Gaming TVs: Specification and Audio Guide

The four specifications that matter

HDMI 2.1 provides the bandwidth for 4K at 120Hz. Variable refresh rate syncs the panel to the console's output so frames do not tear when the frame rate dips. Auto low latency mode switches the television into game mode automatically when a console wakes.

Input lag is the fourth, and it is the one manufacturers advertise least clearly. Anything under about 15ms in game mode is comfortable for single-player games; competitive shooters benefit from lower still.

• HDMI 2.1 — required for 4K 120Hz on PS5 and Xbox Series X
• VRR — removes tearing when frame rates fluctuate
• ALLM — automatic switching into low-latency game mode
• Input lag in game mode — the lower the better, measured in milliseconds

Console-specific notes

PS5 supports 4K at 120Hz and VRR, and Sony's Tempest 3D audio is designed around headphones, so a headset often gives better positional cues than speakers. Xbox Series X supports the same video features plus Dolby Atmos for Headphones and Dolby Vision for gaming on compatible sets.

PC is the most flexible and the most fiddly. Confirm the graphics card output and the cable both support the bandwidth you are asking for; a certified ultra high speed HDMI cable is a cheap way to remove one variable.

Getting audio out without adding lag

The cleanest route for a soundbar or receiver is console to television over HDMI, then television to audio system over HDMI eARC. If the television downmixes or delays that path, connect the console directly to the receiver and pass video through to the TV instead.

For headsets, going wired to the controller avoids wireless latency entirely. Wireless headsets using a dedicated USB dongle are close behind; Bluetooth headsets are the worst option for gaming because the latency is audible.

Room, size and seating distance

For a desk, 32 to 43 inches is usually the practical limit before you start turning your head. For sofa gaming at two to three metres, 55 to 65 inches suits most rooms without forcing you to scan the screen for the mini-map.

Screen brightness matters more than raw resolution in a room with daylight, and matte or anti-glare coatings prevent a bright window ruining dark game scenes.

Gaming setup by platform

Buying checklist

• Check the HDMI 2.1 features are on the specific port you plan to use
• Confirm input lag figures in game mode, not in standard picture mode
• Use a certified ultra high speed HDMI cable for 4K 120Hz
• Avoid Bluetooth headsets for competitive play — the latency shows
• Set the console's audio output to match what your TV or receiver can decode

Frequently asked questions

What makes a TV good for gaming?

Low input lag in game mode, HDMI 2.1 bandwidth for 4K at 120Hz, variable refresh rate to stop tearing, and auto low latency mode so the set switches itself when the console wakes.

Do I need 120Hz for console gaming?

Only some titles run at 120fps, but the smoothness is noticeable when they do. If you play mostly single-player cinematic games at 60fps, contrast and brightness will matter more to you than 120Hz.

Is OLED risky for gaming because of burn-in?

Static HUD elements are the theoretical risk. Modern panels include pixel shifting and logo dimming, and varied play patterns make it unlikely, but a bright LED set is the safer choice for long sessions of one game.

Should I use a soundbar or a headset for gaming?

A headset gives better positional accuracy and does not disturb the house, which is why competitive players use them. A soundbar with a subwoofer is more enjoyable for single-player and shared play.

Why does my game audio lag behind the picture?

Audio routed through a television can be delayed by video processing. Use the set's audio delay control, or connect the console straight to the receiver and pass video through to the screen.

Does HDMI cable quality matter for gaming?

For 4K at 120Hz, yes — the cable must carry the bandwidth. Buy a certified ultra high speed HDMI cable; beyond that certification, more expensive cables add nothing.