The best gaming TVs for your PS5 (May 2022)

Whether you’re planning to upgrade to a PlayStation 5 or managed to snag one of the few in stock, it may be time to upgrade your TV. After all, the consoles don’t come cheap, so why not invest in a display that makes the most of the PS5’s next-gen features? We’ve rounded up the best TVs available right now to take full advantage of your PS5.

See also: The best cheap 4K TVs you can buy

Should I buy a TV or a monitor for my PS5?

Whether you want to play your PS5 games on a TV or monitor depends on your lifestyle and budget. Some monitors can cost as much as a big-screen TV, so in terms of price-per-inch, a TV can actually be cheaper. Additionally, most PS5 games are not designed to be played on an ultra-widescreen, which may present problems.

See also: The best deals on gaming monitors

When it comes to specs, some monitors may be overkill. For example, the PS5 doesn’t support 1440p, and any refresh rates past 120Hz are unnecessary. So if you want a monitor for your PS5, stick to a standard widescreen display with a resolution of 1080p or 4K. Some monitors may also have a lower input lag, which can benefit competitive gamers. But if all you want to do is kick back and relax after a long day working at your desk, then gaming on the couch with a dazzling TV might be the best change of scenery.

Buying the right TV for your PS5

Knowing your console is key to finding a suitable TV for your PS5. The PS5 supports higher resolutions and faster refresh rates than its predecessor, the PS4, so you’ll want a TV that can handle gaming in 4K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. Not every TV can keep up with those speeds, so those with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) can make for a smoother experience. It also helps to avoid screen-tearing since your gameplay won’t be locked to 30, 60, or 120 frames per second.

See also: Display types and technologies explained — LCD, OLED, LED, and more

The PS5 also supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, so TVs with HDMI 2.1 ports will output the full potential of the PS5’s graphics. You’ll also want to consider displays with HDR and game mode controls to sharpen the visuals and vibrancy. Low input lag is another consideration, since the time it takes from pressing a button to seeing the reaction on-screen can make all the difference. Whether in online multiplayer or a stressful boss fight, timing is everything. With all that in mind, let’s look at which TV is right for you and your PS5.

LG OLED C1: The best of the best for gaming

If you want the best 4K TV that fully uses your PS5’s capabilities, the LG OLED C1 series is the only way to go. The dynamic range (the contrast between the darkest and brightest areas of the screen) is genuinely breathtaking, thanks to the OLED pixels. Each pixel is self-illuminating, meaning you’ll see deep black levels and blazing colors right beside one another without any blurring.

As for gaming, the C1 was the first in LG’s line of OLED TVs to feature a game optimizer. Whether you’re playing a first-person shooter or an open-world RPG, the game mode will fine-tune the display settings to your genre. You can also toggle between G-sync, Freesync Premium, and Auto Low Latency Mode for tear-free gaming and low input lag.

Read more: All-new PlayStation Plus — Every game included with Sony’s new subscriptions

The LG C1 has four HDMI 2.1 ports for connectivity, though you’ll only need one to plug in your PS5 for 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. There’s also support for Dolby Atmos, making for an improved sound experience that can utilize the PS5’s 3D audio.

This TV is best suited for dark rooms since the OLED has a reflective glass surface that will mirror any light directed towards it. So don’t place the TV facing a window with lots of sunlight. Additionally, there is the risk of burn-in where a static image can become seared into the screen. This can only happen if you’re gaming for long hours and some aspect of the UI, usually a menu item, is unchanging during that time. However, the phenomenon is rare, and you can take steps to prevent it from happening.

Looking for other recommendations? While the LG OLED C1 is our top pick, keep reading below for other TVs worth considering.

The best LG C1 OLED alternatives

• LG OLED CX: This was the predecessor to the C1 series. While it doesn’t have the new gaming mode, it has just about everything else you’re looking for: 4K at 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 ports, and NVIDIA G-SYNC and FreeSync. It’s usually much cheaper, too.
• LG OLED G1 Evo: The LG G1 has all the same features and picture quality as the C1, except the G1 uses LG’s new Evo panel, allowing it to get brighter in HDR. It’s also slightly more expensive and doesn’t come with a stand like the C1, so you will have to wall-mount it.

Another great TV that suits Sony’s PS5 is Sony’s own X90J LED. The main benefit here is that Sony designed the Bravia XR screen specifically to showcase the best features of its latest console. You’ll get a full-array LED display that supports Sony’s Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature in the PS5. That means the console’s HDR output is configured to perfectly match the TV’s brightness, resulting in stunning dynamic ranges. However, the one caveat is that the X90J deactivates its backlight dimming when VRR is turned on. That means you’ll have to choose between smoother gaming or better color contrast.

Read more: The best PS5 games you can buy

You’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports on the back. Each allows for a 120Hz refresh rate on the 4K panel with an input lag of 8.5ms for precise and responsive gameplay. The bright and bold HDR colors are a delight to view from any room angle. The other advantage of getting an LED TV over an OLED is that it doesn’t have the risk of burn-in. So you don’t have to worry about damaging the screen and wondering if you are still under warranty. For the price, this offers outstanding bang for your buck and is a near-perfect complement to your PS5.

Samsung packed a lot of tech into its Q90A series, with tiny Quantum Mini LEDs that function similarly to OLED pixels and emit their own light. These LEDs provide a backlight for the TV without the risk of burn-in on the screen. The 120Hz panel with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth lets you play PS5 games in 4K up to 120 fps without any issues. However, there is only one HDMI 2.1 port on this TV, so if you’re planning to acquire multiple next-gen consoles, such as the Xbox Series X, then you will have the hassle of switching out your plugs between games.

See also: How to use PlayStation Remote Play

One unique feature of this TV is the ultrawide game view which lets you play games at a 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratio. That means you’ll be seeing even more of the action than you can on an ultrawide gaming monitor in all its rich HDR glory.

The QN90A TV also supports VRR, which works well with the PS5. However, ironically enough, the game mode doesn’t optimize games to their best. While the local dimming is decent in game mode, it tends to raise the black levels too high where they look closer to a washed-out gray. You may need to play around with the settings to find the best image, but if that doesn’t bother you, this is a solid option.

The HiSense U8G is a great 4K TV with a 12oHz refresh rate for less than one thousand dollars. It has an impressively low input lag, a great response time, and full VRR support for your PS5 games. The ULED display tends to produce richer colors than a regular LED TV, thanks to its wide color gamut. It also makes the screen extremely bright, so any glare from reflections shouldn’t be an issue.

There are two HDMI.2 ports to connect your console. The contrast ratio offers an excellent picture quality, and local dimming performs well in game mode. On the downside, the local dimming isn’t available simultaneously with VRR when using an Xbox console. Though, you won’t have to worry about that if all you’re planning to play on is a PlayStation. Additionally, the motion smoothing can be a little overactive, but setting your games to performance mode instead of resolution mode can overcome that.

Overall, this is a solid 4K smart TV that will ensure a smooth PS5 gameplay experience without breaking the bank.

Honorable mentions

That’s it for our list of the best TVs for your PS5. But it’s only a fraction of what’s out there. We also want to give an honorable mention to the following products:

• TCL 6-Series 4K UHD Roku TV: This is perhaps the best budget gaming TV. The TCL 6-Series was the first TV to receive the THX Certified Game Mode, whose strict requirements strip out extra video processing to increase player response time and ensure high-quality pictures. It also has HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, and 4K resolution.
• LG OLED C2 TV: The LG C2 OLED is slightly improved over our best pick, the LG C1 OLED, but it’s also significantly more expensive. It features the latest NVIDIA G-SYNC display technology and a new brightness booster thanks to the A9 processor.
• Sony X91J 4K LED TV: If you want a giant screen, Sony’s X91J is the way to go since it’s only available in 85-inch size. But it’ll make for an incredibly immersive gaming experience if you have the wall space. Like the S90J, it has an exclusive Auto Picture Mode that only works with the PS5.

Read more: How to link your PS5 to the PlayStation App

FAQs

What is the best size of TV for PS5?

The optimal TV size will depend on where you are putting it. For most living rooms, 55 to 65 inches should be big enough for optimal viewing from a couch across the coffee table. If meant for the bedroom or a desk, 48 inches is a better size for up-close gaming.

Do I need an 8k gaming TV?

In short, no. While the PS5 does have 8K gaming capabilities included, there’s really no need for an 8K TV to get the best graphics, especially with the significant price difference from 4K TVs. Most game developers are still working with 4K resolution and frame rates as well. Perhaps in five years, we’ll see more of a difference in 8K gaming, but 4K will suffice for now.