Best Gaming TVs 2025: Top Picks for PS5 and Xbox Series X
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
Upgrade your gaming experience with our expert guide to the best gaming TVs for 2025. Whether you are on PS5 or Xbox Series X, we review the top OLED and Mini-LED models.
The gaming market has shifted dramatically. Gone are the days when any old living room telly would suffice for a quick round of FIFA or Call of Duty. With the arrival of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the barrier between PC-grade performance and console gaming has blurred. To truly appreciate the 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rates, and breathtaking HDR (High Dynamic Range) these consoles offer, your display needs to be up to the task. In 2024 and looking toward 2025, a great gaming TV isn't just about a pretty picture; it’s about speed. We’re talking HDMI 2.1 ports, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to eliminate screen tearing, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) to ensure your inputs feel instantaneous. Whether you are hunting for the deepest blacks of an OLED or the blinding brightness of a Mini-LED, the current market offers some of the most sophisticated displays we've ever tested at SpeakersMag. ## The Best Gaming TVs for 2025: Our Top Picks ### 1. LG C4 OLED – The Best All-Rounder The LG C-series has long been the gold standard for gaming, and the C4 continues that legacy. While it doesn't use the Micro Lens Array (MLA) tech found in the pricier G4, its "evo" panel is remarkably bright. importantly for gamers, it features four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, meaning you can plug in a PS5, Xbox, and a soundbar without compromising on features. **Pros:** * Incredible near-instantaneous response time. * Supports 144Hz (great for PC gaming) and 120Hz for consoles. * Outstanding contrast and perfect blacks. * full "Game Optimizer" menu. **Cons:** * Not as bright as flagship Mini-LED models. * Risk of permanent image retention (burn-in) over many years if misused. ### 2. Samsung S95D QD-OLED – The High-End Choice Samsung’s S95D is a marvel of engineering. By combining Quantum Dots with OLED, it achieves colours that are more vibrant than traditional OLEDs. Also, the 2024/2025 model features a "Glare-Free" finish that is ground-breaking for daytime gaming, effectively killing reflections without sacrificing sharpness. **Pros:** * Extraordinary peak brightness for an OLED. * Incredible matte finish eliminates room reflections. * 144Hz support and ultra-low input lag. * Sleek "One Connect" box keeps cables tidy. **Cons:** * No Dolby Vision support (Samsung uses HDR10+). * More expensive than the LG C4. ### 3. Sony A95L QD-OLED – The PS5 Purist’s Dream If you own a PS5, there is a certain synergy in sticking with Sony. The A95L is widely considered to have the best image processing in the world. It features "Perfect for PlayStation 5" features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping. While it only has two HDMI 2.1 ports, its colour accuracy and HDR impact are second to none. **Pros:** * Best-in-class motion handling and upscaling. * Phenomenal HDR highlights. * Works easily with PS5 UI. **Cons:** * Only two HDMI 2.1 ports. * Very high price point. ### 4. Hisense U8N – The Best Mid-Range Value You don't need to spend £2,000 for a great experience. The Hisense U8N uses Mini-LED technology to deliver searing brightness that makes HDR "pop" more than almost any OLED. It’s perfect for bright living rooms where an OLED might struggle with the afternoon sun. **Pros:** * Incredible value for money. * Extremely bright; ideal for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision Gaming. * Dedicated game mode with high refresh rate support. **Cons:** * Viewing angles aren't as wide as OLED. * Local dimming can occasionally cause "blooming" around bright objects. ### 5. Sony X90L – The Reliable LED Mid-Ranger The X90L is the "safe bet" for gamers who want Sony quality without the OLED price tag. It uses a standard Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) panel but manages it with Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR. It’s punchy, reliable, and handles fast-moving action like a champ. **Pros:** * Excellent motion processing for sports and action games. * Natural colour palette. * Solid PS5 integration. **Cons:** * Fewer dimming zones than Mini-LED competitors. * Build quality feels slightly more "plastic" than flagship models. ## Gaming TV Comparison Table | Model | Panel Type | HDMI 2.1 Ports | Max Refresh Rate | Best For | |-------|------------|----------------|------------------|----------| | **LG C4** | OLED | 4 | 144Hz | All-Rounder / PC & Console | | **Samsung S95D** | QD-OLED | 4 | 144Hz | Bright Rooms / Aesthetics | | **Sony A95L** | QD-OLED | 2 | 120Hz | Movie Lovers & PS5 | | **Hisense U8N** | Mini-LED | 2 (Full) | 144Hz | Budget Performance | | **Sony X90L** | Full Array LED | 2 | 120Hz | Reliability / Mid-Range | ## What to Look For: A Gaming TV Buying Guide When shopping for a screen to pair with your Xbox Series X or PS5, you need to look beyond the resolution. Here are the non-negotiables: ### 1. HDMI 2.1 and 4K/120Hz Standard HDMI 2.0 can only handle 4K at 60Hz. To play games like *Call of Duty* or *Halo Infinite* at 120 frames per second, you need HDMI 2.1. importantly, check how many ports are actually 2.1—some TVs only offer two, one of which is often used for your soundbar (eARC). ### 2. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) VRR allows the TV to sync its refresh rate to the console's output in real-time. This eliminates "screen tearing"—those ugly horizontal lines that appear when the console's frame rate fluctuates. Look for TVs that support AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. ### 3. OLED vs. Mini-LED - **OLED:** Offers infinite contrast and the fastest response times. Best for dark-room gaming and cinematic titles like *The Last of Us*. - **Mini-LED:** Reaches much higher brightness levels. Best for bright rooms and making HDR highlights (explosions, sunlight) look intense. ### 4. Input Lag This is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. A good gaming TV should have an input lag of under 10ms in "Game Mode." ## FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Do I really need 120Hz for PS5 and Xbox Series X?** A: You don't *need* it for all games, as many still run at 30 or 60fps. However, for competitive shooters or racing games, 120Hz makes the gameplay significantly smoother and more responsive. **Q: Is OLED "burn-in" still a problem for gaming?** A: Modern OLEDs have several safeguards (pixel shifting, logo dimming) to prevent burn-in. Unless you play the same game with a static HUD for 10 hours a day every single day, it is unlikely to be an issue during the TV's lifespan. **Q: Can I use a gaming monitor instead?** A: Yes, covers this in detail. Monitors are better for desk setups and have even higher refresh rates, but TVs offer better HDR, larger sizes, and better speakers for a living room environment. **Q: What is ALLM?** A: Auto Low Latency Mode. It tells your TV to automatically switch to its fastest "Game Mode" settings the moment it detects a signal from a console, saving you from digging through menus. ## Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy? Choosing the best gaming TV depends on your environment. If you want the best, no-compromise gaming experience with perfect blacks and four HDMI 2.1 ports, the **LG C4 OLED** remains the champion for most people. It strikes the perfect balance between price and modern features. However, if your gaming setup is in a sun-drenched conservatory or bright living room, the **Samsung S95D** with its anti-glare tech or the high-brightness **Hisense U8N** are smarter choices. Whichever you choose, ensure you've paired it with a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable to get the most out of your next-gen console.