When it comes to pairing with the latest video game consoles—the Sony PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Series X—not all TVs are created equal. The best gaming TVs take full advantage of the improved performance specs that make the newest gaming consoles worth buying: 4K resolution, HDR compatibility, high frame rates, low latency, and more. After extensive testing, we’ve found that the LG C2 OLED TV is the best choice for gamers thanks to its low input lag, large range of screen sizes, and gaming-friendly features. Oh, and the picture looks great, too.
Our pick
LG C2
The LG C2 OLED TV provides low input lag and the most comprehensive set of gaming features, as well as excellent overall picture quality.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,797.
The LG C2 OLED TV is the best gaming TV to pair with the PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles. Its input lag is very low, which means less time between when something happens in a game and when you see it on your screen. And unlike many other TVs, the C2 doesn’t sacrifice image quality in its game mode. All four HDMI inputs support the full HDMI 2.1 feature set, including automatic low-latency mode, variable refresh rate, and the bandwidth to accept a 4K signal at 120 frames per second (see How we picked for an explanation of these features). The C2 is one of the few TVs that support the new HGiG high dynamic range guidelines for gaming, as well as 4K 120 Hz Dolby Vision gaming. PC gamers can also use it as a monitor thanks to its support for the AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync variable refresh rate modes on certain GPUs and graphics cards. In addition, this TV provides an on-screen gaming dashboard that lets you easily check and adjust its gaming-specific settings to ensure that it’s giving you the best performance, and it’s available in screen sizes from 42 to 83 inches. As an OLED TV, the C2 offers better viewing angles than an LCD TV and faster pixel-response times for less image blurring. But this premium performer also carries a premium price tag.
Runner-up
Samsung QN90B Series
The Samsung QN90B LCD TV offers low input lag, four full HDMI 2.1 inputs, built-in cloud gaming, and a helpful Game Bar for quickly assessing stats.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,698.
Some people worry about burn-in, or uneven wear on the screen, when using an OLED TV for gaming. We don’t think that’s an issue with the LG C2, but if you prefer to use an LCD TV instead, the Samsung QN90B Series is a great choice. Like the C2, the QN90B offers low input lag, HDMI 2.1 gaming features, and a gaming dashboard that makes it easy for you to see whether all those features are set up correctly. It also gives you four HDMI 2.1 inputs and (like all 2022 Samsung TVs) access to built-in cloud gaming from sources such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. In addition, the QN90B is considerably brighter than any OLED TV and has a good antireflective screen filter, so it’s a great choice for rooms with lots of windows or skylights. It’s available in screen sizes from 43 to 85 inches, and it’s also our upgrade pick for the best LCD/LED TV—so you can rest assured that its image quality for movies and TV is top-notch. Ultimately, we preferred the LG C2’s superior black levels, wider viewing angles, and faster pixel response time in comparison with the QN90B, but this Samsung TV is so good that it’s almost neck and neck.
Budget pick
TCL 6-Series (R655)
The TCL 6-Series LCD TV is an excellent gaming TV that’s full featured and reasonably priced. But it represents a step down in image quality, and it has fewer HDMI 2.1 inputs than our other picks.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $1,253.
If you’re looking for a more value-oriented gaming TV that still has all the important features, we recommend the 2022 TCL 6-Series (R655). This LCD TV doesn’t have the rich contrast of the LG C2 OLED and isn’t as dazzlingly bright as the Samsung QN90B LCD, but our tests still confirmed its commendable picture quality, low input lag, and compatibility with the latest HDMI 2.1 gaming features. Of the four HDMI inputs in the 6-Series, two support HDMI 2.1 features and can accept a 4K resolution at up to a 144 Hz refresh rate. TCL has also included the latest version of its own proprietary game dashboard—Game Studio Pro—which makes it easy to assess crucial aspects of modern gaming at a glance. Though the 6-Series isn’t available in smaller screen sizes like our LG and Samsung picks are, it still comes in four sizes (55, 65, 75, and 85 inches).
