Best TV for PS5 Gaming: HDMI 2.1, 120Hz and VRR Explained
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
guide to choosing the best TV for your PS5, explaining HDMI 2.1, 120Hz, and VRR while reviewing the top models from LG, Sony, and Samsung.
# Best TV for PS5 Gaming: HDMI 2.1, 120Hz and VRR Explained If you’ve been lucky enough to secure a PlayStation 5, you’ve likely realised that your decade-old living room telly isn't quite cutting the mustard anymore. The PS5 is a powerhouse of a console, capable of pushing 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, offering Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to eliminate screen tearing, and supporting Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for instantaneous controller response. To actually see these features in action, your display needs to speak the same language as the console. Choosing the best TV for PS5 gaming isn't just about getting the biggest screen; it’s about ensuring the hardware includes HDMI 2.1 ports and a panel fast enough to keep up with Spider-Man swinging through Manhattan. In this guide, we’ll break down the technical jargon and review the top contenders currently dominating the UK market, from OLED masterpieces to budget-friendly LED options. ## The Top Recommendations for PS5 Gaming ### 1. LG C3 OLED (The All-Rounder) The LG C-series has long been the gold standard for gamers, and the C3 continues that legacy. With four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, you can plug in your PS5, Xbox Series X, and a soundbar without ever swapping cables. The "Game Optimizer" menu gives you brilliant control over your settings on the fly. * **Pros:** Incredible contrast with perfect blacks; Four HDMI 2.1 ports; Near-instantaneous response time. * **Cons:** Not as bright as QD-OLED or Mini-LED in sunny rooms; Risks of permanent burn-in if used exclusively for static HUDs (though rare now). ### 2. Sony Bravia XR A95L (The "Perfect for PS5" Choice) Sony markets this TV as "Perfect for PlayStation 5," and they aren't lying. It features exclusive HDR Auto Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode that activate the moment you boot up the console. As a QD-OLED, it offers some of the most vibrant colours currently possible on a consumer display. * **Pros:** Phenomenal colour accuracy; Bespoke PS5 integration; Incredible HDR peak brightness. * **Cons:** Extremely expensive; Only two HDMI 2.1 ports (one shared with eARC). ### 3. Samsung S90C QD-OLED (The Best Value Premium) The Samsung S90C offers the punchy colours of QD-OLED technology at a significantly lower price point than Sony. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate (great if you also hook up a PC) and provides a very low input lag that makes competitive shooters like *Call of Duty* feel incredibly fluid. * **Pros:** Stunning brightness for an OLED; 144Hz support; Great value for performance. * **Cons:** No Dolby Vision support (Samsung uses HDR10+); Tizen OS can feel cluttered. ### 4. Hisense U7K (The Best Budget Mini-LED) If you can't stretch to OLED prices, the Hisense U7K is a revelation. Using Mini-LED backlighting, it gets much brighter than budget OLEDs, making it perfect for daytime gaming. It features a dedicated Game Mode Pro that supports VRR and 144Hz. * **Pros:** Very affordable; High peak brightness; 144Hz VRR support. * **Cons:** Viewing angles are narrower than OLED; Local dimming can occasionally cause "blooming." ### 5. Sony X90L (The Best Mid-Range LED) The X90L is a Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) LED TV that strikes a perfect balance. It features the same "Perfect for PS5" features as the flagship A95L but uses a traditional LCD panel to keep costs down and brightness high. * **Pros:** Excellent motion handling; Natural Sony processing; Reliable PS5 features. * **Cons:** Fewer dimming zones than Mini-LED competitors; Only two HDMI 2.1 ports. ## PS5 Gaming TV Comparison Table | Model | Panel Type | HDMI 2.1 Ports | Max Refresh Rate | HDR Formats | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **LG C3** | OLED | 4 | 120Hz | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | | **Sony A95L** | QD-OLED | 2 | 120Hz | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | | **Samsung S90C** | QD-OLED | 4 | 144Hz | HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ | | **Hisense U7K** | Mini-LED | 2 | 144Hz | All Formats | | **Sony X90L** | Full Array LED | 2 | 120Hz | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | ## What to Look For: the best PS5 Buying Guide ### HDMI 2.1: The Golden Ticket To play games in 4K at 120Hz, HDMI 2.1 is mandatory. While HDMI 2.0 can do 4K at 60Hz, the increased bandwidth of 2.1 (48Gbps) is what allows the PS5 to push its limits. Look for TVs that specify "4K@120Hz" on their HDMI inputs. Be careful: some budget TVs claim HDMI 2.1 but only support some features like eARC, not the high frame rates. ### 120Hz Refresh Rate A 120Hz panel can refresh the image 120 times per second. This results in much smoother motion. Even if a game only runs at 60fps, a 120Hz TV often provides better motion interpolation and lower input lag. ### VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) VRR is a solid upgrade. It allows the TV to sync its refresh rate dynamically to the console's output. If a game’s frame rate drops from 60fps to 45fps during a heavy explosion, the TV slows down to match it, preventing "screen tearing" and judder. ### ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) This feature tells your TV to automatically switch to its "Game Mode" when it detects a signal from your PS5. This disables unnecessary image processing to ensure the delay between you pressing a button and the action happening on screen is as low as possible. ### OLED vs. Mini-LED * **OLED:** Best for dark-room gaming and cinematic experiences. Every pixel is self-lit, meaning "Perfect Blacks." * **Mini-LED:** Best for bright living rooms. They use thousands of tiny LEDs to reach massive brightness levels that OLED can't touch. ## FAQ **Q: Do I really need a 120Hz TV for PS5?** A: You don't *need* it—the PS5 works perfectly on a 60Hz TV. However, you are missing out on the smoothest gameplay experience available in titles like *Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart* or *Destiny 2*. **Q: Does the PS5 support Dolby Vision for gaming?** A: Currently, the PS5 supports Dolby Vision for Blu-ray and streaming apps, but it uses HDR10 for gaming. This is why Sony's "HDR Auto Tone Mapping" is so important, as it handles the HDR calibration for you. **Q: Can I use a gaming monitor instead?** A: Absolutely. Many 27-inch and 32-inch monitors offer HDMI 2.1 and 144Hz+ refresh rates. However, you’ll usually sacrifice size and the superior HDR processing found in high-end TVs. **Q: Is "burn-in" still an issue on OLED TVs?** A: Modern OLEDs have several fail-safes like pixel shifting and logo brightness dimming. Unless you play the same game with a bright red HUD for 12 hours a day, every day, it is unlikely to be an issue. **Q: Why do some TVs only have two HDMI 2.1 ports?** A: This is due to the chipset limitations (often MediaTek). If you use a soundbar via the eARC port, you might only have one HDMI 2.1 port left for your console. ## Final Verdict: Which TV Should You Buy? If money is no object, the **Sony A95L** provides the most integrated and visually stunning experience for a PS5 owner. However, for 90% of gamers, the **LG C3** is the smarter buy. It offers the perfect balance of four HDMI 2.1 ports, incredible gaming features, and a price that has become very competitive. For those on a tighter budget, don't overlook the **Hisense U7K**. It proves that you don't need to spend thousands to enjoy the high-refresh-rate future of console gaming. Ensure you pair your new TV with a high-quality Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to get the most out of your setup!