Playing games on big screens is immersive, fun, and once you taste that, there is no going back. Especially, if you splurge on high-end PCs and the latest consoles, you would want to experience the gorgeous graphics of games on a larger canvas. And it’s not just about the quality of visuals, but also their responsiveness. So these days, the modern big flat TVs come with ultra HD (4K) imagery and fluid response times (low latency).
Now, as with any product, there is an abundance of options to sieve through, a lot many factors to consider, and a slew of TV parlance to grasp. So, to make things easier for you, we have made this guide which will help you in picking the best TVs for your gaming needs. But, before we glance at the TVs, here’s a quick lowdown of what you should know about the TV tech, particularly related to the gaming use case.
Important factors to consider before buying TV for gaming
- Input Lag: It is the time it takes for the action to take place (or it to be presented on screen) after you hit the button on your controller. It is more important than resolution for gamers ’cause it could be the deciding factor in winning and losing in several fast-paced titles. Anything below 30ms is good and under 20ms is excellent. Class-leading TVs boast as low as 10ms or even lower. You may jump over to Rtings or Display Lag websites to find the input lag data of popular TVs. Incidentally, if you are a competitive player, the ideal refresh rate is 120Hz. But, for the regular user or as you go down the price hill, a good-quality 60Hz panel would also get the job done. Also, you can enable Game Mode on your TV to get rid of unnecessary post-processing in favour of faster response and smoother animations.
- Size: It is a subjective matter. But, something too small wouldn’t be immersive, and too big will be tough to track within your field of vision. We have listed 55-inch TVs here which is a sweet spot in our opinion. But then, take your room size, TV position, and sitting arrangements into consideration.
- Resolution and HDR capability: All the TVs curated here are of 4K (3840×2160 pixels) Resolution. It has really become a standard, especially to experience the stunning and detailed visuals of the latest games. If you pick a low-priced 4K TV, the upscaling of lower resolution content won’t be necessarily up to the mark. This is something to keep in mind. Also, unless the ideal contrast ratio, peak brightness (400 nits or above at least), color representation (preferably 10-bit depth) are met, you may not get the best out of HDR content.
- Ports: It’s preferable to have the latest HDMI 2.1 certified port on the top-trim TVs. HDMI 2.1 can push 4K120fps / 8K60fps, whilst the HDMI 2.0 ports can only drive 4K60fps / 8K30fps content. With HDMI 2.1, you also get next-gen features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR allows the display to dynamically refresh the speed of the frames with respect to the source so that different portions of the game can seamlessly switch to high and low frame rates), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM tells the TV to toggle low latency Game mode depending on the content on screen), and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC ensures both in and out of high-bandwidth content through the single cable to and from external soundbar or receiver). Rest, you may also want to ensure the presence of a 3.5 jack (if you plan to use a headphone), and an ethernet socket (if you want to connect to the internet directly) in the port area.
ALSO READ: What’s the difference between QD-OLED vs OLED vs QLED vs Mini LED TVs?
10 Best TVs for gaming on PS5 and XBOX Series X to buy in India in 2022
There are TVs from premium to mid-range and much more affordable price ranges here. Pick one that fits your bill.
1. LG C2
LG C2 is a true successor to the company’s previous flagship LG C1. It is one of the brightest OLED TV that LG has launched so far. Much like the C1, you get 4K@120Hz FPS support, Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-sync, and major HDR format support. There is even HDMI 2.1 on all 4 ports but with full-fat 48 Gbps bandwidth. Needless to say, you get amenities like ALLM, 1ms response time, HGIG mode, quad USB 2.1 ports, eARC audio transmission, etc.
The LG C1 sports dual front-firing 20W speakers with Dolby Atmos support for audio output. Although the complete experience is enhanced by a mile with the α9 Gen4 AI processor is worth investing in.
LG C1 Specs
Display: 4K OLED, 120Hz VRR, HDR 10 Pro, Dolby Vision IQ, HLG, Motion Pro, HGIG, ALLM, FreeSync, NVidia G-Sync | Ports: HDMI 2.1 on all 4 ports, 2 USB, Ethernet, Headphone | Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Audio: eARC (HDMI 2), 40W Front Firing, Dolby Atmos
2. Samsung QN90A Neo QLED TV
Samsung QN90A is a 4K QLED TV with discerning contrast and ample colour details. The TV opts for Samsung’s quantum dot technology which is layered on top of mini-lED backlights. This results in excellent colours and peak brightness.
The TV supports a number of display standards including HDR, HDR10+, and HLG. But, being a relatively low-specced model, you won’t see things like HDMI 2.1 or VRR here. The viewing angle is 178 degrees which is good by far. The UHD dimming support means the TV has much control over blacks.
Samsung has added 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, ethernet, and an optical output among other things. For audio, you get a 40W speaker augmented by features like ARC, eARC, and 5.1 Dolby Atmos.
Samsung QN90A Specs
Display: 4K LED, 120Hz, 1.778:1 aspect ratio, edge backlighting, VRR, PWM, BFI, Motion Interpolation, ALLM, Game Motion Plus | HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | Ports: 4 x HDMI, 2 x USB 2.0, Ethernet, optical audio port | Wireless: dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2 | Audio: ARC (HDMI 2), eARC, Dolby Atmos 5.1, 40W
Explore more about Samsung QN90A
3. Sony Bravia XR OLED A80K
Sony Bravia XR OLED A80K is an impressive offering but at humungous pricing. It exhibits a 4K OLED display that outs 120 frames per second. There is HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, and other formats for enhanced colours and contrast. The TV ships with four HDMI 2.1 ports with HDCP2.3 technology. You get the benefit of eARC on the second port. VRR, ALLM, and eARC are also in the mix.
The rest of the repertoire also consists of an ethernet, 3.5mm jack, two USB ports, and five speaker setups with 60W production. Again Sony excites the package with Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Digital surround support.
Sony Bravia XR OLED A80K
Display: 4K OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, ALLM, VRR | Ports: 4 HDMI (all 2.1), USB x 2, Ethernet, 3.5mm jack, optical | Wireless: Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth | Audio: 5 60W, Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, eARC (HDMI 2)
Explore more about Sony Bravia XR OLED A80K
4. Sony X90J
Sony X90K is a strong candidate for the best gaming TVs to buy in India. It is decked with a 4K 120Hz full array LCD screen. It boasts several of Sony’s proprietary picture optimizations including XR-Motion Clarity for smooth and clear output. It can manage a splendid contrast ratio too. Although it has 2.1 eligible HDMI ports with support to VRR and ALLM. Speaking of missing features, you don’t get support for FreeSync or G-Sync here.
Rest, it is outfitted with a 30W speaker system aided by Dolby and DTS enhancements. Now Sony may be able to fix some of the absent stuff via software updates.
Sony X90J Specs
Display: 4K, LCD, FALD, 120Hz XR-Motion Clarity | HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, local dimming, VRR, ALLM No FreeSync or G-Sync | Ports: HDMI (3,4: 2.1), Ethernet, 2 USB, headphones port | Wireless: Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth | Audio: ARC, eARC, 3.5mm jack, 30W, Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround
5. TCL C835
TCL C835 features a 4K VA panel with LCD backlighting. It presents a 120Hz refresh rate which can reach up to 144Hz VRR, 1000000:1 contrast ratio, and premier HDR formats such as Dolby Vision and HDR10. Highlighting features include support for VRR, ALLM, eARC, and Freesync Premium. You get 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, 2 USBs, 1 ethernet, and a 3.5mm jack. There is support for dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth. The audio comes out of a 40W dual speaker system. This is bolstered by Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD processing. The sound signature is best suited for vocals.
TCL C835 Specs
Display: 4K LCD (VA), 120Hz, 100000:1, HDR10, Dolby Vision, VRR, ALLM, eARC, AMD FreeSync, local dimming | Ports: 4 HDMI 2.1, 2 USB, Ethernet, Headphone Jack | Wireless: dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth | Audio: 40W DTS-HD, Dolby Atmos, ARC
6. LG B2
LG B1 sports a 4K 120Hz screen that is OLED in nature. It gives out a pleasing viewing angle of 178° and offers well-calibrated colours. The features like 4K@120FPS support, VRR, ALLM, HGIG mode, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync, etc. make the B1 an ideal pick for gaming.
Ports-wise, you get 4 HDMI with ARC on the third port, 3 USBs, 1 headphone jack, and 1 ethernet. There are dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth compatibility. The downward-firing speaker is complemented by Dolby Atmos.
LG B2 Specs
Display: 4K 120Hz, OLED, self-light dimming, direct backlighting, good reflection handling, PWM Dimming, OLED Motion Pro, VRR, ALLM, AMD FreeSync, Nvidia G-Sync | HDR: HDR10, HDR10 Pro, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ | Ports: 4 HDMI, ARC (on 3), 3 USB, 1 Ethernet, optical audio output | Wireless: Dual-band WiFI, Bluetooth | Audio: Down Firing 20W, Dolby Atmos
7. Samsung Q95T
Samsung Q95T comes with a 4K QLED panel upfront with a direct full array of 16x dimming zones. It is exceptionally bright at the same time maintaining excellent contrast. The TV flaunts a native 120Hz refresh rate, and top-end tweaks like BFI, VRR, and ALLM for a smooth gameplay experience. Being a Samsung TV, you get an HDR10+ dynamic range.
Out of the four HDMI ports, one is HDMI 2.1 compatible, which offers VRR, 4K@120Hz gaming, and eARC. Sound-wise, the TV has a 60W speaker system that’s Dolby Digital Plus certified.
Samsung Q95T Specs
Display: 4K QLED, 120Hz, DIRECT FULL ARRAY 16X, (Auto Motion Plus) motion interpolation, BFI, FreeSync Premium, ALLM, VRR | HDR: HDR10+, HLG | Ports: four HDMIs (4K@120Hz HDMI 4-2.1), three USBs, a digital audio output, Ethernet, and the usual tuner inputs (no headphone jack) | WIRELESS: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Audio: ARC, eARC, up-firing and down-firing speakers, 60W, Dolby Digital Plus
Explore more about Samsung Q95T
If you want something similar but cheaper, you can check out Samsung Q80T.
8. LG C1
LG C1 is undoubtedly one of the best TVs out there. It is also in our opinion the best LG TV for gaming. It sports a 4K OLED screen with an infinite contrast ratio. It is capable of a 120Hz refresh rate out of the box. There is BFI (Black Frame Insertion), Motion Interpolation for countering motion blur. Being a tricked-out TV, you get HDMI 2.1 support on all 4 HDMI ports, but only up to 40Gbps bandwidth. This means, you also get VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for low input lag. You must enable the Game Mode from the TV settings to enjoy these features.
Based on the GPU you have in your machine, you can benefit FreeSync or G-Sync. As far as I/O is concerned, you get 3 USBs, a 3.5mm jack, Ethernet socket, among other things. The audio comes out of a 40W speaker system that is backed by 5.1 Dolby Digital and Atmos. Thanks to HDMI 2.1 compatibility, you also get eARC for high-bandwidth audio to other devices.
LG C1 Specs
Display: 4K OLED 120Hz Infinite Contrast ratio, BFI, Motion Interpolation, VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync, ALLM | HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | Ports: HDMI 4 (all 2.1; 40Gbps), USB 3, 3.5mm jack, Ethernet, Digital Optical Audio Out 1, Composite In 1 (incl. adapter), Tuner (Cable/Ant) 1 | Wireless: Dual Band WiFi, Bluetooth | Audio: ARC (HDMI 2), eARC, 5.1 Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, 40W (w/woofer), Front Firing, Dolby Atmos
In our testing, Sony A8H (review) lacked the HDMI 2.1 capability and other perks that make LG CX a better gaming contender.
ALSO READ: List of phones with true variable refresh rate displays in 2021
9. TCL C725
If you have a tight budget, then TCL’s C725 has a fine value proposition to offer. It decks out a 4K QLED LCD fascia with a 60Hz refresh rate, 5000:1 contrast ratio, and compatibility with major HDR standards. TCL has finely crafted the C725 to offer 178-degree of viewing from horizontal and vertical directions. Though it lacks VRR but support to ALLM offers smooth gameplay.
There is an HDMI 2.1 dock alongside two regular. Other peripheral options include an optical audio port, 2 USB sockets, and an ethernet. On the audio front, you get support for ARC as well as eARC transfer to the external output.
TCL C725 Specs
Display: 4K QLED, 5000:1, 60Hz, No local dimming, ALLM, No VRR, No FreeSync | HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision | Ports: 3 HDMI (1×2.1), 2 USB, optical audio, Ethernet | Wireless: Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth | Audio: 2x12W, eARC, Dolby, DTS
ALSO READ: 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under Rs 100000 That You Can Buy Today
10. Samsung Q90B
Samsung QN90B offers a better price to performance compared to its previous releases. The 4K TV has got a VA LCD panel upfront which can get a bit reflective. It shows a 95-per cent screen-to-body ratio with support for content in HDR 10, HDR 10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision formats.
On the I/O side of things, you have three HDMI (one of them with HDMI ARC), two USB sockets, and an Ethernet port, among other things. But, one thing that doesn’t make the cut is the headphone jack. That said audio from the 30W speaker system capable of Dolby and DTS tuning should come across as decent.
Samsung QN90B Specs
Display: 4K 60Hz, VA LCD, reflective| HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, MEMC | Wireless: Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth | Ports: 3 HDMI, HDMI1 support ARC, 2 USB, Ethernet, No 3.5mm jack, optical audio port | Audio: 30W 4 Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, DTS-HD
Best 4K Gaming TVs for PS5 and Xbox Series X in 2022
These are the best gaming TVs for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and other consoles. Before setting up with any of these consoles, do a google for the best/ recommended settings. This will serve you better results.
| Models | Panel Type | Resolution | Refresh Rate | HDMI 2.1 | Software |
| LG C2 | OLED | 4K | 120Hz | Yes | WebOS |
| Samsung QN90A | QLED | 4K | 120Hz | Yes | Tizen |
| Sony Bravia XR OLED A80K | OLED | 4K | 120Hz | Yes | Android TV |
| Sony X9JK | LCD | 4K | 120Hz | Yes | Android TV |
| TCL C835 | QLED | 4K | 120Hz | Yes | Google TV |
| Samsung Q95B | QLED | 4K | 120Hz | Yes | TizenOS |
| LG B2 | OLED | 4K | 120Hz | Yes | WebOS |
| LG C1 | OLED | 4K | 120Hz | Yes | WebOS |
| TCL C725 | QLED | 4K | 60Hz | No | Android TV |
| Samsung Q90B | LCD (VA) | 4K | 60Hz | No | Android TV with Oxygen UI |
