Best gaming TV 2024

Adding the best gaming TV to your living space has the power to transform your console setup, not to mention it can turn your living room into a cinema. With big displays now boasting features traditionally reserved for monitors, you'll be surprised at how many features panels by the likes of Samsung and LG boast that directly benefit gaming. So, if you're looking for faster refresh rates, UHD resolutions, and an arsenal of perks that'll boost your PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, or PC experience, you've come to the right place.

The term gaming TV may sound a little silly, and technically, any conventional television can fulfil the role. However, at GamesRadar+, we like to test big screens that'll actually enhance your gaming experience, rather than simply providing a basic image. In some cases, that'll mean taking the best TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X for a spin to see if their fast refresh rates and additional features hold up. Yet, getting a closer look at each panel's natural capabilities is also vital, especially since some screens are now setting the bar ever higher in terms of contrast and colors.

Look, we get it, shopping for the best TV for gaming in 2024 may feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to the technical jargon involved. So, to help you easily choose a new living room without being bogged down by boffin speak, we’ve tested some of the top screens on the market right now. Our favourites include great 4K 120Hz TV options and the best OLED TV models that prioritise vivid, lifelike colors and contrast, but we’ve also made sure to include affordable alternatives that pack a visual punch.

The Quick list

The best gaming TVs in 2023

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The best gaming TV

The best gaming TV

Specifications

Sizes: 55-, 65- and 77-, and 83-inch (OLED55G3, OLED65G3, OLED77G3, OLED83G3)
Display type: OLED
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Refresh rate : 120Hz
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, HGiG
VRR: Yes
HDMI 2.1: Yes, on all four inputs

Reasons to buy

+
Sensational MLA OLED picture
+
Game Optimiser interface
+
4K 120fps support

Reasons to avoid

-
Pedestal stand is optional extra
-
Pricey

The G3 OLED is an incredible flagship gaming TV that takes visuals to the next level using Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech. That's partly why it's out favorite TV we've tested this year, but there's plenty more going for this big screen than its panel type.

Buy it if:

✅ You want the best: The G3 is the best gaming TV we've tested in 2023, and you'll struggle to find something that outperforms it.

✅ You've got a new gen console: Got a PS5 or Xbox Series X? This TV will fully unleash the power of both consoles thanks to its 4K 120Hz abilities.

✅ You prefer bigger screens: If you're after an 83-inch monster that boasts equally big specs, this is the TV for you.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You'd prefer to spend less: The G3 is a flagship model with a premium price tag, and there are various alternatives out there that cost a far less.

❌ You need a stand: The G3 doesn't actually come with a stand, so you'll have to either pick up a third party solution or wall mount it. 

Features: Armed with a 4K 120Hz OLED panel, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, The LG OLED G3 is a flagship heavy hitter. It's going to help you unleash the full potential of your PS5 and Xbox series X, but It also comes with support for both FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync VRR. That means it'll also fill in as a gaming monitor if you've got decent graphics card within your PC, particularly one that can hit 120fps with a UHD resolution enabled.

Design: G3 sizes range from the 55-inch OLED55G3 to the massive 83-inch OLED83G3. Not only are these panels massive, but you'll also have to wall mount these new LG TVs. That's right, there's no traditional stand in the box, which is a bit of a bummer for those of you who prefer freestanding TVs. Naturally, you'll also have to budget for a bracket too, adding extra expensive to the end setup. Once you've got the G3 on the wall, however, you'll arguably be able to appreciate this bezel-less beauty in all its glory.

Performance: The G3 OLED TV is the first flagship flatscreen from LG to feature a Micro Lens Array (MLA) panel paired with advanced brightness boosting algorithms. This enables the screen to get 70 percent brighter than entry-level equivalents - a huge jump that bridges the gap between OLED and QLED. Ingenious Light Control Architecture and α9 AI Processor Gen6 create headroom for brighter peak whites without increasing power usage, meaning pictures have incredible dynamic snap and colour vibrancy.

Verdict: The LG OLED G3 is the display to beat, and it outperforms every OLED gaming TV we've tested. A successor will no doubt arrive in 2024 to steal this speculator screen's crown, we'll still be talking about this model for a few years to come. That said, its price puts it out of reach for many players, and more of an investment than most models out there.

Read more: LG OLED G3 review

The best gaming TV for most people

LG OLED C3 displaying a menu

(Image credit: Steve May)
The best gaming TV for most

Specifications

Sizes: 48-, 55-, 65- and 77-inch guises (OLED42C3, OLED48C3, OLED55C3, OLED65C3, OLED77C3, and OLED83C3)
Display type: OLED
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Refresh rate : 120Hz
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
VRR: Yes
HDMI 2.1: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Dynamic, colour rich picture quality images 
+
4k 120 FPS HDMI inputs 
+
Dedicated Game dashboard 

Reasons to avoid

-
Unexciting audio
-
Smaller C3 model isn't as bright
-
Expensive 

If you're looking to spend a bit less on a high end gaming TV, the LG OLED C3 is worth checking out. Don't get us wrong, it's still pretty expensive, but it follows in the footsteps of its pricer G3 sibling and offers many of the same features at a lower MSRP. 

Buy it if:

✅ You want to spend a bit less: It's not a budget option by any means, but the C3 costs substantially less than its beefier OLED G3 sibling.

✅ You're want 4K 120Hz: Just like the G3, the OLED C3 is a 4K 120Hz display, so your PS5, Xbox, and gaming PC will benefit from its higher refresh rate.

✅ You're looking for OLED: If you're hellbent on going for OLED over other panel types, the C3 isn't going to disappoint. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a tight budget: The C3 might be cheaper, but it still comes with a premium price tag that's a chunk above non-OLED rivals.

❌ You want superior HDR: The C3 isn't an HDR heavy hitter, and while results will vary based on your chosen content type and device, you'll want to opt for the G3 if you're seeking perfection.

Features: The 42 inch LG OLED C3 we tested is the smallest of the bunch, and is aimed at movie fans looking for a bijou telly box and gaming enthusiasts looking for a large desktop TV display. The 42-inch C3 offers various picture pre-sets, with Cinema and Cinema Home modes delivering a more theatrical performance and enhanced colour saturation. Motion handling is excellent, with effective options to reduce judder without sacrificing image quality. 

Powered by the latest Alpha 9 Gen 6 processor, this screen maintains a high level of AI sound and vision management, but it lacks the brightness boosting algorithms found in larger models. Still, it delivers impressive picture quality with superb fine detail, punchy contrast built from inky blacks, and vibrant colours. 

Design: The C3 is without a doubt one of the best looking gaming TVs around. Its minimal border and dark metal finish provide a slick aesthetic that feels genuinely premium, and G3's lower spec sibling even comes with a stand. The 42-inch model trades out a pedestal for two widely spaced feet, which may or may not appeal to you depending on the size of your TV bench or desk.

Performance: The set’s HDR performance is solid, although it lacks support for HDR10+, the preferred HDR standard of Prime Video. On the sound front, the TV's downward firing speakers are functional but may benefit from a soundbar upgrade. 

We think the TV excels as both an everyday screen and a near-field gaming display, thanks to universal 4K 120Hz HDMI support, VRR and ALLM coverage, and a dedicated game interface. Support for Freesync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync VRR, make it suitable for high frame rate gaming. Latency is good. We measured input lag at 13.1ms (1080/60).

Verdict: While not as bright as the larger (55-inch upwards) C3 models, the LG OLED42C3 TV still provides top-notch picture quality, extensive gaming features, and a sleek design. Unfortunately, the high price tag might limit its overall appeal.

Read more: LG OLED C3 review

The best gaming TV under $500

Hisense A6G

(Image credit: Hisense)
The best gaming TV for under $500 / £500

Specifications

Sizes: 43-, 50-, 55-, 65- and 75-inch screen sizes (43A6G, 50A6G, 55A6G, 65A6G and 75A6G)
Input lag: 48.2ms (1080/60)
Display type: Direct LED
Refresh rate : 60Hz
HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
VRR: Yes
HDMI 2.1: Not fully - some HDMI 2.1 functionality

Reasons to buy

+
A lot of telly-tech for the money
+
Dolby Vision HDR
+
Plenty of streaming apps

Reasons to avoid

-
No 4k 120Hz HDMI support
-
Limited HDR brightest

The Hisense A6G is an impressive gaming TV with a fabulous price tag, and for under $500, you'll get an exceptional screen that excels at the basics. Sure, it's not going to wow you with its 60Hz refresh rate, nor does it stand a chance against OLED and QLED titans dominating the scene right now. However, if you merely want a functional TV that both looks the part and comes in big sizes, this is it.

Buy it if:

✅ You're on a strict budget: The A6G balances specs and price perfectly, but still still offers features that'll benefit PS5 and Xbox players alike.

✅ You can live without 120Hz: Not everyone is going to make full use of a faster refresh rate, and 60Hz is still completely fine in most casual console scenarios.

✅ You want bigger for less: The 65-inch model specifically costs under $500, and that's a lot of TV for the money.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You play FPS games: Playing shooters like Overwatch 2 at 120Hz makes a difference, and 60Hz may feel sluggish by comparison.

❌ You need brighter HDR: We weren't expecting the world from the A6G's HDR abilities, but it was a little dim during testing.

Features: Again, we're paddling in budget waters here, so it's only natural that the Hisense A6G opts for 4K 60Hz over a faster 120Hz refresh rate. Yet, this UHD screen isn't completely devoid of nice to have extras, as it supports both ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which are handy if you've got a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

All the usual port suspects are located at the size, including three HDMI, Ethernet, optical out, and USB 3.0. Of course, it's also got Wi-Fi connectivity if you fancy using this smart TV as, well, a smart TV, and Hisense's Vidaa platform will provide you with access to whatever streaming service you're paying for at the moment. The US iteration has Android TV with Chromecast built-in, but since we're in the UK, we can't comment on how it compares to the company's in-house solution.

Design: Hisense's value TV uses a combination of slim bezel and spaced-out feet to provide a modern look that doesn't scream under $500. In terms of connections, you'll find three HDMIs on the rear, but the ports won't enable your console to hit 4K 120Hz support. We are paddling in budget waters here, so 60Hz is to be expected, but ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support is present. 

Performance: Considering we're talking about a TV that's under $500, the A6G produces excellent fine detail and reasonable dynamics. Dolby Vision helps a lot, effortlessly making the set shine with Dolby Vision shows. 

We found the motion handling is accomplished too: 60Hz MEMC (Motion Estimation Motion Compensation) interpolation, presented in a variety of strengths, works well for general TV and sport. Hisense claims an input lag of better than 20ms, and while we achieved a slower 48.2ms (1080/60) result with Game mode selected during our testing, it's still pretty snappy.

Verdict: Ultimately, the Hisense A6G is the best cheap gaming TV we've used, and it's the first screen that pops to mind when recommending budget options. The lack of 120Hz is a bummer, and perhaps one day it'll become a standard refresh rate across the board, but it's an easy omission to ignore when you're getting 65-inches for under $500.

Read more: Hisense A6G review

The best Samsung gaming TV

Samsung S95B

(Image credit: Samsung)
The best Samsung TV for gaming

Specifications

Sizes: 55-, 65-inch screen sizes (QE55S95B, QE65S95B)
Input lag: 9.6ms (1080/60)
Display type: QD-OLED
Refresh rate : 120Hz
HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
VRR: Yes
HDMI 2.1: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Bright and vibrant display
+
4k 120Hz HDMI support
+
Low input lag

Reasons to avoid

-
No Dolby Vision
-
Images not particularly cinematic

The Samsung S95B is a gaming TV that packs a QD-OLED punch, but its also one of the most eye catching screens you can buy. The display is pretty much a testament to the tech giant's abilities as a TV manufacturer, and there's not much else you could ask for in a premium panel.

Buy it if:

✅ You need a super bright OLED TV: Boasting consistent brightness and exceptional blacks, this Samsung QD-OLED TV is a game changer.

✅ You appreciate smart features: Samsung's Tizen smart platform is pretty comprehensive and feeds into the brand's SmartThings ecosystem.

✅ You're looking for low latency: This 4K 120Hz screen provides exceptional low latency visuals, making it a nice fit for shooters and fast paced fighting games. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need something bigger: The biggest model you can grab is 65-inch, which may deter players looking for monstrous screen sizes that'll fill a wall.

❌ You'd rather not risk burn in: This applies to all OLED models out there, but it's worth keeping in mind if you prioritise longevity over screen quality.

Features: The Samsung S95B's QD-OLED panel combines characteristic OLED black levels with the high peak brightness and the expanded colour volume of Quantum Dot technology, making it a brilliant choice if you prefer to use your TV in a room with high levels of ambient light.

Just like other premium displays, the S95B supports 4K 120Hz, and it's included across all four of its HDMI inputs alongside VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). PC gamers will also be able to take advantage of Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) helping to keep everything snappy regardless of your platform. 

Design: Samsung refers to the S95B as 'lazer slim', and that doesn't really feel like an exaggeration. In fact, we were a little nervous handling it while testing, as it felt a bit fragile due to its wafer thin body. Thankfully, its metal back provides rigidity without adding bulk, which preserves the whole minimalist aesthetic the S95B is going for.

Performance: Simply put, the Samsung S95B's image quality is spectacular. The level of detail is excellent, and its HDR performance is remarkable. We're talking HDR brightness over 1400 nits, which isn't going to happen with a standard OLED setup. Sadly, there’s no Dolby Vision support present, but you do get HLG, HDR10, and HDR10+ compatibility. It’s not just peak HDR brightness which glows, as the set’s average picture level is high and this makes it easy to view in bright rooms. This can cause fatigue, especially if you're not used to this sort of screen, and even the Game mode looks overwrought. On the plus side, input lag is low in Game mode (we measured it at 9.6ms) not to mention its 4K 120fps abilties are buttery smooth.

Verdict: All things considered, the Samsung S95B is a highly impressive QD-OLED debut. Its peak brightness is phenomenal, and colour depth is high. It never looks particularly cinematic though, and even in Game mode, pictures can seem over-saturated. Some will love the presentation though, and it's a great gaming TV and could set the scene for a new section of the best gaming TV market to come henceforth.

Read more: Samsung S95B review

The best mini LED gaming TV

Best mini LED TV for gaming

Specifications

Sizes: 75- and 85-inch (XR-75X95K, XR-85X95K)
Input lag: 19.7ms (1080/60)
Display type: Mini LED
Refresh rate: 120Hz
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
VRR: Yes
HDMI 2.1: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
 Bright, colourful 4K HDR pictures
+
 Very good contrast for an LED TV
+
 Powerful sound 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Only two HDMIs support 4K/120 and VRR 
-
 Backlight blooming if you have to watch from an angle 
-
 Motion occasionally causes picture softness 

The Sony XR-75X95K is a fantastic example of a mini LED TV that trades blows with even the best panel types around. Superb brightness and excellent detail help earn this high spec screen a place on this list, and it's an excellent addition to the TV maker's 2023 portfolio.

Buy it if:

✅ You've got a PS5: The XR-75X95K is included in Sony's 'Perfect for PlayStation 5' ecosystem, granting it access to features like auto HDR tone mapping and auto genre modes.

✅ You're looking great contrast: Sony's mini LED tech holds up against its OLED competition, and it's brightness helps HDR hit harder.

✅ You're after great audio: If you're looking for speakers with a bit of oomph, you'll be pleased with the XR-75X95K's Dolby Atmos capabilities. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need a slimmer TVs: Despite using mini LED tech, the XR-75X95K is pretty chonky, and it weighs more than you'd expect too.

❌ You require super sharp motion: Motion occasionally looks soft during fast paced scenes, and it might spoil your experience if you tend to notice subtle differences.

Features: The XR-75X95K is Sony’s first ever TV to deploy Mini LED technology - a system where using much smaller LED backlights allows far more of them to be squeezed into the TV’s 75-inch screen, delivering potentially more brightness and, even more importantly, finer light controls. 

Controls are backed up by an impressive 600 separately controllable dimming zones. The cutting-edge screen technology is backed up by support for 4K/120Hz gaming, VRR and Dolby Vision HDR - though the two gaming-specific features here only work across two HDMIs, not all four. 

Design: The XR-75X95K is a bit beastly. as Its sides and back are chonkier than you'd think given its a mini LED set. It's notably heavier to lift than modern OLED alternatives too, but that's not necessarily a bad thing given that it helps it feel studier build quality wise, Just don't try to set it up on your own, as its weight will catch you off guard.

Round the back, the TV features a pleasing grid pattern that's reminiscent of old Sega Mega Drive (Genesis artwork). This is perhaps unnecessary given you won't be looking round there that often, but it still adds to the experience. We're also grateful for the screen's narrow chrome feet, as they provide sturdiness while enabling the display to fit on most benches and desks.

Performance: You’d never guess this was Sony’s first Mini LED rodeo from its picture quality. Immediately we were struck by how bright and colourful its images looked with both gaming and video sources, with its brightness, in particular, pushing comfortably beyond anything OLED screens can currently achieve. This ensures HDR pictures in particular enjoy spectacular lifelike intensity and richness without compromising subtle details.

Black levels and backlight controls are mostly excellent by LCD TV standards too (if you can avoid watching from a wide angle, anyway), while the potent visuals are joined by a powerful, detailed and dynamic audio performance that rounds out the TV’s cinematic credentials perfectly. Occasional softness when showing motion and minor ‘flatness’ with mid-dark imagery don’t even come close to stopping the 75X95K from being overall an outstanding TV for its money.

Verdict: We reckon the Sony XR-75X95K exemplifies the company's TV expertise, and its a great example of what mini LED can achieve. It's going to facilitate excellent fidelity and brightness when watching movies and playing PS5, but the latter benefits from auto HDR tone mapping and auto genre picture mode thanks to the company's 'Perfect for PS5’ initiative. 

Read more: Sony XR-75X95K review

The best QLED gaming TV

Best QLED TV: Samsung QN95A

(Image credit: Samsung)
The best QLED TV for gaming

Specifications

Sizes: 55-, 65- , 75- and 85inches (QE55QN95A, QE65QN95A, QE75QN95A, QE85QN95A)
Input lag: 10.1ms (1080/60)
Display type: Neo QLED (Mini LED)
Refresh rate : 120Hz
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
VRR: Yes
HDMI 2.1: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Revolutionary Mini-LED backlight
+
Game Bar mode
+
Four HDMI 2.1 ports

Reasons to avoid

-
No Dolby Atmos

If it's a QLED screen you're after, the Samsung QN90A is an excellent option. Evolving its already-brilliant QLED panel tech the QN90A, we found that this Mini-LED-powered 4K flagship has deep blacks, terrific quality, vibrant colours and contrasts, and exquisite HDR management.

Buy it if:

✅ You're looking for the best QLED: Samsung's blend of QLED and mini LED tech is sublime, providing colors, contrast, and HDR that rivals OLED.

✅ You want a wall mounted TV: Thanks to its One Connect box housing bulky IO, the QN90A won't stick out much when wall mounted.

✅ You want 4K 120Hz: Samsung's thin panel has a refresh rate that'll match your new gen console's max abilities, all while providing crisp 4K visuals.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't have a lot of space: The QN95A itself is thin, but you'll have to make room for its additional one connect box. 

❌ You want Dolby Vision: This pricey screen lacks Dolby Vision support, so if you're a fan of the tech, you may have to shop around for an alternative.

Features: The Samsung QN95A comes with one of company's One Connect Boxes, which connects to the set via a fibre optic cable. The unit includes four HDMI 2.1 connections. meaning you'll be able to hook up a PS5, Xbox Series X, gaming PC, and something like a Steam Deck dock without sacrificing output specs.

Smart connectivity is provided by Tizen, Samsung’s smart TV platform and there’s a wide range of apps available, including Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Now, plus all the usual catch-up TV services. We are really excited about the new Game Bar feature, too. This is a dedicated interface for tweaks and adjustments that makes for excellent customisation and tinkering.

Design: Thanks to the aforementioned One Connect Box, the Samsung QN95A is only 25.9mm thick. That's a huge boon for anyone looking for a flush wall mounted TV, as you won't need to disguise girth using a recess. It's also virtually got no frame, resulting in something that looks like a bezel-less portal to another realm. You won't even have to wall mount it to gain this effect, as its pedestal stand is so subtle that its virtually unnoticeable. 

Performance: Simply put, we found the image quality is superb, thanks to an advanced AI-powered Neo Quantum 4K processor, while an Intelligent Mode optimises all sources, making it an easy screen to live with, whatever you watch, and whatever you prefer. Even its integrated sound system has improved, thanks to Samsung’s OTS+ tech being included.

Verdict: Overall, the QN95A is one of the best QLED models Samsung has created, and it proves the worth of mini LED tech too. The One Connect box setup won't be for everyone, and its missing some nice to have features like Dolby Vision. Nevertheless, we're huge fans of this killer 4K screen, external boxes and all.

Read more: Samsung QN95A review

The best 8K gaming TV

Samsung QN900A

(Image credit: Samsung)

7. Samsung QN900A

The best 8K TV for gaming

Specifications

Sizes: 65-, 75-, and 85-inch (QE65QN900A, QE75QN900A, QE85QN900A)
Display type: Mini-LED Neo QLED
Refresh rate : 120Hz
HDR: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
VRR: Yes
HDMI 2.1: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Mini LED backlight
+
High Frame Rate support
+
Object Tracking Sound Pro

Reasons to avoid

-
No Dolby Vision support
-
One Connect box isn’t for everyone

Not everyone is going to appreciate the Samsung QN900A and its 8K abilities. However, if you're eager to try out the future standard, or have a graphics card that can actually output higher than 4K, this screen will happily furnish your eyes with a ridiculously high resolution.

Buy it if:

✅ You want to experience 8K: Samsung's UHD screen can pump out twice as many pixels, which will appeal to any of you looking for a glimpse into the future.

✅ You've got a high end PC: It's perhaps not practical performance wise, but if you've got the GPU, you'll be able to try out games in 8K.

✅ You want a thin TV: Just like Samsung's QLED 4K model, the QN900A is incredibly thin thanks to its external One Connect box IO.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You've got no access to 8K content: While the QN95A will upscale to 8K, reaping its true benefits requires the right hardware.

❌ You're not made of money: As you'd perhaps expect, this 8K TV costs a pretty penny, and similar 4K models are available for a chunk less.

Features: This Neo QLED set uses an advanced Mini LED backlight, capable of greater precision than a conventional full-array backlight. HDR support covers regular HDR10 and HLG, along with HDR10+. However, there’s no room for Dolby Vision though, which will disappoint both film fans (it’s the standard HDR offering on Netflix and Disney+) and Xbox owners. The TV's audio is above average, courtesy of Object Tracking Sound Pro. The QN900 actually has ten speakers built into its slim frame. There’s no OTS support for Dolby Atmos, though.

Design: The set looks the part thanks to its ultra-slim Infinity Design, with an ‘invisible’ bezel, the panel is all picture. Just like the Samsung QN95A, this 8K screen uses a One Connect box, meaning you'll connect all your consoles and other devices into an external unit unit, which then uses a single cable to feed the TV. 

Performance: The QLED panel within the Samsung QN900A performs pretty similarly to the QN95A, producing exceptional brightness, contrast, and black levels. White it is a true 8K TV, you'll have to stick with 4K to actually reap the benefits of its 120Hz refresh rate, as its HDMI 2.1 are capped to 60Hz when catering to native resolution.

Of course, if you're rocking a graphics card like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, playing games at 8K is actually an option. Whether you'll want to dial back settings to low to maintain a decent frame rate is another matter entirely, you can still brag to your friends that you can your Steam library at double the resolution they can.

Verdict: The world at large might not be ready for 8K, but if you want to get ahead of the curve, the Samsung QN900A will help you achieve beyond 4K. It boasts all the same qualities as similar 4K models too, so you won't have to trade away vital premium features for the sake of resolution. Just keep in mind that using 8K in 2023 still comes at an cost, and this TV costs way more than its 4K equivalent. 

FAQ

Jargon buster - here's what 4K TV tech actually does

4K

This is the resolution of the image that can be displayed by your TV. 4K refers to the resolution 3840x2160 pixels. It's also referred to as UHD or Ultra HD by some broadcasters or manufacturers. Basically, if a TV can display pictures in 3840x2160 it can be called a 4K TV or 4K ready TV. 

HDR

HDR means High Dynamic Range. The majority of 4K TVs come with HDR as standard, and it's a technology used to process colors within games, movies, and TV shows. HDR isn't strictly about contrast - it's a way of making the difference more noticeable between colors (and blacks), and HDR can actually be used by game makers and developers to pick out more details in their creations. Primarily, HDR is used to boost the color of a picture by making colors more vivid, thereby contrasting them further. If you can separate very similar shades of color, then you can create clearer images. The minimum standard for HDR is a brightness of 400 nits (the measure of brightness on a TV), although some TVs manage 2000 nits in 2019.

OLED

This stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, and it's a type of TV panel. Basically, while LCD and plasma panels require something called back-lighting or edge-lighting to create pictures on screen, OLED panels don't need it. With back-lit or edge-lit TVs, the LEDs in the panel are illuminated in groups or lines to create a picture. With OLED TVs, each LED on screen can be individually lit - switched on or off to create a picture. This is what allows for truer blacks in OLED sets. With the ability to completely switch off each individual LED, you get sharp edges on images and deep blacks because there is no backlight showing through at all.

QLED

This is Samsung's own technology, and it stands for Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode. Quantum Dots are particles, which are lit to create a picture on the screen, and they can get much brighter than LEDs or QLEDs. This means QLED sets offer brighter colors and better contrasts than any other panel type. The panel is still either back-lit or edge-lit like traditional 4K TVs, and this can make a huge difference when it comes to black levels. Back-lit QLEDs can not only deliver vivid colors, but they can also produce sharp images and blacks that rival premium OLEDs. This makes them perfect for gaming.

Samsung's Q7 4K TV is a great example of QLED tech

Samsung's Q7 4K TV is a great example of QLED tech (Image credit: Samsung)

Response time

You'll hear a lot about the response time of a panel, especially when discussing gaming TVs. This is basically the speed at which a color can change on your TV (eg. from black to white to black again). Most 4K TVs have response times quicker than we can perceive them, so it makes no real difference to gameplay outside the twitchiest of shooters. However, purists will want a TV with the quickest response time possible.

Refresh rate

This is the speed at which an image can be refreshed on your TV (and shouldn't be confused with response time). Basically, most TVs offer 60Hz-120Hz, although no 4K TV has anything higher and if you want 144Hz or even 240Hz, you need one of the best gaming monitors. A 60Hz 4K TV, for example, refreshes the image on screen 60 times per second, which allows a certain level of smoothness to the image. If the TV refreshes at 120Hz, the image is twice as smooth, and you notice that in how slick the motion appears on screen. Many TVs 'game modes' will boost refresh rate artificially, usually by downgrading other display features (eg. reducing the brightness of your picture).

HDMI

This stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, and it's the standard connection cable between your 4K TV and most devices. You need at least an HDMI 1.4 cable to carry a 4K signal, although most modern HDMIs are 2.0 cables, capable of carrying 4K signals at 60 frames per second. The majority of modern console games can't display at 4K 60fps, so as long as you have a 2.0 cable and 2.0 port on your TV, you're fine. And no, you don't need to buy expensive gold-plated HDMI cables to get a better picture - just the Amazon Basics will do just fine.

Is QLED or OLED TV better for gaming?

LED and OLED screens boast different qualities that both enhance gaming experiences. Typically, QLED tech can produce brighter results, where as OLED can achieve deeper blacks, better contrast, and true to life colors. That said, OLED screens also come with the risk of burn in, and games feature static HUDs and elements that may affect your panel's longevity if left on display for extended periods. While modern models come with preventive features, it's still worth considering when choosing between QLED and OLED.

Is QLED better or best for gaming?

Picking one of the best gaming TVs that sports QLED screen technology is certainly a sure-fire way to have a great gaming experience on a TV. Is it the best? The brightness, richness of color, and vividness of QLED TVs can't be ignored and is key to why they are so popular with gamers, and why so many QLED TVs appear on our best gaming television guide. Whether it's best for you will come down to your overall preference for picture type and, of course, budget.

What are good TV specs for gaming?

Choosing the right gaming TV specs is fully dependent on your specific setup. For example, if you're rocking a PS5, you'll want something that boasts HDMI 2.1 support and can support 4K 120Hz. If you're still using an older console like the PS4 or Xbox One, you'll be able to opt for a cheaper 60Hz option, but we'd only suggest doing so if you're not planning on upgrading to a new-gen platform any time soon.

What size TV is best for gaming?

While we rarely hear folks complain that their TV is too small, size is an important factor when shopping for the best gaming TV for you. There are some solid calculations you can make about the size of the room you have, what viewing distances you'll experience, and thus what TV size will be best. Starting at this point is a good move, and will help guide you toward a proportionate TV for the room. You'll not like to go any smaller than 43-inches (anything below that and you're getting into gaming monitor territory) and probably not larger than the 75-inch or so models.

What we can say is that we have found the 55-inch mark to be the most popular for gamers and for gaming generally. This seems to have become the closest thing to a 'default' or 'norm' as it gets in recent years. But that's a side note because in reality, the best size for a gaming TV really does depend on its setting, the room size, and your overall preference. Heck, even if you can fit in a larger TV of 65-inches and upwards, remember that your eyes will struggle to take in everything on such a larger screen. However, it will make some games, especially those with gorgeous environments and worlds, all the more immersive and beautiful...

Is OLED burn-in a problem?

Yes and no. Burn-in in OLED TVs is definitely possible but it actually manifests itself incredibly rarely. And 'proper' burn-in is even misidentified - more often than not the short-term 'burn-in' folks might see is actually just a bit of image retention which can go away after a few minutes. It's rare enough to not be worried about but it is always something to be aware of for OLED panels for sure.

If you want to remove even the slightest risk of OLED burn-in then maybe turn your attention to the QLED panels or QNED variants.

What TV screen type is best for gaming?

This is always a good question, but never one with a straightforward answer unfortunately. But, we'll try: as objectively as we can be, we don't think many people would disagree that if the absolute best screen type for presenting games to our eyes is probably a QLED screen or an OLED screen.

However, given all the information on this webpage, we can see that it's a bit more tricky than just trying to select an objective winner - and technical stuff aside, you always have to consider price, and what's best for you. If you can get to a store and see TVs running some imagery, then having an 'in the flesh' look will definitely help - but just for downright image brilliance, you have to look at QLED and OLED televisions.

How we test gaming TVs at GamesRadar+

At GamesRadar+, with have a savvy team of hardware experts on hand to put gaming TVs to the test. Our ensemble of staff and freelancers spend hours putting the latest big screens through their paces, ensuring every recommended model's specs, design, features, and performance hold up to our standards.

Of course, we're also gamers, so we approach every gaming TV review as such. That sometimes means playing a chunk of the latest games using review models, which in turn helps us test things like resolution, refresh rate, and responsiveness. Naturally, it's also the best way to check whether a TV can provide a good gaming experience, facilitating great fidelity, colors, and contrast that boost immersion when visiting your favorite adventures. 

For more information, check out our full Hardware Policy for a rundown on how we approach all of our reviews and testing. 


Oh, and if you're on the lookout for something truly massive, you might want to consider one of the best projectors, best projectors for PS5 and Xbox Series X, or best 4K projector instead.

Phil Hayton
Hardware Editor

I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.

With contributions from