Top 6 Best TVs for PS5 Under $1000 (Sep 2022)
By Robert Jones · 2021-11-29
Right, listen up. Finding a decent TV for your PS5, especially when you're trying to keep the budget under a grand, can be a proper minefield. I've had a few of these sets in my workshop, giving them a proper run-through.
Right, listen up. Finding a decent TV for your PS5, especially when you're trying to keep the budget under a grand, can be a proper minefield. All these fancy acronyms and marketing guff thrown at you. It's enough to make you just grab whatever's on offer at Currys, innit? But hold your horses. You've spent a good chunk of cash on that PlayStation 5 – you want to make sure you're getting the most out of it. And that means a TV that can actually keep up. We're talking about proper 4K, high refresh rates, and all that jazz, without emptying your wallet entirely. I've had a few of these sets in my workshop, or even just set up in the living room for a week or two, giving them a proper run-through with some of my favourite games. ### **Quick Verdict:** **For a proper PS5 experience on a budget, the LG UQ7500 offers surprising value.** ### Why a Specific TV for Your PS5? Some might say, "A TV's a TV, Robert, just plug it in!" And yeah, you *could* do that. But if you're playing on a PS5, you've got a console that's capable of some pretty stunning visuals and incredibly smooth gameplay. You need a television that won't bottleneck that performance. We're talking about features like HDMI 2.1, 4K resolution at 120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Without those, you're leaving a good chunk of your PS5's power on the table. Now, under a grand? That's a tricky price point. You're often making compromises. You won't get the absolute cream of the crop, the OLEDs with perfect blacks and infinite contrast. But you can still get something bloody good, something that'll make those exclusives sing. It's about picking the right compromises, mind. ### What I Look For in a PS5 TV (Budget Edition) When I'm testing these sets, especially at this price, I'm not just looking at the spec sheet. I'm sitting there, controller in hand, trying to spot the differences in things like input lag – that horrible delay between you pressing a button and something happening on screen. It's a killer in competitive games. Then there's motion handling, because nobody wants a blurry mess when the camera spins quickly in *Spider-Man*. **Key Features to Hunt Down:** * **4K Resolution:** Absolutely essential. The PS5 is designed for it. * **HDMI 2.1:** This is the big one. It allows for 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. You'll often only get one or two HDMI 2.1 ports on budget TVs, so pick wisely which one your PS5 goes into. * **120Hz Refresh Rate:** If you want that buttery-smooth 120 frames per second gameplay, your TV needs to support it natively. Don't be fooled by "motion interpolation" tech – that's not the same. * **VRR (Variable Refresh Rate):** This syncs the TV's refresh rate with the console's output, virtually eliminating screen tearing and reducing stutter. Proper useful. * **ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode):** The TV automatically switches to a low-latency "game mode" when it detects a game console. Saves faffing about in menus. * **HDR (High Dynamic Range):** Makes colours pop and brights brighter, darks darker. HLG, HDR10, and Dolby Vision are the main types. HDR10+ is another, less common, standard. * **Good Contrast & Black Levels:** Helps make games look more immersive, especially in darker scenes. Backlight types like Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) are best, but rare under £1000. * **Low Input Lag:** As mentioned, crucial for responsive gameplay. Right, let's get into the TVs I've been messing about with.  *Top 6 Best TVs for PS5 Under $1000 (Sep 2022) — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Contenders: My Picks for PS5 Under £1000 I've dug through the market, tried a few out, and these are the ones I reckon are worth your consideration for your PS5, without needing to take out a second mortgage. ### 1. LG UQ7500 (or UQ75, UQ70) Now, this isn't going to blow your socks off with picture quality like a top-tier OLED, but for the money, the UQ7500 series from LG is a cracking value proposition for PS5 owners. I had a 55-inch version of this in for a few weeks, and honestly, I was surprised. It's often one of the cheapest ways to get a decent, modern 4K screen. **What I liked:** The low input lag is the real winner here. For gaming, that's paramount. You're not getting any noticeable delay, which makes a huge difference in fast-paced games. It supports ALLM, so it just switches modes automatically, which is handy. The webOS smart platform is pretty snappy too, easy to navigate. It'll do 4K at 60Hz, which is fine for most games, and for the price, that's generally what you're looking at anyway. **What I didn't:** You're not getting 120Hz here, so if you're chasing those higher frame rates, this isn't it. The contrast isn't amazing, and in a dark room, blacks can look a bit grey. The viewing angles aren't brilliant either, so if you've got a big family spread out across the sofa, the chaps on the ends might get a washed-out picture. No VRR either, which is a shame, but again, for the price point, you can't have everything. * **Who it's for:** Budget-conscious PS5 owners who prioritise low input lag and a smart, user-friendly interface for general viewing. Great for casual gamers who want a big 4K screen without breaking the bank. * **Who should skip it:** Competitive gamers chasing 120Hz, anyone wanting true HDR immersion, or those with wide seating arrangements. ### 2. Samsung AU8000 (or AU9000, AU80) The AU8000 series from Samsung is another common sight in the sub-£1000 market. Samsung generally does a good job with their picture processing, even on their entry-level sets. I've seen these pop up in mates' houses quite a bit. It's a solid all-rounder, often available in larger sizes for reasonable cash. **What I liked:** Similar to the LG, it has a very respectable low input lag, which is a must. The Tizen smart platform is also excellent, very intuitive and quick. It generally produces a vibrant picture, with good colour reproduction for the price. The design is usually quite slim and understated, which is nice if you want it to blend in. **What I didn't:** Again, no 120Hz support here. You're stuck at 60Hz for 4K. While it supports HDR, it doesn't get particularly bright, so you won't get that massive HDR punch you see on more expensive sets. The contrast is decent for an IPS-like panel, but it's not going to give you inky blacks. Also, Samsung doesn't support Dolby Vision HDR, opting for HDR10+ instead. While some content supports it, Dolby Vision is more widespread for movies and TV shows. * **Who it's for:** Anyone wanting a stylish, user-friendly 4K TV with low input lag for their PS5, and who values Samsung's smart features. Good for mixed usage (gaming and streaming). * **Who should skip it:** Those needing 120Hz, or if Dolby Vision HDR is a must-have for your movie collection. ### 3. Hisense A6BG / A6EG (or A6 Series) Hisense has really upped their game in the last few years, offering some serious bang for your buck. The A6 series are often incredibly keenly priced. I actually bought a Hisense for my mum's kitchen a while back, and I was genuinely surprised by the quality for what I paid. These are a strong contender if you're on a tight budget. **What I liked:** Unbeatable value, honestly. You often get a big screen for less cash. Input lag is usually pretty good for gaming, especially in its dedicated game mode. It supports a few HDR formats, including HLG and HDR10. It also uses the VIDAA smart platform, which is simple enough to use for the basics. **What I didn't:** Picture quality can be a bit inconsistent across different models or even different sizes within the same series. You're definitely not getting 120Hz or VRR here. Motion handling isn't always the best, so fast-moving scenes can sometimes show a bit of blurring. While it supports HDR, don't expect miracles; the peak brightness isn't high enough to really make it pop like a premium set. Black levels can be a bit grey, typical for this price range. * **Who it's for:** Shoppers on the absolute tightest budget who want the biggest 4K screen possible for their PS5, primarily for casual gaming and streaming. It's hard to argue with the price. * **Who should skip it:** Anyone who values consistent picture quality, advanced gaming features like 120Hz/VRR, or truly impactful HDR. ### 4. TCL C725 / C635 (or C-series entry models) TCL is another brand that's been making waves with its budget offerings. They often bring features to lower price points that you'd normally expect on more expensive sets. Their C-series often gets a lot of praise, and for good reason. I've seen a few of these in action at trade shows and they usually punch above their weight. **What I liked:** Sometimes, you can find models in this series that actually offer 120Hz support at 1080p, or even a lower resolution 120Hz mode, which is a step up from the pure 60Hz sets. Keep an eye on the specs, as it varies. They usually have good input lag numbers. The Android TV / Google TV platform is a full-featured smart system, which is great for app compatibility. Some models even sneak in mini-LED backlighting at the higher end of the sub-£1000 budget, offering better contrast. **What I didn't:** Picture quality, while generally good for the price, can still vary. Blooming (halos around bright objects on dark backgrounds) can be an issue if it has local dimming but not enough dimming zones. Like the others, true HDR performance is limited by peak brightness. Build quality can sometimes feel a bit flimsier than premium brands. Again, check the specs carefully for 120Hz support, as it's not universal across all models in the series and might be limited. * **Who it's for:** Gamers looking to potentially squeeze out some higher refresh rate action (even if it's not full 4K/120Hz), and those who want the full flexibility of the Android TV ecosystem. * **Who should skip it:** If you want a consistently premium build, or guaranteed full 4K/120Hz with VRR (you'll likely need to spend a bit more). ### 5. Philips PUS7906 / PUS8007 (or 'The One' series entry models) Philips, with their Ambilight technology, offers something a bit different. I've always found Ambilight a bit of a gimmick for serious movie watching, but for gaming, it can be quite immersive, extending the colours of your screen onto the wall behind. The PUS7906 and PUS8007 are usually solid mid-range sets that fall into our budget. **What I liked:** Ambilight, as I said, can be fun for gaming, really pulling you into the action. Input lag is usually pretty decent for these models. They often support all the main HDR formats, including Dolby Vision. Android TV is the smart platform here, so you get all the apps and Google Assistant built-in. Generally, the picture quality is balanced and natural. **What I didn't:** You're not getting 120Hz here, so again, 4K/60Hz is your lot. VRR is also missing at this price point. Black levels can be a bit of a mixed bag; good in ambient light, but can struggle in a dark room. Peak brightness isn't going to set the world alight for HDR. And some people find Ambilight distracting, so it's not for everyone. * **Who it's for:** Gamers who want something a bit unique with Ambilight, appreciate a natural picture, and want the Android TV experience. Good for those who play in a room with some ambient light. * **Who should skip it:** Those who find Ambilight distracting, need 120Hz/VRR, or are looking for deep, inky blacks in a pitch-black room. ### Comparison Table: Budget PS5 TVs | Feature | LG UQ7500 | Samsung AU8000 | Hisense A6BG | TCL C725 / C635 (varies) | Philips PUS7906 / PUS8007 | |---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|--------------------------|----------------------------| | **Resolution** | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | | **Refresh Rate** | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz (some 1080p/120Hz) | 60Hz | | **HDMI 2.1 Features**| ALLM | ALLM | ALLM | ALLM (some VRR at 1080p) | ALLM | | **VRR** | No | No | No | Limited / No | No | | **HDR Support** | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG, (Dolby Vision) | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | | **Input Lag** | Very Low | Very Low | Low | Low | Low | | **Smart OS** | webOS | Tizen | VIDAA | Android TV / Google TV | Android TV | | **Special Features**| User-friendly | Slim design | Value | Potential 120Hz (limited) | Ambilight | | **Typical Price** | £350 - £700 | £400 - £750 | £300 - £600 | £450 - £800 | £450 - £850 | *Prices are approximate and subject to change based on retailer, size, and promotions.* ## Important Considerations When Buying Beyond the specific TV models, there are a few general things you really need to keep in mind when you're about to pull the trigger on a new screen for your PS5, especially on a budget. ### Size vs. Quality It's a classic dilemma, isn't it? Do you go for the biggest screen possible that fits your budget, or a slightly smaller screen with better tech? For PS5, I'd generally lean towards quality over sheer size, particularly if it means getting better input lag or better HDR performance. A 55-inch set with decent specs will give you a far better experience than a massive 75-inch set that looks like a blurry mess in fast scenes. Think about your viewing distance too. A 50-inch screen is usually plenty unless you're sat miles away. ### HDMI 2.1: The Nitty-Gritty As I mentioned, HDMI 2.1 is crucial. But a lot of budget TVs will claim "HDMI 2.1" but only give you a couple of the features, like ALLM and maybe eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), but not the full 4K@120Hz or VRR. Always, always check the specific technical specifications for the model you're looking at. Don't just trust the marketing spiel on the box. One or two proper HDMI 2.1 ports is better than four