As big-screen gaming is gaining popularity, manufacturers have started making TVs with better input lag and response time, with some models that are nearly on-par with monitors. Top tier models also tend to have variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, as well as an 'Automatic Low Latency Mode,' so you can spend less time tinkering with the TV's settings and more time gaming. With the recent release of the next-gen gaming consoles, TVs are also starting to support HDMI 2.1, meaning they support 4k @ 120Hz games.
We've tested more than 80 TVs in the past two years, and below are our recommendations for the best gaming TVs you can buy. Check our recommendations for the best HDR gaming TVs, the best PS5 TVs, and the best TVs for Xbox Series X.
The best gaming TV with an OLED panel that we've tested is the LG CX OLED. It delivers stunning picture quality as it can produce perfect blacks by turning pixels off completely, making it a fantastic choice for dark room gaming. It has wide viewing angles, exceptional reflection handling, and it gets bright enough to overcome glare in most lighting conditions. Its out-of-the-box color accuracy is impressive, and its wide color gamut helps deliver HDR content with vibrant and saturated colors.
Motion handling is truly outstanding. It has a native 120Hz refresh rate that makes motion look incredibly smooth, a near-instantaneous response time that results in almost no motion blur in fast-moving scenes, and an optional Black Frame Insertion feature to further improve clarity. It supports FreeSync, HDMI Forum VRR, and is compatible with G-SYNC. It has an 'Auto Low Latency Mode' that detects when a game is launched from a compatible device and automatically switches the TV to 'Game' mode, ensuring that you always get the lowest input lag.
Unfortunately, OLEDs are susceptible to permanent burn-in, which occurs when static elements are displayed for an extended period, like a channel logo or a video game's user interface. That said, it shouldn't be an issue for most people who watch varied content. Most resolutions are supported, and it can display proper chroma 4:4:4, which is great for gaming on a PC. All in all, this is one of the best TVs for gaming that we've tested.
The best 4k TV for gaming with an LED panel that we've tested is the Samsung Q80/Q80T QLED. It's a high-end 4k model with impressive picture quality and a ton of gaming features. Unlike the LG CX OLED, it doesn't have the risk of permanent burn-in, so won't have to worry about potentially damaging your TV after exposure to static elements. It's well-built with a premium design that should fit nicely into any environment.
It's an excellent choice for gaming because it has an HDMI 2.1 input that allows you to play 4k games up to 120Hz. It supports VRR to reduce screen tearing, has an incredibly low input lag, and the response time is excellent. Motion looks smooth, and there's a Black Frame Insertion feature to help reduce motion blur. It has a great native contrast ratio that's lower than most VA panel TVs because of Samsung's 'Ultra Viewing Angle' technology, which improves the viewing angles at the cost of its contrast. Still, it's a great choice for dark room gaming because it has a decent local dimming feature.
Sadly, only the 55 inch and larger models of the Q80T have features like VRR, a 120Hz panel, and 'Ultra Viewing Angle' technology. The 49 and 50 inch models are limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and don't support VRR, so we expect them to perform differently than the 55 inch model we tested. If you're not limited by size, go for the larger models, and you should appreciate all their gaming features.
If you want something a bit cheaper, then consider the Vizio P Series Quantum 2020. It doesn't have viewing angle technology like the Samsung Q80/Q80T QLED, so it's not suggested for a wide seating arrangement as the image looks inaccurate when viewing from the side. However, the Vizio gets brighter, has a better contrast, and displays a wider color gamut than the Q80T, making it a better choice for HDR gaming. It also has an excellent response time and low input lag. It has a 120Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 inputs, but it skips frames with 4k @ 120Hz content in 'Game' mode. It also supports FreeSync VRR, but it only works within a narrow range at 4k and doesn't work properly with 1440p content either.
If you want the best gaming TV with an LED panel, go for the Samsung, but if you want to save some money and don't mind compromising on VRR performance, then check out the Vizio.
The best budget 4k TV for gaming that we've tested is the Vizio M7 Series Quantum 2020. It's a good budget TV with impressive gaming performance. Like the Vizio P Series Quantum 2020, it has FreeSync support, but it's limited to a 60Hz panel. Regardless, the VRR support is a nice addition to a budget-friendly model. It handles reflections well, but its peak brightness is only decent, which means that it might not be able to overcome intense glare.
The response time is good, which results in clear motion, and there's a Black Frame Insertion feature to further improve clarity in fast-moving scenes. Input lag is incredibly low and remains low with VRR enabled or when gaming in HDR. Speaking of HDR, it supports both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, displays an incredibly wide color gamut, and has impressive gradient handling. However, it doesn't get bright enough to deliver a true HDR experience. It uses a VA panel with a high contrast ratio, so it's well-suited for dark room gaming.
Unfortunately, it doesn't upscale 480p and 720p content well, although this shouldn't be a problem if you're only gaming in 4k. Also, it has narrow viewing angles that cause images to appear washed out when viewed from the side, so it's not the best option for wide seating areas. On the upside, its SmartCast interface is easy-to-use and runs smoothly for the most part. All things considered, this is a budget-friendly TV that's worth checking out.
If you prefer something for a well-lit room, then check out the Hisense H8G. It doesn't have VRR support like the Vizio M7 Series Quantum 2020, but it still delivers great gaming performance and gets much brighter. The Hisense gets bright enough to combat glare or make highlights pop in HDR and has decent reflection handling. It has a good response time and a low input lag for a responsive gaming experience. It's good for HDR gaming as well because it has an excellent contrast ratio, decent local dimming, and it displays a wide color gamut. Unfortunately, it has narrow viewing angles, so the image looks inaccurate when viewing from the sides. It also has uniformity issues, but this may vary between units.
Overall, if you're looking for the best TV for gaming and you're on a budget, you can't go wrong with the Vizio, but if you prefer something that gets brighter, check out the Hisense.
Feb 25, 2021: Updated text for clarity; added the TCL 5 Series, LG NANO90, and Vizio OLED to Notable Mentions.
Feb 05, 2021: Minor text and structure changes. Moved Sony X900H to Notable Mentions due to the lack of VRR support.
Dec 07, 2020: Updated Notable Mentions.
Nov 06, 2020: Replaced Vizio P Series Quantum X 2020 with Vizio P Series Quantum 2020, added Vizio M7 Series Quantum 2020, removed Samsung TU8000.
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best 4k TVs for gaming currently available. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price and feedback from our visitors.
If you would prefer the make your own decision, here is the list of all of our TV reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. Most TVs are good enough to please most people, and the things we fault TVs on are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.