The best HDMI 2.1 TVs for gaming lets you take full advantage of what the next generation of gaming consoles and PCs can offer. HDMI 2.1 enables smooth gaming with a high detail level, allowing you to experience content as the developer intended.
Sure, you can get decent gameplay with just about any TV, but if you want a smooth, responsive, and powerful gaming experience, investing in a suitable HDMI 2.1 TV is the best choice.
Here are the best HDMI 2.1 TVs for gaming available today.
The Samsung Q800T QLED unlocks 8K gaming on the next generation consoles and enthusiast PCs with HDMI 2.1 connectivity. It supports 8K60 gameplay and up to 120Hz at 4K on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and gaming PCs with the latest GeForce and Radeon graphics cards.
The VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support through FreeSync and G-Sync ensures a smooth and fluid gaming experience on just about any device. As part of the HDMI 2.1 Specification, the Samsung Q800T supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which automatically turns on Game Mode when you launch a game to ensure the lowest input lag when gaming.
You can use the Samsung Q800T to its full potential as games like Forza Horizon 4 now support 8K resolution. Elsewhere, the Samsung Q800T provides many smart features for a seamless user experience. The QLED panel delivers stunning visuals with an 8K resolution, HDR support, and a wide color gamut.
It can get very bright in HDR and supports Full-Array Local Dimming, making it a great option for dark and bright environments. If you don't have an 8K source yet, don't despair, as the Samsung Q800T can upscale 1080p and 4K content to near-8K quality for ultra-detailed and realistic images.
- Full-Array Local Dimming
- FreeSync VRR support, G-Sync Compatible
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- Quantum HDR 16X, HDR10+
- Tizen OS
- Brand: Samsung
- Resolution: 8K (7680x4320)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz (120Hz at 4K)
- Screen Size: 65 inches
- Ports: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB, 1x RF, 1x Ethernet, 1x Optical Audio Out
- Display Technology: QLED
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Great for both dark and bright rooms
- Incredibly low input lag
- FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility
- 8K resolution
- Has a low contrast ratio for a VA panel
The LG CX OLED is the best HDMI 2.1 TV for gaming money can buy. It supports the full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth in its four HDMI ports, great if you play games on both console and PC.
It has outstanding motion handling with incredibly low input lag and near-instant response time, which, combined with the 120Hz refresh rate, results in a fast and responsive gaming experience. The LG CX supports ALLM, so you don't have to manually turn on Game Mode each time you want to game.
In addition to FreeSync and G-Sync, this TV supports HDMI Forum VRR, the only VRR technology supported by PS5. It is the perfect gaming TV for Xbox Series X and PS5. One of the LG CX's best-selling features is its OLED panel, which can turn off individual pixels to display perfect blacks.
On top of that, the CX covers almost the whole P3 color gamut, has near-perfect viewing angles, and supports Dolby Vision, delivering the best picture quality you can get on a TV.
- Self-lighting OLED for perfect blacks
- Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos
- FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible, and HDMI Forum VRR
- Runs LG's webOS operating system
- Alexa and Google Assistant Built-in
- Brand: LG
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Screen Size: 65 inches
- Ports: 4x HDMI 2.1, 3x USB 2.0, 1x Composite, 1x RF, 1x Digital Optical Audio Out, 1x Headphone Out, 1x Ethernet
- Display Technology: OLED
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Infinite contrast ratio
- VRR support
- Low input lag and incredibly fast response time
- Wide color gamut
- Risk of permanent burn-in
If you're looking for a full-blown budget TV with HDMI 2.1 that won't break the bank, the LG NANO90 might be the best TV for you. This TV comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports that support the full HDMI 2.1 features, including ALLM, HDMI Forum VRR, and a 120Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution. However, it does not support G-Sync, so it might not be the best option for PCs with NVIDIA 3000 series GPUs.
Performance is superb. The NANO90 comes with an enhanced IPS panel that offers reasonably wide viewing angles and adds more vibrancy to colors to make your games more lifelike and immersive. There's also a full-array local dimming with HDR support in Dolby Vision, HDR10 Pro, and HLG Pro for deeper blacks and brilliant contrasts.
The NANO90 might be one of the cheapest HDMI 2.1 displays available, but it provides all the features you'd need for a smooth, responsive, and powerful gaming experience. Its ability to produce vibrant colors and punchy highlights lets you experience exactly what the game developer or filmmaker had intended.
- Full-Array Local Dimming
- Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos
- FreeSync Premium, HDMI Forum VRR, and ALLM
- webOS with Magic Remote
- Brand: LG
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Screen Size: 65 inches
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0, 3x USB 2.0, 1x Digital Optical Audio Out, 1x RF, 1x Composite, 1x Ethernet
- Display Technology: NanoCell
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Good value for money
- VRR support
- Excellent low input lag and fast response time
- Wide viewing angles
- No G-Sync
- Low contrast ratio
OLED TVs generally have better contrasts and vibrant colors, but if you want the brightest picture and don't want to risk permanent burn-in, we recommend getting a QLED TV instead. The Samsung Q90T is the best 4K QLED TV you can find in the market. It can hit higher brightness while displaying vibrant and accurate colors, making it excellent for bright environments.
Even better, this TV supports Full Array Local Dimming and several HDR standards, including HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, which results in a higher contrast ratio and deeper blacks. That means you can safely use it in a dark room. But unlike with an OLED display, you might experience a blooming effect when bright objects move across a dark background.
In terms of gaming, the Samsung Q90T comes with a single HDMI 2.1 input that enables 4K 120Hz gameplay with VRR and ALLM. In addition, you get FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility to reduce tearing when gaming. The Real Game Enhancer+ feature increases clarity on fast-moving objects, making the Q90T an excellent TV for competitive FPS gaming and watching sports.
- Full Array Local Dimming
- HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Real Game Enhancer+ and FreeSync for Gaming
- Tizen OS /w OneRemote
- Brand: Samsung
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Screen Size: 55 inches
- Ports: 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB, 1x RF, 1x Digital Optical Audio Out, 1x Ethernet
- Display Technology: QLED
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Bright picture quality
- Great viewing angles
- FreeSync support and G-Sync compatibility
- Outstanding motion handling
- Brilliant contrast
- Only one HDMI 2.1 input
Is there a better TV for the PlayStation than Sony's very own X900H? The Sony X900H didn't natively support HDMI 2.1 at launch, but Sony fixed it through a firmware update. The update adds PS5 compatibility with features such as 4K120, eARC, VRR, and ALLM.
With an incredibly low input lag of 6.7ms and blur reduction technology, the X900H gives you a competitive edge when playing fast-paced and highly competitive games.
And the best part of it all is the Sony X900H does not cost a fortune. It is one of the most affordable TVs with HDMI 2.1 connectivity and surprisingly better than the premium Samsung Q90T, with two HDMI 2.1 ports.
The Sony X900H combines a VA panel with Full Array Local Dimming to produce an excellent picture quality. Expect vibrant colors and lifelike contrast with Dolby Vision.
There is a Netflix Calibrated Mode, which lets you experience Netflix originals as the creator intended. Of course, you get other streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and YouTube as it runs Google's Android TV platform.
- Full Array Local Dimming
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Netflix Calibrated Mode
- Brand: Sony
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Screen Size: 55 inches
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x RF, 1x Composite, 2x USB, 1x Digital Optical Audio Out, 1x Headphone Out, 1x Ethernet
- Display Technology: LCD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- HDMI Forum VRR support
- Blur reduction technology for crystal-clear gaming
- Low input lag
- Excellent contrast ratio
- Narrow viewing angles
After launching the most affordable OLED TVs in the market, Vizio is back again with another set of TVs, this time going head to head with Samsung QLEDs. The Vizio P-Series Quantum X displays are among the brightest 4K TVs you can find in the market, with a brightness of up to 3,000nits. That's bright enough to overcome glare even in the brightly lit rooms.
The cheapest 65-inch model has a peak brightness of 2,000nits, while the monstrous 85-inch model features industry-leading 3,000nits with 792 local dimming zones. The P-Series Quantum X TVs are bright, economical, and feature two HDMI 2.1 inputs, giving Samsung a run for their money.
The only downside is the lack of G-Sync compatibility, but you do get HDMI VRR and FreeSync, which is all you need for a smooth gaming experience on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Picture quality is excellent.
The P-Series Quantum X supports HDR, Full Array Local Dimming, and a 4K resolution to deliver detailed and colorful visuals. Overall, this is a large, affordable, and bright TV that allows you to get the best out of the next generation of gaming consoles.
- Up to 3,000nits brightness with 792 dimming zones
- Dolby Vision, HDR 10+, HDR10, HLG
- VIZIO SmartCast
- HDMI VRR, AMD FreeSync
- Brand: Vizio
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Screen Size: 65 inches (Available in 75-inch, 85-inch)
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x RF, 1x Composite, 1x USB, 1x Digital Optical Audio Out, 1x Analog Audio Out (RCA), 1x Ethernet
- Display Technology: QLED
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Very bright (2000+ nits)
- High contrast ratio and vibrant colors
- VRR for smooth gaming
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- Poor viewing angles
If you're looking to add more aesthetics and style to your living room, the LG GX OLED with a Gallery Design is your best shot. Designed to hang flush on the wall, the GX blends into your home with an impossibly slim design and vibrant colors that breathe life into your artworks and memories. The OLED panel with Dolby Vision makes the GX beautiful both inside and out.
One of the best features of the GX is that you can connect it to multiple next-gen consoles with four HDMI 2.1 inputs. It supports high refresh rate gaming at 4K resolution with other HDMI 2.1 features, including VRR for tear-free gaming and ALLM for lag-free gaming. There is a blur reduction technology that removes judder and blur in sports and fast action scenes to improve clarity.
Elsewhere, you're getting a bunch of smarts bundled in the webOS platform. From streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video to voice controls, Dolby Atmos, Chromecast, and 4K upscaling, the GX brings a true cinema experience to the comfort of your home.
- Gallery Design
- Self-lighting OLED for perfect blacks
- Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos
- Runs LG's webOS operating system
- Brand: LG
- Resolution: 4K (3840x2160)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Screen Size: 55 inches
- Ports: 4x HDMI 2.1, 3x USB, 1x RF, 1x Composite, 1x Digital Optical Audio Out, 1x Headphone Out, 1x Ethernet
- Display Technology: OLED
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Stylish design
- Excellent picture quality
- Supports HDMI VRR, FreeSync, and G-Sync
- Near-instant response time
- Risk of permanent burn-in
- Not as bright as QLEDs
FAQ
Q: Do I Really Need HDMI 2.1 for PS5?
HDMI 2.1 is needed if you want to experience everything the PlayStation 5 can offer. One of the reasons to buy a PS5 is to achieve 120Hz gaming at 4K resolution. For that, you'll need a TV or monitor with HDMI 2.1 input because HDMI 2.0 only supports 4K at 60Hz. Similarly, HDMI 2.0 cannot offer 4K at 120Hz.
Q: Do You Need HDMI 2.1 for 120fps?
HDMI 2.1 is needed for 4K at 120fps gaming. The HDMI 2.1 Specification increased the bandwidth from 18Gbps to 48Gbps, allowing for 4K 120Hz passthrough with HDR and up to 8K at 60Hz. The previous HDMI 2.0 standard can only support 4K at 60fps.
Q: Is HDMI 2.1 Worth It for Gaming?
HDMI 2.1 is worth it if you have a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X. These new generation consoles can push high frame rates up to 120Hz at 4K, delivering smooth gameplay with detailed visuals.
Besides, HDMI 2.1 brings handy gaming features such as Variable Refresh Rate to eliminate screen tearing and Auto Low Latency Mode to reduce input lag.
The best part is that HDMI 2.1 is now available to both console and PC gamers. Gaming PCs with the latest NVIDIA 3000 Series and Radeon 6000 Series GPUs fully support 4K 120fps gaming when hooked to an HDMI 2.1 TV or monitor.
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