There’s nothing like having a 4K gaming console, but to make the most of it you need to connect it to a TV that can make the most of the console’s features. The latest gaming TVs have 4K resolution, HDR, VRR, ALLM, support for NVIDIA and AMD FreeSync graphics cards and more. Having a premium TV elevates your gaming experience like nothing else, so here are a few features to look for and some of the best gaming TVs available right now.
Premium TV brands for gaming
Out of all the TV brands on the market, there are three that lead in the premium TV category – LG, Sony, and Samsung are the companies that consistently offer TVs with the best colour reproduction, best audio, and the latest tech to enhance every gaming experience. You can connect your console and game for hours or switch to movies and TV shows. With a premium TV, everything will look as real to life as possible. While most premium TVs are available in 4K, you can also choose a growing number of 8K TVs now. You can read more about gaming TVs in the gaming TV buying guide.
Key Gaming Features in Premium TVs
The beauty of having a TV from one of the big 3 brands is that you’re choosing a TV that’s plug-and-play compatible with the newest gaming consoles. Some will even walk you through setting up the TV so it complements specific games you’re playing, and others have full gaming menus where you can access settings on the fly. When choosing a premium TV for gaming, there are a few must-have features you’ll need including low latency, fast refresh rate, and HDR. Here are the features you should look for in a premium TV.
HDMI 2.1
You’ll want to make sure your TV has enough HDMI ports to plug in all of your devices, and it’s even better if the TV has HDMI 2.1 ports. HDMI 2.1 can support 8K or higher resolution and uses Ultra High Speed cables to carry 8K or 4K/120Hz signals. With so many new games offering 120fps, you’re definitely going to want HDMI 2.1.
HDR10 and HDR10+
High Dynamic Range (HDR) brings a level of realism, depth, and colour to any TV that offers it. Games that support HDR make a visual impact when you play them, and it enhances every scene with a level of detail that’s very immersive. When shopping look for the latest HDR formats – HDR10 and HDR10+.
Game Mode & Auto Game Mode
Premium TVs have game modes that automatically provide you with the best settings for the games you’re playing. This mode decreases input lag by turning off extra video processing that can slow down the connection between your input and the TV.
Auto low latency mode
Also known as game mode, ALLM receives your console signal and automatically switches to a low-latency, low-lag mode so your gaming experience is free of delay and screen judder.
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
A premium TV can adjust the refresh rate on the display to match the refresh rate of the console. When refresh rates are synced, you get a smoother experience with minimal to no screen tearing.
AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync
Some gaming TVs offer AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. This feature lets the TV synch the refresh rate with the framerate of NVIDIA G-Sync graphics cards and AMD graphic cards.
Choices of premium TVs that are great for gaming
Now that you know what features to look for in a gaming TV, here are three of the latest TVs that would make a great choice for anyone who wants the best possible console experience.
LG OLED Flex 42” Smart TV
Imagine if you could switch up your screen with just a push of a button. With the LG OLED Flex 4K TV you can switch from a flat to curved screen whenever you’re in the mood for a new view. You can tilt, swivel, and adjust the height of the screen so you have the perfect gaming set up.
The LG OLED Flex has several notable features for gaming. You can use Game Optimizer and Dashboard to access all of your game settings, and it has 120Hz refresh rate, 0.1ms response time, and supports VRR. With four HDMI 2.1 ports and eARC you can game at 4K/120Hz or plug in a sound bar to elevate your audio.
Everything you watch or play will be available in vibrant 4K with HDR. When you need a break from gaming you can switch to the smart TV platform and choose your favourite streaming app like Netflix, Disney+, or Crave.
Sony BRAVIA XR A90K Smart Google TV
The Sony BRAVIA A90K is a fantastic choice for gaming. It’s available in a variety of sizes from 42 inches up to 85 inches. Not only do you get a Sony 4K OLED display, but this TV has Sony’s Intelligent Cognitive Processor XR, XR OLED Contrast Pro, and XR Triluminos Pro technology. Put them together and you have a TV that uses AI to recreate how we see and hear. It analyzes images while you watch or play, so everything is lifelike and vibrant.
The Sony A90K is a smart TV with the Google TV platform so you can access all of your favourite streaming apps, but this TV is really built for gaming. It has 120Hz refresh rate with XR OLED Motion and offers exclusive features you can only access with a PlayStation 5. There is a game menu you can access in game to switch out your settings, and the TV will automatically switch into Game mode when you turn on your console. Game mode reduces lag and maximizes responsiveness, and it will automatically switch back to standard viewing mode when you turn off your console. You can even add a BRAVIA Cam if you’d like to video chat with friends via your TV.
Samsung S95B Quantum OLED 4K Smart TV
The Samsung SB95 QD-OLED TV is a dream to game on. It’s a 4K OLED TV so you’ll be able to experience true black, but it also has new Quantum HDR OLED Technology to further enhance colour, contrast, and boost brightness. This TV has four HDMI ports that support 4K/120Hz so you can plug in multiple consoles, and it will automatically set the best HDR, VRR, and ALLM, settings for your PS5. Anytime you want to game, all you need to do is tap the PS5 button in the Samsung Smart Hub and the Samsung Game Bar will open up.
I reviewed the Samsung S95B QD-OLED and the Samsung Game Menu was a highlight. It transforms your screen and the menu gives you access to all of your console games in one spot. You can switch between PS5 and Xbox games, and the TV will double as a gaming monitor if you want to plug in a PC. It also has Super Ultrawide Gameview and Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ technology to minimize judder, shake, and reduce lag. This TV is available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes so you can choose the best size for your living room or gaming room.
Premium TVs that are great for gaming
It’s hard to decide which premium TV to choose, but once you choose the right one you’ll have a TV that can support every feature on your console. You’ll find these and other gaming TVs at Best Buy right now.
