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Let’s face it: the more time you spend on quality on your Xbox One X or PS4 Pro, the more important it is to do it with quality control. Of course, you can connect your game console to any old 720p or 1080p monitor, but any gamer who is worth his salt knows that one of the best 4K TVs for gaming makes the difference.
When the current generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles was first launched, the HD-ready machines had everything they needed to showcase your games in their best light. Fast forward to, when mid-cycle hardware upgrades gave us consoles capable of performing both 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range (HDR) for all your video and gaming needs.
Although this is all great news for the quality of our gaming experiences, it is putting more and more pressure on your TV to connect it to the output of your slot machine. A console can have all the power of the world, but it makes little sense if it is connected to a TV that cannot use that improved power. So What’s exactly makes a TV, one of the Best 4K TVs For Gaming? Let’s discuss:
List of the best 4K TVs for gaming
LG C1 OLED
The best 4k TV for gaming with an OLED panel is the LG C1 OLED. It’s one of the best gaming TVs we’ve tested, with a ton of gaming features. For example, it comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports, which is great if you have both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X, and it supports all resolutions up to 4k @ 120Hz. In addition, the OLED panel has self-lighting pixels, giving it an almost infinite contrast ratio and perfect blacks for unparalleled picture quality.
The 120Hz panel has near-instantaneous response time, so fast-moving images are rendered exceptionally crisp with very little smearing or motion blur. It also has an optional Black Frame Insertion feature to further reduce blur. New to 2021 is the input lag ‘Boost’ setting, which also gives you incredibly low input lag. Finally, it supports FreeSync and HDMI Forum variable refresh rate (VRR) to reduce screen tearing and is NVIDIA certified to be G-SYNC compatible. Overall, this is one of the best 4k TVs for gaming.
LG OLED55C1PUB Alexa Built-in C1 Series 55" 4K Smart OLED TV (2021)
Features
- LG Electronics - OLED55C1PUB - 55" Ultra Slim 4K UHD ThinQ AI OLED TV W/ A9 Gen 4 Intelligent Processor
Samsung QN90A QLED
The best TV for gaming in the LED category is the Samsung QN90A QLED. It is a high-end TV from Samsung’s 2021 lineup that is packed with features and delivers exceptional picture quality while offering excellent gaming performance. It is very well built and comes with a stylish center-mounted stand that should look good in any setup. What sets this TV apart is the Mini LED backlight, which allows it to get extra bright so visibility shouldn’t be a problem even in the brightest settings, and it has fantastic reflection handling.
It also makes highlights really stand out with HDR content, and it supports the HDR10+ HDR format, but not Dolby Vision. As for gaming, it has a 120Hz panel with HDMI 2.1 inputs, so you can play 4k games in 120fps from the Xbox Series X or PS5. It has VRR support, low input lag and fast response times for a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Overall, this is one of the best 4k TVs for gaming.
SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Neo QLED QN90A Series - 4K UHD Quantum HDR 32x Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (QN55QN90AAFXZA, 2021 Model)
$1,147.95 in stock
7 used from $1,039.99
Features
- DETAILS IN THE DARK: See brilliantly intense, 4K UHD contrast delivered by Mini LEDs and Quantum Matrix Technology
- 4K UPSCALING: No matter what you watch, Neo Quantum Processor 4K transforms it to 4K through machine-based AI-based deep learning
- TRUE-TO-LIFE COLORS: Enjoy a mesmerizing, realistic picture with spectacular clarity with Quantum HDR 32X
- SOUND THAT MOVES YOU: Discover TV audio that follows the action on screen with Object Tracking Sound+
- SMOOTH MOTION: Action movies, sports and games look fluid up to 4K at 120Hz with Motion Xcelerator Turbo+
Vizio M7 Series Quantum
The Vizio M7 Series Quantum 2020 is the best budget 4k TV for gaming we’ve tested. It sits next to the Vizio M8 Series Quantum 2020 in the 2020 lineup, which has a few more localized dimming zones, but it’s harder to find. It offers a few gaming features, which is a nice touch for a budget-friendly option, and it offers very good gaming performance. The native 60Hz refresh rate is lower than other high-end TVs in this recommendation, but fortunately it has native FreeSync support to reduce screen tearing.
The TV has a good response time with a Black Frame Insertion feature to make movements look better. Input lag is low and the TV has no problems displaying content up to 4k @ 60Hz with the PS5 or Xbox Series X. The TV’s VA panel has a high native contrast ratio to display deep blacks; there is a local dimming feature, but it is mediocre and does not improve contrast. Overall, this is one of the best 4k TVs for gaming.
VIZIO 55-Inch M-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart TV with Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast Built-in, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDMI 2.1, Variable Refresh Rate with AMD FreeSync
Features
- 4K Ultra HD - Over 8 million pixels for breathtaking detail. 4 times the resolution of 1080p!
- Dolby Vision Bright Mode - You’ll see even more lifelike accuracy, color saturation, black detail, and brightness in Dolby Vision Bright picture mode, thanks to color pixel tuning that ramps up depth and detail to new heights. M-Series also supports HDR10/+ and HLG formats.
- Quantum Color - Next-generation QLED delivers cinematic color with over a billion hues of vibrant color.
- Active Full Array with up to 27 Local Dimming Zones - Content-matching intelligent adjustment of the active full array backlight to deliver incredibly deep black levels for stunning depth and contrast.
- Up to UltraBright 600 - UltraBright 600 delivers bright, detailed highlights at up to 600 nits of peak brightness, more accurately reproducing the nuances in every picture and revealing fine details otherwise lost in light or dark areas of an image.
Hisense U8G
If you want a cheaper TV, check out the Hisense U8G. It doesn’t have Mini LED backlighting like the Samsung QN90A QLED, but it still gets very bright and has all the gaming features that gaming is looking for. It has HDMI 2.1 inputs and VRR support in the form of FreeSync, HDMI Forum VRR, and G-SYNC compatibility. Movements look fluid thanks to fast response times, and input lag is very low.
It has a VA panel with a fantastic contrast ratio and great local dimming in ‘Game Mode’ for deep blacks. Unfortunately, there are some issues with enabling local dimming when VRR is enabled on Xbox, and it has narrow viewing angles, so the image looks inaccurate when viewed from the side. Overall, this is one of the best 4k TVs for gaming.
Hisense ULED Premium 65-Inch Class U8G Quantum Series Android 4K Smart TV with Alexa Compatibility (65U8G, 2021 Model)
$913.31 in stock
Features
- 4K ULED: Like 4K great, but better. The 65U8G has our exclusive ULED technologies. They boost color, contrast, brightness, motion we could go on. It’s the TV your old TV wants to be..Aspect Ratio:16:9. WALL MOUNT : VESA 400×400 / M6
- Quantum Dot Wide Color Gamut: See over one billion shades. Quantum Dot produces purer, richer, more brilliant and accurate colors than a regular LED TV. We could get into how it works. But it’s a lot easier to say it makes every day look like the 4th of July.
- Ultra Motion and 120Hz Native refresh rate: Ultra Motion removes the digital ‘noise’ that can affect moving objects. Whether it’s a bird, a plane or the man of steel, everything you see is exceptionally clear. Blurred lines. Not on this TV, the 120Hz native refresh rate means smoother gaming with pictures that keep up with your play.
- Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos: Dolby Vision HDR picture and Dolby Atmos sound are cinema technology for your home. They provide amazing realism you can see and hear in every scene. Power Supply AC 120V, 50/60Hz
- IMAX Enhanced: IMAX Enhanced brings the cinema experience home. It combines digitally remastered 4K HDR content and DTS audio technologies with the best consumer products and streaming platforms. Built for people who want a more premier, at-home experience.
Hisense H8G
If you want something that gets even brighter, check out the Hisense H8G. While it doesn’t have FreeSync support like the Vizio M7 Series Quantum 2020, most people should be satisfied with its gaming performance, especially considering its price. It has a fast response time that makes movements look smooth, and input lag is very low.
HDR brightness is okay, enough to bring out some highlights, contrast ratio is excellent, and the full-array local dimming feature decently improves image quality in dark scenes. Unfortunately, it has narrow viewing angles, which we expect for a VA panel, but that means it’s not recommended for wide sitting angles, as you’ll lose image accuracy if you look at the sides. Overall, this is one of the best 4k TVs for gaming.
Hisense 50-Inch Class H8 Quantum Series Android 4K ULED Smart TV with Voice Remote (50H8G, 2020 Model)
Features
- Unlock the power of over a billion colors perfectly expressed with Hisense H8G Quantum Series ULED Smart TVs, which combine incredible, ultra-bright 4K detail with Android TV for quick access to entertainment and apps.
- Transform your home into an entertainment powerhouse with Dolby Vision HDR10 plus, HDR10, and HLG picture and Dolby Atmos sound technologies, creating a truly cinematic experience featuring astonishing images with enhanced color and incredibly immersive audio.
- Offers 240 motion rate and quantum dot color. Full array local dimming zones deliver a superior HDR experience with up to 700-nits peak brightness across up to 32 local dimming zones, while game mode significantly improves input lag for optimized gaming.
- Control the TV via the easy-to-use voice-enabled remote, through the built-In Google Assistant, or through an Alexa-enabled device (sold separately) — Open or search for apps, control the volume and inputs, or search for your favorite TV shows and movies.
- Measuring 43.8 x 25.4 x 3.1 inches, 28.2 pounds (43.8 x 28.3 x 9.5 inches with the included stand, LxHxW, 28.7 pounds) the 50H8G has a 1-year manufacturer's warranty, and includes a voice remote (batteries included), power cable, and quick start guide. Wall Mount Screw-M6
Sony X90J
If you think you don’t need or won’t notice the move to advanced display technologies like Neo QLED or OLED, a large 65-inch TV is much easier to come by. Sony’s 65-inch X90J costs just $1800, making it close in price to numerous competing 55-inch models. But you don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality, as the X90J boasts a host of high-end features that justify the price.
With the Sony X90J, you get a bright picture with full-array backlighting and Triluminos Display for excellent color and contrast. And Sony’s powerful new Cognitive Processor XR is built in to control images and audio for a more life-like presentation. The display can also run at 4K/120Hz for smooth images in games, and it supports Auto Low Latency Mode with additional support for variable refresh rates coming in an update. Overall, this is one of the best 4k TVs for gaming.
Sony XR65X90J 65-inch X90J 4K Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV (2021 Model) Bundle with Premium 2 Year Extended Protection Plan
Features
- SONY USA AUTHORIZED - Includes 2 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL Manufacturer Protection
- Everything you watch becomes more detailed and immersive with true-to-life 4K HDR, powered by the all-new Cognitive Processor XR. Feel the intensity of the sun and experience all the stars of the night sky with Full Array LED and XR Contrast Booster. With outstanding picture quality, a flush bezel design, and HDMI 2.1 for next-gen gaming, the X90J 4K HDR LED TV is ready for everything.
- Direct (Full Array LED) | Local Dimming | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | Cognitive Processor XR | Dual database processing | Live Color Technology | Dynamic Contrast Enhancer | XR Motion Clarity, Auto mode
- Connections: 4 HDMI Connection | 2 USB Connections | Composite Video Input | Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Ethernet Input | Bluetooth | Optical Audio Output Port | RS-232C Input
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Sony XR65X90J 65" X90J 4K Ultra HD Full Array LED Smart TV | Table-top Stand | AC Power Cord | Voice Remote Control | Batteries | Quick Setup Guide | Operating Instructions | 2 Year Premium Extended Service Plan Including Accidental Damage, and Burn in Protection as well as Free Tech Support and Remote Control Replacement (“hot swap” no questions asked)
Features Of the best 4K TVs for gaming
Resolution
The Xbox One S performs all games in 4K, achieved via surprisingly well-built-up scaling. The PS4 Pro also delivers games in 4K, using a combination of upscaling and in-game enhancements. The Xbox One X has now been designed with sufficient power to control more games than ever before with native 4K support integrated into the game engine.
Yes, you can still get non-4K Xbox One and PS4 consoles, and the Nintendo Switch is not interested in 4K either. And yes, non-4K games need to be scaled up by a 4K TV, so they will not be completely ‘pure’. Upscaling is now remarkably good on The Best 4K TVs for gaming and can be done without adding a significant delay to the time a TV needs to display photos.
HDR
Sitting right next to the 4K in today’s video world is the high dynamic range (HDR) technology. This produces photos with a much wider range of light than the standard photos with dynamic range with which we live for decades, the photos we see on our screens closer to the way our eyes see the real world. The Xbox One S supports HDR in some of its games and through some of its streaming apps. The same situation applies to both the PS4 and the PS4 Pro and of course the Xbox One X also delivers HDR. Most people would say that HDR has done well yields more impact than 4K, especially on small screens.
Brightness
One of the most important elements of good HDR performance is clarity. Many movies and games focus on 1000 nits or more for the brightest elements, so if you have a TV that is less clear, the full potential of HDR is not unlocked. Especially in an environment with video games, where graphics images in contrast terms can be stronger than ‘real-life’ often seems to be.
It is perfectly possible for TVs to make great HDR photos without reaching 1000 nits and more clarity. This is especially true for OLED screens. But the darker a screen, the harder its processing will have to work to try to figure out how image information can be solved in HDR areas above its capabilities.
Lag-Free
If you are really a serious gamer – especially when it comes to response-based online games – you should consider input lag: the time a certain TV needs to receive image data received at its inputs. You are of course looking for low numbers if you do not want to be shot by an opponent in your face, your TV can not even be seen! Again, manufacturers do not have a tendency to provide input lag figures in their specifications provided. In general, we measure the input lag on the TVs that we test. We have also provided the input lag measurements for all our recommended TVs.
Great Audio
Sound design has always played an integral part in a great gaming experience. With the advent of surround sound games, however, it is still a step up today. In fact, the Xbox One S and Xbox One X consoles even support the Dolby Atmos: Dolby’s most advanced sound system to date, which introduces a height channel and ‘object-based’ precision for the sound image.
With impressively good timing, LG is at the point of extending support for Dolby Atmos via HDMI to its OLED TVs (some of which feature integrated soundbars). Although integrated Atmos support is not yet found elsewhere, a sharp rise in televisions has taken place this year with really powerful sound systems. So unless you are considering investing in an external sound system, it will certainly pay you to have both sound and image quality in mind when you buy your gaming TV.
Conclusion
The best 4K TVs for gaming compensates a number of factors. Regardless of the price range or feature set you are looking for, if you are buying a new television now, you might want something that best shows games in 4K – even if you’re still stuck in the 1080 era, 4K is fast-moving to become the basis, so you will want to prove yourself in the future. Our list of the best 4K gaming TVs represents the 4k TVs you can buy right now to enjoy your games on PS4, PS5, PC, and Xbox One S.