When it comes to gaming, your display definitely matters. Factors such as input lag, refresh rate, display technology, resolution and HDR all impact your overall gaming experience and immersion. This guide will cover key things to consider when choosing a TV for gaming and provide recommendations across various budgets.
Input Lag and Refresh Rate
Two of the most important things to consider for gaming are input lag and refresh rate. Input lag refers to the delay between an input on your controller and seeing the result on screen. Lower input lag results in a more responsive feel. Refresh rate is how many times per second the image updates. Higher refresh rates lead to smoother motion and less blurring in fast scenes.
For the fastest performance, you want a TV with low input lag and a 120Hz or higher refresh rate. According to Toms Guide, input lag should be 15ms or less and refresh rate at least 120Hz for optimal gaming.[1]
Display Technology
When it comes to display tech for gaming, three main options exist – LED, OLED and QLED:
OLED – Provides amazing contrast with true blacks and vivid colors. Very fast response times of around 0.1ms makes motion look crisp with minimal blur.[2] Downside is risk of permanent burn-in with static HUD elements.
LED/QLED – LED TVs can get very bright, especially with HDR content. Good for well-lit rooms. QLED improves color volume and brightness over standard LED. Both have higher input lag than OLED, but solid performance.[3]
TV vs. Gaming Monitor
Gaming monitors have faster refresh rates (165Hz-360Hz vs 60Hz-120Hz on TVs) and lower response times for a more responsive competitive gaming experience. Monitors also take up less space.
However, TVs offer much larger screen sizes for more immersion. Gaming TVs also come standard with 4K resolution compared to 1080p or 1440p monitors. And prices are lower at equivalent screen sizes.
Ideal Screen Size
Bigger screens immerse you more in gaming worlds, but can make it hard to see the full view up close. According to RTings, optimal size depends on viewing distance:[4]
- Less than 3 feet away – 24" to 32" monitors
- 3 to 6 feet away – 32" to 43" monitors or 50" to 65" TVs
- 6 to 9 feet away – 55" to 77" TVs
Make sure to get 4K resolution if going for a large TV that you‘ll view from further than 1.5x the diagonal.
4K Gaming
4K substantially improves image clarity and crispness over 1080p, letting you see finer details. This helps you spot enemies faster in shooters and appreciate intricate environment art.
4K gaming requires strong graphics hardware though, like an Nvidia RTX 3070/3080 or AMD RX 6800/6900. As well as HDMI 2.1 ports on your TV to enable 4K at 120Hz.[5]
HDR
HDR (high dynamic range) enhances picture realism by expanding contrast, color and brightness. This gives explosions more impact, sunlight a realistic brilliance and fire a scorching intensity.
For proper HDR, your TV needs sufficient brightness (over 500 nits) and local dimming zones to show highlights distinctly from shadows.[6]
Refresh Rate
While 60Hz was once standard, 120Hz and even 144Hz refresh rates have become the norm for gaming TVs and monitors. The higher refresh rate delivers noticeably smoother gameplay, especially in fast paced titles like racing games and competitive shooters.
If you have a high end GPU like an RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT, you can take advantage of frame rates beyond 60FPS. Making high refresh displays a worthwhile investment.
HDMI 2.1
To game in 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate, your TV needs HDMI 2.1. This latest HDMI specification has enough bandwidth to handle higher resolutions at higher hertz. It also enables gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode.
Look for at least one HDMI 2.1 port, but ideally all ports should be 2.1 to accommodate future hardware upgrades too.
Game Mode
Nearly all modern TVs come with a Game mode that optimizes settings for gaming when enabled. According to CNET, Game mode disables unnecessary image processing to reduce input lag.[7]
Game mode may disable certain picture enhancements, but the faster response is worth the small tradeoff. Just make sure to toggle it on for gaming and off for movies/TV.
Connectivity and Features
For connecting multiple gaming systems, PCs and audio gear, look for a TV with at least 3-4 HDMI ports. EARC (enhanced audio return channel) via HDMI also makes connecting soundbars and receivers easier.
Other gaming focused features to look for include variable refresh rate (Freesync/G-Sync), automatic low latency mode (ALLM) and dedicated game optimizer picture modes.
Budget 4K TVs for Gaming
Here are some solid budget-friendly options under $1,000 that still deliver great 4K gaming performance:
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TCL 6-Series – Excellent contrast and low input lag. Mini-LED backlighting improves HDR. $700 for 65".[8]
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Hisense U8H – Bright for the price and newest HDMI 2.1 gaming features. $730 for 55".
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Vizio M7 Series – Very low input lag and 120Hz refresh rate. $800 for 65".
Mid-Range Gaming TVs
In the $1,000 to $2,000 range, you can get even better picture quality and gaming specs:
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Samsung QN90B – Mini-LED backlighting and quantum dot color. Exceptional HDR brightness. $1,600 for 55".[9]
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Sony X90K – Bright panel with full-array local dimming. PS5 optimized with auto game mode. $1,500 for 65".
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LG C2 OLED – Incredible contrast and 0.1ms response time. Risk of burn-in over time. $1,500 for 55".
High-End Gaming TVs
For the best performance with minimal compromises, these premium TVs deliver incredible gaming experiences:
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Samsung S95B OLED – Samsung‘s first OLED TV combines perfect blacks with quantum dot color. Game bar and G-Sync. $2,200 for 55".[10]
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LG G2 OLED Evo – Brighter OLED panel prevents burn-in better. All HDMI 2.1 inputs. Ultra low input lag. $3,000 for 65".
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Sony A95K QD-OLED – Innovative new QD-OLED technology with OLED contrast and quantum dot color. Gorgeous picture. $3,000 for 55".
Summary
From reducing input lag to enhancing immersion, your TV definitely impacts gaming. For the optimal experience, look for key specifications like low input lag, 120Hz+ refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 and game mode. Display technology, resolution, HDR and screen size also play pivotal roles for both performance and enjoyment. There are great options across all budgets to take your gameplay to the next level.
