How to Choose a Gaming TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X (2026 Guide)

Andrew C.
2 days ago
4 min read

Modern gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X are capable of delivering stunning visuals, high frame rates and immersive audio. However, none of that matters if your TV is not able to keep up. A great console paired with the wrong television will always feel like wasted potential.

Choosing the right gaming TV in 2026 is no longer just about buying the biggest screen you can afford. It is about understanding a set of technical features that directly affect image quality, responsiveness, and overall immersion. This guide breaks down what truly matters when buying a TV for console gaming today.

If you are wondering how to choose a gaming TV for PS5, the key is understanding which features actually improve gameplay rather than paying for specs that do not make a real difference.

If you already know what features matter most, you can check our full guide to the best TVs for PS5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X in 2026, where we compare the top OLED and Mini-LED models.

How to Choose a Gaming TV for PS5: Display Technology Explained

One of the first decisions you will face is panel technology. While LED TVs still exist, modern gaming discussions are dominated by OLED, QD-OLED and Mini-LED displays.

OLED TVs are widely regarded as the reference standard for image quality. Each pixel emits its own light, allowing the screen to completely turn off individual pixels. This results in perfect blacks, infinite contrast and extremely fast pixel response times. For cinematic games, horror titles and night-time gaming sessions, OLED delivers an unmatched level of immersion.

QD-OLED builds on this foundation by combining OLED contrast with Quantum Dot color enhancement. The result is higher brightness and richer colors while maintaining OLED’s strengths. This makes QD-OLED particularly appealing for HDR gaming.

Mini-LED and Neo QLED TVs take a different approach. Instead of self-emissive pixels, they use thousands of tiny LEDs grouped into local dimming zones. While they cannot fully match OLED’s black levels, they excel in brightness, daytime visibility and overall versatility, making them ideal for bright living rooms.

There is no universal winner here. OLED prioritizes contrast and cinematic quality, while Mini-LED prioritizes brightness and flexibility. The right choice depends on where and how you play.

Resolution and Refresh Rate: Why 4K and 120Hz Matter

All current-generation consoles are designed around 4K gaming, so a 4K UHD panel is no longer optional. The real differentiator today is refresh rate.

A TV with a native 120Hz panel allows compatible games to run at higher frame rates, resulting in smoother motion and reduced blur. Even when games run at 60fps, 120Hz displays often feel more responsive due to improved frame handling.

Avoid TVs that advertise “120 motion” or “effective refresh rate” without clearly stating a native 120Hz panel. Those labels often hide 60Hz panels with motion processing tricks.

HDMI 2.1: The Backbone of Modern Console Gaming

HDMI 2.1 is one of the most important features to look for in a gaming TV. It enables the technologies that define next-generation gameplay:

4K at 120Hz
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
eARC for high-quality audio passthrough

Without HDMI 2.1, a TV cannot fully support the capabilities of the PS5 or Xbox Series X. Ideally, a gaming TV should offer at least two HDMI 2.1 ports, especially if you plan to connect multiple consoles or a sound system.

VRR, ALLM and Input Lag: Responsiveness Comes First

A great gaming TV must feel responsive. This is where VRR, ALLM and low input lag come into play.

VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) synchronizes the TV’s refresh rate with the console’s output, reducing screen tearing and stutter when frame rates fluctuate.

ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) automatically switches the TV into its lowest-latency gaming mode when a console is detected.

Input lag measures the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. In 2026, a good gaming TV should deliver well under 20ms, ideally below 10ms in 120Hz modes.

Together, these features significantly improve control precision and overall gameplay feel.

HDR Formats: More Than Just Brightness

HDR is no longer just a bonus feature. It fundamentally changes how games look.

At a minimum, a gaming TV should support HDR10. More advanced formats include:

HDR10+, which uses dynamic metadata to adjust brightness scene by scene
Dolby Vision, widely supported on Xbox Series X and increasingly relevant for gaming

HDR is only effective when paired with good brightness, contrast and tone mapping. A TV that claims HDR support but lacks sufficient brightness will not deliver a meaningful HDR experience.

Screen Size and Viewing Distance

Bigger screens enhance immersion, but size should match your space. Thanks to 4K resolution, larger TVs can now be viewed from shorter distances without loss of detail.

For most gamers:

55 inches is a strong starting point
65 inches offers a noticeable immersion boost
Larger sizes work well in bigger rooms or dedicated gaming setups

Choose the largest size your space comfortably allows.

Audio and eARC Support

While built-in TV speakers are rarely impressive, your TV should support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) if you plan to use a soundbar or AV receiver. This ensures full-quality audio formats such as Dolby Atmos are passed through correctly.

Good audio completes the gaming experience, especially in competitive or story-driven titles where spatial sound matters.

Final Checklist: What a Gaming TV Should Have in 2026

Before buying, make sure your TV includes:

4K UHD resolution
Native 120Hz panel
HDMI 2.1 support
VRR and ALLM
Low input lag
HDR10 and ideally Dolby Vision or HDR10+
OLED or Mini-LED panel depending on room lighting
eARC for external audio systems

Final Thoughts

A gaming TV is not just a display. It is a core part of your console experience. Understanding these features allows you to invest confidently and avoid paying for specifications that do not benefit your setup.

Whether you prioritize cinematic visuals, competitive responsiveness or bright-room versatility, knowing what to look for ensures your TV enhances every game you play, now and for years to come.

Now that you know what to look for in a gaming TV, our full ranking breaks down the best gaming TVs you can buy right now, based on performance, room type and budget.