vibrant, which really benefits graphics in various games.

The QM6K's picture has strong contrast, with solid blacks. Thanks to TCL's new Halo Control feature, blooming is successfully minimized for more uniform pictures. Colors are vibrant and bold, adding extra punch to games and movies. Its brightness is more limited compared to pricier TVs, topping out at 695 nits, and there is slight vignetting in the corners of the screen, but those are really the only complaints we have about the QM6K's picture.

Where the QM6K really shines is in its value. For a 65-inch QM6K, you can expect to pay $599, which is exceptional value for a TV with this much on offer. While there are a couple of compromises made, this is a brilliant gaming TV for the price.

Read our full TCL QM6K review

The best budget gaming TV in the UK

The best gaming TV with 4K 120Hz for a lower price in the UK

Specifications

Available sizes: 50, 55, 65, 75 and 85-inches
Measured input lag: 13.6ms
Refresh rate: 144Hz
VRR: HDMI forum, FreeSync Premium Pro
HDMI ports (HDMI 2.1): 4 (4)

Reasons to buy

+
Great gaming features for the price
+
Rich, colorful picture

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two HDMI 2.1 ports
-
Middling sound quality
Buy it if:

✅ You want game graphics to shine: The C6K delivers good picture quality and is a solid choice for new gaming releases with top-notch graphics.

✅ You want an affordable gaming TV: The C6K not only has a near-full suite of features, but it has solid performance to match, all for a budget-friendly price.

Don't buy it if:

You want a complete picture: The C6K's picture is good overall, but it does suffer from some black crush and has screen uniformity issues, including contrast fade when viewed off-center.

❌You want the very best gaming TV: While the C6K is a very good gaming TV, it doesn't tick all the boxes like more premium gaming TVs, such as the LG C5.

The TCL C6K is an excellent budget option for gaming, delivering a stacked list of features and solid performance. When you combine that with its good overall picture quality, it is one of the best affordable gaming TVs around.

The C6K supports 4K 144Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming, which is a solid suite of features at this price. While its 13.6ms input lag isn't the best, it's still low enough to deliver smooth performance, even with the most challenging of games, as we found when playing Battlefield V.

The C6K's picture is very good overall for the money. Its color reproduction is vibrant and mostly accurate. It also has good contrast, with deep blacks and refined detail. While its brightness is limited compared to other mini-LED sets and there are some issues, such as occasional black crush and limited viewing angles, there aren't many better TVs at this price.

If you want a great value TV, you can't go wrong with the TCL C6K. For a 65-inch model, you'll look to pay £599. At that price, there aren't many other TVs available with this level of gaming features and performance.

Read our full TCL C6K review

The best gaming TV for lighter rooms

The best gaming TV for high-brightness gaming

Specifications

Available sizes: 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches
Measured input lag: 9.5ms
Refresh rate: 165Hz
VRR support: HDMI forum, FreeSync, G-Sync
ALLM: Yes
HDMI ports (HDMI 2.1): 4 (4)

Reasons to buy

+
High brightness
+
Effective anti-reflection screen
+
Great gaming features and performance

Reasons to avoid

-
No Dolby Vision
-
Pricey compared to competition
Buy it if:

✅ You want a TV for daytime gaming: The Samsung QN90F's high brightness and glare-free anti-reflection screen make it perfect for gaming in bright rooms.

✅ You want a vibrant, detailed picture: With its great contrast, vibrant colours and refined detail, the QN90F is perfect for current-gen gaming.

Don't buy it if:

You prioritize value: The QN90F is a solid pick, but the TCL QM6K and TCL C6K are arguably better value when it comes to price vs performance.

❌You want the very best TV for gaming: The QN90F is a great TV, but the LG C5 at the top of this list is still the best overall TV for gaming.

Daytime gaming can be a challenge, but the Samsung QN90F's high brightness, reflection-beating Glare Free screen and vibrant colours make gaming in a bright room easy.

With four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K 165Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium Pro), HGiG, ALLM and HDR10+ gaming, the QN90F is well equipped for current-gen consoles. It also has an ultra-low 9.5ms input lag time for impressively slick performance and features Samsung's Gaming Hub, which serves as a portal for all things gaming, including access to plenty of apps such as Xbox.

The QN90F's picture holds up well in well-lit rooms thanks to its high peak brightness (2,087 nits) and fullscreen brightness (667 nits) and effective Glare Free screen. It also delivers realistic details and textures and stunning contrast, with deep black levels.

While the QN90F may be one of the pricier TVs on this list, it delivers across the board for both gaming and picture quality. If you find your room is too bright for a standard TV, the QN90F could be the answer.

Read our full Samsung QN90F review

Best gaming TV for PS5

The best gaming TV with 'Perfect for PS5' features

Specifications

Available sizes: 55 & 65-inches
Measured input lag: 16.3ms
Refresh rate: 120Hz
VRR: HDMI forum
HDMI ports (HDMI 2.1): 4 (2)

Reasons to buy

+
Full HDMI 2.1 features, plus PS5 Tone Mapping
+
Excellent built-in sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher input delay compared to rivals
-
Only two HDMI 2.1 ports
Buy it if:

✅ You own a PS5: The Sony Bravia 8 II has 'Perfect for PS5' gaming features, including an auto HDR tone mapping mode that activates when a PS5 is connected.

✅ You want great built-in sound for your games: With accurate sound placement, clear speech and great dynamics, the Bravia 8 II delivers brilliant built-in sound better than most other TVs.

Don't buy it if:

You want the fastest gaming TV: The Bravia 8 II's 16.3ms input lag time is higher than that of most TVs we've tested previously.

❌You need multiple HDMI 2.1 ports: The Bravia 8 II only comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, so those with multiple gaming consoles (and a soundbar) should take note.

The Sony Bravia 8 II is Sony's 2025 flagship OLED. It uses a QD-OLED panel and is the brand's first premium OLED model since the Sony A95L was released in 2023. While it doesn't have all the gaming features of TVs from LG and Samsung, it's the perfect TV for PS5, thanks to PS5-centric features.

The Bravia 8 II has an Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature, which matches the dynamic range of generated images to what the screen is capable of when it detects a connected PS5. It also supports Sony's Game Menu 2, where gaming and picture-related adjustments can be made. The Bravia 8 II's gaming performance is solid overall, although its 16.3ms input lag time is higher than most other TVs we've tested. It also only has two HDMI 2.1 ports, so owners of multiple consoles and a soundbar should take note.

Where the Bravia 8 II really impresses is with its built-in sound. Few TVs on the market actually deliver truly great built-in sound, and the Bravia 8 II is one of them. Its Acoustic Surface Audio+ means sound travels directly through the screen of the TV for more direct, clearer audio. The Bravia 8 II also delivers accurate, well-mapped sound and good power with solid bass.

The Bravia 8 II's picture quality is also superb. Delivering rich, natural colors and excellent shadow detail with inky blacks, the Bravia 8 II is fantastic for both movies and gaming. Its QD-OLED panel also delivers high brightness, which we measured at 1,439 nits peak. It also does a great job upscaling older movies and TV shows, as we found when streaming an episode of Colombo from the 1980's.

Read our full Sony Bravia 8 II review

The cheapest gaming OLED TV

The best gaming TV for cheaper OLED thrills with 4K 120Hz support

Specifications

Available sizes: 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83-inches
Measured input lag: 9.1ms
Refresh rate: 120Hz
VRR: HDMI forum, FreeSync, G-Sync
HDMI ports (HDMI 2.1): 4 (4)

Reasons to buy

+
Great gaming performance
+
Full HDMI 2.1 support, plus G-Sync and FreeSync

Reasons to avoid

-
The least-bright OLED available
-
Middling sound quality
Buy it if:

✅ You want an affordable OLED for gaming: The LG B5 is the cheapest way to get a great OLED TV for gaming, slightly undercutting the more premium LG C5.

✅ You want a brilliant OLED TV for gaming: Its four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming, with superb performance to match.

Don't buy it if:

You want the best built-in sound: The B5's speakers are okay for day-to-day viewing, but you'll need to add a soundbar if you want fuller sound.

❌You like a bright picture: Compared to other TVs on this list, the LG B5 has limited brightness, topping out at just over 650 nits.

If you want an OLED TV for gaming but don't want to pay the full premium, the LG B5 is an excellent choice. Not only does it carry all the features you could need, but it also delivers brilliant gaming performance and rich picture quality, resulting in a great gaming experience.

The B5 carries a full suite of gaming features. It has four HDMI 2.1 ports, which all support 4K 120Hz, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync, HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM. It has a measured input lag of 9.1ms, which results in snappy and smooth performance, even when playing demanding games such as Battlefield V.

The B5 delivers fantastic picture quality. Its colors are rich and natural, its blacks are inky, and it has the powerful contrast you'd expect from an OLED TV. Motion handling, once adjusted correctly, is smooth, making it great for gaming, movies, and sports. One area where it's lacking compared to the other TVs on this list is brightness, which peaks at 668 nits. This is, however, the only complaint we have with the B5's picture.

The B5 is an excellent value gaming TV. While the price gap at 55 inches between it and the step-up C5 is only roughly $100 / £200 / AU$1,000, at larger sizes, the B5 becomes an even better value. When it comes to gaming, this is the best way to get an OLED TV for less.

Read our full LG B5 review

The best OLED gaming TV for brightness

The best OLED gaming TV for bright rooms

Specifications

Available sizes: 48, 55, 65, 77, 83, & 97-inches
Measured input lag : 8.9ms
Refresh rate: 165Hz
VRR: FreeSync Premium, G-Sync
HDMI 2.1: 4

Reasons to buy

+
Phenomenal gaming performance and features
+
Massively reduces mirror-like reflections
+
Outstanding picture quality
+
Well-laid-out webOS smart TV platform

Reasons to avoid

-
Still a pricey set to buy
-
No HDR10+ or promise of Dolby Vision 2
-
UK remote still feels cheap
Buy it if:

✅ You often game in bright rooms: Thanks to its anti-glare technology, the G6 minimizes on-screen reflections, all while maintaining excellent black levels.

✅ You need extra gaming features: The G6 is a gaming powerhouse, boasting 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, minimal input lag, and HGiG HDR.

Don't buy it if:

You've got a strict budget: A flagship OLED TV typically comes with a price to match, and the G6 is no different.

❌ HDR10+ and Dolby Vision 2 support are must-haves: The G6 isn't compatible with either format, unfortunately, and has no plans to support the latter.

The LG G6 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the awesome LG G5, and excels when it comes to brightness and reflection handling. If you do your gaming in the daytime or in a well-lit room, the G6 is the obvious option. It's powered by a new Alpha 11 AI Gen 3 processor that delivers outstanding picture quality and performance, and we found that the G6's color display is equally as impressive. Vivid scenes pop without feeling unnatural, and the G6 does a great job of maintaining balance in high-contrast moments, too.

In terms of gaming, we especially appreciated the anti-glare matte screen, which effectively eliminated pesky reflections in our well-lit testing lab. Practically all of the picture was visible, despite the brightness of the room, and that's great news for gamers who might otherwise be battling the sunlight.

Additional gaming features include support for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, as well as a Game Optimizer menu. We tweaked the 'Input delay' option, activated Boost mode, and saw input lag drop to a fantastically minute 8.9ms. That means that you'll see actions play out on-screen as soon as you tap a button. The inclusion of 4 HDMI 2.1 ports also comes in handy for folks with multiple consoles. During testing, we switched from story-driven adventures to fast-paced shooters, and the G6 felt instantly responsive, with smooth frame pacing and no hint of latency.

There are a few caveats to keep in mind with the G6, however. The first is price – it's an undeniably steep investment, though the overall quality of the set speaks for itself. The G6's audio is punchier than the G5's, but it still can't rival TVs with larger, more powerful speaker arrays. If you want a truly immersive soundscape to accompany your gaming sessions and take soundtracks to the next level, you'll need to pair the G6 with a dedicated soundbar.

Read our full LG G6 review

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How to choose the best gaming TV

How to choose the best gaming TV

• High latency causes a delay between button-pressing and action

• Almost all TVs now have a Game Mode for lower latency

• For best performance, look for HDMI 2.1, 120Hz, VRR, and Nvidia G-Sync

There are a few key things to consider when choosing the best gaming TV.

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 synchronize the speed at which it refreshes the screen with whatever the current frame rate 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 offer 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.

What features on gaming TVs are relevant to PS5 and Xbox Series X?

• Both PS5 and Xbox Series X support 4K 120Hz and VRR

• Xbox Series X supports Dolby Vision gaming; PS5 does not. However, this feature is not available on Samsung TVs

• Some Sony TVs have PS5-specific features to automatically enhance the picture

Whether you're a PlayStation loyalist or one of the Xbox faithful, your console of choice can play a part in your hunt for the best gaming TV. Some TVs are better suited to certain consoles.

Both consoles support 4K 120Hz, VRR, and other key gaming features. However, the Xbox Series X supports Dolby Vision gaming while the PS5 doesn't. It means that PlayStation users miss out on a boost to graphics and contrast, and more accurate color mapping.

On the other hand, if you have an Xbox Series X and opt for a Samsung TV, you can't take advantage of Dolby Vision gaming – because Samsung TVs don't support Dolby Vision.

There are instances where a Samsung pick could be worth missing out on Dolby Vision, though. If you're a PS5 player who does a lot of daytime gaming in a bright room, Samsung's OLED options have some of the best anti-reflection measures on the market.

Elsewhere, Sony's range of TVs, including the Sony Bravia 8 OLED and Sony Bravia 9 mini-LED, carry PS5-specific features (as Sony also makes the PS5), including an Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature that automatically enhances the picture when a PS5 is detected on a compatible Sony TV.

Generally, you'll still get a lot from your console regardless of what TV you buy from this list, but the above features are worth noting if you're looking to get that little bit extra.

Is a TV good for PC gaming?

• A 4K gaming TV can make for a great gaming monitor substitute

• You'll need a PC that can handle 4k resolution on a big screen

• Some TVs may struggle to upscale lower resolutions such as 1440p or 1080p

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 dependent 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?

• 4K TVs are now very cheap – you could get one for as little as $300 / £300 / AU$450

• At this price, you probably won't get gaming features such as 4K 120Hz and VRR

• For gaming features and a big screen, expect to pay around $800 / £900 / AU$1,200

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 features for next-gen consoles, you need to assume you'll pay something starting in that region.

Do I need an 8K gaming TV?

• You definitely don't need an 8K gaming TV

• PS5 Pro supports 8K, and a handful of 8K games are available

• 4K 120Hz gaming currently offers a better TV gaming experience

The short answer? No.

While the original PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles technically come with this capability baked in, the PS5 had its 8K status removed before the arrival of the PS5 Pro. The Xbox Series X, meanwhile, can upscale games to 8K, but would struggle to run them natively due to the power demands.

The PS5 Pro is marketed as 8K capable, but again, there's a little more to it than that. Though a very powerful console, even the PS5 Pro usually upscales games to hit the 8K mark. It does this through its PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) feature – which is similar to Nvidia's DLSS and which uses AI to upscale the image.

There are currently a handful of games that can take advantage of the PS5 Pro's 8K capabilities – among them No Man's Sky, F1 24 and Gran Turismo. There's also one game, the forthcoming Pure Pool Pro, that will reportedly run in native 8K on PS5 Pro, rather than being upscaled via PSSR.

However, even with the PS5 Pro, there are further caveats – for instance, your TV will need to have Display Stream Compression (DSC) over HDMI 2.1 in order to actually be able to output at 8K.

In short, unless you are an 8K obsessive, there's really 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 such as high frame rate (60 fps, 120 fps) are more important.

Maybe it'll be a different answer in 2026 or 2027, but for now, we think the 4K gaming TVs listed above will do you just fine.

How we test the best gaming TVs

• We primarily test the best gaming TVs in Game Mode with an Xbox Series X

• We test latency using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input Lag tester

• We test image quality with a test pattern generator, colorimeter, and other specialized equipment

When we test the best gaming TVs, we’re mainly looking at gaming performance and related features that enhance gaming. For these tests, we apply the same criteria used in our reviews, such as picture and audio quality based on objective and subjective tests.

For gaming TVs, we use a gaming console (mainly an Xbox Series X, although this can vary based on the reviewer) to test motion performance with graphics, analyzing latency and response time. We put the TV in its Game Mode during these tests to keep it consistent across each model and to maximize the gaming experience.

We also look for features such as VRR and 120Hz refresh rate to test their effectiveness. Not all the best gaming TVs have to provide these features, but it’s something we take into consideration during testing. To test latency added by the TV’s processing, we use a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input Lag tester, with that measurement taken in the set’s Game Mode.

We also test picture quality with movies and TV shows, cycling through preset picture modes such as Standard and Movie to determine which is the most accurate. We’ll then play a variety of sources including 4K Blu-ray, 4K and HD streaming, and lower-res formats such as broadcast TV and DVD to evaluate the TV’s upscaling.

Another important area we test is how well a gaming TV handles dark tones, looking particularly at black uniformity (the ability to evenly display black across the screen) and its overall contrast.

We use specialized equipment, including a test pattern generator and colorimeter, to take measurements for our objective tests, with the results recorded in Portrait Displays’ Calman calibration software.

To test a TV’s overall brightness, we use various-sized white windows, including 10% and 100%. A 10% window provides a standardized indication of the peak brightness that can be expected, whereas 100% shows how consistently it can display a bright image such as a colorful video game. These tests also determine how a TV handles screen reflections, which is crucial for daytime gaming.

The color reproduction tests we make with both HDR and SDR sources are important to see how faithfully and accurately a TV can display source material, and they also indicate the maximum color gamut available. We additionally test for grayscale accuracy, looking at how consistently a TV tracks gray tones on the screen from black to white.

We aim to keep conditions consistent across our tests, but it’s worth noting that some writer setups do vary. We always strive, however, to use equivalent equipment and procedures so our results are comparable across TVs.

You can read more in-depth about how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link, and in particular for this guide, how we test TV input lag.

Other TVs we've tested

Hisense U8N: A super-bright, feature-packed mini-LED TV, the Hisense U8N comes with a good stock of gaming features at an affordable price (though it's better priced in the US than anywhere else). While it is a superb TV, the Samsung Q80D and Hisense U7N are cheaper and have a great list of gaming features in their own right. But, as you can read in our Hisense U8N review, it's still a fantastic TV.

TCL QM851G: The TCL has spectacular brightness levels that make it a great option for brighter room gaming, but the Samsung QN90D is our choice due to its superior processing and wider range of size options (the QM851G starts at 65-inch). Make no mistake, as our TCL QM851G review says, this TV still delivers excellent picture quality, sound, and a good number of gaming features, so it's still one for consideration. (Note that this is a US-only TV – the closest UK/Europe equivalent is the TCL C855)

LG C6: A marked step up from the C5, the LG C6 boasts a new, faster processor and a full suite of gaming features. Picture quality is vivid and crisp, too, and gamers get 4 HDMI 2.1 ports to make use of. The glossy screen does lend itself to mirror-like reflections, however, and there's no support for HDR10+. Check out our in-depth LG C6 review to find out more about what we think is a solid mid-range OLED TV.

LG B6: The LG B6 impresses right off the bat with super picture quality – games look brighter and more vivid on its screen compared to the B5. Gamers will appreciate minimal input lag of 4.9ms, 4K 120Hz, variable refresh rate, and an auto low-latency mode. The B6 can struggle in bright rooms, however, and it's one of the more expensive picks on the market. Visit our LG B6 review to see what sets it apart from our other picks.

Samsung S95F: If you need a gaming TV that delivers outstanding brightness and color, crisp textures in-game, and anti-glare technology, the S95F is a great choice. Even its sound quality is solid - which isn't something we can say for all of the gaming TVs we've shortlisted. The S95F could stretch lower-end budgets, seeing as it's a flagship OLED TV, and you can read more about it in our Samsung S95F review.

TCL QM8L: The QM8L is a mini-LED with some tricks up its sleeve, like halo-limiting technology that can put a stop to annoying blooming effects. The Game Bar menu has some handy settings to play with, too, like an FPS counter and even Aim Assist. We wish the QM8L's colors were punchier and more accurate overall, but image quality is still great, especially for the price point. Head on over to our TCL QM8L review for all the details.

The latest updates to this best gaming TVs guide

4 June 2026
Replaced the LG C5 with the LG C6 as 'best super-bright'. Moved the Sony Bravia 8 II to position #5. Added LG C6, LG B6, Samsung S95F, TCL QM8L to 'Other TVs We've Tested'.

15 January 2026
Replaced the Sony Bravia 8 with the Sony Bravia 8 II as 'best for PS5'. Replaced the LG B4 with the LG B5 for 'best budget OLED'. Replaced the Hisense U7N with the TCL QM7K for 'best budget US'. Replaced the Samsung Q80D with the TCL C6K for 'best budget UK'. Removed the best elite and best cheap categories.

24 October 2025
Swapped the LG C4 for the new LG C5 as our 'best gaming TV for most people' based on our recent testing and review.

14 July 2025
Swapped the Samsung QN90D for the Samsung QN90F for best for bright rooms as the latter features and anti-reflection screen and higher brightness levels.

6 May 2025
Swapped the Samsung S95D for the LG G5 as 'best super-bright OLED' for the latter's superior brightness levels.

Matt Bolton
Managing Editor, Entertainment

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment, meaning he's in charge of persuading our team of writers and reviewers to watch the latest TV shows and movies on gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It's a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he's also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He's always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he's explaining the offside rule.

With contributions from