Top 5 TVs for Gaming at a Glance

• Best overall: LG OLED48CX
• Best 4K TV: Samsung QN90A QLED
• Best budget model: Hisense A6G
• Best budget 4K TV: Vizio M7 Series Quantum
• Best for PS5 and Xbox: LG G1

If you’re a gamer, then you already know that we are currently living in the golden age of video games. Not only do today’s video games allow gamers to experience intricate imaginary worlds with an unbelievable level of photorealism and textures, but they also allow them to interact online with other gamers from across the world.

But these advanced, immersive games require high-powered consoles. And high-powered consoles demand a high-quality television screen to play them on. That said, when it comes to gaming, not all TVs are created equal.

What Features Make a TV Great for Gaming?

To hit the full potential of your video games, you need the right screen. But what makes a particular TV right for gaming? What type of features should you look for?

The best gaming TVs have low latency, or input lag. The “lag” refers to the delay between your console sending information to your screen and your screen displaying it. Ideally, look for TVs with 30ms input lags or less. Good gaming TVs also have high refresh rates, which is the number of times your TV refreshes its image. Generally speaking, most TVs refresh anywhere between 30Hz and 60Hz. For an immersive gaming experience, shoot for 120Hz or, even better, VRR. VRR — variable refresh rate — allows the console or the GPU to determine the refresh rate. This equates to a veritable glitch-free display no matter the game you’re playing.

You’ll also want to determine whether you want 4K or HDR. Most video games today are designed compatible with 4K, but features like Dolby Vision HDR can be equally impressive. You’ll also want to consider the input connections available. In most cases, a few HDMI inputs will be sufficient, but many systems have the option of HDMI 2.1 connections. Again, if you’re looking to maximize your gameplay, inputs are worth your consideration.

Assess Your TV Needs

Before you start shopping for a new gaming TV, you’ll want to do a quick assessment of your needs. Of course, you’ll want to consider your budget, but you may also want to take a look at the room that you game in. You might examine the size and the amount of light in the room. A naturally brighter room might necessitate a brighter screen, whereas a darker room might suffice with a lower-lit display.

In any case, taking a moment to evaluate your needs will help ensure you’ve got the best screen for your room (and your wallet).

Top 5 Gaming TVs

Here are our recommendations for the best gaming TVs available. All prices listed are for 65-inch TVs.

Best Overall TV: LG OLED48CX

This one is a game — ahem, video game — changer. We put the CX at the top of our list for its tremendous versatility. It’s the gaming TV that takes the best parts of a gaming monitor and the best parts of a TV and packs them into a single unit.

Case in point: The CX is the first OLED panel TV that is available under 50 inches, meaning that this thing is desk-worthy. This is a huge boon to PC gamers, because OLED computer monitors are increasingly rare these days. Furthermore, LG has upgraded this series to include AMD FreeSync Premium, which supports the Nvidia G-Sync compatibility available in previous models. You’ll need a powerful rig to get the most out of the CX as a PC gaming monitor, but the potential is there.

In terms of a gaming TV, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option out there. With the CX, LG has doubled the refresh rate at 4K resolutions. That means that it can readily display 4K at 120Hz resolutions from the get-go. And with an 11.6ms input lag, you likely won’t find a TV that matches these gaming capabilities.

Cost: $1,999.99

Best 4K TV: Samsung QN90A

While OLED is all the rage today, sometimes they just aren’t the most practical options. For one, OLEDs just aren’t as bright as standard LEDs. If you find yourself regularly gaming in larger, brighter-lit rooms, it would be difficult to find a non-OLED better than Samsung’s QN90A. The key here is the QN90A’s Mini LED technology that uses thousands of tiny LEDs to backlight the display. To be honest, it gives OLED performance a run for its money in the brightness department. After all, not everyone can have a low-lit home theater designed specifically for gaming.

But the benefits of Q90A don’t end there. The TV boasts Samsung’s innovative LED-backed LCD, or QLED display, which basically translates to an incredible picture that rivals dual-LCD and even OLED made by other brands. It also offers an excellent game mode with low-input lag reduction and an overall latency of around 10ms. If you’re looking for a TV that operates well in bright rooms and different viewing angles, the Q90A is a great option.

Cost: $1,699.99

Best Budget Model: Hisense A6G

In no uncertain terms, gaming TVs make incredible use of incredible technology. As a result, prices for a great TV can get high very quickly. But getting a high-quality screen doesn’t always have to break your bank. Enter the Hisense A6G: simply one of the best low-cost gaming TVs out there.

Despite not having 4K 120Hz support, the A6G has high-quality picture performance and excellent fine quality with support from Dolby Vision HDR. Again, a low price tag signals a higher input lag, but at 20ms, this set is still plenty serviceable for average gamers. Plus, it comes with a variety of great streaming apps powered by Android TV.

Compared to the similarly priced TCL series TVs, the A6G has superior black levels and handles reflections more effectively. The TV is available in five sizes, from 43-inches to 75-inches, so you’re sure to find a size that works for your well for any game room.

Cost: $499.99

Best Budget 4K TV: VIZIO M7 Series Quantum

If you’re looking for a more affordable option but don’t want to sacrifice the state-of-the-art picture quality that 4K 120Hz offers, then look no further than the VIZIO M7 Series Quantum. Keep in mind that this TV still costs more than other budget options, but it boasts an impressive array of gaming features that will satisfy the most obsessive gamer.

Although the M7 series Quantum is not G-SYNC compatible, it does support VRR through Freesync. And while it’s got a super-low lag time and quick response time, it sometimes works slower with dark transitions and might not be the best for well-lit spaces. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for that 4K picture quality and you’re on a budget, the Vizio M7 Series Quantum is a great option.

Cost: $899.99

Best for PS5 and Xbox Series X: LG G1

The LG G1 is one of the best televisions you can buy for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. LG has crammed this model with a ton of gaming-specific features. We’re talking HDMI 2.1 inputs, a 4K 120Hz panel and VRR support. Its immediate response time and low-input lag make gameplay from these two high-powered consoles a seamless experience. Additionally, an incredibly advanced contrast ratio and near-perfect black uniformity make for great gaming in bright or dark rooms.

Along with the LG C1, the G1 model is one of the first TVs to support Dolby Vision HDR at 4K 120Hz for gaming. Trust us: This makes for some incredibly vivid and enveloping gameplay. At 9.4ms, the input lag is low. A host of new brightness and color improvements make lighter colors levels feel more authentic and darker colors more dynamic.

Cost: $2,399.99