A dedicated gaming TV can be a huge boost to your play experience, with dedicated modes that lower input latency, boost response times, and sync refresh rates. 

Console gamers have plenty of options to choose from while shopping for a TV, since brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, and even TCL offer models with dedicated gaming modes, high native refresh rates, VRR support, and plenty of connectivity options for anyone who owns more than one console. Sony even went so far as to optimize all of its latest TVs for play on the PlayStation 5, working in tandem with Sony-specific technology and programming to get the most out of your console. 

I've chosen theSamsung QN90C as the best gaming TV for its cloud gaming support, Pantone-validated Neo QLED panel, and object tracking sound. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung QN90Cas well as my other top picks for the best gaming TVs.

Also:Thebest game consoles

The best gaming TVs of 2023

Samsung QN90C

Best gaming TV overall

Artie Beaty/ZDNet Pros & Cons Pros

• Cloud gaming compatibility
• Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+
• 120Hzrefresh rate
• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Cons

• Pricey
• No Dolby Vision support
• Limited accessibility features

More Details

Samsung QN90Cspecs: Screen size:43 to 98 inchesPanel type:Neo QLEDRefresh rate:120HzResolution:4KHDR:Neo Quantum HDR+Audio:Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google

The Samsung QN90C is an almost-perfect option for any gamer looking to upgrade their TV. It's made with an updated Neo QLED panel that has been Pantone-verified to guarantee color accuracy. It also has a 120Hzrefresh rate to help provide smoother motion and cleaner action during fast-paced game sequences and cutscenes. An anti-glare coating helps improve visibility in harsh lighting or bright rooms. 

The speakers work with both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technology for virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action. The best feature is the Samsung Gaming Hub, which gives you access to cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass as well as the ability to adjust HDR and refresh rate settings. It also supportsAMD FreeSync Premium ProVRR technology to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering. 's Artie Beaty was able to do some hands-on testing with the Samsung QN90C, and he praised the TV's 8 dedicated gaming picture modes as well as its ability to add a crosshair overlay for better accessibility.

More:Samsung's QN90C gets a lot right

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Samsung S95C

Best OLED TV for gaming

Rebecca Isaacs/

Samsung S95Cspecs: Screen size:55 to 77 inchesPanel type:OLEDRefresh rate:120HzResolution:4KHDR:Neo Quantum OLED HDR+Audio:Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+Voice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google

Samsung's newest OLED, the S95C, is an excellent option for gamers that value picture quality. It's available in screen sizes from 55 to 77 inches, letting you find the right fit for your gaming space. It also features an incredibly thin design as well as a Samsung OneConnect box built right in; this lets you use a single cable to transmit audio and video from all of your game consoles and playback devices for a more clean and organized space. 's June Wan was able to do some hands-on testing with the Samsung S95C, recommending that gamers wall mount the TV to take full advantage of the thin design and OneConnect integration.

It works with Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ for virtual 3D audio that follows the on-screen action. It also features the Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud gaming capabilities as well as the ability to monitor HDR settings and refresh rates. The S95C even has support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.

Also: The best TV wall mounts (and how to install them safely)

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TCL S4

Best budget gaming TV

TCL/ZDNet Pros & Cons Pros

• Chromecast support
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
• Under$500

Cons

• Only 60Hzrefresh rate
• No A/V port
• No VRR support

More Details

TCL S4 specs: Screen size:50 inchesPanel type:LEDRefresh rate:60HzResolution:4KHDR:Dolby VisionAudio:Dolby AtmosVoice controls:Alexa, Hey Google

If you're working with a limited budget while shopping for a new gaming TV, the TCL S4 is a great choice. The 50-inch model retails well under$500, which means it will fit into even some of the most modest of budgets. And just because it's affordable doesn't mean you have to miss out on features to take your console gaming experience to the next level.

It has support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for enhanced picture and audio quality as well as plenty of HDMI inputs for connecting multiple game consoles. It even has an RF input so you can connect some retro consoles; though you'll need an A/V-to-HDMI converter for things like the PS2 or N64. With Bluetooth connectivity and Chromecast support, you'll be able to play mobile games on your TV, or view walkthroughs and videos when you get stuck on difficult puzzles or challenging bosses.

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TCL QM8

Best big screen gaming TV

SuperGiant Games/TCL/Taylor Clemons/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Great picture quality
• Dedicated game mode
• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
• Decent audio

Cons

• Pricey at larger screen sizes
• No Nvidia G-Sync support

More Details

TCL QM8specs - Screen size:65 to 98 inchesPanel type:QLEDRefresh rate:120HzResolution:4KHDR:Dolby VisionAudio:Dolby AtmosVoice controls:Alexa, Hey Google

The TCL QM8is an excellent TV all-around, but it's the best option for anyone looking for a true big-screen experience. It comes in screen sizes up to an impressive 98 inches, which means you can have an entire wall dedicated to your TV. I got to test the  TCL QM8 in-person, and the QLED panel produces bright, bold colors that really shine in visually distinct games with deep blacks, like Hades and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, to help define details and really make those colors pop. 

The 120Hzrefresh rate looks smooth without that "soap opera" effect that some motion smoothing effects have, which means you won't miss any important details due to smear frames or screen jittering. The QM8 also has a dedicated game mode that the TV automatically switches to when it detects a console has been connected. The game mode lowers input latency for near-instant on-screen reactions and providesVRR supportvia AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

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Sony A95L

Best gaming TV for PlayStation 5

Rebecca Isaacs/ Pros & Cons Pros

• PlayStation 4/5 remote access
• VRR support
• Acoustic Surface Audio+

Cons

• Very expensive
• No G-Sync or FreeSync support

More Details

Sony A95Lspecs: Screen size:55 to 77 inchesPanel type:QD-OLEDRefresh rate:120HzResolution:4KHDR:Dolby VisionAudio:Acoustic Surface Audio+Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google

PlayStation 5 loyalists and newcomers alike have one more reason to love their console: Sony recently announced that all of the Bravia XR A95L will support remote play for the console as well as the PlayStation 4. This means you can play any game downloaded to your console, no matter where it is. The A95L will also provide exclusive optimization features for the PlayStation consoles, such as VRR support over HDMI 2.1 connections to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering as well as consistent 120fps at 4K resolution for smoother, cleaner motion during fast-paced gameplay and custcenes. 

The TV is built with an updated QD-OLED panel that's brighter than previous Sony OLED models, and it has an anti-glare coating for better visibility in bright rooms and harsh overhead lighting. Along with signature OLED picture quality, you'll get enhanced contrast and detailing with Dolby Vision support. The integrated speakers work with Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which uses tiny speakers placed strategically behind the screen for near-perfect audio and video syncing. It also creates more immersive audio that follows the on-screen action.

's Rebecca Isaacs was able to see the Sony A95Lin person, calling it the "crown jewel" of Sony's TV lineup and praising its ultra-clean picture quality.

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What is the best TV for gaming?

My choice for the best gaming TV is the Samsung QN90C. It has a dedicated gaming hub that gives you access to cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW and Xbox Game Pass. The Neo QLED panel has also been Pantone-verified for color accuracy. The QN90C supports both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technology for virtual surround sound as well as audio that follows the on-screen action.

Best gaming TV	Price	HDR/Audio	Refresh rate
Samsung QN90C	$2,798	Neo Quantum HDR+, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound+	120Hz
Samsung S95C	$2,598	Quantum OLED HDR, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound+	120Hz
TCL 50S450R	$350	Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos	60Hz
TCL QM8	$1,700	Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos	120Hz
Sony A95L	$3,500	Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos/Acoustic Surface Audio+	120Hz

*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on the retailer as well as available discounts, sales, and coupons.

Which gaming TV is right for you?

If you're in the market for a new TV just for gaming, or that will be primarily used for gaming, you'll want to make sure that it has some sort of adaptive sync feature to match different consoles and game programming, enough connection options for all of your consoles, and a screen that is both big enough for you to see what's going on but not so big that it overwhelms your space.

Buy this best gaming TV...	If you need...
Samsung QN90C	A well-rounded gaming TV. The Samsung QN90C supports cloud gaming services as well as VRR for smoother playback.
Samsung S95C	An OLED gaming TV. The Samsung S95C provides enhanced color, contrast, and detailing for sharper images.
TCL 50S450R	A budget-friendly gaming TV. The 50-inch TCL S4 retails well under$500 while still providing great features like Dolby Vision.
TCL QM8	A big-screen gaming TV. The TCL QM8 is available in screen sizes up to 98 inches.
Sony A95L	A gaming TV for the PlayStation 5. It supports remote play on the console as well as exclusive optimization features for the PS5.

How did we choose the best gaming TVs?

While testing and researching each gaming TV on this list, I and other experts kept these criteria in mind:

• Price:Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly second screen just for console gaming or are willing to pay top-dollar for the best OLED screen for your gaming space, finding the right budget can be a task in and of itself. I've done my best to ensure that this list features gaming TVs at multiple price points in order to accommodate a variety of budgets.
• Picture and audio quality:Just like with movies and shows, console gamers want a new TV that is going to make their new, last-gen, and retro titles look and sound their best. Each TV on this list has been vetted and ensured to support at least basic HDR10 codecs as well as enhanced audio like Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos.
• Refresh rates: Your TVs refresh rate determines how smoothly video is played back on your screen. While most new TVs offer at least 60Hz, gamers will want to opt for something that has a 120Hz refresh rate for more consistent video playback quality. Some TVs also work with gaming-specific VRR technology like Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync for even better refresh rates while playing.

What size TV is best for gaming?

While it's tempting to get that 85 or 97-inch TV, chances are, it won't even fit in your space. The best way to find your ideal TV size is to measure, in inches, from where your TV will be placed on a stand or wall mounted to where you will be sitting, and then divide that distance in half. So if your couch is 120 inches (10 feet) from the TV, your ideal TV size would be about 60 inches. You can go a bit bigger or smaller depending on what is available from the brand and what your budget allows, but a screen that is too big will overwhelm your space and might even cause motion sickness. While a TV that is entirely too small will make your room feel like a huge cavern and be difficult to see from your preferred gaming perch.

Can I use a TV for PC gaming?

Short answer: Absolutely, though your results may vary. 

Long answer: It's tempting to opt for a TV over a monitor when upgrading or building your gaming PC since they offer more screen sizes as well as better value for your money. However, it's important to do your research when looking at using a TV as a monitor, as support for VRR codecs like G-Sync or FreeSync may not be available. And refresh rates may not be as flexible or as high as you need them to be for intense action games or fast-paced sports titles. 

The Samsung M8 smart monitor is a great bridge between smart TVs and traditional gaming monitors, offering a built-in webcam as well as support for popular streaming apps for when you're not gaming. This dual-purpose monitor is also great for apartments and dorms where space for two dedicated screens is limited.

What is a good TV refresh rate for gaming?

Playing video games on a console connected to a TV is a bit more forgiving with refresh rates than a PC game on a dedicated monitor. Most new televisions are capable of a native 120Hz refresh rate, which means the TV can produce up to 120 frames per second for smoother motion and animations. Some budget-friendly models are only capable of 60Hz, but this is still plenty good enough for most console gamers.

There are a few TV models out there that are capable of 144Hz, which is on par with a lot of popular gaming monitors, but they can be expensive and often require additional setup to achieve.

Is it worth getting an 8K TV for gaming?

While the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have been built with future 8K support in mind, native 8K content for gaming is still a long way off; as is native 8K content for streaming and broadcast. 

If you want to truly future-proof your gaming space, and have lots of cash burning a hole in your pocket, you can invest in a decent 8K TV model so you'll be at-the-ready when the first 8K games are available. However, with how expensive an 8K TV can be, as well as the lack of ultra HD content elsewhere, you could be throwing money away and waiting years to take full advantage of your new TV.

What is VRR?

VRR is an acronym for "variable refresh rate," which means that your TV or monitor is capable of automatically adjusting the refresh rate to match your game console or playback device's refresh rate. This means that you won't have to manually adjust frame rates and refresh rates every time you switch devices, and you'll experience less screen tearing and stuttering while watching movies and shows or playing video games.

Are there alternative gaming TVs worth considering?

There are a lot of options out there for console gamers looking for a TV to elevate their setup. Here's a short list of other gaming TVs I thought were great choices:

Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED

Taylor Clemons/

While the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is built to be the ultimate streaming television, it's also a great choice for console gamers. The dedicated gaming mode and support for HDR10+ give you bold colors, enhanced contrast, and sharp details to make everything from the latest releases to retro favorites look their best.

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Hisense U6K

Artie Beaty/ZDNet

The Hisense U6K is another great budget-friendly option for console gamers looking to upgrade their TV. It uses a mini LED panel to produce more bold colors as well as sharper contrast and detailing.

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Samsung M8 smart monitor

Image: Cliff Joseph / ZDNet

The Samsung M8 is the best of both a traditional monitor and smart TV. Not only does it give you 4K resolution, you'll aslo get access to popular streaming apps as well as the ability to remotely connect to a second PC; which is great news for anyone who has separate work and gaming rigs.

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