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The best TVs for PS5: Expert tested screens for console gaming
Finding the right TV to pair with your PlayStation 5 doesn't necessarily mean you need to strictly stick to Sony-branded models. While Sony TVs do provide exclusive optimization features for the PS5 like automatic HDR tone mapping and VRR support, other brands like Samsung, TCL, and LG also make options for gamers who prefer consoles.
Also: The best gaming TVs you can buy
Samsung models have a dedicated gaming dashboard that give you access to cloud gaming platforms like Nvidia GeForce NOW and Xbox GamePass, letting you play PC games from the comfort of your couch. LG is another brand that makes great OLED options as well as some surprisingly budget-friendly TVs with 120Hz refresh rates and solid audio.
What is the best TV for PlayStation 5 right now?
My choice for the best TV for the PS5 is the Sony A80L, not only for its exclusive optimization for the console, but for its OLED panel, virtual surround sound and object-tracking audio, and wide variety of screen sizes. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Sony A80L as well as my other picks for the best TV for PS5.
The best TVs for PS5 of 2024
- Excellent picture and audio
- VRR support
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmost support
- Acoustic Surface Audio+
- Expensive
- Very few small screen options
Sony A80L tech specs - Screen size: 55-83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Audio: Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
The Sony A80L is an excellent choice for pairing with your PlayStation 5, because it offers exclusive optimization features for the console. This includes automatic HDR mapping to match your console and TV HDR settings for enhanced color and contrast as well as an automatic low-latency mode and guaranteed 120Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution.
Read also: The Best Sony TVs you can buy
It also features VRR support to prevent annoying screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your gaming experience. The A80L also uses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which turns the entire screen into a speaker for near-perfect audio and video syncing. Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and Best Buy praise the Sony A80L for its signature OLED picture quality as well as its wide viewing angles.
- Affordable at all screen sizes
- 50-86 inch screen sizes
- GeForce NOW and AMD FreeSync support
- 120Hz refresh rate
- No Dolby Atmos/Vision support
- No Nvidia G-Sync support
LG QNED80 tech specs - Screen size: 50-86 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR10 | Audio: Dolby Digital | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Hey Google
If you're looking for a quality TV to use with your PlayStation 5, but also need to stick to a budget, the LG QNED80 is a great option. It's available in screen sizes from as small as 50 inches to an impressive 86-inch version for dedicated gaming spaces and home theaters. And with an affordable price tag at any size, you won't have to choose between buying a new TV and snagging a few games off your wish list.
Also: The 5 best LG TVs you can buy
And even at such a low price, the QNED80 still offers plenty of features that gamers have come to expect as-standard, such as: a 120Hz refresh rate, VRR support via AMD FreeSync, 4K resolution, HDR10 support, and Dolby audio. It even has a few exciting extras like Nvidia GeForce NOW support for cloud-based gaming, and a dedicated gaming dashboard for keeping tabs on refresh rates and picture settings in real-time.
ZDNET's Artie Beaty was pleasantly surprised with the LG QNED80 when he got to test it out in-person. He was impressed with the picture and sound quality for being considered an "entry-level" TV, though he did note that it only had one HDMI ports supports an ARC passthrough. So if you have multiple consoles as well as a sound bar, you'll have to choose which console is connected to the only other HDMI 2.1 port for VRR support and higher refresh rates. Verified reviews at Amazon and Best Buy also praise the TV for it's high-quality audio and picture, though a few do note that the screen has a glossy finish, which creates reflections and glare that can reduce viewing angles and visibility in bright environments.
- Pantone Validated OLED panel
- Cloud gaming support
- Object tracking sound and Dolby Atmos
- Excellent picture quality
- Expensive
- No Nvidia G-Sync support
Samsung S95C tech specs - Screen size: 55-77 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Quantum HDR OLED+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
Samsung recently threw its hat in the OLED TV ring with their newest TV line-up, and the S95C is one of the best OLED TVs for gaming, especially with the PS5. Not only do you get signature OLED picture quality, you'll also get both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound for virtual 3D audio that follows the on-screen action. This will give you a more immersive experience without a headset or extra speakers. And with a Pantone Validated OLED panel that can produce up to 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, you'll get more lifelike images that will enhance the PS5's already impressive graphical power.
Also: The best OLED TVs you can buy: Expert tested
The native 120Hz refresh rate stays stable even at 4K resolution for smoother action and custcenes, but if you connect the S95C to a PC, you can push the refresh rate as high as 144Hz for faster reactions to your inputs. A dedicated gaming dashboard gives you access to cloud gaming apps like GeForce Now and Xbox GamePass as well as the ability to monitor frame rates, audio, and picture settings in real-time.
ZDNET's senior reviews editor, Kerry Wan got to go hands-on with the Samsung S95C, setting up a home screening of Avatar: The Way of Water. He praised the TV's ability to boost visibility in darker scenes as well the incredibly thin design. Verified reviews at Amazon and Best Buy agree with Kerry on the TV's design, calling it "well thought-out" for wall mounting and wireless connectivity.
- Dolby Vision support
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Relatively affordable for the size
- No Dolby Atmos support
- No cloud gaming support
TCL S5 tech specs - Screen size: 98 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: DTS Virtual:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
The 98-inch TCL S5 is one of the largest the brand offers, as well as one of the largest you can buy. Period. And while not everyone will have the space to accommodate such a large TV, it's an almost perfect choice for dedicated media spaces like home theaters or high-end gaming rooms. And with the price slashed to just $2000, it's one of the most affordable big-screen TVs you can buy.
Also: The best TCL TVs you can buy
The S5 gives you support for both Dolby Vision HDR and DTS Virtual X for enhanced detailing, color and contrast as well as virtual surround sound for an elevated and more immersive gaming experience. You'll also get smoother motion and action with the 120Hz refresh rate. Verified customer reviews at Best Buy and Walmart both highlight that the 98-inch TCL S5 is a great alternative for anyone considering getting a projector as well as the relatively affordable price for such a large TV.
- Dolby Atmos support
- Object tracking sound
- Cloud gaming support
- Pantone validated screen
- Pricey, especially at larger sizes
- No Dolby Vision support
Samsung QN90C tech specs - Screen size: 43-85 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
The Samsung QN90C utilizes both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's own Object Tracking Sound+ technology to provide virtual, 3D surround sound that follows the on-screen action. This means that you'll be able to simulate spatial audio while playing your favorite games without a headset or expensive speaker system. Which is great news for anyone who doesn't have the space for an elaborate sound system or just doesn't like to use headsets while gaming on consoles.
Also: The best Samsung TVs: Expert tested
The screen is equally impressive, with a Pantone Validated QLED panel that can produce more lifelike colors for enhanced picture quality. It also has an anti-glare coating to help improve visibility in harsh overhead or ambient lighting. The dedicated gaming hub gives you access to cloud gaming services as well as real-time monitoring for refresh rates and picture settings. You can also push the native 120Hz refresh rate up to 144Hz when you connect a PC for better lower input latency if you often switch between gaming on your desktop or laptop and your PS5.
ZDNET TV expert Artie Beaty was able to do some hands-on testing with the Samsung QN90C, and while he acknowledges that there new flagship models from the brand, this TV still stands out as an excellent TV for console gaming as well as streaming movies and shows. Verified customer reviews from Amazon and Best Buy agree that the QN90C is able to provide an excellent picture quality as well as a streamlined setup process.
What is the best TV for PS5?
My choice for the best TV for PS5 is the Sony A80L. Not only does it use an OLED panel for top-tier picture quality, it also uses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology to turn the whole screen into a speaker. This means you'll get near-perfect audio and video syncing, which is important for precision and timing in rhythm games while the 120Hz refresh rate means you'll get smoother motion in fast-paced sequences and cutscenes.
Best TV for PS5 | Best price | Refresh rate | VRR support |
Sony A80L | $1400 | 120Hz | Yes, generic |
LG QNED80 | $600 | 120Hz | AMD FreeSync |
Samsung S95C | $1900 | 120Hz | AMD FreeSync Premium |
TCL S5 | $2000 | 120Hz | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro |
Samsung QN90C | $1600 | 120Hz | AMD FreeSync Premium Pro |
Which is the best TV for PS5 for you?
Pairing a TV with your PS5 can be as simple as buying what you can afford, or as involved as choosing a TV based on which VRR technology it can support.
The Sony A80L is a great, well-rounded choice, offering an OLED panel for excellent picture quality, great audio, and plenty of connectivity options for other consoles in your gaming space. But if you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, the LG QNED80 offers 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate for well under $1000.
If a big-screen experience is what you're looking for, the TCL S5 is available in a 98-inch size. And while this means you'll have to do some rearranging to get it to fit in your space, you'll definitely have enough screen real estate to see every detail of your favorite games.
Buy this best TV for PS5... | If you need... |
Sony A80L | A well-rounded TV for gaming on the PS5. The Sony A80L features exclusive optimization for the console, with VRR support and enhanced refresh rates. |
LG QNED80 | A budget-friendly gaming TV for the PS5. The LG QNED80 offers several screen sizes with great 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates for under $1000. |
Samsung S95C | An OLED TV for gaming on the PS5. The Samsung S95C gives you an excellent picture with OLED+ HDR and a Pantone Validated screen. |
TCL S5 | A big-screen gaming TV for the PS5. The TCL S5 is a 98-inch screen, making it one of the largest you can buy; and it's one of the most affordable big-screen TVs you can buy. |
Samsung QN90C | A gaming TV for your PS5 with excellent audio. You'll get both Dolby Atmos support and object tracking sound for a more immersive experience without a headset or extra speakers. |
Factors to consider when choosing a TV for PS5:
If you're looking for a gaming TV, or a TV to specifically pair with your PlayStation 5, here are a few factors to keep in mind while shopping:
- Price: It's most important to find a TV that is going to fit your budget while also offering all of the features you want or need to get a great gaming experience. An OLED TV will give you the best picture possible, but will also be very expensive; as will large-screen TVs.
- Refresh rate: While a 60Hz refresh rate is fine enough for console gaming, choosing a model with a base refresh rate of 120Hz is better. A higher refresh rate means you'll get smoother motion so you won't miss details in cutscenes or during fast-paces gameplay.
- Screen size: The right size screen can make all the difference in your gaming space. Measure the distance between where your TV will be wall mounted or placed on a stand and where you'll be seated, and then divide that in half to get your ideal screen size. For example: if your couch is 10 feet (120 inches) from your TV, your ideal TV size will be 60 inches.
How did we choose these best TVs for PS5?
While testing and researching each TV on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:
- Brand integrity: While Sony TVs offer exclusive optimization features for the PS5, TVs from Samsung, LG, and even TCL and Hisense can still be a great option for console gamers. Each TV on this list is from a trusted brand and backed by robust customer service for returns, exchanges, and troubleshooting.
- Connectivity: If you have multiple gaming consoles, it's important that your TV has enough HDMI inputs to handle all of them, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options for sound bars, speakers, and mobile device screen sharing. Each TV on this list has been ensured to include multiple HDMI ports as well as wireless connectivity options.
- HDR support: Many new TVs come with basic HDR support as-standard, but higher-end models offer Dolby Atmos/Atmos IQ or HDR10+ for even better detailing, color, and contrast. Each TV on our list was chosen because it supports multiple HDR formats.
What TV screen type is best for PS5?
There was a time when LED screens were the standard of the screen world, but now QLED and OLED is having their shining moments.
These two types of TV screens take a different approach to lighting your display. OLED screens use millions of individual OLED subpixels to emit light, offering a brilliant display of light and contrast that traditional TV screens just cannot deliver. QLED displays, on the other hand, use quantum dot technology with an LED backlight to power the display. While OLED screens specialize in contrast, QLED screens offer better brightness.
Why do I need a PS5 TV with a 120 Hz refresh rate?
A refresh rate tells you how many times a TV can refresh its screen each second while maintaining its 4K display. You want your refresh rate on your TV to match the game's frame rate so there are not any lags or blurring in your display. A 120 Hz refresh rate is the standard for gaming, offering lightning-fast motion on the screen.
Is OLED or QLED better for gaming?
It all has to do with response time. OLED displays are made up of tiny pixels that individually boast a faster response time than QLED TVs. Because each pixel is separately controlled, you also receive deeper, richer colors, lending to a premium gaming experience. However, QLED TVs can be popular with gamers because they prioritize brightness, leading to a far brighter display that makes it easier to catch the nuances of each game. They can also be more easily visible in brighter spaces.
Do I have to have a Sony TV to play my PS5?
You don't have to have a Sony-branded TV to be able to use your PS5 for console gaming. But if you do want to enhance your experience, Sony TVs do offer exclusive optimization features for the PS5 like an automatic low-latency mode, stable 120Hz at 4K, and HDR tone mapping for more lifelike colors.
What does VRR mean?
It stands for "variable refresh rate," and it refers to how your PS5 (or other gaming console) will run a game at different frame rates depending on how much stuff the console has to render at once. A TV with VRR support will automatically detect a change in frame rate from the console and match its own refresh rate with it to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your gaming experience.
Both Nvidia and AMD have their own versions of VRR technology, so make sure to pay close attention to which version your new gaming TV supports to get the most out of your PS5 and other consoles.