So you’ve done the hard part and managed to secure yourself a shiny new next-gen console. Well done! Whether it’s the PlayStation 5 or XboxSeries S|X, 4K-quality gaming with full HDR support and Ray-Traced visuals is so close you can almost touch it, but one important key element to taking advantage of these graphical benefits relates to your choice of television. Unless you purchased a new one within the last 12 months, odds are you’re lacking all-new features that may keep you from enjoying games to their fullest.
In this guide we aim to resolve that, highlighting some of the best gaming televisions currently available to purchase from a wide range of respected UK retailers like Argos, Amazon and Currys PC World. All feature select TV brands perfectly suited to bring you closer to your PS5 and Xbox games, such as HDMI 2.1 support, Variable Refresh Rates (VRR) and other built-in tech perks. Here we’ll break down what all these terms mean in relation to each gaming television, better helping you to make a well-informed purchase decision.
LG CX OLED – The best OLED 4K TV
Delivering perfect blacks, intense colours and incredible contrast all at once, the LG CX OLED gaming television is the obvious choice for players wanting to enjoy true 4K visuals with reliable HDR integration. It replaces last year’s similarly impressive LG C9 model and improves upon it, packing in a much faster processor and 120Hz capability to enhance how clear any fast-paced camera movements can appear. All these individual features come together to help the LG CX OLED render 4K HDR content flawlessly, yet the same is true for content rendered at a lower resolution.
Screen burn is always a small possibility as with any OLED TV, unfortunately, but if you’re the type of gamer used to upgrade your model every 2-3 years you will most likely be fine. The LG CX OLED features incredibly low input lag (essential for any gaming television) and features multi-dimensional surround sound for those who don’t like using headphones. Available in multiple sizes ranging from 48” to 77”, the LG CX OLED is a great all-rounder gaming television that’s a bit pricey but worth it.
Advantages:
- Exceptionally low input lag to reduce latency
- HDMI 2.1 ensures true 4K HDR gaming on PS5 and Xbox Series X
- Futureproof against 120fps support in upcoming titles
- Built-in BFI (Black Frame Insertion) for reliable fast motion processing
Negatives:
- Minimal risk of screen burn (unlikely if you watch lots of different content)
Good value for money, but potentially pricey for some
Samsung Q80/Q80T QLED – The best QLED 4K TV
The Samsung Q80 series of gaming televisions is the perfect choice for players seeking an affordable route to get started with a full array backlight QLED TV. It also helps that it always delivers excellent picture quality, features expert motion processing and has been designed with gamers specifically in mind. This is most evident in the 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync support, the latter of which serves to reduce screen tearing regardless of whether you’re playing games in 1080p, 1440p or full 4K with HDR and Ray-Tracing switched on.
The Samsung Q80T is notable for its quick response times and impressive low latency, both being crucial factors needed to bring players closer to the game and never hinder their online experience. Its lack of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ does see it lose some credence for those planning to double their dedicated gaming setup as a home theatre, but reliable contrast levels and great colour presentation does make it the best LED 4K TV option for next-gen players.
Advantages:
- 120Hz capabilities and built-in FreeSync support
- Ultra-low input latency ideal for competitive online play
- Built-in BFI (Black Frame Insertion) for reliable fast motion processing
- An affordable backlight QLED TV solution
Disadvantages:
- No Dolby Vision might make it a dealbreaker for moviegoers
- No Dolby Atmos, so would require a sound bar add-on
Hisense H50B7100UK – The best budget TV for 4K gaming
Just because you’re working with a budget doesn’t mean the joys of 4K gaming need stay far away. The Hisense H50B7100UK retails for well under £500, for example, as a 50-inch model and is well-equipped to achieve solid (if relatively un-flashy) 4K visual performance. It’s a perfectly solid option for those that care purely about quality and aren’t necessarily worried about variable refreshes rates, FreeSync integration and all the other extra trimmings.
The HDMI ports might only be 2.0 rather than the much newer and 120Hz-ready 2.1, but you’ll still be able to enjoy pin-sharp 4K visuals. The HDR possibilities are equally impressive considering the H50B7100UK’s price point, with built-in HDR10 (the current industry standard for High Dynamic range) ensuring that the deepest blacks and lightest whites are readily achievable.
Advantages:
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal choice for 2nd or 3rd TV setup in a secondary gaming room
- Lack of HDMI 2.1 made up for by HDR10 quality colour capabilities
Disadvantages:
- General picture quality can’t compete with more expensive models
- Refresh rate of only 60Hz compared to some other 120Hz models
Sony XH9005 – The best all-rounder 4K TV
If you’re a next-gen player seeking that perfect middle ground between great picture quality and low input lag from your gaming TV, then look no further than the Sony XH9005 – AKA Sony’s official ‘Ready for PlayStation 5’ model it’s been promoting. It being a Sony product means it communicates flawlessly with the PS5, to the point that you can control your console using the TV’s remote and vice versa. Little features like this are a nice touch, but the XH9005’s great motion handling and low-latency also makes it an ideal choice for Microsoft’s new console.
True HDMI 2.1 support is soon set to appear in an update, but for now the exceptional contrast ratio combined with 4K HDR processor means you’re never left wanting for colour in your games and this unit being a standard LED means there’s never any risk of screen burn. X-Motion Clarity tech also ensures that any fast-moving objects will never suffer from slow down or screen tearing, always keeping you immersed in the game whether you’re playing on PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Advantages:
- Expert integration with PS5 in particular
- 4K HDR processor ensures brighter colours, darker blacks and brighter whites
- Special emphasis on low input lag (ideal for gaming)
- X-Motion Clarity integration prevents screen tearing
Disadvantages:
- HDMI 2.1 support coming later down the line
- No FreeSync functionality
