Best Gaming TV 2026: High refresh rates and stunning visuals

The LG C4 is one of the best TVs you can buy at any size for gaming and that’s mainly because the C4 supports every feature a casual or competitive gamer could want. There is 4K/120Hz and VRR support across all its HDMI inputs, with Dolby Vision Gaming supported which is compatible with Xbox Series consoles. PC gamers get AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync support too, and support for higher refresh rates up to 144Hz.

LG’s Game Optimizer allows for customisation by tweaking black levels of switching through various game mode presets. Input lag is much the same as it was with the OLED65C3 with our reviewer measuring the lag at 13ms. The Boost mode knocks the latency down to less than 10ms.

But all those premium gaming features would be naught if the picture quality wasn’t good, and the C4 is a step up from the C3. Images are colour rich without being oversaturated, blacks full of depth helping to create excellent contrast with crushing detail in the shadows.

We measured it as brighter than the previous C3 OLED was at 1150 nits on a 10% window. That’s more than enough to bring out the brightness with HDR highlights.

If you want the best experience, we’d suggest a soundbar, and for the most immersive performance you may want to consider an LG soundbar that has its WOW Orchestra feature. It allows the soundbar to work with the C4’s speakers to create a bigger, more immersive sound.

Although the TCL 98C7K is a great option for anyone who wants a massive cinema-like screen in their own home but at a price that doesn’t completely decimate the bank, the Samsung QE75QN900F is the alternative to go for if you aren’t constrained to a budget and would rather go all in on a TV that’ll have your friends and family feeling jealous.

The first thing you’ll notice about this TV is that it’s huge, boasting a 75-inch panel. Sure, it’s not as big as the 98-inch panel of TCL’s aforementioned set but then again, most living rooms don’t have space for a TV of that size whilst 75-inches is a bit easier to accommodate. Of course, with having such a big panel, there’s very little room for distraction as you’ll be fully absorbed with what’s happening onscreen.

Although 8K hasn’t been adopted as the industry standard as of yet, Samsung hasn’t completely given up on the concept as the resolution is available on the QE75QN900F. Of course, there aren’t really any games that make use of the resolution at a native level, but the upscaling can still result in a noticeable boost in quality that makes the latest games look just that bit better.

Samsung doesn’t just have an eye for visual quality however, it also knows how to put together an impressive soundscape from built-in speakers, which is a rare thing. Instead of needing to run out and get a new soundbar, you can kick back and enjoy the impressively spacious sound available by default, and it’s backed up by a noticeable bass presence that really shines through in action titles.

What really ties the whole thing together is the actual style of the TV itself. Taking more than a few notes from Samsung’s ‘The Frame’ TVs, the QN900F features a slim profile, and it can project jaw dropping artwork when not in use. This is the option to go for if you want a stylish gaming TV that doesn’t clash with your existing set-up, but rather elevates it.

If you’re gaming on a PS5, Sony’s Bravia TVs serve as offering the best integration in terms of performance with a number of exclusive features.

While the A80L is one of Sony’s older sets, we’d recommend as the best option for PS5 owners. Those ‘exclusive’ features aren’t necessarily different from other TVs with Auto Genre Picture mode effectively Sony’s version of ALLM that automatically switches between the TV’s standard and game modes.

Auto HDR Tone Mapping enhances the HDR performance of the A80L’s screen for brightness and contrast. Dolby Vision Gaming is not supported by the PS5 or the A80L but 4K/120Hz and variable refresh rates (VRR) are, and they’re available across two HDMI 2.1 inputs (one is shared with the audio eARC port). We measured input lag at 16.4ms before VRR is applied, which is solid, but TVs such as the LG C2 and C3 OLED can perform better

The Sony A80L is short of gaming features for PC gamers, so it’s not as versatile as the LG is. It also pitches itself as more of a home cinema telly, so once you’re done playing games on the PS5, you can enjoy its impressive picture and sound quality. While it’s not as bright as the LG C-series OLED, we found it to be a more nuanced, and balanced image with a very natural look. Upscaling is also of high quality, boosting detail and clarity while preserving the look of the source. Motion processing is excellent, smooth and with very few noted issues such as judder.

The sound quality is punchy, dynamic, and loud; good enough that we wouldn’t rush out for a new soundbar. A cheaper option is Sony’s X85L LCD TV, but that doesn’t offer as good a picture or sound performance as the A80L.

The Samsung Q80D is an affordable mid-range TV, and the gaming features it offers are excellent for a TV at its price.

It is a QLED and not the more advanced Neo QLED model, though we don’t feel it sacrifices much in terms of performance. It has a dedicated Game Hub that comes with cloud gaming options such as Xbox Game Pass and Utomik, and there’s also a Game bar that overlays on the screen to show the user all info such as input lag, VRR performance and HDR.

We measured input lag at an impressive 9.8ms with 60Hz feeds, one of lowest out-of-the-box figures on any TV. You can enable Game Motion Plus for a smoother picture, though that does add more input lag to the Q80D’s performance.

HDMI 2.1 is supported across all the Q80D’s inputs (unusual for a TV at this price) with support for ALLM, VRR, and 4K/120Hz frame rates. There’s official support for AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology and unofficial support for Nvidia G-Sync.

We found the Q80D impressed as a gaming display. Our reviewer measured brightness at 1000 nits, which is more than enough to produce a bright, punchy, and colourful performance. Black levels and contrast are very good, and sharpness and detail levels are high.

We also found the audio quality to be very good for a flatscreen TV, producing a large soundstage and tracking sounds well across it. Bass is relatively solid and distortion free, so while a soundbar would be an effective upgrade, we don’t feel the need to rush out for one.

Hisense has stepped up its game with regards to the gaming performance with its TVs, and the U7N offers a very competitive feature set.

We measured input lag at 13.2ms, which in terms of its out of the box performance, is not far off the LG C4 OLED, and is better than the Panasonic MZ980 and Sony A80L. 4K/120Hz refresh rates should halve that number for a quicker response time.

VRR and ALLM is supported, with PC gamers getting access to AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to improve picture and input lag with AMD chips. Refresh rates for PC gaming can go as high as 144Hz, which matches LG’s OLED TVs. There’s a Game Board menut too that allows for customisation of the TV’s gaming performance as you play.

The Hisense U7N produces a colourful and bright performance with HDR content, though we did feel as if its levels of sharpness and detail weren’t as good as other TVs around its price. Black levels are decent, though not the deepest, which affects the U7N’s contrast. It’s a good picture for a 65-inch screen, though there are 2023 OLEDs for around the same price.

The sound system features Dolby Atmos support, and it sounds pretty decent too. It handles dialogue with clarity and detail, the soundstage is spacious and bass is ok for the most part though not the most consistent. A soundbar would improve on what Hisense has delivered here, but it’s an enjoyable sound system for a flatscreen TV.

LG has already made itself known as one of the safest bets when buying a new TV thanks to years of innovation, refining its sets to the point where they leave you wanting for very little. All of that work has gone into the LG OLED42C5 which is a great little gaming TV for anyone who doesn’t have a ton of space in their living room, or would like a full-sized TV on their desk.

The big highlight here is that unlike a lot of other gaming TVs which might include one or two HDMI 2.1 ports, the LG C5 has no less than four inputs. This is perfect for any multi-console gamers who have an Xbox, a PS5 and maybe even a gaming PC that they’d like to hook up to the display.

By having those HDMI 2.1 ports in tow, the LG C5 is able to offer up 144Hz gaming,  which is perfect for any PC gamers who enjoy playing fast-paced titles like Marvel Rivals or Cyberpunk 2077. Having those extra frames can help you to stay locked in with the action, so even when things get fairly chaotic onscreen, you can still keep tabs on what’s going on.

Going one step further in this area is the Instant Game Response mode which is available on a handful of LG TVs but it allows the C5 to automatically recognise when you’re playing a game and minimise the input lag so that there’s no discernible delay between your actions on the controller and what you see onscreen.

All of these gaming features sit on top of LG’s stunning OLED display tech, which can bring out stunning contrast and vibrant colours. It’s perfect for titles like Resident Evil Requiem which indulge in dimly lit areas to really drive home the scares. There’s also the ingenious webOS platform which makes discovering new TV shows a breeze.

Even though it’s got some serious competition from LG, Panasonic has done an amazing job in making sure that it remains a key contender in the gaming space and the Panasonic TV-48Z90B is the perfect example of this. It’s a phenomenal TV that fires on all cylinders, and aside from one key caveat, it’s a great pick for most buyers.

Designed with PC gamers in mind, the Z90B can reach a stunning 144Hz refresh rate with the right kit in tow. Although the feature isn’t exactly mainstream as consoles have yet to embrace the tech, it’s a must-have for PC users as it makes almost all titles feel far more immersive than when playing at the standard 60Hz. Trust us, Cyberpunk’s Night City takes on a whole new life of its own at a higher refresh rate.

If PC gaming isn’t your bag and you have a PS5 or an Xbox Series X in tow then you can still enjoy 120Hz with compatible titles. Regardless of your console of choice however, the auto low latency mode, in conjunction with support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, ensures that your inputs are matched quickly onscreen, and you don’t have to worry about screen tearing getting in the way of a win.

The only problem with the Z90B is that for all of its gaming prowess, the TV only has two HDMI 2.1 ports whilst the LG C5 has four, so depending on the set-up you have, that might not be enough to cover every console in your collection, which is worth bearing in mind.

Working in the Z90B’s favour though is its outstanding sound system which carries so much clarity out of the gate that there’s no immediate need to pick up a soundbar, in effect saving you from any extra costs on top of the price of the TV. When you fancy taking a break from gaming, Fire OS allows you to access all of the key streaming apps quickly, perfect for a relaxing night in.

Given just how expensive some OLED TVs can be, any chance to pick up a 55-inch set at a reasonable price is worth shouting about, which is why the Philips 55OLED760 is a great value pick for most buyers. Even though it’s packing a ton of tech, the 55OLED760 only carries a price tag of £999 and can often be found for less during sales events.

In spite of its more affordable price point, the 55OLED760 is a true feast for the eyes the moment you switch it on. Its OLED panel delivers the exact type of deep, inky blacks that the tech is known for. While it’s typically showcased for films and TV shows, OLED can really elevate games in a way that has to be seen to be believed.

A title like Alan Wake 2 shines on the Philips 55OLED760 as the game’s mind-bending horror feels even more foreboding than usual. Of course, the TV can also do a great job of elevating other colours for a very vibrant experience, but the dedicated game menu can let you tweak things to your liking.

There are no fewer than four HDMI 2.1 ports on this TV, so you’re easily catered to if you have more than one console to hand. Those ports can output games at up to 4K/120Hz, so highly detailed and super fast titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Marvel Rivals look even better, and will have you wondering how you ever put up with anything less.

The final cherry on top here is the inclusion of Philips Ambilight, which projects lighting onto the wall behind the TV, with colours that match the action onscreen. It just allows the 55OLED760 to go one step further than the competition in creating a truly immersive experience.

Even though there are plenty of great options on this list with gaming specific features such as super high refresh rates and modes to massively reduce input lag, if you’re part of a family household that only plays more colourful games like Lego Star Wars, Fortnite or Astro Bot, then you don’t need all those bells and whistles – what you need is a great screen, and the Samsung QE65S90F delivers exactly that.

This 65-inch set feels cinematic right from the moment you turn it on. It uses a QD-OLED panel which is better than OLED when it comes to delivering on brightness levels, so if you are playing games that rely on a more vibrant aesthetic, you’ll see colours pop like never before.

The HDR performance is also outstanding, which adds more depth to a scene as the darker parts of an image have a slightly terrifying sense of the unknown attached (but in a good way). If you’re playing a title like Hogwarts Legacy which regularly has you scouring through caves and dungeons, then you’ll notice how well the S90F can portray the varied colour palette on display.

There are four HDMI 2.1 slots included, so you won’t have to constantly swap out cables as you jump between consoles. Those ports can output 4K content at 120Hz, which is perfect for fast-paced titles like Rocket League which can really make use of the added speed. There’s also solid upscaling onboard – great news for any retro gamers who like dusting off older consoles now and then.

One of the few areas where the Samsung QE65S90F falls short is in audio quality, so we do recommend picking up one of the best soundbars in order to enjoy a fully-rounded gaming experience. Still, it’s a minor gripe that doesn’t detract from how enjoyable the visuals are – it’s enough to make you want to revisit games you’ve already completed to see all the detail you might have missed.

Ever since gamers had to deal with tiny square-sized monochrome displays way back when, the idea of being able to play on a cinema-sized screen has been a long-gestating pipe dream. Of course, actually hooking up a PS5 to the projector at your local cineplex is something of a logistical nightmare, so for the next best thing that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home, the TCL 98C7K is the option to beat.

This set has a whopping 98-inch panel which is large enough to make it feel as if your entire point of view is dominated by what’s happening onscreen (someone trying to get your attention on the periphery doesn’t stand a chance). If you’re indulging in a bit of classic split-screen multiplayer then it almost feels as if each person is looking at their own individual TV instead of squinting to see what’s happening.

What’s probably most surprising about a TV of this size is that it doesn’t cost anywhere near as much as you most likely think. TCL has made quite a name for itself in offering high-end features for a price that massively undercuts the competition and that’s the same here, with the 98C7K ringing in at £2399. Given that TVs of this size tend to cost far more than that, you’re getting an absolute bargain here.

Still, even with the great-value price tag, TCL hasn’t skimped on delivering an image that can stand with some of the best TVs out there. Just like with other Mini LED TVs, the 98C7K can pump out a wonderfully bright image, one that reaches a stunning 3000 nits. For colourful games like Ghost of Yotei, you’ll find yourself drawn into the vibrancy of it all.

In terms of gaming-specific features you’ve got no fewer than four HDMI 2.1 ports which is great to see, alongside ALLM and VRR, adding up to an experience that keeps you lock and step with everything happening onscreen. Throw in 144Hz gaming with a PC or laptop attached and you’re looking at a behemoth set that’s hard to beat.

Even though there’s stark competition from the likes of LG and Samsung, Sony is a staple brand when it comes to ranking the best gaming TVs largely because of how well the company’s Bravia range handles HDR and colour accuracy. If that alone has piqued your interest then the Sony Bravia 8 might be the TV for you.

With an OLED panel in tow, the Bravia 8 is able to deliver some of the best contrast we’ve ever seen in a TV which is why it’s perfect for more adult oriented games like Resident Evil Requiem or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as it can make their oftentimes foreboding atmosphere feel even more intense.

Blacks have that wonderful ink-like quality that you’d expect from OLED, and that extends to how well the TV can depict high dynamic range in games with massive vistas like Ghost of Yotei. It’s not just mature games that work well on this TV however as Dolby Vision support also helps with uplifting colour vibrancy for more child-friendly titles.

What’s sure to be a major boon for retro gamers is the upscaling ability built into the Sony Bravia 8. We were massively impressed with seeing what the TV could do with old DVDs and the same applies to classic video games, so if you’re tempted to boot up your old Xbox 360 for another run of the Mass Effect trilogy then you can do just that and be hit with a much better image.

Elsewhere you’ve got the typical features that complete the experience such as ALLM and 120Hz gaming, but for those who also want a solid set for passive entertainment in those moments when you’re just too tired to game, then the inclusion of Google TV is a big help. Google’s streaming platform is well designed and makes it easy to pick up from where you left off on your favourite shows, and discover new favourites.