The sort of digital worlds that game developers are managing to create these days are truly phenomenal, but you can’t really enjoy them the way they were meant to be enjoyed with an outdated TV. A proper 4K television can really make your favorite games pop, but you need to pay special attention to the type of 4K TV you’re looking for when buying one for gaming because factors like frame rate and input lag can have a major impact on its effectiveness.
We’re ready to help you with that. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best 4K TV for gaming models, but we’ve also constructed a comprehensive guide that can help you better analyze the specs and settle on the best gaming 4K TV for you.
- The 10 Best 4k TV’s for Gaming
- LG 43UM7300PUA 43″ 4K UHD Smart LED TV (2019)
- Samsung QN65Q60RAFXZA 65″ QLED 4K Q60 Series
- TCL 43″ Class 5-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV
- Sony X950G 75″ TV: 4K UHD Smart LED TV 2019
- LG 65SM8600PUA Alexa Built-in Nano 8 Series 65″ 4K UHD Smart LED NanoCell TV
- VIZIO M-Series Quantum 55” 4K HDR Smart TV
- SCEPTRE 50″ 4K UHD Ultra Slim LED TV
- Insignia NS-43DF710NA19 43″ 4K UHD Smart LED TV
- TOSHIBA 43LF711U20 43″ 4K UHD Smart LED TV HDR
- Hisense 50H8F 50″ 4K UHD Android Smart LED TV HDR10
- 4K TV for Gaming Buyer’s Guide
- High Dynamic Resolution
- Visibility
- Performance Specs
- Adaptive Sync
- Ports
- Frequently Asked Questions
The 10 Best 4k TV’s for Gaming
| Award | Design | Retailer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Balanced Gaming TV for a Phenomenal Price |  | Check Price | |
| A Fully Featured Gaming Powerhouse |  | Check Price | |
| The Best Deal in 4K Gaming |  | Check Price | |
| Luxury Performance at a Luxury Price |  | Check Price | |
| The Gold Standard for Streaming |  | Check Price | |
| Color That Really Pops |  | Check Price | |
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LG 43UM7300PUA 43″ 4K UHD Smart LED TV (2019)
A Balanced Gaming TV for a Phenomenal Price
There’s currently no better deal on a gaming TV – pound for pound – than the LG 55UM7300PUA. It’s price is currently cut by nearly half, so this 55 inch TV can be picked up for less than $400. And it would still be a deal at retail price. The inclusion of HDR support ensures that your favorite games will look bright and vibrant on your TV in addition to sporting a crisp higher resolution. And the quad core processor at work here will especially benefit action games thanks to the reduction of both motion blur.
But you can also use this LG TV as your home entertainment hub. The LG ThinQ interface runs on artificial intelligence to provide voice activated assistance for controlling your TV, and it’s even been designed for easy integration with any existing Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa devices you already own.
| Screen Size | 55 inch |
| HDR | HDR10, HLG |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz (120 with TruMotion) |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 3/4 |
Pros
- Powered by LG ThinQ A.I.
- Runs on a quad core processor
- Supports HLG and HDR10 formats
- Virtual surround sound is ahead of the curve
Cons
- Relatively low refresh rate and response time
Samsung QN65Q60RAFXZA 65″ QLED 4K Q60 Series
A Fully Featured Gaming Powerhouse
Samsung has some of the most sophisticated TV features of any manufacturer, and the QN65Q60RAFXZA is a TV that fully leverages them to the benefit of the consumer. The inclusion of quantum dots ensures a full 100% color coverage, while the quantum processor supports HDR while also providing some of the best 4K upscaling available in a TV today.
All of it can be controlled through Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant, which is also designed to integrate with Alexa and Google Assistant, and users with multiple Samsung devices in the home will benefit from the fact that all of their SmartThings compatible devices can be controlled with a single remote. And when it’s time to turn off the TV, ambient mode helps your TV fade into the background and just become a part of the mood.
| Screen Size | 65 inch |
| HDR | HDR10+ |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 4/2 |
Pros
- Extra wide viewing angle
- Voice control through Bixby
- 100% color volume reproduction
- Easy and tidy cable management
Cons
- Remote doesn’t come with backlighting
TCL 43″ Class 5-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV
The Best Deal in 4K Gaming
The most remarkable thing about the last few years of TV production is just how cheap you can get a great TV. Case in point: the Class-5 series from TCL. It’s a little smaller than the gaming TVs that preceded it on our list, but it could qualify as one of the best TVs for gaming even if it wasn’t so affordably priced. Dolby Vision dynamic range provides significantly more sophisticated color reproduction than traditional HDR10 can promise.
And of course there are smart features here, though they perhaps aren’t as robust as some of the competition. Roku TV is built in so you can get access to all of the best streaming apps without having to get a separate device, and there’s even a dedicated Game Mode that will automate settings with an eye towards smooth movement and high responsiveness.
| Screen Size | 43 inch |
| HDR | Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 3/0 |
Pros
- Roku built right in
- Automated game mode
- Alexa and Google Assistant
- Ultra thin bezel and smooth aesthetics
Cons
- Roku interface can run a little slow
Sony X950G 75″ TV: 4K UHD Smart LED TV 2019
Luxury Performance at a Luxury Price
The truth is that the Sony X950G is going to be a little too much for a lot of gamers – too much size, too many features, and too much money – but if you have the space and the case, it’s easily one of the best gaming TV models in regards to pure performance. It’s constructed from a VA panel, and that means richer color quality that helps maximize the value of HDR as well as quick response times. Whether you’re hosting a Mario Party on your couch or playing Call of Duty online, this TV is one of the best choices for multiplayer.
And you don’t have to worry about fast movement causing the effects on your favorite games to blur either. Motion Flow XR technology ensures that. And since it runs on the Chrome operating system, a significant portion of buyers will already be familiar with the interface.
| Screen Size | 75 inch |
| HDR | Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz (with X-Motion Clarity) |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 4/0 |
Pros
- Incredibly vibrant colors accented by HDR
- Almost entirely lacking in motion blur
- Supports wide viewing angles
- Sports a high dynamic range
Cons
- Incredibly high asking price
LG 65SM8600PUA Alexa Built-in Nano 8 Series 65″ 4K UHD Smart LED NanoCell TV
The Gold Standard for Streaming
We’ll get one thing out of the way. The LG 65SM8600PUA doesn’t come with local dimming, so you’re going to want to make sure you set it up in a room without a whole lot of excessive lighting. But if you can find the right environment for it, it’s easily among the best TVs for gaming. In fact, the Nano Color technology makes sure that colors are portrayed as rich and meaningful even by HDR standards.
This LG TV also makes sure that your gaming TV will be integrated into any existing smart home infrastructure you already have in place. Both Google Assistant and Alexa are actually folded directly into the TV, but there’s also support for Apple’s AirPlay protocol for easier and more meaningful wireless connectivity. And if you don’t have a serious stereo system set up yet, you can depend on the Dolby Atmos audio tech.
| Screen Size | 65 inch |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 4/2 |
Pros
- Vibrant range of a billion colors
- Above average 4K upscaling
- Supports Dolby Vision and Atmos
- Integrates Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Local dimming is present but weak
VIZIO M-Series Quantum 55” 4K HDR Smart TV
Color That Really Pops
“Quantum” is more than just a buzzword with the Vizio M-Series. This 4K TV makes use of quantum color technology that can reproduce up to 80% more color than a traditional 4K TV. Gamers who want to explore rich and lush environments will especially love that and the HDR capabilities built in here. And the contrast ratio here is especially great. The use of 90 local dimming zones and a screen that can reach a brightness of up to 600 nits create richer blacks than you’ll find in most 4K TV models around this price.
Access to streaming services is a pretty expected feature on a 4K TV, and the Vizio M-Series does come with a Chromecast built in. But it takes things a step further. This is a 4K TV that’s built with streaming from your phone in mind and works seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices.
| Screen Size | 55 inch |
| HDR | Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 4/1 |
Pros
- Rich, quantum color technology
- Supports AirPlay and GoogleCast
- Some of the best black levels
- Relatively high refresh speed
Cons
- Built in Chromecast interface is pretty weak
SCEPTRE 50″ 4K UHD Ultra Slim LED TV
If you’ve got gaming content that’s not in 4K but you want it to look like it does, the Sceptre is going to be the TV for you. It provides great UHD upscaling, and there’s even MEMC 120 tech (short for Motion Estimation and Motion compensation) to provide smoother movement and less blur in faster moving gaming experiences. The display on this 4K TV is LED for richer colors and a broader contrast range from the whitest whites to the blackest blacks.
And whether you’re looking to game on an Xbox One, a Playstation 4, or a massive PC gaming rig, you can count on this TV to provide you with the best connection available. It makes use of the latest HDMI 2.0 technology to achieve smooth streaming rate of 60 frames per second. It even allows for seamless streaming from a tablet or phone for more casual games.
| Screen Size | 50 inch |
| HDR | No |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 4/0 |
Pros
- Great UHD upscaling
- Supports USB 2.0 tech
- Frame rate of up to 60 fps
- Wireless streaming via MHL
Cons
- Doesn’t support High Dynamic Resolution
Insignia NS-43DF710NA19 43″ 4K UHD Smart LED TV
Amazon’s forays into the consumer electronics space haven’t always worked out for them, but the Insignia puts their Fire TV technology to its best use yet. Of course that means that voice controls are available via a built in Alexa speaker, but you can also easily slot it into your existing Alexa ecosystem. That makes it easy to swap between the inputs on your favorite gaming consoles or configure your high end gaming sound system.
And this may be one of the smallest gaming TVs on our list, but the 4K picture quality is pretty strong regardless. The HDR10 support means that you’ll have access to the largest library of high dynamic resolution movie, TV shows, and video games available today. This isn’t the best 4K TV if you want raw performance, but it’s easily one of the best for the price and the size.
| Screen Size | 43 inch |
| HDR | HDR10 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 3/0 |
Pros
- Amazon Alexa built in
- Above average color reproduction
- One HDMI ARC port
- Supports the HDR10 format
Cons
- Interface is littered with ads
TOSHIBA 43LF711U20 43″ 4K UHD Smart LED TV HDR
Amazon isn’t the only company out there making use of the Fire TV technology, and Toshiba puts their own unique spin on what a Fire TV can look like. If you demand the best of the best, this probably isn’t the 4K TV for you, but it’s one of the best options if you need a television on a budget.The contrast ratio here is truly spectacular, and the anti reflection is strong, making it a solid choice if your gaming TV is positioned in a more brightly lit room.
When you’re done gaming, you can rely on the smart features on display with this 4K TV. All you have to do is connect it to your Wi-Fi connection, and you’re ready to stream through just about any service. And the fact that it supports Dolby Vision means access to a decent level of high quality HDR contrast.
| Screen Size | 43 inch |
| HDR | Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 3/0 |
Pros
- Deep and nuanced blacks
- Easy to access smart features
- Can be voice activated
- Great peak brightness in SDR
Cons
- Motion handling is below par
Hisense 50H8F 50″ 4K UHD Android Smart LED TV HDR10
Hisense is quickly becoming one of the best 4K TV manufacturers around. While they may not yet be a household name, they manage to deliver quality that’s usually expected in much more expensive TVs for a much lower cost. That’s the case with the 50H8F too. It’s a great looking TV with an ultra slim bezel, and the fact that it runs off the Android operating system means you’ll have some of the best streaming service navigation around.
This Android TV is built for performance about all else. It promises a refresh speed roughly double that of many of the top TVs on our list and even promises an input lag of as little as 15 ms. That’s not the best around, but this Android TV will be more than suited for most competitive gamers. And the wide brightness range means that the contrast is great even in lighter rooms.
| Screen Size | 50 inch |
| HDR | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Refresh Rate | 240 Hz |
| USB/HDMI Ports | 4/0 |
Pros
- Runs on the Android TV OS
- Panel can get reach 700 nits
- Dedicated game mode for low input lag
- Built on artificial intelligence tech
Cons
- Motion handling is a little weak
4K TV for Gaming Buyer’s Guide
Ready to get a 4K TV for gaming but a little nervous about what you should get? No need to worry. We’re going to run down the best TV features and the specs that factor into the overall quality so you can approach the shopping process with tactical precision. Whether you’re playing on Switch, Xbox One X, or PS4,
High Dynamic Resolution
4K is 4K is 4K, but HDR can provide a dramatic improvement to how good the picture quality looks on your TV for gaming. We’ve already put together a detailed guide to help you understand HDR, but we’ll cover the basics here. HDR essentially expands the contrast ratio, providing you with a greater range of differentiation between the darkest and lightest colors. If you want the best gaming TV, you’ll definitely want to make sure HDR is included, especially since it won’t have a negative effect on performance specs like refresh rate and response time.
That said, the quality of the HDR support on a gaming TV can vary pretty significantly from model to model, and there are also a number of different HDR formats on the market. HDR10 is the standard, but we generally recommend seeking out 4K TVs Dolby Vision or HDR10+ support if you want access to a decent selection of HDR content and the best color quality. While not all games support HDR, the Xbox One X and the Playstation 4 Pro are designed with native HDR compatibility built in.
Visibility
One of the best advantages of gaming with 4K TVs as opposed to monitors is how great they are for parties. Whether you’re looking to get your friends over for a night of Mario Kart or grind your way through Gears of War’s Horde Mode with your roommates, you want everybody to be able to see the screen.
TVs with anti-glare protection can go a long way towards that, and some TVs come with local dimming – a technology that can decrease the brightness of specific areas of the screen, making shadows darker and expanding the contrast ratio in the process. But you’ll ultimately need to make a decision between two types of panels used in 4K TVs.
- TVs with IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are great for parties. That’s because these TVs offer some of the best viewing angles around. Get this if you’re looking at TVs that you can use for house parties, but don’t expect the richest depth of color and black quality with these TVs. Their contrast ratio suffers for the benefit of wide viewing angles.
- That doesn’t mean that VA (Vertical Alignment) panels aren’t a great choice for gaming TVs also. This is what you want to get if you want the best darkness contrast even in less than ideal situations. These TVs are what you want to get if you primarily play online or single player and don’t care about wide viewing angles.
Performance Specs
There’s a big difference between watching a movie in 4K and playing a game in it: the need to interpret and display input from the user. Fortunately, there are a couple of concretely numerical measurements that can determine which 4K models will be best for TV gaming.
- Every 4K television you find is going to have a refresh rate listed somewhere. 4K TVs receive data from your XBox One, or PS4, or streaming source device, but they then have to interpret that information. Refresh rate tells you how effective they are at it. The Hertz number translates into how many times the frames are redrawn per second. This spec is really only going to be a factor with gaming, but it can mean the difference between a stuttering and a smooth gaming experience.
- Response time refers directly to the input lag that comes from your controller transmitting information to your console and then to the television. For most games, the response time won’t even be noticeable, but it can have an impact in high level competitive play. That’s especially true of fighting games, where success is measured in frames. Seriously competitive players should aim for a response time of 1 millisecond or less, but 3 or 5 milliseconds should be just fine for most players.
If you want a good TV, buy one that prioritizes these specs above else. Great graphics are always a plus, but there’s also a lot to be said for smooth animation and responsive inputs. That’s especially true in competitive games, where poor performance specs can be an actual liability.
You might like: Once you have your TV, you might want to consider getting yourself a gaming computer desk too.
Adaptive Sync
Adaptive Sync, also known as variable refresh rate, allows a screen to adjust its performance based off the amount of information it gets from its source device.
There are two main variable refresh rate formats out there, but understanding what your device will support is not that complicated. And they’re pretty comparable in terms of performance, so you don’t need to weigh your decisions too much about which adaptive sync technology you use.
- AMD FreeSync is available on any PC with an AMD GPU as well as on the XBox One S and X Unfortunately, it isn’t supported by older versions of the Xbox One, but it’s likely that this year’s new consoles from both Sony and Microsoft will both support this technology.
- NVIDIA G-Sync is the variable refresh technology adopted by AMD’s biggest rival in the GPU space. But it’s only available on PCs that use a NVIDIA GPU.
- If your primary gaming device is a Nintendo Switch or a Playstation 4, you’re unfortunately out of luck. These devices don’t support any adaptive sync, and that’s true of both the original Playstation 4 and the more recent Playstation 4 Pro.
Ports
If you want to have ready access to all of your content without having to play a game of musical chairs, more ports is usually better. Because they’re the most useful – and the most prevalent – we’ve focused our attention exclusively on HDMI and USB ports. And both of these formats have their own unique value.
- HDMI is the recognized standard for video transmission, and it likely will be for quite some time to come. If you have multiple gaming consoles, you’ll want to make sure to have an HDMI port for each. It’s also the preferred format for connecting a gaming PC or an external streaming device like a Roku. Get yourself a decent HDMI cable once you’ve selected the right TV.
- USB doesn’t stream video, but it’s a great place to hold your personal collection. Everything from family photos to music to TV shows can be stored on a USB thumb drive and then played directly through TVs that come with USB ports. Many even allow you to set up an idle screensaver that alternates between photos stored on your device.
- Audio ports are important If you don’t have a set of speakers for your gaming setup. And for those late night gaming sessions when you need to mute your sound, be sure to get yourself a good pair of gaming headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best 4k TV for Gaming?
The X950G wears a steep price tag but offers performance to match. It’s certainly not the cheapest TV for sale, but it promises insignificant input lag and some of the richest image quality and most beautiful color reproduction you’ll see in HDR content.
Is a 4K TV Good for Gaming?
4K TVs are an especially good choice for single player games, because refresh speed and input lag isn’t as big of a deal. But if you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll want to be extra careful to look at TVs that are responsive in addition to supporting 4K resolution.
What TVs are Best for Gaming?
When looking for TVs for gaming on a PC, Xbox One X, or PS4, your first priority should be gameplay performance. That means you should prioritize the refresh speed and response rate. But 4K can be a great quality for gaming TVs too, because it can create far more vivid gaming experiences that more accurately reflect what the developers intended.
Wrapping Up
Are you looking for TVs for gaming? The selection of gaming smart TV models above are all excellent, but if you’re looking at gaming TVs, you may also be interested in kitting out your gaming rig. We can help whether you want to build your own computer, find a wireless keyboard or get the perfect budget gaming headset for competitive play.
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