The PS5 and Xbox Series X output 4K at 120Hz on supported games, but most TVs sold today still cap at 4K 60Hz. Choosing a TV that fully unlocks current-gen console capability requires specific features — HDMI 2.1, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and high refresh rate panels. This guide identifies the best TVs for console gaming across budget tiers.
What Console Gamers Actually Need
HDMI 2.1: Required for 4K @ 120Hz. Some TVs market themselves as "gaming TVs" but only have HDMI 2.0 (capped at 4K 60Hz). Check the spec sheet — many 2024-2026 models still only have HDMI 2.0 on most ports.
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Eliminates screen tearing when frame rate fluctuates. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X support VRR (PS5 added it via firmware update in 2022). Critical for games that hit 40-60 fps inconsistently.
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): TV automatically switches to Game Mode when console is detected. Reduces input lag from 50-100ms to 10-20ms. Both consoles trigger this when supported.
Input lag under 15ms: The threshold for comfortable competitive play. Most modern TVs in Game Mode achieve this. Verify in reviews — manufacturer specs are sometimes misleading.
HDR support: HDR10 minimum, Dolby Vision preferred for HDR10+ alternative. PS5 supports HDR10. Xbox Series X supports HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.
Top Picks
Best Overall: LG C4 OLED 55" ($1,099-$1,399)
The LG C4 is the best gaming TV in 2026. All 4 HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 (rare — Samsung and Sony often have only 2). 4K @ 120Hz on all ports, VRR (FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatible), ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming at 120Hz.
OLED per-pixel dimming produces perfect blacks — particularly impactful in dark-scene games (Resident Evil, Returnal, Alan Wake 2). 0.1ms response time eliminates motion blur entirely. 9.2ms input lag in Game Mode.
The 65" version at ~$1,599 is the sweet spot if your viewing distance supports the larger size.
The trade-off: OLED is best in dim viewing rooms. In bright rooms with direct sunlight, peak full-screen brightness (~700 nits) is less impactful than Samsung/Sony Mini-LED at 1,500+ nits.
Best for Bright Rooms: Samsung QN90D Neo QLED 55" ($1,299)
The Samsung QN90D is the best non-OLED gaming TV. Mini-LED backlight with 800+ zones delivers 1,500+ nits peak brightness. 144Hz native panel (the only 144Hz TV at this size class — useful for PC + console hybrid setups). FreeSync Premium Pro, VRR, ALLM.
For living rooms with significant ambient light or daytime gaming, the QN90D's brightness advantage is genuine. The Mini-LED implementation has some blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds but significantly less than older Edge-Lit Samsung TVs.
Drawbacks: only 4 HDMI ports with 2.1 on a single port set (others are HDMI 2.0). Samsung Tizen OS has fewer streaming app updates over time vs Sony/LG.
Best for Console-Only Gaming: Sony X90L 55" ($899)
For users who specifically game on PS5 or Xbox and don't need top-tier TV picture quality, the Sony X90L at $899 is the value champion. All 4 HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1. Sony's PlayStation Game Mode auto-detects PS5 and applies optimized settings. Sony Cognitive Processor XR motion handling is the best for non-OLED panels.
The X90L is Sony's mid-range 2024 model that received steep discounts in 2026 as the new X90M launched. The panel quality is below the QN90D and C4 OLED, but the gaming features are complete and the price is significantly lower.
Best 65" Under $1,500: LG C3 OLED 65" ($1,299)
The 2023 LG C3 65" remains widely available at $1,299 — about 20% cheaper than the C4 65" with 95% of the gaming features. Identical HDMI 2.1 implementation, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision Gaming at 120Hz. Slightly older a9 Gen 6 processor (vs C4's a9 Gen 7).
For console gamers who want OLED at 65" without paying for the latest model, the C3 is exceptional value in 2026.
Best 75"+ for Gaming: Hisense U8N 75" ($1,499)
For users who want maximum screen size for gaming, the Hisense U8N 75" at $1,499 is the best Mini-LED gaming TV at this size. 1,500+ nits peak brightness, 144Hz native, 4K @ 144Hz on HDMI 2.1, FreeSync Premium Pro, VRR, ALLM. Game Mode input lag around 13ms.
Hisense quality has improved significantly in 2026 — the U8N competes directly with Samsung Q80D and Sony X90L for the price. Less brand prestige but real gaming performance.
Best Budget Gaming TV: TCL Q7 55" ($599)
The TCL Q7 at $599 is the entry-level gaming TV recommendation. 2 HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K @ 120Hz. VRR (FreeSync), ALLM, Game Mode. QLED panel with full-array local dimming. The remaining 2 HDMI ports are 2.0, so multi-console setups need careful port selection.
For users adding PS5 or Xbox to a household that doesn't currently have a gaming TV, the Q7 is the affordable starting point.
Console-Specific Recommendations
PS5
PS5 outputs up to 4K @ 120Hz on supported games (limited list — most titles run at 4K 60fps or dynamic resolution 4K 60fps). The PS5 supports VRR via firmware update (2022). Sony TVs detect PS5 specifically and enable optimal settings automatically (Sony's "Perfect for PlayStation 5" feature).
Best TV for PS5 specifically: Sony X90L or Sony A95L (QD-OLED). The Sony-to-Sony integration is meaningfully better than mixing brands.
Xbox Series X
Xbox Series X also outputs up to 4K @ 120Hz on supported games. Xbox supports HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision Gaming (PS5 doesn't support Dolby Vision in games). Xbox's expanded HDR format support gives Dolby Vision-capable TVs an advantage.
Best TV for Xbox Series X specifically: LG C4 (Dolby Vision Gaming at 120Hz works beautifully). Samsung QN90D works well but lacks Dolby Vision (Samsung doesn't support it — uses HDR10+ instead).
Multi-Console / Mixed Use
For users with both PS5 and Xbox, plus PC gaming or other devices: LG C4 (all 4 HDMI ports are 2.1) is the only TV that handles 4+ HDMI 2.1 devices without compromises.
Settings to Adjust on Any Gaming TV
Default TV settings are not optimized for gaming. After connecting your console:
1. Enable Game Mode: Reduces input lag from 50-100ms to under 20ms.
2. Enable ALLM: TV automatically switches to Game Mode when console is detected.
3. Disable motion smoothing: "Cinema Mode," "TruMotion," "Auto Motion Plus" — these create the soap opera effect and add lag.
4. Enable VRR: In TV settings AND in PS5/Xbox settings.
5. Set correct HDMI input format: Ensure the port is set to "Enhanced" or "Full UHD Color" mode for proper 4K HDR signal.
Input Lag Targets
Casual gaming: Under 30ms (most TVs in Game Mode)
Competitive shooter (Call of Duty, Apex): Under 15ms
Fighting games (Street Fighter, Tekken): Under 10ms — the lowest available
Rhythm games (Beat Saber, Guitar Hero): Under 10ms
Most modern TVs in Game Mode hit 10-20ms. LG OLED and Samsung Neo QLED can reach 5-10ms in Game Mode.
Game Mode enabled (reduces input lag), ALLM enabled (TV auto-detects gaming), VRR enabled (smooths frame rate variations), motion smoothing disabled (causes soap opera effect and lag), correct HDR format active (HDR10 for PS5, Dolby Vision or HDR10 for Xbox). Set the HDMI input to "Enhanced" mode for full 4K HDR signal.
Do I need a 120Hz TV for PS5 or Xbox?
For competitive gaming and supported titles: yes — 4K 120Hz is the headline feature of current-gen consoles. Many AAA titles run at 60fps even with 120Hz support; multiplayer and esports titles benefit most. If you only play 30fps single-player games, 4K 60Hz is sufficient.
OLED or QLED TV for console gaming?
OLED (LG C4, Sony A95L) wins for dark room gaming, competitive response time, and HDR depth. QLED/Neo QLED (Samsung QN90D, Sony X90L, Hisense U8N) wins for bright room gaming and avoiding burn-in concerns from gaming HUD elements. For most gaming households, OLED is the better choice — burn-in risk on modern OLEDs is significantly reduced.
Equipo de investigación de productos · VersusMatrix
El equipo editorial de VersusMatrix evalúa productos usando nuestro motor de puntuación impulsado por IA combinado con investigación práctica sobre especificaciones, reseñas de usuarios y benchmarks de expertos. Nuestro objetivo es ofrecer comparaciones objetivas y basadas en datos para ayudar a los consumidores a tomar decisiones de compra más inteligentes.