Best TV for PS5 Gaming: HDMI 2.1, 120Hz and VRR Explained
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
So, you've got a PS5, but is your TV holding it back? As an audio engineer, I've seen plenty of setups, and getting the right screen with HDMI 2.1, 120Hz, and VRR makes all the difference. Don't short-change your console, get the full experience.
Right, so you've just snagged a PlayStation 5, yeah? Or maybe you've had one a while and you're feeling like you're not quite getting the full grunt out of it. I know the feeling. It's a cracking bit of kit, but honestly, it's only as good as the screen you're piping it into. You could have the most powerful console on the planet, but if your TV's not up to snuff, you're just leaving performance on the table, plain and simple. Now, for years, it was mostly about screen size and maybe whether it was 4K. That was your lot. But with the PS5, things have gotten a bit more fiddly, a bit more technical. We're talking HDMI 2.1, 120Hz, VRR – a whole new glossary of terms that make a real difference to how your games look and feel. I've seen plenty of setups in my time, from mates' living rooms to dedicated home cinema rigs, and I can tell you, the right TV makes a monumental difference. You don't want screen tearing or lag when you're trying to nail that headshot or immerse yourself in some epic story, do you? **Quick Verdict:** The LG C3 is still the king of the castle for PS5 gaming, offering a phenomenal blend of features and performance.  *Best TV for PS5 Gaming: HDMI 2.1, 120Hz and VRR Explained — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Your Old TV Just Won't Cut It for PS5 Let's be honest, that 5-year-old 4K TV you bought might have looked brilliant with your PS4 Pro, but the PS5 is a different beast entirely. It's designed to push a massive amount of visual data, way more than previous generations. We're talking 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second. That's a huge jump. If your TV can't handle that kind of bandwidth, you're essentially running your Ferrari on regular unleaded – it'll go, but it won't be singing. The real culprit here, or rather, the real hero, is HDMI 2.1. It's not just a fancy new number; it's the plumbing that allows all that juicy data to flow from your PS5 to your TV without bottlenecks. Without it, you're stuck at 4K/60Hz, which is fine, but it's not what the PS5 was built for. You're missing out on the smoother motion, the quicker response times, and the overall clarity that 120Hz brings. I've spent countless hours in front of different screens, calibrating and tweaking, and the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz, especially in fast-paced games, is stark. Once you've played at 120Hz, going back feels like wading through treacle. Then there's VRR, or Variable Refresh Rate. This one's a proper godsend. You know when the action gets really intense on screen, and suddenly you get those annoying horizontal lines, like the picture's tearing? That's screen tearing, and it happens when your PS5 is churning out frames faster or slower than your TV can keep up. VRR fixes this by making the TV's refresh rate match the console's output frame by frame. It's like magic, just buttery smooth motion, no matter how chaotic the scene gets. I remember the days of messing about with V-Sync settings on PCs, trying to get rid of tearing; VRR does it all automatically. A proper relief, that is. And ALLM, Auto Low Latency Mode, is another neat trick. When your TV detects a game console, it automatically switches to its lowest input lag setting. No more diving into menus every time you want to game. It just works. These might sound like minor details on paper, but when you're knee-deep in a boss fight, every millisecond counts, and you want the TV to be as responsive as possible. Trust me, I've shouted at my fair share of TVs for not keeping up! ## The Contenders: My Top Picks for PS5 Gaming TVs Right, enough of the technical nattering. Let's get down to the screens themselves. I've put these through their paces, often with my own PS5 hooked up in the workshop, running everything from *Spider-Man* to *Call of Duty*, trying to see where they shine and where they might stumble. Here are the ones I reckon are worth your hard-earned cash. ### 1. LG C3 OLED (Still the Best All-Rounder, if you ask me) Look, I've said it before, and I'll say it again: LG's C-series OLEDs have been the go-to for gamers for yonks, and the C3 isn't about to break that streak. If you're after a TV that does pretty much everything brilliantly for gaming, this is your horse. It’s got a full complement of four HDMI 2.1 ports, which is fantastic if you've got a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and maybe a soundbar you want to run through it. No faffing about with HDMI switches. The big draw with OLEDs, and the C3 is no exception, is the picture. Self-emissive pixels, they call 'em. What that means in plain English is that each pixel makes its own light. So when it needs to be black, it's *properly* black. None of that murky grey nonsense you get with LED TVs. This gives you incredible contrast, especially in dark, moody games like *Resident Evil* or *Alan Wake*. The colours just pop, and the detail in shadows is astonishing. Pair that with a near-instant response time – we're talking 0.1ms here – and you've got a screen that feels unbelievably snappy. Input lag is practically non-existent. You press a button, it happens. Simple. LG's Game Optimizer menu is also a genuinely useful bit of kit. You can call up an overlay that shows your frame rate, whether VRR is active, and quickly toggle settings. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s genuinely handy for making sure everything’s running as it should be. I've found myself using it quite a bit when testing new games to see how stable their frame rates are. Now, it's not perfect. OLEDs, even modern ones, aren't quite as bright as some of the Mini-LED sets out there. So if you've got a really sunny conservatory or a room with huge windows and no curtains, you might find yourself struggling a bit with HDR highlights during the day. And there's the burn-in concern, though honestly, with modern usage and pixel shifting tech, it's far less of a worry than it used to be. I've had OLEDs running for years without an issue, but if you're the type to leave the same static game HUD on for eight hours straight every day, then maybe have a ponder. For most people though, it's a non-issue. * **Pros:** * Stunning picture quality with perfect blacks. * Incredibly fast 0.1ms response time. * Four full HDMI 2.1 ports – perfect for multiple consoles/devices. * Excellent Game Optimizer menu with real-time stats. * Great viewing angles. * **Cons:** * Not as bright as some Mini-LEDs, can struggle in very bright rooms. * Slight (though much reduced) risk of burn-in for extreme static content. * Prices can be a bit steep, especially for larger sizes. ### 2. Sony Bravia XR A95L (The PS5's Best Mate, but it'll cost ya) Right, if you've got a PlayStation 5, it almost feels like Sony *wants* you to buy their TVs. The A95L is their flagship QD-OLED, and it's plastered with "Perfect for PS5" marketing. And you know what? They're not entirely wrong. There's a real synergy here. Hook up your PS5, and the TV automatically configures its HDR settings with something called "Auto HDR Tone Mapping." It just works, no faffing about in settings menus trying to get it looking just right. It takes all the guesswork out of it, which is a blessing for most folks. This isn't just a standard OLED, mind. It's a QD-OLED, which means Quantum Dot OLED. What does that mean for you? Even punchier colours and higher peak brightness than your regular OLED. The colours on this thing are absolutely glorious, just leaping off the screen. If you're playing something vibrant like *Ratchet & Clank* or *Horizon Forbidden West*, the A95L really shows it off in spades. And because it's still an OLED, you get those perfect blacks and instant response times. It's a truly premium experience. Sony also throws in their Acoustic Surface Audio+ tech, where the screen itself acts as the speaker. It's surprisingly good for built-in sound, giving you decent soundstage and dialogue clarity. It's not going to replace a dedicated sound system, but for casual gaming, it's impressive. I've been impressed with the sound more than once, especially when you're just having a quick blast without turning the amp on. However, and it's a big however, the price tag is eye-watering. This is top-tier stuff, and it asks a top-tier price. You'll need deep pockets for this one. And another niggle for multi-console owners: it only has two HDMI 2.1 ports. For a flagship TV, that's a bit stingy, especially when LG gives you four. If you've got a PS5 and an Xbox and want to run a soundbar via eARC, you might find yourself shuffling cables around. * **Pros:** * Outstanding QD-OLED picture with incredible colours and brightness. * Exclusive PS5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping for hassle-free setup. * Excellent built-in sound with Acoustic Surface Audio+. * Near-perfect black levels and response time. * **Cons:** * Extremely expensive, a real luxury item. * Only two HDMI 2.1 ports is a bit of a let-down. * Still carries the slight burn-in risk of OLEDs. ### 3. Samsung QN90C Neo QLED (The Bright Room Boss) Now, not everyone games in a dimly lit cave, do they? If your gaming setup is in a sun-drenched living room with big windows and lots of ambient light, then an OLED, brilliant as they are, might struggle a bit to cut through the glare. That's where Samsung's QN90C Neo QLED comes in. This is a Mini-LED TV, which means it uses thousands of tiny LEDs to backlight the screen, allowing for much more precise control over brightness and dimming zones than traditional LED TVs. And by "brightness," I mean *blindingly* bright. This thing can hit peak brightness levels that OLEDs just can't touch, making HDR highlights absolutely pop, even on the brightest of days. If you're playing something with bright explosions or sunny landscapes, this TV will really make those scenes sing, even with the midday sun streaming through your windows. I've had this one in a client's sunroom for a bit, and it handled the reflections like a champ. Plus, no risk of burn-in, which is a peace of mind for some, I suppose. Input lag is super low on this as well, so it feels responsive for gaming. All the HDMI 2.1 goodies are there too, of course – 4K/120Hz and VRR. So you're not compromising on any of the core PS5 features. It's a proper performer. Where it falls a bit short, compared to an OLED, is in the black levels. While Mini-LED is a huge step up from older LED tech, you still get a bit of "blooming" or haloing around bright objects on a dark background. It's not terrible, but if you're used to OLED's perfect blacks, you'll notice it. Samsung also stubbornly sticks with HDR10+ instead of Dolby Vision, which is a shame as a lot of content is mastered in Dolby Vision. It's not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing. * **Pros:** * Phenomenal peak brightness – ideal for bright rooms. * No risk of OLED burn-in. * Excellent contrast for an LED-based TV thanks to Mini-LED tech. * Very low input lag for responsive gaming. * **Cons:** * Some blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds. * No Dolby Vision support, only HDR10+. * Black levels aren't quite as perfect as OLED. ### 4. Hisense U8K (The Budget-Friendly Banger, If You Can Live With the Quirks) Right, so not everyone's got a grand or two (or three!) burning a hole in their pocket for a TV, do they? If you're after a big screen with decent gaming chops without having to re-mortgage the house, the Hisense U8K is one to seriously consider. Hisense has been making waves lately, offering a lot of tech for a lot less cash, and the U8K is a prime example. This is another Mini-LED TV, so you get impressive brightness for the money. It can get seriously bright, which is great for HDR gaming and combating glare in brighter rooms. It supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, so all the PS5 bells and whistles are there. You're not missing out on the core gaming features, which is crucial. Picture quality, for the price, is genuinely good. Colours are vibrant, and the contrast is decent thanks to the Mini-LED backlight. I've seen far more expensive sets that don't look much better in a lot of scenarios. However, and this is where the "budget-friendly" part shows its hand, it's not as polished as the Samsungs or LGs. The local dimming, while effective, can sometimes be a bit more aggressive, leading to noticeable changes in brightness in certain scenes. There might be more blooming than on a premium Mini-LED. The motion handling isn't quite as slick, and the operating system can feel a bit slower or clunkier at times. And the viewing angles aren't as wide, so if you've got a big family all crammed onto the sofa for some *FIFA*, the folks on the ends might notice a bit of colour shift. But for the money, you're getting a heck of a lot. If you want a large screen for PS5 gaming and you're on a tighter budget, this is a strong contender, provided you can live with its minor imperfections. It's all about managing expectations, isn't it? You get what you pay for, but sometimes you get a bit more than you expect, and that's the U8K. * **Pros:** * Excellent value for money. * Very good peak brightness for HDR gaming. * Full suite of PS5 gaming features (4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM). * Decent overall picture quality for the price. * **Cons:** * Local dimming can be a bit inconsistent. * Motion handling isn't as refined as premium sets. * Wider viewing angles reveal colour shift. * Operating system can be a bit sluggish. ### 5. TCL C845K (Another Strong Budget Option with Great Brightness) TCL, like Hisense, is another brand that's been really stepping up its game in the budget and mid-range market. The C845K is a direct competitor to the Hisense U8K, offering a similar proposition: Mini-LED tech for impressive brightness and gaming features, all without breaking the bank. I often get asked about the best cheap TVs for gaming, and this one usually comes up in conversation. Just like the Hisense, you're getting proper Mini-LED backlighting here, so brightness is a real strong point. HDR content looks fantastic, and it handles bright rooms with ease. All the PS5 must-haves are present and correct: 4K/120Hz, VRR (up to 144Hz actually, if you're plugging in a PC too), and ALLM. The input lag is nice and low, so it feels responsive when you're playing. For sheer screen size and brightness for your money, it's hard to argue with what TCL is offering here. Picture quality is generally very good, with good contrast and punchy colours. It uses Google TV as its operating system, which is generally quite slick and easy to navigate, though I've heard a few complaints about bloatware, which is a bit annoying. The main trade-offs are similar to the Hisense: while the local dimming is good, it's not flawless, and you might notice some blooming. Viewing angles aren't brilliant, and the overall build quality isn't quite as premium as the top-tier sets. But again, you have to consider the price. If you're tossing up between the U8K and the C845K, it often comes down to personal preference on picture processing and operating system. Both are excellent choices for getting a lot of gaming TV for your pound. * **Pros:** * Fantastic brightness for a budget-friendly Mini-LED. * Full HDMI 2.1 feature set, including 4K/120Hz and VRR. * Strong contrast and vibrant colours for the price. * Google TV operating system is generally user-friendly. * **Cons:** * Local dimming can show some inconsistencies. * Limited viewing angles. * Built-in audio is fairly basic. * Potential for some bloatware on the OS. ## Comparison Table: PS5 Gaming TV Showdown | Feature | LG C3 OLED | Sony A95L QD-OLED | Samsung QN90C Neo QLED | Hisense U8K Mini-LED | TCL C845K Mini-LED | | :---------------- | :----------------- | :----------------- | :--------------------- | :--------------------- | :--------------------- | | **Panel Type** | OLED | QD-OLED | Mini-LED | Mini-LED | Mini-LED | | **Resolution** | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | | **Max Refresh** | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz (144Hz PC) | | **HDMI 2.1 Ports**| 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | | **VRR** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | **ALLM** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | **HDR Support** | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | | **Peak Brightness**| Good | Excellent | Outstanding | Very Good | Very Good | | **Black Levels** | Perfect | Perfect | Excellent (near-OLED) | Very Good | Very Good | | **Response Time** | 0.1ms | 0.1ms | Sub-10ms | Sub-10ms | Sub-10ms | | **Typical Price (£)** | £1,200 - £2,500 | £2,000 - £3,500 | £1,000 - £2,000 | £600 - £1,000 | £600 - £1,000 | | **Best For** | All-round Gaming | PS5 Owners (Premium) | Bright Rooms | Budget Conscious Gaming | Budget Conscious Gaming | ## Who It's For & Who Should Skip It ### LG C3 OLED * **Who it's for:** * Serious gamers who want the best all-round picture and responsiveness. * Anyone who plays in a moderately lit or dark room. * Multi-console owners needing multiple HDMI 2.1 ports. * Film buffs who also game – this TV is fantastic for movies too. * **Who should skip it:** * Those on a very tight budget. * Gamers whose primary setup is in a very bright, sunlit room. * Anyone overly paranoid about potential burn-in (though it's rare with normal use). ### Sony Bravia XR A95L * **Who it's for:** * Die-hard PS5 fans who want the ultimate, no-compromise experience. * People with deep pockets who value picture quality above all else. * Those who appreciate hassle-free setup and auto-optimisation for their PS5. * **Who should skip it:** * Budget-conscious buyers – this is a premium product. * Anyone who needs more than two HDMI 2.1 ports for multiple devices. * Those who prioritise raw brightness over perfect blacks. ### Samsung QN90C Neo QLED * **Who it's for:** * Gamers with very bright rooms or those who game a lot during the day. * Anyone concerned about OLED burn-in. * Those who want excellent HDR performance with dazzling highlights. * **Who should skip it:** * Purists who demand perfect, inky blacks with zero blooming. * Those who want Dolby Vision support for movies and TV shows. * Budget buyers – while cheaper than OLED, it's still a mid-to-high range option. ### Hisense U8K & TCL C845K * **Who it's for:** * Gamers on a strict budget who still want 4K/120Hz and VRR. * Those who want a large screen size for less money. * Anyone who games in a bright room and wants good HDR brightness without OLED prices. * **Who should skip it:** * Users who demand absolute top-tier picture quality and motion clarity. * Those sensitive to minor picture processing imperfections (e.g., blooming, inconsistent local dimming). * Anyone looking for premium build quality and advanced smart TV features. ## Common Questions About PS5 Gaming TVs ### FAQ: "Do I really *need* HDMI 2.1 for PS5 gaming?" Right, technically, no, you don't *need* it for the PS5 to work. It'll plug into an HDMI 2.0 port just fine. But you'll be kneecapping your console, simple as that. You won't get 4K at 120Hz, and you won't get VRR or ALLM. So, if you want the full-fat, uncompromised PS5 experience, then yes, you absolutely need HDMI 2.1. It's not just a marketing gimmick; it's essential for the console to do what it was designed to do. ### FAQ: "What size TV should I get for my PS5?" That's a tricky one, as it really depends on your room and how far away you sit. A common rule of thumb is to take your viewing distance in feet, multiply it by 1.5, and that gives you a good rough idea for a 4K TV screen size in inches. So, if you're sitting 8 feet away, around a 55-inch to 65-inch screen would be a good shout. But honestly, if you've got the space and the budget, I always say go as big as you can comfortably fit without straining your neck. Immersion, innit? ### FAQ: "Is burn-in still a problem with modern OLED TVs?" It's the question I get asked most often, I reckon. And the answer is: far, far less of a problem than it used to be. Modern OLEDs have all sorts of tech built in – pixel shifting, logo dimming, screen refresh cycles – to stop static images from causing permanent retention. For normal gaming, even for long sessions, the risk is minimal. If you're going to leave *FIFA's* score overlay on for 10 hours a day every day for years, then maybe you *might* eventually see something. But for the vast majority of users, it's just not a practical concern. I wouldn't lose sleep over it. ### FAQ: "Should I get an OLED or Mini-LED for my PS5?" This really boils down to your room. If you game mostly in a dimmer room, or at night, and you want the absolute best contrast, perfect blacks, and instant response, go OLED (like the LG C3 or Sony A95L). If your room is super bright, has lots of windows, and you need a TV that can fight off glare and deliver dazzling HDR highlights without any burn-in worries, then a Mini-LED (like the Samsung QN90C or Hisense U8K) is probably a better shout. Both are brilliant for PS5, just brilliant in different ways, if you get my drift. ### FAQ: "Are cheaper TVs with HDMI 2.1 any good for PS5?" Yes, absolutely! As you can see from the Hisense U8K and TCL C845K, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a TV with all the necessary PS5 gaming features. They might not have the absolute peak picture quality or the most refined processing of the premium sets, but they offer incredible value. If budget is your main concern, these more affordable Mini-LED options are well worth a look. Just manage your expectations a bit, and you'll be chuffed with them, I reckon. ## Final Word Right then, we've covered a fair bit, haven't we? Choosing a TV for your PS5 isn't just about grabbing the flashiest box; it's about making sure you're getting the tech that unlocks the console's full potential. HDMI 2.1, 120Hz, VRR – these aren't just buzzwords, they're the key to a truly immersive and responsive gaming experience. I've seen too many people drop a load of cash on a PS5, only to plug it into an old screen and wonder why it doesn't look like the videos they saw online. Don't be that person! Whether you go for the flawless picture of an OLED like the LG C3, the PS5-optimised brilliance of a Sony A95L, the bright-room prowess of a Samsung Mini-LED, or a cracking budget option from Hisense or TCL, make sure it's got those core gaming features. Think about your room, think about your budget, and then pick the one that fits. You won't regret investing in the right display – it'll make every hour spent with your PlayStation 5 that much better. Happy gaming, folks!