Best TV for PS5 Gaming: HDMI 2.1, 120Hz and VRR Explained
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
Unleash the full power of your PlayStation 5 with our expert guide to the best HDMI 2.1 TVs, featuring top picks for OLED, Mini-LED, and budget-friendly 120Hz gaming.
The PlayStation 5 has redefined home console gaming, bringing 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, lightning-fast load times, and immersive ray tracing into our living rooms. However, the console is only half of the equation. To truly get the most of Sony’s flagship hardware, you need a display that speaks its language—specifically the language of **HDMI 2.1**. Choosing the best TV for PS5 isn't just about picking the biggest screen in the shop. It’s about ensuring compatibility with technologies like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). Without these, you might experience screen tearing or sluggish input lag that could cost you a victory in *Call of Duty* or ruin the cinematic sweep of *God of War Ragnarök*. In this guide, we’ll break down the technical jargon and review the top-tier televisions currently dominating the UK market. Whether you want the infinite contrast of an OLED or the searing brightness of a Mini-LED, we have the perfect match for your gaming setup. ## The Top Contenders: Best TVs for PS5 Reviewed ### 1. LG C3 OLED (The All-Rounder Champion) 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, it is a powerhouse for multi-console owners. The self-emissive pixels of OLED technology mean you get perfect blacks and near-instantaneous response times. The "Game Optimizer" menu is a standout feature, giving you a HUD to monitor FPS and toggle VRR settings on the fly. **Pros:** * Incredible 0.1ms response time. * Four HDMI 2.1 ports (perfect for PS5 + Xbox + Soundbar). * Excellent "Game Optimizer" interface. **Cons:** * Not as bright as QD-OLED or Mini-LED options. * Risk of burn-in (though minimal with modern usage). ### 2. Sony Bravia XR A95L (The "Perfect for PS5" Pick) Sony's flagship QD-OLED is specifically marketed as "Perfect for PS5." It features exclusive "Auto HDR Tone Mapping" which optimizes the HDR settings automatically the moment you plug in your console. The QD-OLED panel offers more vibrant colours and higher peak brightness than standard OLEDs. While it is undeniably expensive, the synergy between the Sony console and Sony TV is palpable. **Pros:** * Best-in-class colour saturation. * PS5-exclusive auto-configuration features. * Incredible sound quality (Acoustic Surface Audio+). **Cons:** * Extremely high price point. * Only two HDMI 2.1 ports. ### 3. Samsung QN90C Neo QLED (The Bright Room Hero) If your gaming setup is in a bright lounge with lots of windows, the Samsung QN90C is your best bet. Using Mini-LED technology, it reaches brightness levels that OLED simply cannot touch, making HDR highlights pop even in broad daylight. **Pros:** * Incredible peak brightness for HDR. * Virtually no risk of permanent image retention (burn-in). * Very low input lag. **Cons:** * Some "blooming" around bright objects in dark scenes. * No Dolby Vision support (Samsung uses HDR10+). ### 4. Hisense U8K (The Budget King) High-end gaming features used to be reserved for premium sets, but the Hisense U8K changes that. It offers 144Hz support (exceeding the PS5's 120Hz cap), Mini-LED backlighting, and solid local dimming for a fraction of the cost of its rivals. **Pros:** * Exceptional value for money. * Very bright Mini-LED panel. * Supports Dolby Vision Gaming. **Cons:** * Viewing angles are narrower than OLED. * Motion handling isn’t quite as smooth as Sony or LG. ### 5. Sony X90L (The Best Mid-Range LED) If you want the Sony ecosystem features without the OLED price tag, the X90L is a fantastic Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) TV. It offers great contrast and the "Perfect for PS5" software features found in the A95L. **Pros:** * Realistic, natural picture processing. * Excellent 4K/120Hz performance. * Great value for a "Big Brand" TV. **Cons:** * Fewer dimming zones than Mini-LED rivals. * Some blooming in black bars during movies. ## Comparison Table: PS5 Gaming TVs | Model | Panel Type | HDMI 2.1 Ports | Max Refresh Rate | Best For | |-------|------------|----------------|-----------------|----------| | **LG C3** | OLED | 4 | 120Hz | Total Gaming Performance | | **Sony A95L** | QD-OLED | 2 | 120Hz | Cinema & PS5 Synergy | | **Samsung QN90C**| Mini-LED | 4 | 120Hz | Bright Living Rooms | | **Hisense U8K** | Mini-LED | 2 | 144Hz | Budget 120Hz Gaming | | **Sony X90L** | LED (FALD) | 2 | 120Hz | Mid-Range Reliability | ## What to Look For: Buying Guide for PS5 TVs When shopping for a PS5 display, don't get distracted by "8K" labels or smart TV apps. These are the three pillars of a modern gaming display: ### 1. HDMI 2.1 Compatibility The PS5 uses HDMI 2.1 to push 4K video at 120 frames per second. If your TV only has HDMI 2.0, you will be capped at 4K/60Hz. Look for TVs that specify "4K@120Hz" on at least one port. ### 2. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) VRR is a solid upgrade. It allows the TV to sync its refresh rate to the console's output in real-time. This eliminates "screen tearing" (where the half of the screen looks out of sync) and makes frame rate drops feel much smoother. ### 3. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ALLM ensures your TV automatically switches to "Game Mode" when it detects the PS5 has been turned on. This disables unnecessary processing to keep input lag as low as possible, ensuring that when you press 'cross', the action happens instantly. ### 4. OLED vs. LED (Mini-LED) * **OLED:** Best for dark-room gaming and "inky" blacks. Ideal for horror games like *Resident Evil* or cinematic titles like *The Last of Us Part II*. * **Mini-LED:** Best for bright rooms. These TVs get much brighter and provide vibrant HDR highlights but can suffer from "blooming" (light bleeding into dark areas). ## FAQ: Gaming TV Essentials **Do I really need 120Hz for PS5?** While many games still run at 60fps for better graphics, titles like *Fortnite*, *Call of Duty*, and *Spider-Man 2* offer 120fps modes. This makes gameplay feel significantly smoother and more responsive. **What is the best TV size for gaming?** For a living room, 55 inches is the "sweet spot." However, if you sit very close (less than 1.5 metres), a 42-inch or 48-inch OLED might be better suited to your field of view. **Is burn-in a problem for OLED gaming?** Modern OLEDs (like the LG C3) have numerous safeguards like pixel shifting and logo luminance adjustment. 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. **Does HDMI 2.1 matter if I only play single-player games?** Yes. Even in 60fps games, HDMI 2.1 allows for features like "40fps modes" in 120Hz containers, which provide a perfect balance between high fidelity and smooth motion. ## Conclusion: Which TV should you buy? If budget is no object, the **Sony A95L** is the finest display you can pair with a PS5, offering unparalleled colour and exclusive system integration. However, for 90% of gamers, the **LG C3 OLED** remains the best overall choice due to its four HDMI 2.1 ports and incredible response times. Are you gaming in a sun-drenched conservatory? Grab the **Samsung QN90C**. On a tight budget but want that 120Hz smoothness? The **Hisense U8K** is the clear winner. No matter which you choose, upgrading to a display with VRR and HDMI 2.1 will make your PS5 feel like a brand-new console all over again.