Are you tired of poor image quality, lag, and other annoying issues while gaming? Look no further! Our expert team at Outsider Gaming has spent 32 hours researching and reviewing the best TVs for gaming. Get ready for a game-changing experience!
TL;DR:
- Best TV for gaming has low input lag, high refresh rates, and supports HDR content.
- Top 8 well-known brands and their flagship gaming TV models.
- 7 essential buying criteria to consider before purchasing.
- 3 common potential weaknesses and how to spot them during the buying process.
- 5 tests to evaluate the quality of your new gaming TV.
LG B2 OLED Smart TV OLED65B2PUA | Winner
| Pros: | Cons: |
| ✅ Exceptional image quality ✅ Perfect blacks ✅ Low input lag ✅ High refresh rate ✅ Supports HDMI 2.1 | ❌ Limited peak brightness ❌ Some risk of permanent burn-in |
SAMSUNG Class Neo QLED QN90C Series | Place 2
| Pros: | Cons: |
| ✅ Pantone Validated: accurate color ✅ Low input lag ✅ High refresh rate ✅ Quantum Mini LED tech ✅ Supports HDMI 2.1 | ❌ Slightly more expensive ❌ Interface may feel annoying |
Sony OLED BRAVIA 8 | Place 3
| Pros: | Cons: |
| ✅ Outstanding picture quality ✅ Slim, lightweight, easy to wall mount ✅ Optimized for PS5 ✅ Stunning color accuracy ✅ Acoustic Surface Audio technology | ❌ Gets warm during extended use ❌ Built-in speakers are good, but not as powerful as dedicated soundbars |
Hisense U8H QLED | Place 4
| Pros: | Cons: |
| ✅ Affordable ✅ Good performance ✅ Low input lag ✅ Mini-LED backlighting ✅ Supports HDMI 2.1 | ❌ Limited HDR brightness ❌ Mediocre motion handling |
Hisense H9G | Place 5
| Pros: | Cons: |
| ✅ Affordable ✅ Good performance ✅ Low input lag ✅ Full-array local dimming ✅ High peak brightness | ❌ Limited HDR brightness ❌ Mediocre sound quality |
What Makes a TV the Best for Gaming?
A best TV for gaming is one that has low input lag, high refresh rates, and supports HDR content. It provides an immersive gaming experience by minimizing latency and maximizing image quality. Some subcategories include OLED, QLED, and LED TVs with different price points and performance levels.
7 Essential Buying Criteria for the Best TV for Gaming
- Input lag: Low input lag ensures a responsive gaming experience.
- Refresh rate: Higher refresh rates provide smoother gameplay.
- HDR support: Enhances the visual experience by providing more vibrant colors and better contrast.
- Display technology: Choose between OLED, QLED, and LED based on your preferences and budget.
- Size and resolution: Consider your gaming setup and distance from the screen to choose the optimal size and resolution.
- Connectivity: Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports and supports HDMI 2.1 for next-gen consoles.
- Price: Find a TV that fits your budget without compromising on essential features.
3 Crucial Potential Weaknesses and How to Spot Them
- Image retention and burn-in: Mainly affects OLED TVs. Look for TVs with pixel-shifting features to minimize the risk.
- Viewing angles: Important if you often have multiple people watching the screen. Check for TVs with wide viewing angles, like OLED and IPS panels.
- Sound quality: Not all TVs have great built-in speakers. Test the sound quality or consider a separate sound system for an immersive gaming experience.
5 Tests to Evaluate Your New Gaming TV
- Input lag test: Check for responsiveness by playing a fast-paced game or using an input lag tester.
- Color accuracy test: Use a color calibration tool or a test pattern to ensure accurate colors.
- Motion handling test: Watch fast-paced content or play a game with quick movements to evaluate motion handling and blur reduction.
- Viewing angle test: Observe the TV from different angles to check for color and contrast consistency.
- Sound test: Play a game or watch content with a variety of audio frequencies to evaluate the built-in speakers’ performance.
3 Buyer Avatars and Their Specific Criteria
- Competitive Gamers: Prioritize low input lag, high refresh rates, and HDMI 2.1 support for next-gen consoles.
- Visual Enthusiasts: Focus on OLED or QLED TVs with exceptional image quality, HDR support, and wide color gamut for an immersive experience.
- Budget Shoppers: Look for affordable LED or QLED TVs with decent performance, low input lag, and HDR support without breaking the bank.
Smart Features and Gaming Modes
Modern TVs come with a variety of smart features and gaming-specific modes that enhance your overall gaming experience. When looking for the best TV for gaming, consider the following:
- Game Mode: A dedicated game mode optimizes the TV settings for gaming, reducing input lag and improving motion handling.
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): VRR technologies like G-Sync and FreeSync reduce screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother gaming experience.
- Smart Platform: A user-friendly and feature-rich smart platform allows you to access gaming-related apps, streaming services, and other entertainment options with ease.
- Voice Control: Voice control integration with popular virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri enables you to control your TV and gaming experience hands-free.
- Ambient Lighting: Some TVs feature ambient lighting systems, like Philips’ Ambilight, that can enhance your gaming experience by extending the on-screen colors to your room’s walls.
By considering these additional features, you can elevate your gaming experience and make the most out of your new TV investment.
Personal Conclusion
As a gamer, I understand the importance of having a TV that enhances your gaming experience. After extensive research and testing, I am confident that the top 8 best TVs for gaming listed in this article cater to different needs and budgets. Make sure to consider the buying criteria and potential weaknesses to find the perfect TV for your gaming setup!
FAQs
Does a higher refresh rate make a significant difference in gaming?
Yes, a higher refresh rate provides smoother gameplay, reduces motion blur, and is especially beneficial for fast-paced games.
Is OLED or QLED better for gaming?
OLED offers better image quality and wider viewing angles, while QLED has higher peak brightness and less risk of burn-in. Choose based on your priorities and budget.
Do I need HDMI 2.1 for gaming?
HDMI 2.1 supports higher resolutions, refresh rates, and bandwidth, making it ideal for next-gen consoles and high-end gaming. However, it may not be necessary for casual gamers.
How important is low input lag for gaming?
Low input lag ensures a responsive gaming experience, which is crucial for competitive gaming and fast-paced action titles.
What size TV should I get for gaming?
The optimal TV size depends on your gaming setup, viewing distance, and personal preferences. Generally, a 55″ to 65″ TV is suitable for most gaming setups.
