Best TV for gaming 2023: Top televisions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and every other console
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Enjoy a true next-gen experience with the best gaming TVs of 2022
Video games are the biggest global entertainment industry and competition for the title of best TV for gaming is fiercer than ever.
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have ushered in an era of console power and performance unlike anything we've seen before and you can now play certain games in 4K resolution at a refresh rate of 120Hz, if you own one of the best gaming TVs that is.
Even if you've not been lucky enough to get your hands on a next-gen console, now is still a great time to upgrade your gaming TV. The PS4 and Xbox One X are capable of outputting 4K and HDR content and price is no longer the barrier to entry to the world of 4K HDR TVs it once was.
That doesn't mean selecting a gaming TV is easy, however. To help you choose the right one, we've put together a list of the best TVs for gaming we've tested. There's something for everyone no matter their budget but be aware that cheaper options typically lack the cutting-edge features of pricier alternatives.
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Best TV for gaming: At a glance
- Best OLED gaming TV: LG C2
- Best cheap TV for gaming: TCL RP620K
- Best for audio quality: Panasonic LZ2000
- Best for PlayStation: Sony A80J
- Best QLED gaming TV: Samsung QN95B
How to choose the best TV for gaming
There are numerous factors to consider when buying a TV for gaming. Below, we’ll break down the key things to think about before making a purchase.
What type of TV panel is best for gaming?
There are two main types of modern TV panel - those that have a liquid-crystal display illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LCD LED) and those that use self-emissive organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). Both have pros and cons so which you choose will ultimately come down to your budget and which performance aspects you deem most important.
LCD LED: These are generally the cheaper option but tend to be bulkier as they require a backlight to illuminate the liquid crystals in their panel. This backlight allows LCD TVs to achieve higher peak brightness than OLEDs but comes at the cost of energy efficiency.
You’ll find a few LCD TV variants, all of which use an LED backlight. Quantum Dot LED TVs feature a layer of microscopic quantum dots that emit colour in reaction to light, enabling the panel to reach higher levels of peak brightness than normal LED panels. Similarly, LG’s NanoCell TVs add a layer of nanoparticles to filter out unwanted light wavelengths to improve the purity of certain colours.
In 2021, we started to see Mini LED TVs come to market. These use LEDs about one-fortieth the size of regular LEDs, enabling more of them to be squeezed into a panel of the same size. The increased number of LEDs allows for greater control over local dimming, which in turn results in better black levels, contrast and peak brightness.
Quantum Dot, Mini LED and NanoCell aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, premium LCD TVs like LG’s QNED90 incorporate all three technologies.
OLED: OLED panels use an organic material that emits light when a current is passed through it. Each pixel acts as its own light source, and pixels can also turn off completely to achieve perfect black. This means that OLEDs can achieve superior contrast compared to their LCD counterparts. They also offer better viewing angles, more vivid colours and are thinner and lighter. However, they cost a fair bit more than most of their LCD LED options.
OLEDs also run the risk of incurring permanent image burn-in. This happens when certain LEDs in a display are used more regularly than others and become dimmer faster, results in a "ghost image" that persists on the screen no matter what you're watching
Burn-in only occurs when an image stays on the same part of the screen for long periods of time - we're talking many hundreds of hours. In normal use, it shouldn’t be a concern, but if you don't want to take the risk, you're better off with an LCD option
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What gaming-specific features should I look out for?
In recent years, we’ve started to see mid-range and premium televisions adding support for a number of exciting “next-gen” gaming features, and they’re well worth knowing about if you want to get the best out of your new console or high-end PC. Some of these are only available if your TV has an HDMI 2.1 port that supports them, which is why those ports are so sought after by gamers.
VRR: Unlike films and TV shows, gaming frame rates fluctuate depending on the amount of processing required by the GPU. That’s where variable refresh rate (VRR) comes in: it allows the TV to adjust its refresh rate to match that of the game’s, thus minimising judder, lag and frame-tearing for smoother, more fluid gameplay. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync are two well-known forms of VRR
ALLM: TVs supporting auto low-latency mode (ALLM) will automatically switch to a low-latency mode when compatible consoles are connected, helping the TV to deliver the fastest possible response times. Picture quality will take a small hit in low-latency modes because the TV has to dial back its picture processing to speed up response times
4K at 120Hz: The PS5 and Xbox Series X are able to output games at 4K resolution at up to 120Hz. Simply owning a 120Hz TV doesn’t guarantee you can take advantage of this - you’ll need to ensure it has an HDMI 2.1 port that supports 4K at 120Hz otherwise you’ll be limited to 4K at 60Hz.
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What is input lag and why is it important?
Input lag is the delay between executing an action (such as pressing a button) and the actual result manifesting itself on the TV screen. In terms of numbers, the higher the input lag, the more sluggish the game will feel. This obviously affects gameplay, especially for fast-paced games such as racing and first-person shooter titles.
Modern smart TVs come with complicated picture-processing algorithms that can increase input lag significantly, with everything from motion enhancement to deinterlacing having some impact. As a result, a lot of TV manufacturers now include a specific Game mode that minimises input lag.
How does Expert Reviews test TVs?
All of the televisions listed below have undergone rigorous testing using the Portrait Displays Calman colour calibration software. We test numerous aspects of SDR and HDR performance to bring you data-led reviews designed to help you make informed buying decisions when splashing out on your next TV.
The best TVs for gaming in 2023
1. LG C2: The best OLED for gaming
Price: From £899 (42in) | Buy now from John Lewis 
Improving on the sensational LG C1 - our favourite TV of 2021 - was always going to be a tough feat, but LG has managed it and the C2 is our pick if you're after an OLED for gaming. The 42in model is new this year and was specifically introduced to cater for gamers that want exceptional picture quality in an easier-to-accommodate package.
If you chose to go with the 42in or 48in variants you'll miss out on the boost in brightness provided by the evo panel used on the larger options, but you'll still be getting a TV sporting numerous next-gen gaming features. The four HDMI 2.1 ports all support 4K resolution at the TV's native refresh rate of 120Hz, along with ALLM and VRR (Nvidia G-Sync/AMD Freesync).
LG's Game Optimiser Hub has received a couple of upgrades, with the addition of a new picture mode designed for sports games, a Dark Room mode for late-night gaming and support for 21:9 and 32:9 aspect ratios. It remains an extremely effective way of optimising your gaming experience, which will already be fantastic thanks to the awesome picture quality delivered by the C2.
Read our LG C2 review for more details
Key specs - Display type: OLED; Screen sizes: 42in, 48in, 55in, 65in (tested), 77in and 83in; Resolution: 4K/UHD (3,840 x 2,160); HDR formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision; HDMI inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.1; Refresh rate: 120Hz; Input lag: 5ms (4K@120Hz); VRR: Yes; ALLM: Yes; Operating system: webOS 22
2. Panasonic LZ2000: The best gaming TV for audio quality
Price: From £2,000 (55in) | Buy now from John Lewis 
With two HDMI 2.1 ports capable of supporting 4K gaming at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode, the LZ2000 is very well-equipped to handle whatever next-gen titles you throw at it. Its picture quality is superb, too, and supremely accurate if you decide to use Filmmaker mode. There's also a Game Control Board, which enables you to view and adjust key gaming metrics, which is very handy.
Exceptional image accuracy aside, the LZ2000's biggest strength is its in-built audio system. Panasonic calls this 360° Soundscape Pro and it delivers a truly immersive gaming experience via up-firing and side-firing speakers working in combination with a forward-facing speaker array that runs along the length of the panel. You can adjust the sonic experience in all manner of ways, with the Stadium preset particularly great if you want to feel like you're right in the middle of the onscreen action.
It's a bit of a shame only two of the HDMI ports support 2.1 features, but this doesn't stop the LZ2000 from being an OLED behemoth that's capable of bringing out the best of your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
Read our Panasonic LZ2000 review for more details
Key specs - Display type: OLED; Screen sizes: 55in (tested), 65in and 77in; Resolution: 4K/UHD (3,840 x 2,160); HDR formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision; HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 120Hz; Input lag: 10ms; VRR: Yes; ALLM: Yes; Operating system: My Home Screen 7.0
3. TCL C735K: The best-value TV for next-gen gaming
Price: From £549 (55in) | Buy now from Hughes 
The C735K from TCL is the cheapest TV we've tested that has a 144Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 ports that support both VRR and 4K/120Hz, making it the perfect choice for those wanting to enjoy next-gen gaming on a budget. It sports a quantum dot LED panel, which is not as advanced as some of the pricier options on this list but still manages to deliver impressive picture quality; colours are rich, images sharp and motion handling is very smooth.
Support for both the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision IQ HDR formats is present and correct, Dolby Atmos audio is delivered via an audio system created in conjunction with Onkyo, and TCL's Game Bar is on hand to provide all the key gaming information you need in one easy-to-access location.
We're sure to see the number of affordable TVs capable of doing justice to the power of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X grow in the coming months and years, but for now, this is the best-value option out there.
Key specs - Display type: Quantum dot LED; Screen sizes: 55in (tested), 65in, 75in, 85in and 98in; Resolution: 4K/UHD (3,840 x 2,160); HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+ HLG, Dolby Vision; HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Input lag: 10ms; VRR: Yes; ALLM: Yes; Operating system: Google TV
4. Sony A80J: Perfect for PlayStation
Price: £999 (55in) | Buy now from Currys
Sony is the manufacturer of the PlayStation 5 and few OLEDs are a better companion for that console than the A80J. The display delivers exceptional SDR and HDR performance and two HDMI 2.1 ports facilitate 4K gaming at 120Hz. Auto HDR Tone Mapping optimises HDR settings when you first connect your console, while Auto Genre Picture Mode detects whether you're using your PlayStation for gaming or streaming and switches picture modes accordingly.
Sound quality is first-rate too, with Sony's Acoustic Surface Pro+ technology transforming the TV's panel into a centre audio channel with great success. Google Assistant is built-in, one of the many perks of the Google TV operating system that features all the key streaming applications like YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix.
It may be a 2021 model, but the Sony A80J is a wonderful all-rounder that remains a great gaming TV if you're not planning on splashing out on one of Sony's more expensive sets.
Read our full Sony A80J review for more details
Key specs - Display type: OLED; Screen sizes: 55in (tested); Resolution: 4K/UHD (3,840 x 2,160); HDR formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision; HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1; Refresh rate: 120Hz; Input lag: 16ms (4K@60Hz), 9ms (4K@120Hz); VRR: No; ALLM: Yes; Operating system: Google TV
5. Samsung QN95B: The best QLED TV for gaming
Price: From £1,499 (55in) | Buy now from John Lewis
If you want the best non-OLED 4K gaming TV money can buy, this is the television for you. Samsung's 2022 flagship Neo QLED excels in just about every area, with staggering SDR and HDR image quality, an attractive, minimalist aesthetic and engrossing Dolby Atmos audio.
In terms of its gaming-specific credentials, the QN95B features four HDMI 2.1 ports that each support 4K@120Hz, auto low latency mode and variable refresh rate, while Samsung's Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro technology does a great job reducing judder and blurring. Samsung's Game Bar has been updated for 2022 and the 2.0 iteration provides access to all gaming-related information in one convenient location. The list of gaming customisation options is extensive, meaning you're sure to find a setting that suits the type of games you play most. Games look fantastic on the QN95B's bright Neo QLED panel, with vivid, accurate colours complemented by inky blacks and oodles of detail in shadows and darker scenes.
If you're not using a gaming headset, you'll enjoy an immersive audio experience delivered by eight speakers built into the TV panel. These use Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Plus technology and it works wonderfully. Positional audio cues are convincing and sound is tracked in such a way that you can't fail to become more immersed in what you're playing.
The lack of support for the Dolby Vision HDR format is our only real grumble, but with native HDR capabilities as impressive as the QN95B's, its absence isn't too keenly felt. OLEDs may be all the rage with affluent gamers, but this Neo QLED has everything it needs to give the best OLEDs around a run for their money.
Read our Samsung QN95B review for more details
Key specs - Display type: Mini LED Neo QLED; Screen sizes: 55in, 65in (tested), 75in and 85in; Resolution: 4K/UHD (3,840 x 2,160); HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG; HDMI inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.1; Refresh rate: 120Hz; Input lag: 9ms; VRR: Yes; ALLM: Yes; Operating system: Tizen OS
6. Philips 807: A unique visual gaming experience
Price: From £1,189 (48in) | Buy now from Box 
While the Philips 807 only possesses two HDMI 2.1 ports and doesn't have as many granular gaming options as our favourite gaming TV, the LG C2, it delivers a unique next-gen gaming experience thanks to the incorporation of a four-sided Ambilight. Ambilight is a proprietary Philips technology that sees LEDs located on the rear of the panel project light against the wall behind the TV to add an extra level of immersion to your gaming experience.
You can choose to have the lights follow images on the screen, game audio or select from various hues of lounge light and each creates a very pleasant visual environment in which to enjoy your favourite games. Studies have found that Ambilight can help reduce the strain on your eyes while looking at your TV in a darker room - a big bonus given you're likely to be doing a lot of your gaming in such conditions.
All the key next-gen gaming features are supported: VRR (Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium), ALLM and 4K/120Hz, input lag is low enough for all but the most demanding of gamers, while picture and audio quality are impressive, too. Ambilight might be the big draw here, but the Philips 807 has plenty of other traits that make it one of our favourite TVs to game on.
Read our Philips 807 OLED review for more details
Key specs - Display type: OLED ex; Screen sizes: 48in, 55in (tested), 65in and 77in; Resolution: 4K/UHD (3,840 x 2,160); HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision; HDMI inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 120Hz; Input lag: 15ms; VRR: Yes; ALLM: Yes; Operating system: Android TV 11
7. TCL RP620K: Best cheap TV for gaming
Price: From £229 (43in) | Buy now from Currys 
Budget TVs limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and lacking HDMI 2.1 ports may offer a sub-optimal next-gen gaming experience, but are still a great choice for cash-conscious gamers who own an older console.
The TCL RP620K is our pick of the budget bunch for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, it has a dedicated Game mode that reduces input lag to under 15ms. Secondly, it runs the Roku TV operating system, which provides a phenomenal amount of choice when it comes to streaming services and apps. The platform is easy to navigate, customisable and it's extremely easy to switch between sources when you want to fire up your games console.
You wouldn't expect stellar picture quality from a TV this cheap, but the RP620K handles SDR content very well and support for the Dolby Vision HDR format gives the RP620K an advantage over budget tellies that are limited to just HDR10. We'd recommend hardcore gamers look elsewhere, but casual players that want a 4K TV to game on as well as stream shows and movies will be well-served by the RP620K.
Read our TCL RP620K review for more details
Key specs - Display type: VA LCD LED direct-lit; Screen sizes: 43in, 50in, 55in (tested) and 65in; Resolution: 4K/UHD (3,840 x 2,160); HDR formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision; HDMI inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.0; Refresh rate: 60Hz; Input lag: 15ms; VRR: No; ALLM: No; Operating system: Roku OS
