Best 4k TV For Gaming In 2021
This quick rundown will look at the best 4K gaming TVs for gamers using both console and PC
Purchasing a 4K TV for your gaming needs was once considered bank account suicide. Gaming enthusiasts would willingly hand over thousands of dollars in exchange for one of the latest 4K displays in their quest to find the highest levels of gaming immersion.
The best 4K TVs for gaming would showcase superb features such as OLED technology, great viewing angles, excellent color accuracy, true HDR output, and most importantly, a huge 4K screen resolution for crystal clear picture quality. They were and still are the best way to experience your TV and game content. Well, until 8K TVs become affordable!
4K TVs are nothing new though. LG released one of the first 4K displays back in 2012 which, at the time, retail at a staggering $20,000. I know, pricey right? Since that day, however, we’ve seen the 4K TV become more commercialized and affordable – with consumers now being able to pick up a budget 4K monitor for around $200.
That being said, the current market is flooded with hundreds of options, choosing the right one for your specific needs can be a time-consuming task. For that reason, we’ve decided to give you a comprehensive breakdown of what we believe are the best 4K TVs your gaming money can buy.
Let’s take a look at some of the recommendations.
Our Top Picks
Best 4K TV For Gaming
In-depth Review
LG C9 OLED
LG C9 OLED
We’ve crowned the LG C9 OLED the best 4K TV for gaming and for good reason. This superb OLED TV not only offers fantastic picture quality, but it also comes with excellent gaming performance and some cool additional gaming features too.
One thing I noticed when comparing the LG C9 OLED was that it couldn’t achieve the same levels of brightness as other LED TV’s. However, thanks to HDR game technology, that doesn’t really matter as the game will automatically adjust the game’s brightness to match your monitors peak.
Additional features include HDMI 2.1 support as well as HDMI Forum’s new variable refresh rate technology. It can achieve 120hz at 4K but will require a firmware update for this.
One downside to quickly mention is the burn-in effect that all OLED’s are at risk of. The TV is at risk of this when it is exposed to static hood elements for too long. So, it’s worth bearing this in mind.
Sony X950G
Sony X950G
The Sony X950G gets our runner up spot, but not by much. If you’re looking for extremely realistic color accuracy, then the Sony X950G is the TV for you. It looks superb. And, it delivers the highest pre-calibration color accuracy in this list, pretty impressive when you consider the lineup.
The X950G comes equipped with a VA panel that delivers deep blacks in dark spaces. Unfortunately, it lacks the free sync support you get with other TVs on this list. This being said, Sony has once again produced a monitor with superb picture quality. It has excellent brights that look outstanding in several bright environments.
It has superb HDR performance and can display highly vivid colors thanks to its wide color gamut. The input lag is very low when gaming which means you get an extremely responsive experience. It has next to no motion blur and maintains a crisp image even in the most hectic of backgrounds.
Overall an excellent runner up on this list and one that is worthy of anyone’s consideration.
VIZIO 65″ Class P-Series
VIZIO 65″ Class P-Series
The VIZIO Class P-Series is our value pick and one that showcases superb performance amongst a plethora of other great features. The Class P- Series is by far one of the most affordable on this list. It offers a great HDR gaming experience, without the possibility of burn-in! That feature is always welcome.
From a design point of view, it doesn’t look half as good as some of the other TVs in this list neither does it provide the same levels of picture quality. It also has a higher input lag which is never desirable when gaming. It does, however, have a much brighter picture than others on this list and still makes use of a wide color gamut.
If you’re looking for a great monitor at an affordable price tag, look no further.
Samsung Q80/Q80R QLED
Samsung Q80/Q80R QLED
Samsung’s Q80 QLED is the only monitor that comes to shelves boasting the QLED technology. On paper, this is easily one of the best monitors on this list; however, when you consider the price, it’s hard to justify putting this monitor in the number one position.
It doesn’t offer the same perfect blacks as the LG above, but the Q80 does provide superb picture quality none the less. Furthermore, it offers excellent peak brightness and a wide color gamut. Gamers are sure to enjoy the excellent response time and the low input lag when gaming in HDR.
The Q80 supports AMD’s FreeSync technology for almost completely tear-free gaming and comes equipped with the all-new ‘ultra viewing angle’ tech no less.
Ultimately, If you’re looking for a QLED panel that has almost zero screen tearing and a fantastic overall picture, the Q80 could be exactly what you’re looking for.
TCL 6 Series
TCL 6 Series
We finally come to our budget pick, the TCL 6 Series. It is by far the cheapest TV on this list and one that clearly shows that in its own features and benefits.
Unlike the other TVs in this list, the TCL 6 Series has had to clearly make some sacrifices in order to reduce the cost down so drastically. Not a bad thing necessarily. If you’re looking for a budget 4K monitor, this is the reality.
The TV itself can produce very bright pictures which are definitely a plus. It displays HDR content very well with a rich array of colors and brightness highlights. It has plenty of local dimming and a good native contrast ratio which creates a very natural picture.
The input lag is quite low and gives the user a very responsive gaming experience. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget 4K monitor, you will do well to find anything a great deal better.
Final Word
Ultimately, choosing the best 4K TV for gaming comes down to a few fundamental factors. Is it within your price range? Does it have the specifications that you require? And does it perform how you would like? Making sure the TV can achieve these simple goals is key to making sure it’s the right one for you.
These are what we consider to be the best 4K TV’s for gaming, let us know what you thought by leaving a comment in the section below.