It can be difficult to find a TV that fits all your needs. There is a wide range of televisions on the market and, in the past decade, they've somehow gotten lighter, brighter, and bigger. But, when it comes to gaming in the year 2022, bigger doesn’t always better.
Some of this is due to the features that certain TVs offer, but you should also consider other factors, like refresh rates and synergy with your console or PC. While for computers, monitors may be a better bet... for next-gen consoles, there are very specific solutions found in many recent smart TVs.
10 LG UP7000 Series UHD Smart TV
Standard TVs normally are not very vibrant or bright, which is rather understandable since you get what you pay for. But when it comes to the LG UP7000, it is the most bare-bones 4K model that a gamer can use without sacrificing too much quality. Unfortunately, it lacks HDMI 2.1 ports (which is what truly allows the next-gen gaming experience), and as such isn't anything special. However, with TruMotion120, its compatibility with smart home tech, AND its low price of around $400 for 50 inches, that's still something. If you consider this for games that aren't too graphically intensive, like LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, you could certainly do worse.
9 Hisense U6G Series Quantum
The Hisense U6G is the company's most recent foray into LED gaming, and while it does the job, it is nothing spectacular (although the dedicated gaming mode does reportedly improve input lag time to a substantial degree). But, the picture does speak for itself courtesy of Quantum Dot Technology, alongside its full array dimming capability. It also comes equipped with HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos sound. Lastly, with Motion Rate 240, it does allow a native refresh of 120hz, which means it will be a great asset for first-person shooters where every frame matters, like Destiny 2 or Call of Duty: Warzone.
8 TCL 6-Series 55R617 QLED Smart TV
The TCL Mini-LED is an interesting offering, as it utilizes very similar features to other smart TVs, but it doesn’t have everything. The 6-Series in itself offers a Variable Refresh Rate as well as a gaming-oriented “auto low latency” mode which gives it a leg up on the LG UP7000. But since it also doesn’t showcase HDMI 2.1, it is immediately outclassed on resolution issues. Although you can technically watch 1440P at 120HZ, you can only watch true 4K at 60HZ. So, if you are looking for something that can be used for a great movie-watching experience and at least some high-level next-gen gaming, like Horizon Forbidden West, this TV will serve you well.
7 Samsung AU8000 Series UHD Smart TV
The AU8000 is a bit of a step up from the last couple of smart TVs. After all, it does offer true 4K resolution. But it is yet another entry-level TV, again plagued by a lack of HDMI 2.1, as well as a rather slow response time. It’s certainly not the worst offering on the list for a casual gamer.
Although the AU8000 does utilize the Tizen operating system, no one would judge you for thinking otherwise as it is reportedly extremely slow when it pertains to loading apps. Considering other offerings, a gamer would probably be better off just buying a gaming monitor.
6 Vizio MQ-Q7 Quantum 4K TV
Back in the early 2010s, Vizio was the belle of the ball. That is until other great value-low budget smart TVs from companies like TLC threw their hats into the metaphorical ring. While they still don’t hold a candle to the more pricey offerings from LG, Samsung, or Sony – the M-Series introduced in the Spring of 2016 has made great strides to continuously meet the specs necessary to have the best gaming experience possible.
The MQ-Q7 won’t necessarily break the bank and has fantastic features including Vizio's ProGaming Engine and IQ Active Processor which allow it to compete with higher-end gaming monitors even (including protection against screen tearing). Finally, the Q7 has the usual offerings that come with a Smart TV in this day and age: UHD, 4K clarity, and, of course, HDR.
5 Hisense U8G ULED Smart TV
Hisense is no longer at the bottom of the list when it comes to smart TVs. Specifically in 2022, the Chinese brand seems to have gotten the hint and began to offer more deluxe features, while also offering lower prices. Housing a very vibrant screen (courtesy of Quantum technology), the TV features several HDMI 2.1 ports, 120hz native refresh, and an IPS panel, alongside low auto latency modes. So if you are looking to truly utilize the graphic capabilities of Xbox Series X or PS5, while also not spending too much money – the U8G may be for you. Graphically intensive games, like the upcoming Starfield, are sure to shine here.
4 Sony Bravia X90J Smart TV
One of the biggest deterrents to getting a top-of-the-line gaming TV is price, and for yet another model at $1,200 – there are cheaper options. However, the X90J still offers patented Dolby Vision as well as HDR10 which allows many of the gorgeous next-gen gaming visuals to pop. With its low lag and high refresh rate alongside both vibrancy courtesy of the Triluminos Pro Technology and the coveted HDMI 2.1 ports, the X90J offers stunning pictures with the best in contrast options. The only real problem is that it doesn’t offer a variable refresh rate.
3 Samsung Q80A QLED TV
Samsung has always been at the front of the line for technological innovation. With Gamebar, a player can view their input lag, FPS, sound output stats, as well as easy-to-access optimization settings to make changes on the go. This is specifically useful for situations where frame rate matters, like streaming on Twitch.
Additionally, the Q80A also brings to the table HDR10+ which will accentuate the beauty of any given next-gen game as well as object tracking sound, allowing for the latest in innovative audio experiences. Finally, it is armed with multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, as well as a top-of-the-line quantum 4K processor which will emphasize smaller details. But unfortunately, this model suffers greatly from the hefty price tag of $1,200.
2 Vizio Class P-Series Quantum 4K TV
The P-Series is the next logical step from the aforementioned Q7 listed previously. With roughly 210 local dimming zones alongside a beautiful bezel-less display, the P-Series has incredible utility when it comes to the latest offerings for Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles (including the very coveted HDMI 2.1 which allows the current-gen systems to have the option or capability to avoid any kind of lag). This beautiful TV also offers quantum color which delivers up to 115 percent more color than standard 4K TVs, while the 65” screen size will fill up any room it’s in with its vibrant lights.
1 LG 55" C1 Series 4K OLED TV
Coming in on top is the LG C1, which is still scoring very high on most S-Tier benchmark tests a year after its initial release. The superb sound utilizes the aforementioned Dolby Atmos alongside a 40W speaker making it an even stronger model, especially when considering that Atmos has sincerely impressed us. The unit also features four separate HDMI 2.1 ports, an OLED panel, functionality surrounding adaptive sync technology as well a Variable Refresh rate. Its only minor caveats are the bulbous weight, OLED pixel burn-in potential, and, at north of $1000, the hefty price tag.