Best Gaming TVs 2025: Top Picks for PS5 and Xbox Series X
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
Looking for the best display for your PS5 or Xbox Series X? We review the best gaming TVs of 2025, from OLED masterpieces to high-brightness Mini-LED panels.
## The Evolution of Console Gaming: Why Your TV Matters Not long ago, a television was simply a screen you plugged your console into. If it had HDMI and decent colours, it was "good enough." Fast forward to 2025, and the market has shifted entirely. With the PS5 and Xbox Series X now in their prime, gaming has become a high-performance pursuit that demands hardware capable of keeping up with 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rates, and lightning-fast response times. Choosing the right gaming TV is no longer just about size; it’s about synchronicity. Between Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to prevent screen tearing, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for instant response, and the breath-taking contrast of OLED and Mini-LED panels, the gap between "standard" TVs and "gaming" TVs has never been wider. Whether you are a competitive Call of Duty player or a solo adventurer in the latest open-world RPG, the right panel is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your setup. In this guide, we’ve tested the top contenders for 2025, focusing on input lag, HDR performance, and HDMI 2.1 features to help you find the perfect match for your lounge or gaming den. ## The Top Gaming TVs for 2025: At a Glance ### 1. LG C4 OLED (The Gold Standard) The LG "C" series has long been the darling of the gaming community, and the C4 continues that legacy. Offering four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, it’s a powerhouse for multi-console owners. The infinite contrast of OLED ensures that dark, atmospheric games like *Elden Ring* or *Dead Space* look terrifyingly realistic. **Key Features:** - 144Hz Refresh Rate (upgraded from 120Hz) - G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Support - Game Optimizer Menu **Pros:** * Near-instantaneous response times. * Incredible HDR highlights and perfect blacks. * Four HDMI 2.1 ports. **Cons:** * OLED brightness still lags behind Mini-LED in very sunny rooms. * Risk of burn-in (though minimal with modern tech). ### 2. Samsung QN90D Neo QLED (The Brightness King) If you play in a bright living room with lots of windows, the Samsung QN90D is your best bet. Using Mini-LED technology, it reaches brightness levels that OLED simply can’t touch. This makes HDR "pop" with incredible intensity, and its anti-glare coating is second to none. **Key Features:** - Quantum Matrix Technology - Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ - Integrated Samsung Gaming Hub **Pros:** * Stunning peak brightness for HDR. * No risk of permanent image retention (burn-in). * Great smart features and cloud gaming apps. **Cons:** * No Dolby Vision support (Samsung uses HDR10+). * Slight "blooming" around bright objects on dark backgrounds. ### 3. Sony BRAVIA 8 OLED (The PS5 Specialist) Sony’s BRAVIA 8 is designed to be the "Perfect for PS5" choice. It features exclusive Auto HDR Tone Mapping specifically for the PlayStation 5, ensuring you see every detail in the brightest and darkest parts of the screen. **Key Features:** - XR Processor - Acoustic Surface Audio+ - Dedicated Gaming Dashboard **Pros:** * smooth integration with PS5. * Best-in-class motion handling and upscaling. * The screen itself acts as a speaker for immersive sound. **Cons:** * Only two HDMI 2.1 ports (one of which is the eARC port). * Higher price point than LG or Samsung equivalents. ### 4. TCL QM8B / C805K (Best Value for Money) TCL has shaken up the UK market by offering high-end features at mid-range prices. The QM8B offers Mini-LED lighting and a 144Hz refresh rate for a fraction of the cost of the big three brands. It’s an ideal choice for gamers on a budget who don't want to sacrifice performance. **Key Features:** - 1300 nits peak brightness - AMD FreeSync Premium Pro - Full Array Local Dimming **Pros:** * Unbeatable performance-to-price ratio. * Impressive HDR impact. * Includes high-end gaming features like VRR. **Cons:** * Viewing angles aren't as wide as OLED. * Software interface can be slightly sluggish compared to LG/Samsung. ### 5. LG G4 OLED (the best Premium Experience) If money is no object, the LG G4 is the pinnacle of display technology. Featuring Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology, it solves OLED’s biggest weakness: brightness. This screen is blindingly bright while maintaining the perfect blacks OLED is famous for. **Key Features:** - Brightness Booster Max (MLA) - Alpha 11 AI Processor - 5-Year Panel Warranty **Pros:** * The brightest OLED on the market. * Stunning "Gallery" design for wall mounting. * Top-tier gaming features across all four ports. **Cons:** * Extremely expensive. * Does not come with a stand (designed for wall mounting). ## Comparison Table: Gaming Features 2025 | Model | Panel Type | Max Refresh Rate | HDMI 2.1 Ports | VRR Support | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **LG C4 OLED** | OLED | 144Hz | 4 | Yes (G-Sync/FreeSync) | | **Samsung QN90D** | Mini-LED | 144Hz | 4 | Yes (FreeSync Premium) | | **Sony BRAVIA 8** | OLED | 120Hz | 2 | Yes | | **TCL QM8B** | Mini-LED | 144Hz | 2 | Yes | | **LG G4 OLED** | MLA OLED | 144Hz | 4 | Yes (G-Sync/FreeSync) | ## Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Gaming TV When shopping for a TV for your PS5 or Xbox Series X, the jargon can be overwhelming. Here is what actually matters for your gaming experience: ### 1. HDMI 2.1 is Mandatory To get the most out of your console, you need HDMI 2.1 ports. This allows for 4K resolution at 120Hz. Some TVs claim to be "gaming ready" but only offer HDMI 2.0, limiting you to 60fps at 4K. ### 2. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) VRR syncs the TV’s refresh rate with the console’s output. This eliminates "screen tearing" (where the image looks sliced in half during fast movement) and makes frame rate drops feel much smoother. ### 3. Input Lag This is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. In 2025, you should look for a TV with an input lag of under 10ms in "Game Mode." ### 4. OLED vs. Mini-LED - **OLED:** Best for dark rooms, provides perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Ideal for cinema-style games. - **Mini-LED:** Best for bright rooms. Offers higher peak brightness and no risk of burn-in. Great for vibrant, colourful games. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q1: Do I really need 120Hz for PS5 and Xbox Series X?** While many games still run at 60fps, titles like *Call of Duty*, *Fortnite*, and *Halo Infinite* support 120fps. A 120Hz screen makes these games feel significantly smoother and more responsive. **Q2: Is OLED burn-in still a problem?** Modern OLEDs have numerous safeguards like pixel shifting and logo dimming. Unless you leave a news channel with a static ticker on for 24 hours a day, burn-in is unlikely to occur during the normal lifespan of the TV. **Q3: Does the TV size matter for gaming?** It depends on your viewing distance. For a desk setup, 42-inch or 48-inch is perfect. For a living room, 55-inch or 65-inch is the sweet spot for immersion. **Q4: Can I use a gaming monitor instead?** Yes, but TVs generally offer better HDR performance, larger screens, and better built-in sound systems. Monitors are better for competitive keyboard-and-mouse gaming. **Q5: What is ALLM?** Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) tells your TV to automatically switch to its fastest "Game Mode" as soon as it detects a signal from your console. ## Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy? For the vast majority of UK gamers, the **LG C4 OLED** remains the best overall choice. Its combination of perfect blacks, four HDMI 2.1 ports, and a refined gaming interface makes it nearly impossible to beat for the price. However, if you are gaming in a bright, sun-drenched lounge, the **Samsung QN90D** is a powerhouse that will cut through glare effortlessly. For those on a tighter budget, the **TCL QM8B** proves that you don't need to spend thousands to enjoy a high-end 144Hz gaming experience. No matter which you choose, upgrading your display is the key to finally seeing what your next-gen console is truly capable of.