Best Gaming TV 2025: Top UHD Picks for PS5, Xbox Series X and 120Hz HDMI 2.1 Performance
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
Discover the best gaming TVs of 2025 for PS5 and Xbox Series X. We review the top 120Hz HDMI 2.1 displays from LG, Samsung, and Sony to level up your gaming experience.
# Best Gaming TV 2025: Top UHD Picks for PS5, Xbox Series X and 120Hz HDMI 2.1 Performance The market of console gaming has changed dramatically over the last few years. Gone are the days when a standard 1080p telly would suffice for your living room setup. With the PS5 and Xbox Series X pushing the boundaries of 4K resolution at high frame rates, your choice of display is now just as critical as the console itself. As we move into 2025, the "Best Gaming TV" title isn't just about picture quality—it’s about latency, refresh rates, and the smooth integration of HDMI 2.1 technology. Whether you are hunting down enemies in *Call of Duty* at a silky-smooth 120Hz or exploring the lush vistas of *Elden Ring* with HDR10+, the right panel makes all the difference. Today’s premium gaming TVs offer dedicated "Game Bars," Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support to prevent screen tearing, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) to ensure your inputs are reflected on-screen instantly. In this guide, we’ve put the latest flagship models from LG, Samsung, Sony, and more through their paces. We’ve looked at peak brightness for those HDR highlights, the depth of black levels for atmospheric horror titles, and most importantly, how these screens handle the rigorous demands of next-gen hardware. ## The Top Gaming TVs for 2025 Reviewed ### 1. LG C4 Series OLED (The Best All-Rounder) The LG "C" series has long been the gold standard for gamers, and the C4 continues that legacy. With four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, it allows you to connect multiple consoles and a PC without ever swapping cables. The C4 features a new Alpha 9 processor that enhances upscaling and HDR tone mapping. Its OLED panel provides near-instantaneous response times (0.1ms), which is a solid upgrade for competitive shooters. **Pros:** * Superb infinite contrast and perfect blacks. * Four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/144Hz (PC) and 120Hz (Console). * G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support. * Highly intuitive Game Optimizer menu. **Cons:** * Not as bright as QD-OLED or Mini-LED rivals. * Risk of permanent burn-in (though minimal with modern care features). ### 2. Samsung QN90D Neo QLED (Best for Bright Rooms) If your gaming setup is in a sun-drenched lounge, OLED might struggle with reflections. The Samsung QN90D uses Mini-LED technology to achieve staggering peak brightness levels that make HDR content pop even in broad daylight. The QN90D features Samsung’s Gaming Hub, allowing you to stream games via Xbox Game Pass without a console. Its "Motion Xcelerator" technology ensures that fast-paced action remains blur-free. **Pros:** * Incredible peak brightness (over 2000 nits). * Minimal glare thanks to an excellent anti-reflective coating. * Very low input lag. * No risk of OLED burn-in. **Cons:** * Lacks Dolby Vision support (uses HDR10+ instead). * Some minor blooming around bright objects in dark scenes. ### 3. Sony Bravia XR A95L QD-OLED (The PS5 Perfectionist) For the best PS5 experience, Sony’s flagship A95L is hard to beat. Because Sony manufactures both the console and the TV, the A95L features "Auto HDR Tone Mapping" specifically calibrated for the PS5. The QD-OLED panel combines the perfect blacks of OLED with the vibrant colours of Quantum Dots. It’s arguably the best-looking TV on the market today, though it comes with a premium price tag. **Pros:** * Exclusive PS5 features (Auto Genre Picture Mode). * Incredible colour saturation thanks to QD-OLED tech. * Exceptional motion handling. **Cons:** * Only two HDMI 2.1 ports. * Significantly more expensive than the LG C4. ### 4. Hisense U8N Mini-LED (Best Budget Performance) You don’t need to spend two grand to get a top-tier gaming experience. The Hisense U8N offers Mini-LED backlighting, 144Hz support, and HDMI 2.1 at a fraction of the cost of the big brands. **Pros:** * Outstanding value for money. * Supports both Dolby Vision Gaming and HDR10+. * Impressive local dimming for the price. **Cons:** * Viewing angles are narrower than OLED. * Software interface can be slightly sluggish. ## Comparison Table: Gaming Features at a Glance | Model | Panel Type | Max Refresh Rate | HDMI 2.1 Ports | VRR Support | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **LG C4 OLED** | OLED | 144Hz | 4 | G-Sync / FreeSync | | **Samsung QN90D** | Mini-LED | 144Hz | 4 | FreeSync Premium Pro | | **Sony A95L** | QD-OLED | 120Hz | 2 | G-Sync / VRR | | **Hisense U8N** | Mini-LED | 144Hz | 2 | FreeSync Premium Pro | | **Samsung S95D** | QD-OLED | 144Hz | 4 | FreeSync Premium Pro | ## What to Look For: A Buyer’s Guide to Gaming TVs When shopping for the best gaming TV in 2025, there are four non-negotiable features you should keep in mind: ### HDMI 2.1 Ports To play in 4K at 120fps, you **must** have HDMI 2.1. While many TVs claim to be "4K," older HDMI 2.0 ports cap the frame rate at 60Hz. Look for at least two HDMI 2.1 ports, especially if you own both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X. ### VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) VRR syncs the TV's refresh rate to the console’s output. This is vital because if a game’s frame rate dips from 60fps to 45fps, VRR prevents "screen tearing"—those ugly horizontal lines that appear when the display and console are out of sync. ### Input Lag For competitive gaming, every millisecond counts. Top-tier gaming TVs now offer input lag of under 10ms. Anything under 20ms is considered excellent for most gamers. ### Panel Technology: OLED vs. Mini-LED - **OLED:** Best for dark rooms and cinematic gaming. Each pixel turns off individually, providing perfect blacks. - **Mini-LED:** Best for bright rooms. It uses thousands of tiny LEDs to produce much higher brightness than OLED, though you may see "blooming" around white text on dark backgrounds. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I really need 120Hz for PS5 and Xbox Series X? While most games still target 60fps, an increasing number of titles (like *Call of Duty*, *Fortnite*, and *Destiny 2*) offer 120Hz modes. It provides a much smoother, more responsive feel that is particularly beneficial in multiplayer. ### What is ALLM? Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) allows your console to tell the TV to switch to its "Game Mode" automatically. This disables heavy image processing to ensure the lowest possible input lag without you having to look at the settings menus. ### Is burn-in still a problem for OLED TVs? Modern OLEDs have various safeguards like pixel shifting and local brightness dimming for static elements (like HUDs). While the risk isn't zero, it is highly unlikely to happen with normal varied gaming use in 2025. ### Can I use a gaming TV as a PC monitor? Yes! Many 2025 models like the LG C4 come in 42-inch and 48-inch sizes, which are perfect for desk use. Most now support 144Hz and G-Sync, making them indistinguishable from high-end monitors. ## Final Verdict If you want the best overall gaming TV that ticks every box, the **LG C4 OLED** remains the champion for most users due to its four HDMI 2.1 ports and incredible response times. However, if you play in a very bright room, the **Samsung QN90D** is a powerful alternative that won't let you down. For the purists who own a PS5 and want the most colour-accurate, immersive experience possible, the **Sony A95L** is the gold standard, provided your budget can stretch that far. No matter which you choose, upgrading to a 120Hz HDMI 2.1 display is the single biggest hardware upgrade you can make to your gaming setup this year. Happy gaming!