A good gaming TV should keep up with both the game and the player. Press a button and the hero jumps, turn the camera and the image doesn’t crumble into pixels, enter a dark location and details won’t disappear into the gloom along with the enemies. In 2026, there are plenty of high-quality TVs for these tasks. In this article, we’ll discuss which TV to choose for Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 gaming and the criteria for evaluating them. The information in this article is the sole opinion of the M.Click editorial board and is not intended to promote specific products, brands, or services.
Key parameters for choosing a TV
4K (Ultra HD) resolution is a mandatory standard
4K is the basic standard for a modern gaming TV. Its 3840×2160 pixel resolution delivers crisp images across a large screen: text, maps, inventory, interfaces, and distant objects look noticeably better than on Full HD.
8K isn’t necessary for most gamers yet. Content is scarce, and consoles often struggle to balance graphics and frame rates . A good 4K TV with a fast display , decent HDR , and suitable ports is more practical.
120Hz screen refresh rate for smoothness
The minimum for a gaming TV is 120 Hz . The difference is clearly noticeable in fast-paced games: the camera moves smoother, turns in racing games are more clearly visible, and it’s easier to keep track of your opponent in shooters.
Models with 144Hz and higher are especially attractive to those using a gaming PC. For consoles, stable 4K performance at 120Hz is key. A higher refresh rate is useful as a backup, especially if the TV is being purchased for more than one year.
HDMI 2.1 is a key feature for new consoles.
HDMI 2.1 is required for a TV to accept a 4K signal with a high refresh rate. For the PS5 and Xbox Series X, this is a key feature: without such a connection, some of the console’s features will be unavailable.
Consider the number of ports, too. One HDMI 2.1 port is very limited: today you connect a PS5, tomorrow you can add an Xbox, PC, TV box, or soundbar. Three or four ports give you more flexibility and eliminate the need to constantly rearrange cables.
HDR – rich colors and contrast
HDR helps preserve detail in shadows and highlights. In games, this is noticeable in night streets, dark rooms, explosions, headlights, and water reflections. But the HDR label alone isn’t enough.
Brightness, contrast, and supported formats are important. Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and IMAX Enhanced expand compatibility with various content. For gamers, the key criterion is simpler: HDR must be visible in reality, not just in a spec sheet.
Response Time and Input Lag – screen response speed
Response time measures how quickly pixels change state. If the response is slow, movements become blurry and jittery. Input lag is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the on-screen reaction. This parameter is especially important for gaming.
Therefore, your TV should have a game mode: it disables unnecessary image processing and reduces latency. It’s also helpful if it has ALLM—an automatic switch to low-latency mode when you start a game.
Matrix and screen type
The best TVs for gaming don’t always have a specific display panel. There are several options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
- OLED automatically illuminates and turns off each pixel, resulting in true black levels and high contrast. It’s the best choice for action-packed games, horror films, and movies.
- Mini-LED uses multiple backlight zones. These TVs are typically bright, display HDR well, and are suitable for bright rooms. QLED produces rich colors, and when paired with Mini-LED, it provides a good balance of brightness and contrast.
- VA panels often have strong contrast, but can suffer from poor viewing angles . ADS and similar solutions are more convenient when several people are sitting in front of the screen.
Audio system and sound
Sound is also very important in games. It helps you understand where an enemy is coming from, where a car is driving, and what’s happening behind your character. It’s a good idea to have a TV with Dolby Atmos, a built-in subwoofer, or a 2.1 system.
For single-player games and movies, the built-in speakers are often sufficient. For competitive shooters, headphones are better, and for home theater, a soundbar or external speakers are better.
Connection and interfaces
Before purchasing, consider your connection diagram: console, PC, soundbar, flash drive, and internet cable. If there aren’t enough ports, you’ll constantly be choosing which ones to leave enabled. The optimal setup includes multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, USB, LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ARC or eARC support . AirPlay, Chromecast, and Miracast are convenient for streaming from a smartphone to a TV, but for gaming, a stable wired connection to the signal source is more important.
Screen size and viewing distance
A 65-inch monitor is best suited for a living room. This screen is suitable for action games, racing games, sports simulators, and co-op. For a bedroom, a small office, or gaming at a table, a 50-55-inch monitor might be more convenient.
A screen that’s too big is tiring at a short distance. Your eyes have to dart around the corners, and in fast-paced games, it’s harder to keep your eyes on the entire scene.
Viewing angles and backlight uniformity
If you’re playing solo and sitting directly in front of the screen, viewing angles aren’t as critical. But for co-op and family games, they’re crucial: viewers at the side should also see true colors without distortion.
Backlight uniformity is noticeable in dark scenes and on solid-color backgrounds. With Mini-LED, much depends on the dimming zones and algorithms. With OLED, blacks appear more even, but it’s best not to leave a static interface at high brightness for long periods.
The Best TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X
A vibrant flagship for gaming and movies
Hisense 65UR9S TV
- RGB Mini-LED and 1056 dimming zones
- 170 Hz and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- Powerful 4.1.2 sound at 90W
- Only three HDMI 2.1
Hisense’s flagship model opens our list of the best TVs for PCs and consoles. It’s prized for its bright and highly detailed picture, and this isn’t just a marketing ploy. In scenes where a regular TV might produce a gray blob or overexposed fire, the Hisense 65UR9S performs much more confidently. New RGB Mini-LED technology handles red, green, and blue colors separately, and 1,056 dimming zones help accurately separate bright objects from dark backgrounds. This range is especially useful for gaming. In night racing, headlights, the road, and surroundings are clearly visible, not just two bright dots in the darkness. In shooters, flashes and the interface don’t turn the screen into a pixelated mess.
A full 170Hz refresh rate, VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro make this model an attractive choice not only for PS5 and Xbox Series X, but also for gaming PCs. Another strong selling point is the 4.1.2-channel audio at 90W, so you can easily do without a soundbar.
Fast Mini-LED model with Google TV
TCL 65C6K TV
- 144Hz for smooth gaming
- Four HDMI 2.1
- Google TV 12
- Brightness is lower than that of flagship Mini-LEDs
A versatile TV that’s perfect for more than just gaming. Four HDMI 2.1 ports make life much easier: you can connect a PS5, Xbox, PC, and soundbar all at once, without constantly rearranging cables. For a living room where more than one person uses the TV, this is more important than you might think.
The display boasts impressive specs: 65 inches, 4K, QLED, Mini-LED, and a 144Hz refresh rate. Fast-paced scenes play smoothly, Game Mode activates automatically, and VRR and ALLM help eliminate unnecessary stuttering and lag.
There are many HDR formats, including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+. A 2.1 speaker system with a subwoofer sounds more spacious than simple built-in speakers, although a separate soundbar will still provide a larger soundstage.
For a company and a cooperative
Toshiba 65Z680SE TV
- Mini-LED and QLED
- 120 Hz, VRR and ALLM
- Game Deck
- Peak brightness is more modest than some competitors
This model is the answer to the question of which gaming TV to buy when several people are gaming or watching a movie at once. Someone may be sitting in the center, someone to the side, or someone lounging on the edge of the sofa—and everyone has a clear view. The ADS matrix with 178° viewing angles is perfect for such situations.
This Toshiba isn’t trying to break every record: 120Hz, HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync Premium. But for the PS5 and Xbox Series X, it’s more than enough. The Game Deck deserves a special mention: the panel allows you to adjust game settings during a game. It’s handy if you’re playing a fighting game, racing game, or shooter and want to quickly adjust the image without a long search through the settings. Mini-LED and QLED panels handle the image, and the REGZA subwoofer adds significant weight to the sound.
OLED for deep blacks and smooth pictures
Samsung QE65S85FAEXRU TV
- OLED screen
- Four HDMI 2.1
- Slim body
- No Dolby Vision
The best choice for modern action games and more. OLED is great for dark environments: dungeons, night streets, space, horror, and stealth missions. Blacks aren’t grayed out, so the picture looks clear and dark scenes retain depth.
The TV’s dynamic range also doesn’t feel like a pure cinematic experience. It features 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 (4 ports), a game mode, and Motion Xcelerator for smooth 4K motion. The second-generation NQ4 AI processor handles image processing and upscales content to 4K from lower-quality sources. The Tizen OS offers familiar Smart TV services, and Dolby Atmos is responsible for surround sound. The main tradeoff is the lack of Dolby Vision: not a dealbreaker for games, but it can be important for some movies and TV series.
Smaller than 65 inches, but with plenty of gaming headroom
TV Hisense 50U7S RU
- 50 inches for a small room
- 144 Hz and HDMI 2.1
- Mini-LED, QLED and brightness up to 1300 cd/m²
- A soundbar may be required
Rounding out our list of the best TVs for gaming consoles is another Hisense model. Not everyone needs a display that takes up half the wall, so this option is well-suited for a bedroom, study, or small room where a 65-inch TV would be too large. Sitting closer to the screen is more comfortable, and it’s easier to keep your eyes on the entire scene during fast-paced games.
At the same time, the model doesn’t feel cut-off in terms of gaming capabilities. It features 4K, 144Hz, HDMI 2.1, VRR, low latency, and Game Mode. You can easily connect a console or PC and play not only slower-paced games, but also racing, action, and sports simulators.
Mini-LED and QLED panels help with color saturation, and peak brightness of up to 1300 cd/m² makes HDR more visible in daylight. Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG are supported. Sound, however, could use some improvement—20W is certainly not bad, but it’s below the average temperature in the hospital.
What’s better for gaming: a monitor or a TV?
A monitor is better suited for desktop gaming, esports titles, and scenarios where maximum performance is essential. Good gaming monitors typically have lower latency, higher refresh rates, and a more comfortable viewing position at close range. If you play competitive shooters, strategy games, MOBAs, or frequently use a PC, a monitor may be more practical.
The TV excels in other ways. It’s a much larger screen, a sofa, a gamepad, co-op, story-driven games, racing games, sports, and movies—all of this makes it a better choice. On a 65-inch screen, it’s easier to feel the scale of the world and play games with friends or family.
For the PS5 and Xbox Series X, a good TV often makes more sense than a monitor. Many models already support the necessary gaming features, and a larger screen is better suited for the console format. If you play on both PC and console, the decision depends on the genres.
