Best Gaming TVs 2025: Top Picks for PS5 and Xbox Series X
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
Right, so you're after a new gogglebox for your PS5 or Xbox Series X, eh? Robert Jones from SpeakersMag shares his top picks and essential features for your next gaming TV.
Right, so you're after a new gogglebox for your PS5 or Xbox Series X, eh? Good on ya. The days of plugging your console into any old telly and being perfectly happy are long gone. Honestly, they are. Back when I first started playing around with speakers and amps, consoles were pretty simple. Now? They're basically souped-up PCs in a fancy box, pushing out proper 4K, 120Hz refresh rates, and HDR that can make your eyes water. To get the most out of all that grunt, you really need a TV that can keep up. We're talking proper HDMI 2.1 ports, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to stop all that nasty screen tearing, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) so your button presses feel instant, not like they're wading through treacle. I've had a fair few of these new gaming tellies in the workshop over the last year, running them through their paces with everything from *Forza* to *Elden Ring*. Some are brilliant, some are… well, let's just say some are brilliant *for the money*. Whether you're after the inky blacks of an OLED or the retina-searing brightness of a Mini-LED, the market's got some cracking options right now. But you've got to know what you're looking for. **Quick Verdict:** The LG C4 OLED is still the best all-rounder for most gamers, offering top-tier performance without totally breaking the bank. ### What Exactly Makes a "Gaming TV" Any Good? It's not just about a big screen, is it? Not anymore. For modern consoles, there are a few bits of tech you absolutely *must* have if you want a decent experience. * **HDMI 2.1:** This is non-negotiable for PS5 and Xbox Series X. You need it for 4K at 120 frames per second (fps). Without it, you're capping yourself at 4K/60Hz, or dropping down to 1080p for 120Hz. Not ideal. Make sure the TV has *full-bandwidth* HDMI 2.1 ports, and ideally more than one or two. * **Variable Refresh Rate (VRR):** Ever seen the screen tear when things get hectic in a game? It's where the top half of the screen shows one frame and the bottom half shows another. VRR syncs the TV's refresh rate with the console's output, so you get smooth, tear-free action. It's a godsend. * **Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM):** This automatically switches your TV into its game mode when it detects a console, reducing input lag. You don't want to be faffing about with menus when you're trying to land a headshot, do you? * **Low Input Lag:** This is how quickly the TV responds to your button presses. Anything under 20ms is decent, but the best gaming TVs get down to single digits. Makes a real difference in competitive games. * **HDR (High Dynamic Range):** Makes games look incredible, with brighter highlights and deeper shadows. There are a few formats – HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision – and ideally, your TV should support at least HDR10 and Dolby Vision for broader compatibility. Samsung TVs, for instance, often skip Dolby Vision in favour of HDR10+. * **Panel Type (OLED vs. Mini-LED):** OLEDs give you perfect blacks and incredible contrast, great for atmospheric games. Mini-LEDs (or QLEDs with Mini-LED backlighting) can get ridiculously bright, which is brilliant for well-lit rooms and really punchy HDR. Each has its strengths.  *Best Gaming TVs 2025: Top Picks for PS5 and Xbox Series X — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Our Top Picks for Gaming TVs 2025 I've spent a fair bit of time with these. Here's the rundown. ### 1. LG C4 OLED – The Gamer's Stalwart If you ask most serious console gamers what TV they'd recommend, chances are the LG C-series will be the first thing out of their mouths. And for good reason. The C4, new for 2024 and carrying into 2025, just continues that brilliant legacy. It's not got the fancy Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech that you'll find in its pricier sibling, the G4, but don't let that fool you. The "evo" panel in the C4 is still plenty bright for most living rooms, especially if you're mainly gaming in the evenings. What truly sells the C4 for gaming, though, are its four full-fat HDMI 2.1 ports. Four! That means you can plug in your PS5, your Xbox Series X, maybe even a gaming PC, and a high-end soundbar, and you won't be compromising on features for any of them. That's a huge convenience. Plus, it supports 144Hz, which is brilliant if you do hook up a PC for some high frame rate action, alongside the 120Hz for consoles. Contrast and those inky, perfect blacks are just what you expect from an OLED. Absolutely stunning for atmospheric games. And the "Game Optimizer" menu is genuinely useful, giving you quick access to all the settings you need without digging through layers of menus. Honestly, for the money, it's tough to beat. **Who it's for:** * Anyone with a PS5 and/or Xbox Series X wanting a premium gaming experience. * Gamers who appreciate perfect blacks and incredible contrast. * Those who need multiple full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports. * If you also dabble in PC gaming and want 144Hz support. **Who should skip it:** * People who game predominantly in very bright rooms during the day. * Those on a very tight budget (though it's not extortionate for what it offers). * If you're paranoid about burn-in (though it's far less of an issue these days). **Pros:** * Near-instant response time for zero motion blur. * Supports 144Hz (PC) and 120Hz (consoles). * Outstanding contrast with perfect black levels. * Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports. A rarity! * Excellent "Game Optimizer" menu. **Cons:** * Not as bright as the top-end Mini-LEDs or QD-OLEDs. * Still a theoretical risk of image retention with extreme, static gaming elements over many years. ### 2. Samsung S95D QD-OLED – The Flashy Option Alright, if you've got a bit more cash burning a hole in your pocket and you want something that really pops, the Samsung S95D is a showstopper. Samsung's QD-OLED tech is a bit different from LG's traditional OLED. They combine the perfect blacks of OLED with quantum dots, which means you get colours that are just jaw-droppingly vibrant. It's like someone cranked the saturation up a notch, but in a good way, without making things look artificial. What really got me excited about the 2024/2025 model, though, is that new "Glare-Free" finish. Seriously, it's groundbreaking. I had one of these in a sun-drenched room and the reflections were almost entirely gone. It's not quite a matte screen, but it's damn close, and it makes daytime gaming so much more enjoyable without sacrificing any sharpness. For people with bright living rooms, this is a genuine revelation. No more fighting with glare to see what you're doing in a dark game. It's also got that super-slick "One Connect" box, which is a brilliant idea. All your inputs go into a separate box, and then just one slim cable runs to the screen. Keeps everything nice and tidy, especially if you're wall-mounting. Only real niggle, and it's a big one for some, is that Samsung still doesn't support Dolby Vision. They stick to HDR10+. While HDR10+ is good, a lot of content is mastered in Dolby Vision, and it's a shame to miss out on that dynamic metadata if you're paying this much. **Who it's for:** * Those who want the absolute best colour vibrancy and brightness from an OLED. * Gamers with bright rooms who struggle with screen reflections. * Anyone who appreciates a super-thin, sleek design and tidy cable management. * If you're willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge tech. **Who should skip it:** * Gamers who insist on Dolby Vision support for all their content. * Anyone on a stricter budget; this isn't cheap. * If you only ever game in a dark room, the anti-glare might be overkill. **Pros:** * Extraordinary peak brightness for an OLED, fantastic HDR. * Revolutionary anti-glare screen finish. * Incredible colour volume and vibrancy. * 144Hz support and ultra-low input lag. * "One Connect" box makes cable management a dream. **Cons:** * No Dolby Vision support (HDR10+ only). * More expensive than the LG C4, often by a significant margin. ### 3. Sony A95L QD-OLED – The PS5 Purist's Pick Now, if you're a PlayStation 5 owner, there's a certain appeal to keeping it all in the family, isn't there? The Sony A95L is another QD-OLED, like the Samsung, and it's widely regarded as having some of the best image processing on the market. Sony just has a knack for making things look natural, even with all that HDR punch. The colours are accurate, the motion handling is phenomenal, and everything just looks incredibly refined. It's got those "Perfect for PlayStation 5" features, like Auto HDR Tone Mapping, which basically means the TV and your PS5 chat to each other to make sure the HDR looks spot on without you needing to tinker. Handy, that. The HDR highlights are genuinely stunning, too, really giving games a sense of depth and realism. My main grumble with this one, and it's a big one for me, is that it only comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports. Just two! If you've got a PS5, an Xbox, and a soundbar, you're already out of luck. You'd have to start unplugging things or sacrifice some features. For a TV at this price point, that's a serious oversight in my book. But if you're a PS5-only gamer who prioritises picture accuracy and smooth motion above all else, and you don't mind the cost, it's a magnificent display. **Who it's for:** * Dedicated PlayStation 5 owners who want the ultimate picture quality and integration. * Those who value best-in-class motion handling and upscaling. * Anyone who prioritises colour accuracy and natural-looking images. * If budget isn't a major concern. **Who should skip it:** * Gamers who own multiple next-gen consoles (PS5 *and* Xbox Series X) due to limited HDMI 2.1 ports. * Anyone on a budget; this is firmly in the "premium" bracket. * If you need a TV that gets ridiculously bright for daytime viewing (it's bright, but not Samsung S95D bright). **Pros:** * Best-in-class image processing and motion handling. * Phenomenal HDR highlights and colour accuracy. * Seamless integration and features for PS5 users. * Stunning QD-OLED picture quality. **Cons:** * Only two HDMI 2.1 ports – a big drawback for multi-console setups. * Very high price point, often the most expensive of the bunch. ### 4. Hisense U8N Mini-LED – The Smart Saver Right, let's be honest. Not everyone has two grand (or more!) lying around for a new telly. And you know what? You don't always need to spend that much to get a cracking gaming experience. The Hisense U8N, or U8 Series as it's known depending on the year and region, has been consistently punching above its weight. It's a Mini-LED, which means it uses thousands of tiny LEDs for its backlight, offering much better contrast than older LED TVs, and it can get *seriously* bright. We're talking retina-scorching brightness for HDR here. I've seen this TV hold its own against much more expensive sets in bright rooms. The local dimming zones do a decent job of controlling blooming (where bright objects bleed light into dark areas), though it's never going to be quite as perfect as an OLED. But for sheer HDR impact and a vibrant, bright picture, it's hard to argue with, especially at its price point. It's got two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, which is fine if you're mainly a single-console gamer, or if you can manage with just a console and a soundbar. It supports 144Hz for PC gaming, VRR, ALLM, everything you'd expect for modern gaming. The interface can be a bit sluggish sometimes, but for the picture quality and features you get for the cash, it's a minor complaint. If you want a big, bright, punchy picture without emptying your wallet, this is the one to look at. **Who it's for:** * Gamers on a tighter budget who still want excellent HDR performance. * Anyone with a very bright living room who needs a TV that can fight glare. * If you prioritise sheer brightness and punchy colours over perfect blacks. * Value hunters who want a big screen for their money. **Who should skip it:** * Those who demand perfect black levels and absolutely no blooming. * Gamers with multiple consoles who need more than two full HDMI 2.1 ports. * If you can't stand slightly slower smart TV interfaces. **Pros:** * Phenomenal peak brightness, superb for HDR and bright rooms. * Excellent value for money, often significantly cheaper than OLEDs. * Good local dimming for a Mini-LED. * Two full HDMI 2.1 ports, 144Hz support, VRR, ALLM. * Very vibrant colours. **Cons:** * Black levels and contrast aren't quite OLED-perfect; some blooming can occur. * Smart TV interface can sometimes be a bit clunky. * Only two full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports. ### 5. Samsung QN90C/D Neo QLED – The Brightest Contender Another Mini-LED option here, but this one's from Samsung, and it's generally a step up from the Hisense in terms of refinement, though you'll pay for it. The QN90C (or QN90D for the 2025 model) is Samsung's top-tier 4K Mini-LED, and it gets *blindingly* bright. Seriously, it can handle any amount of ambient light you throw at it. If you've got a conservatory or a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, this is your TV. Compared to the Hisense U8N, the QN90C/D typically has more dimming zones, which means better control over light and less blooming. The colours are fantastic too, thanks to Samsung's QLED tech. For gaming, it's superb – four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, ALLM, 144Hz support. Everything you'd want, really. Like the S95D, it sticks to HDR10+ and skips Dolby Vision. Again, for some, that's a deal-breaker. But if pure, unadulterated brightness and punchy HDR in any lighting condition are your priority, and you're happy with HDR10+, then this is a very strong contender. It doesn't have the perfect blacks of an OLED, but it gets close enough for many, especially given its incredible brightness advantage. **Who it's for:** * Those who need the absolute brightest TV for any room, especially very bright ones. * Gamers who want excellent contrast *without* the OLED burn-in worries. * If you need multiple full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports. * Anyone who prioritises impact and vibrancy in their HDR. **Who should skip it:** * If you insist on Dolby Vision support. * Those who want the ultimate, perfect black levels of an OLED. * Anyone on a stricter budget; it's pricier than the Hisense. **Pros:** * Incredible, class-leading peak brightness for HDR. * Excellent contrast and local dimming for a Mini-LED. * Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports. * 144Hz support, VRR, ALLM, low input lag. * No risk of OLED burn-in. **Cons:** * No Dolby Vision support (HDR10+ only). * Still can't quite match OLED for perfect blacks. * Can be quite expensive, though less than top-tier OLEDs. ## Gaming TV Comparison Table Here's a quick look at how they stack up. | Feature | LG C4 OLED | Samsung S95D QD-OLED | Sony A95L QD-OLED | Hisense U8N Mini-LED | Samsung QN90C/D Neo QLED | | :------------------ | :------------------ | :---------------------- | :---------------------- | :----------------------- | :----------------------- | | **Panel Type** | WOLED | QD-OLED | QD-OLED | Mini-LED | Mini-LED | | **Peak Brightness** | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Outstanding | Outstanding | | **Black Levels** | Perfect | Perfect | Perfect | Very Good | Very Good | | **HDR Support** | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ | | **HDMI 2.1 Ports** | 4 (Full Bandwidth) | 4 (Full Bandwidth) | 2 (Full Bandwidth) | 2 (Full Bandwidth) | 4 (Full Bandwidth) | | **VRR/ALLM** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | **120Hz/144Hz** | 144Hz | 144Hz | 120Hz | 144Hz | 144Hz | | **Anti-Glare** | Standard | Excellent (Matte Finish)| Good | Standard | Good | | **Input Lag** | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Very Low | | **Approx. Price (£)** | £1,200 - £2,500 | £1,800 - £3,500 | £2,000 - £4,000 | £700 - £1,500 | £1,000 - £2,200 | *Note: Prices are approximate for 55-65 inch models and can fluctuate wildly.* ## Frequently Asked Questions About Gaming TVs ### Q: Is OLED burn-in still a real problem with modern TVs? A: Honestly? For most people, no. It's far less of an issue than it used to be. Manufacturers like LG and Sony have put in loads of tech – pixel shifting, logo dimming, screen refresh cycles – to stop it happening. Unless you're playing the exact same game with a static HUD for 10 hours a day, every day, for years, you're extremely unlikely to encounter it. I've had an LG OLED in the workshop for ages, running all sorts, and it's been absolutely fine. Just be sensible. ### Q: Do I really need 120Hz for console gaming? A: Yes, if you want the best experience from your PS5 or Xbox Series X. Loads of new games offer a "Performance Mode" that targets 120fps, usually at a slightly lower resolution. The difference in smoothness is noticeable, especially in fast-paced shooters or racing games. If your TV can't do 120Hz, you're simply missing out on what the consoles are capable of. ### Q: What's the minimum size TV I should get for gaming? A: Well, that depends on your room and how far away you sit, doesn't it? But generally, for 4K gaming, I wouldn't go smaller than 55 inches. Sixty-five inches is probably the sweet spot for most living rooms these days. Any smaller and you start losing some of the impact of that 4K resolution. Go too big for your space, though, and it can feel overwhelming. ### Q: Should I buy a soundbar or rely on the TV's built-in speakers? A: A soundbar, absolutely. Even a half-decent soundbar will utterly transform your gaming experience compared to the TV's built-in speakers. Modern tellies are so thin now that there's just no space for proper drivers. You'll get much clearer dialogue, more impactful explosions, and a better sense of direction. It makes a massive difference to immersion. Trust me on this one. ## Final Word So there you have it. The world of gaming TVs is a bit of a minefield with all the acronyms and tech jargon, but hopefully, I've cleared some of it up for you. For me, the LG C4 still offers the best blend of performance, features, and value for the vast majority of console gamers. It's a cracking bit of kit. If you've got a brighter room, or you really want those colours to pop, then the Samsung S95D is a serious piece of engineering, especially with that anti-glare screen. And if you're a Sony loyalist with a PS5, and you want that perfectly natural picture, the A95L is magnificent, just mind those limited HDMI 2.1 ports. But remember, you don't *always* need to spend a fortune. The Hisense U8N and the Samsung QN90C/D prove that you can get a phenomenal gaming experience without needing to take out a second mortgage. Just make sure whatever you choose has those core features: HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM. Get those right, and you're golden. Happy gaming, everyone. And don't forget to turn the sound up, eh?