The PlayStation 5 is a phenomenal device that brings multiple improvements to the foray as it continues to be the best-selling living room game console, eclipsing the competition by a significant margin. The PS5 offers excellent, fine-grained control over what to expect from games, thanks to many titles offering both an FPS-centric performance mode and a quality-centric resolution mode as choices for gamers, depending on their needs and preferences when gaming.
Finding The Best TV For Gaming On The PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 works with essentially any device that can take input from an HDMI port, but Sony recommends using an HDMI 2.1-compatible device if one plans to push for the potential 4K 120Hz experience while gaming. Many games struggle to get there with upscaling in the form of checkerboarding and dynamic resolution often bridging the gap to ensure a steady, stable experience for the console, given how demanding native 4K content can be, even for current-generation consoles and PCs.
While some users are more than happy to game on a monitor with the PS5, others like to see the 'big picture' or have the flexibility to game on a couch with their game console. This makes a TV, with all its pros and cons, essentially the only option unless a projector is under consideration instead.
This does, however, also raise the obvious question that many gamers and enthusiasts continue to ask: What is the best TV for gaming on a PS5 console? The Game Rant team has stepped up and made a list of recommendations that fit the bill for gamers, depending on their needs and budget. This article focuses on image quality, support for VRR, 4K 120FPS, and value condensed into some of the best choices available to PS5 gamers.
A TV can be considered a good option for gamers looking to play Sony's latest console based on the following features being available:
Support for 4K at 120 Hz: Some modern TVs have HDMI 2.1 ports but not the ability to support 4K content at 120 Hz refresh rates, which happens to be the maximum resolution that Sony's current-generation console supports. Users should aim to ideally get a TV that is capable of maximizing both the refresh rate offered by Sony's console and its maximum gaming resolution of 4K.
Image Quality and Brightness: Not all TVs are created equal. They employ different display tech, which can often result in varying image quality from the same input. Likewise, an important factor when it comes to HDR performance is a screen's peak brightness (and therefore ability to offer better potential contrast). Users should ideally pick TVs that offer excellent image quality with decent color accuracy and high peak brightness to get a better gaming experience on their current-generation consoles.
VRR Support: While modern consoles are a significant upgrade over their predecessors, they still are unable to lock in at the maximum 120 Hz refresh rate at 4K or even lower resolutions in multiple games. This makes VRR an important addition, especially when frame rates drop in certain scenes and titles, reducing screen tearing at different performance settings on a modern TV.
Game Rant's Picks For The Best TVs For Gaming On A PS5
LG C3 55 Inch OLED EVO TV
A True Gaming TV
The LG C3 55-inch OLED EVO TV is Game Rant's contender for the best gaming TV in 2023. This TV comes with a complete assortment of gaming-related advances such as VRR support, ALLM, a high refresh rate, and an excellent response time coupled with four HDMI 2.1 ports. It's hard to find a viable alternative to the C3 within its price range when the TV's gaming performance is considered.
- Dimensions
- 48.1 X 29.8 X 9.1"
- Display Technology
- OLED EVO
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet
- What's Included
- 55'' OLED TV, Magic Remote, Stand, Power Cord, Quick Start Guide, Batteries, E-Manual
- Brand
- LG
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 4k (3840x2160)
- HDR?
- Yes, Dolby Vision Supported
- Ports
- 4 x HDMI 2.1 Ports
- FreeSync
- Yes, FreeSync Premium
- G-SYNC
- Yes, G-Sync Compatible
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- Yes
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
- Yes
- Supports 4K 120Hz out of the box with four HDMI 2.1 ports
- Extremely low input lag for gamers, limiting ghosting effects
- Infinite contrast ratio, making for excellent color reproduction and HDR performance
- Built-in VRR support including Nvidia's and AMD's solutions
- As an OLED TV, this is considerably more expensive than most LED TVs
The LG C3 OLED TV strikes the right balance as a capable TV that delivers on its promise of excellent visuals as it builds on the success of LG's mid-range OLED TV offerings. It supports Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming service. It also supports the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X's maximum output resolution of 4K 120Hz and lower resolutions if needed with built-in support for both VRR and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), making it an excellent option to have if users look to spend the sub-$1500 required to get the latest in the business.
With four HDMI 2.1 ports, it comes well-endowed in case users have other gaming consoles they want to use along with the PS5 on the TV. It benefits from a low response time and low latency, which prevents ghosting as well as makes for smoother gameplay for gamers looking to play any genre of games, including FPS titles that particularly benefit from higher refresh rates.
What is mid-range for OLED TVs does translate to a considerably higher price tag for users moving from an LED TV to an OLED. While prices for OLED TVs have stabilized over time, they still command a sizable premium over the competition simply because of the underlying tech and weight of such TVs, even if they are thinner than the competition and considerably so, skipping on an LED backlight for self-lit OLED pixels instead.
Users who are looking for better aesthetics and to get more bleeding-end tech when it comes to OLED TVs can also opt for the LG G3 TV in the same size which offers Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology. This allows for better brightness in addition to better color reproduction than its predecessor WOLED options from LG.
Samsung S95C QD-OLED 55' TV
QD OLED Master Race
The Samsung QD-OLED S95C looks to build on the strengths of the last-generation S95B which was one of the best performers in the TV industry in 2022. It can now do 144Hz on 4K, marking a return of the One Connect box to Samsung's premium TV offerings while throwing better brightness into the mix.
- Display Technology
- QD-OLED
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet
- What's Included
- 55'' S95C QD-OLED TV, TM2360E Remote, One Connect Box, Power Cable, Stand, Documentation
- Brand
- Samsung
- Refresh Rate
- 144Hz
- Resolution
- 4K (3840 x 1920)
- HDR?
- Yes, HDR10+
- FreeSync
- Yes, Freesync Premium
- G-SYNC
- Yes, G-Sync compatible
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- Yes, Freesync Premium, G-Sync compatible
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
- Yes
- Up to 144Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution
- Considerably brighter than most of the OLED TVs
- HDMI 2.1 across all 4 HDMI ports
- VRR and ALLM support while offering low input lag and a fast response time in tow
- Significantly more expensive than the competition
- Tends to overcompensate in terms of brightness in game mode
- Does not support Dolby Vision for gaming
The Samsung S95C QD-OLED 55-inch TV is an excellent OLED TV by the Korean manufacturer that is above and beyond most of the TVs on this list for the PS5. The one glaring caveat is its pricing as a premium TV. With the ability to push 4K at 144Hz (the PS5 supports only up to 120Hz to date), one can say the Samsung QD-OLED TV's 2023 model is already pushing boundaries while offering a brighter and more vibrant experience than the competition.
With four HDMI 2.1 ports along with support for VRR and ALLM as part of its game mode offerings, it has gamers covered in terms of hardware specs alone. However, it does not support Dolby Vision for gaming or other use cases. While the PlayStation 5 does not currently support Dolby Vision (unlike the Xbox Series X), that is rumored to change. Samsung, however, does not have plans to push Dolby Vision on its current set of TVs, which could become a factor in the future for gamers with the PlayStation 5 and the S95C.
The only thing that was mentioned earlier that keeps the S95C from claiming the top spot on the list is its premium price tag, which affects its ability to be a more mainstream contender for gamers looking to get a TV to get more out of their PS5 while gaming. This is, however, a shifting goalpost. Samsung often offers significant discounts post-launch on its flagship TVs. Its predecessor, the Samsung S95B, offered an excellent example when it saw price cuts that brought it directly in competition with LG's entry-level 2023 OLED TVs last year.
Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV
Value-oriented Gaming
The Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, enhancing the viewing experience. It provides a clearer image and more vibrant colors than 1080p Full HD. The TV is equipped with built-in microphones, enabling users to control it hands-free with Alexa, offering the ability to turn on the TV and control content without using a remote.
This model allows users to stream over a million movies and TV episodes, supporting subscriptions to platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It enables access to live and free TV, video games, and music streaming.
- Dimensions
- 48.6” x 28.5” x 3.6”
- Display Technology
- LED TV
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet
- What's Included
- Fire TV, Alexa Remote, TV Stand, Batteries, QSG, IR Cable
- Brand
- Amazon
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz
- Resolution
- 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- HDR?
- Yes, HDR 10
- Ports
- HDMI 2.1 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 3, USB x 1, RF
- Weight
- 25 lb ex-stand
- FreeSync
- No
- G-SYNC
- No
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- No
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
- Yes
- Priced considerably better than the competition for an entry-level gaming TV
- Relatively low input lag of 2.6ms (game mode)
- ALLM support out of the box
- No VRR support
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rates with relatively slow response times
- Dolby Vision support is only available in the 65'' and 75'' options
The Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV is an unusual recommendation to make when listing TVs for gaming, but it does earn its spot, given the price point. Featuring decent response times thanks to its ALLM support with a dedicated gaming mode, it's a fairly entry-level display with decent audio and smart features.
This isn't something to write home about on its own. Users will point out the fact that, despite having an HDMI 2.1 port, the Omni can't exploit it given that it is limited to 60Hz on the refresh rate side while offering no VRR support for smoother gameplay as a more basic TV. That being said, in terms of raw value and having a decent experience, the Fire TV 55'' Omni is a compromise, but it's not necessarily a bad one when paired with a PS5, given its unique value proposition compared to most of its older competition in the same price range.
TCL QM8 QLED TV
Budget MiniLED Galore
The TCL QM8 is a big-screen budget TV that's ideal for gaming. Packing 4K UHD resolution, and a refresh rate of 120Hz, this TV also comes with full ray ultra dimming. The TV features Game Accelerator 240 which lets you get a refresh rate of up to 240Hz without sacrificing performance. You also get top-level motion clarity using multiple motion enhancement tech.
- Dimensions
- 1.73"D x 56.93"W x 32.56"H
- Display Technology
- Mini-LED QLED
- Connectivity Technology
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Brand
- TCL
- Refresh Rate
- 120 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- HDR?
- HDR Ultra
- Ports
- USB, HDMI, Tuner
- FreeSync
- Yes
- G-SYNC
- G-Sync Compatible
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- Yes
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
- Yes
- Weight
- 54.7 lbs
- What's Included
- Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Stand, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide
- Far better peak brightness than competing budget TVs
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports with support for up to 144Hz on the primary port (4 total)
- Excellent local dimming versus backlit LED TVs
- Trouble upscaling some content
- Some units might need calibration to get optimal picture quality
The TCL QM8 QLED TV offers a sharp picture on a bigger screen than its competition while leveraging the performance gains on offer thanks to it opting for new Mini-LED tech to back its QLED moniker. It offers dual HDMI 2.1 ports, both of which can max out the PlayStation 5's maximum output. TCL offers a low response time in addition to much better peak brightness than competing TVs, making it an excellent TV with superior HDR performance for gamers.
It also offers FreeSync support, covering its VRR angle while offering an Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) baked into a fast OS, making it an ideal gaming TV for gamers looking to run it on a PlayStation 5 or even a PC thanks to its G-Sync compatibility on offer. The 65-inch TCL QM8 is not without its flaws, however. It does not upscale content well and seems to have poor performance with SDR content for some users. It also requires users to calibrate it to get the most out of the display in some cases.
All in all, the TCL QM8 offers excellent value for money. Coupled with great contrast and excellent gaming-centric features, it is a strong and well-priced option for gamers on a budget, albeit with a few quirks.
LG C2 Series 48-Inch Class OLED EVO TV
Sharp, Low Latency FPS Superiority
The LG C2 Series TV features 8 million self-lit OLED pixels, providing incredible picture quality with infinite contrast, deep blacks, and over a billion vibrant colors, now even brighter. Powered by the α9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K, exclusive to LG, it automatically adjusts the TV's settings for enhanced picture and sound quality based on the content.
Filmmaker Mode eliminates unnecessary processing for movies, preserving the director's vision, while Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos enhance the overall viewing experience.
- Dimensions
- 42.2" x 25.6" x 9.9"
- Display Technology
- Self-Lighting OLED Evo Display
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi 5 (AC), Bluetooth 5.0
- What's Included
- TV Remote, Batteries, Quick Start Guide, E-Manual
- Brand
- LG
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz Native
- Resolution
- 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160)
- HDR?
- Yes, Cinema HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG) Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro
- Ports
- 4 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x RF, Optical, Headphone, 3 x USB 2.0
- Weight
- 39.7lbs
- FreeSync
- Yes, Premium
- G-SYNC
- Yes, Compatible
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- Yes
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
- Yes
- HDMI 2.1 support across all ports
- Trades at a significant discount over the 2023 models while retaining most of their positive factors
- VRR and ALLM support, including AMD and Nvidia solutions
- Very low input lag and response time, making it ideal for competitive console gaming
- Trades at a considerable premium over LED TVs
- Slightly smaller form factor than most other TVs in this guide
If one is looking to play games with a focus on high frame rates on the PlayStation 5, also known as its 'Performance Mode' in most titles, said users might be leaning toward competitive multiplayer games on the PS5. Some of the most popular titles are first-person shooter (FPS) titles, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Battlefield, among others.
The LG C2 Series 48-inch Class OLED EVO TV is an excellent, relatively cost-effective TV that offers VRR out of the box, excellent low latency and low response time gaming, and up to 120Hz refresh rates at 4K resolution for titles that support it. This is a no-brainer for gamers looking for an excellent FPS-centric gaming TV with no compromises.
Thanks to being a 2022 model, it is slightly cheaper than the newer LG C3 OLED TV. However, it offers similar performance, making it a more favorable consideration until the latter goes on sale at sub-$900 price points closer to the launch of the 2024 model of the same.
Sony BRAVIA XR 85” Class XR-85X95L Mini LED TV
Pricey, All-Encompassing Mini-LED Experience
The Sony BRAVIA XR 85” Class XR-85X95L Mini LED TV is an excellent, supersized TV for gaming and/or watching movies and streaming content without compromising on clarity or brightness for its form factor. With an overhauled gaming menu and a focus on gaming and PS5-exclusive features in tow, X95L Mini LED TV does offer Auto HDR Tone mapping, Dolby Vision, ALLM, and VRR to make it one of the best in the business as both a TV for viewing content and gaming simultaneously.
- Dimensions
- 1888 x 1085 x 59 (39.9) mm
- Display Technology
- Mini LED
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, Ethernet
- What's Included
- TV Unit, Stand, Remote, A/C Power Cable, Documentation
- Brand
- Sony
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 4K (3840 x 1920)
- HDR?
- Yes, with Auto HDR Tone Mapping
- Ports
- HDMI x 4, USB, Ethernet, RF
- Weight
- 114.1 lb ex-stand
- G-SYNC
- No
- VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- Yes
- ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
- Yes
- Auto HDR Tone Mapping for PS5 consoles during setup to allow for better color reproduction
- Dedicated Game Mode for PS5 that kicks in automatically when using the console
- Dolby Vision For Gaming
- VRR and ALLM
- Leverages its Mini-LED display to provide a brighter and high-contrast experience versus most of its competition
- Prohibitively expensive, even for an 85-inch top-of-the-line TV
- At 85 inches, this might not be something that is an easy fit for all living rooms or bedrooms
The Sony Bravia XR 85-inch Class XR-85X95L Mini LED TV is Sony's highest-end mini LED-based Bravia TV. With support for Dolby Vision for Gaming (which the PlayStation 5 does not support yet) as well as native VRR and ALLM support, this television makes for a very capable and high-end gaming experience with an immersive 85-inch screen.
With better brightness and contrast versus most of its competitors as well as Auto HDR Tone Mapping for the PS5 during initial setup, the XR-85X95L does better than the competition at achieving picture quality that is as close as possible to what the developers intended for games. With HDMI 2.1 and a native 120Hz refresh rate, the XR-85X95L maxes out what the PS5 is capable of in 4K with ease while also switching seamlessly to a game mode designed specifically for the console when in use.
That being said, at 85 inches, it is not everyone's cup of tea because it requires gaming at a significant distance from the TV and a large wall or desk space to go with it that not all households can spare. The price is also a significant issue. At $5k a pop, it is at the high end of the market, making it a situational buy for people who need an excellent gaming experience while being able to afford the price and having the space for a large TV in their living room or gaming room.
FAQ
Q: What is the maximum resolution supported by the Sony PlayStation 5?
The PlayStation 5 supports up to 8K UHD (7680 x 4320) as a display output resolution, but games tend to max out at a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution currently.
Q: What is VRR and how does it help on a PlayStation 5?
VRR stands for Variable Refresh Rate. It is used to synchronize frame rates between the PlayStation 5 console and the display to prevent tearing and provide a more responsive display by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate of the TV or monitor one is using with the output refresh rate of the PlayStation 5.