Dodgexander
Moderator
- Joined
- May 29, 2007
- Messages
- 28,714
- Solutions
- 1
- Reaction score
- 9,025
- Points
- 5,397
- Age
- 37
- Location
- United States and United Kingdom
My best TVs for next gen gaming 2020-21
Hi, my names Dodgexander and I am a forum moderator here on AVForums.
Since 2016 each year I have released guides to help people when searching for there perfect TV. Together with a lot of other helpful users here on the forum, I try to help people not get caught in the endless loop of shopping for a TV.
To be clear to anyone reading. Like many of you, I am not a TV reviewer, and I do not own each and every TV I mention in my guides. The guide is strictly compiled information based on real specs, reviews and user feedback and is designed to make TV recommendations more easy for those unfamiliar when shopping for TVs.
I hope you enjoy the guide!
Here's a link to all my guides: My links & guides
EDIT# 22/12/2020 - The current known problems remain unresolved, and likely won't be resolved with updates.
However, the good news is we are seeing some 120hz titles already, which hopefully will bode well in the future.
-----
As predicted there are a number of problems with HDMI 2.1. Most notably HDMI VRR. The PS5 has been released without VRR support and as yet there's no confirmation of any games supporting it via a variable frame rate.
That doesn't change these recommendations, as I believe the order, and TVs remain the same for other reasons that make these TVs class leading for games. Before asking about it, please take the time to read this post: My best TVs for next gen gaming 2020-21 and also the discussion onwards from this post: My best TVs for next gen gaming 2020-21
Known problems so far:
- All TVs supporting VRR - A technical limitation of the technology thus far with every VRR capable TV is incorrectly mapped gamma at each frame rate, this makes the picture fluctuate brighter and darker depending on the frame. People believe it to be a hardware problem that may not be able to be fixed. Time will tell.
- Sony XH9005 (and its variants) - A known issue with blurring with a 4k 120hz input.
We will know more about this after its also tested with consoles. thus far only tested with PC graphics cards.You should draw your own conclusion from the following video, the issue remains (and likely will always be) unfixed, although the recent firmware change does make the image sharper. It's likely that at normal viewing distances, you won't notice the blur, but at the same time if you view close enough to benefit from UHD resolution, you may. For PC gaming at 120hz this issue is more troublesome than console, since more titles rely on smaller text and its likely you'll also want to use 120hz for general use. We have seen testing with the PS5 demonstrating the issue here:
And I stress, before posting; please do your best to take the time to read and search the forum, both through my guides, and through other posts. The search button can be found in the top right of the forum. In most cases, the answer to your question will already be there if you are able to search for it. Most TV recommendations are the same.
Gaming with one of the new Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Playstation 5 or Nvidia RTX 3xxx series Graphics card.
Two factors are crucial.
- HDR picture quality - Every TV can accept a HDR signal, but very few have the ability to display HDR without problems, for next gen gaming more and more games are going to include HDR, and to display HDR problem free, and impressively, you need a TV that meets these minimum specifications. In this guide, only high tier models are suited to proper HDR use, whilst mid tier will give you an okay experience in some games, but not others. Low tier TVs are not suited for HDR use at all and in most cases you'll want to use these with HDR disabled.
- HDMI 2.1 VRR with a 40-120hz range - Many games may not reach 120fps, but having variable refresh rate technology is one of the main selling points of next gen gaming. Some Samsung TVs support VRR despite not properly having HDMI 2.1 ports. These models are best avoided as they support only a limited 48-60fps range because they do not have 120hz panels. Using a 60hz panelled TV to game means more motion blur, and its more likely a game will drop beneath 48fps threshold rather than 40fps disabling VRR. Do not worry though, these models are only beneath 55" and there's mention of them in my guide.
The output signal and the internal frame rate of the game are different things. The frame rate does not have to equal the output signal for there to be a benefit.
Part of the new HDMI 2.1 spec includes HDMI VRR technology, that allows a compatible TV to match the the fps of the game.
The next gen gaming platforms are more powerful and will be able to utilise better graphics at a higher frame rate than last gen. If the game already comes with adaptive frame rate such as Assassins Creed: Origins that we already saw last gen, you'll get slowdowns and tearing with a non HDMI 2.1 VRR TV. Additionally, TVs that come without true HDMI 2.1 ports cannot support an input signal higher than 60hz at UHD resolution, and will present the game with more motion blur. Not only do these 60hz TVs have more blur, but if they support VRR, they also drop the signal sooner at 48fps instead of 40fps.
Part of the new HDMI 2.1 spec includes HDMI VRR technology, that allows a compatible TV to match the the fps of the game.
The next gen gaming platforms are more powerful and will be able to utilise better graphics at a higher frame rate than last gen. If the game already comes with adaptive frame rate such as Assassins Creed: Origins that we already saw last gen, you'll get slowdowns and tearing with a non HDMI 2.1 VRR TV. Additionally, TVs that come without true HDMI 2.1 ports cannot support an input signal higher than 60hz at UHD resolution, and will present the game with more motion blur. Not only do these 60hz TVs have more blur, but if they support VRR, they also drop the signal sooner at 48fps instead of 40fps.
Dolby Vision and Atmos are supported only on PC and Xbox platforms. Xbox promise games in Dolby Vision and Atmos in 2021.
Dolby Vision HDR - This is a nice to have for the future if you are a PC or Xbox gamer, but its not essential. All Dolby Vision games will still work on non-supported Dolby Vision TVs using standard HDR10 data. It is much more preferable to have a TV that is good displaying HDR like the Samsung Q90T that doesn't support Dolby Vision, than it is to have a TV that is bad with HDR like the LG Nano80/85 but does have Dolby Vision.
Dolby Atmos Sound - Apart from select high end OLED TVs with Atmos soundbars, its only important the TV supports Dolby Atmos if you intend to:
Dolby Vision HDR - This is a nice to have for the future if you are a PC or Xbox gamer, but its not essential. All Dolby Vision games will still work on non-supported Dolby Vision TVs using standard HDR10 data. It is much more preferable to have a TV that is good displaying HDR like the Samsung Q90T that doesn't support Dolby Vision, than it is to have a TV that is bad with HDR like the LG Nano80/85 but does have Dolby Vision.
Dolby Atmos Sound - Apart from select high end OLED TVs with Atmos soundbars, its only important the TV supports Dolby Atmos if you intend to:
- Pair the TV with an Atmos soundbar without a HDMI input, for example the Sonos ARC.
- Pair the TV with an AV Receiver that isn't eARC compliant.
- For some reason you want to plug the console direct to the TV, instead of your soundbar or AVR.
Not any more, all TVs have low enough input lag for gaming
Motion Blur - If you play fast paced games, and you want as little blur as possible.
Viewing angles - If you view the TV off-axis, or you like to play a locally with mates.
Viewing angles - If you view the TV off-axis, or you like to play a locally with mates.
Smaller TVs don't carry the same features as larger TVs. This means smaller TVs don't come with HDMI 2.1 VRR and also aren't suitable for HDR use. Smaller TVs also lack higher speed panels and have worse motion blur. They also lack viewing angle/anti glare filters of larger TVs.
Sadly this is the harsh truth of next gen gaming. To get the very latest features you have to pay more money. Don't panic though, if you have a limited budget then you can still use a TV without HDR enabled and without HDMI 2.1 VRR. It will work, but won't be as impressive.
Because its not recommended for next gen gaming.
High Tier means the TV will be the best for next gen gaming. Medium means it will be a small improvement over what most people are using. Low means for many people its negligible whether to replace your current TV
No because you will pay as much as 20-50% more if you don't wait. See: The best time to buy a TV
No, on release features often do not work properly and if you buy a TV beforehand, you won't be able to return it if it doesn't work correctly when you test it.
Yes and no, my best buy guides are general guides for mixed usage and any recommended TV in the guide will also be recommended for gaming. However this list takes only the very best TVs of each category for gaming and places that top priority.
All these TVs are more than suitable, if you are interested in TVs that focus more on video than gaming, then wait until Black Friday for my general best buy guide
OLED is a new display technology. QLED is a marketing term for LCD TVs. LED is an incorrect term used to describe LCD TVs.
Read about HDR here: All about HDR (High Dynamic Range)
See this post:
My best TVs for next gen gaming 2020-21
My best TVs for next gen gaming 2020-21 Hi, my names Dodgexander and I am a forum moderator here on AVForums. Since 2016 each year I have released guides to help people when searching for there perfect TV. Together with a lot of other helpful users here on the forum, I try to help people not...
www.avforums.com
High tier:
These models check the most boxes for HDR games and are highly recommended.
LG BX, CX, GX, ZX, RX OLEDs
Size Range: 48-88"
Sizes recommended: All
Pros:
- Perfect viewing angles
- No motion blur
- Only TVs that support all next gen gaming features including Dolby Vision
- The best choice for dark room gaming
- 4x HDMI 2.1 ports. (2x HDMI 2.1 on BX)
Cons:
- If you play a game with lots of static images such a FIFA or Football Manager often, risk of OLED Burn In Risk
- If you intend to game a lot in very bright conditions, you may find with HDR these aren't bright enough
Samsung Q80T, Q85T, Q90T, Q95T, Q800T, Q900T, Q950T
Size Range: 49-85"
Size recommended: 55" and up only.
Notes: Don't be fooled into thinking every 8k model is better than 4k. The performance of the Q800T and Q85T are broadly the same, whilst the Q900/Q950T performs better than the Q90T/Q95T. Smaller models aren't recommended since they come with slower panels, a limited VRR range of 48-60fps and lack any wide viewing angle/anti glare filters.
Pros:
- Q85T and up have improved viewing angles and better anti glare compared to standard LCD TVs
- No risk of burn in
- Bright, so useful for gaming during the day
- Motion settings available in game mode
- Dolby Atmos
- Great picture accuracy out of the box
Cons:
- More motion blur than OLEDs.
- HDR mode causes TVs to be less accurate
- No Dolby Vision
- Only 1x HDMI 2.1 port and 3x HDMI 2.0 ports
- Q80T has poor viewing angles
- In dark viewing screen uniformity can be an issue, especially on lower tier models
- 8k TVs are expensive
Hisense U8Q
Size Range: 55-65"
Size Recommended: All
Pros:
- No risk of burn in
- Bright, so useful for gaming during the day
Cons:
- More motion blur than OLEDs, but less than most LCD TVs.
- Only 4x HDMI 2.0 ports
- Poor viewing angles
- No Dolby Atmos
Sony XH9505
Size Range: 49-85"
Size Recommended: All
Notes: 49" model lacks good viewing angles
Pros:
- 55" and up have improved viewing angles and better anti glare compared to standard LCD TVs
- No risk of burn in
- Bright, so useful for gaming during the day
- Picture accuracy out of the box is good
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos
Cons:
- More motion blur than OLEDs, but less than most LCD TVs.
- Only 4x HDMI 2.0 ports
- 49" TV has poor viewing angles
Medium Tier:
These models don't really make cut, but with a limited budget you can get halfway there. In many titles HDR will be best disabled.
Sony XH9005
Size range: 55-85"
Size Recommended: All
Pros:
- No risk of burn in
- Picture accuracy out of the box is good
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos
Cons:
- More motion blur than OLEDs, but less than most LCD TVs
- Poor viewing angles
- Limited peak brightness makes the TV questionable for HDR use
Hisense U7Q
Size Range: 50-65"
Size Recommended: All
Pros:
- No risk of burn in
- Dolby Vision
Cons:
- Motion blur will only be average
- Poor viewing angles
- Limited peak brightness makes the TV questionable for HDR use.
- No Dolby Atmos
Low tier:
These models really aren't suitable for next gen gaming, but they will work okay provided you use these TVs without HDR enabled. They are better gaming TVs than most older TVs, but many people (especially those with TVs from 2013 or later) will find little to no gain changing to them at all. I'd suggest saving up for higher tier models.
Hisense AE7400 & A7500 and above
Size Range: 43-75
Size Recommended: All
Pros:
- Available at small sizes
- No risk of burn in
- Dolby Vision
Cons:
- Motion blur will only be average
- Poor viewing angles
- Limited peak brightness makes the TV unusable for HDR use.
- No Dolby Atmos
Samsung TU7000 and above
Size Range: 43-85
Size Recommended: All
Pros:
- Available at small sizes
- No risk of burn in
- Motion blur will only be average
- Poor viewing angles
- Limited peak brightness makes the TV unusable for HDR use.
- No Dolby Vision
LG UN7300 and above
Size Range: 43-75
Size Recommended: All apart from 50" and 58" models.
Pros:
- Available at smaller sizes
- No risk of burn in
- Good viewing angles
Cons:
- Motion blur will be good for a TV of its size.
- Limited peak brightness makes the TV unusable for HDR use.
- No Dolby Atmos
- No Dolby Vision
- 3/4 x HDMI 2.0 ports
LG Nano80/85/90
Size Range: 49-65"
Size Recommended: All
Pros:
- No risk of burn in
- Motion blur will be very good.
- Good viewing angles
- Dolby Atmos (Nano85 and up only)
- Dolby Vision
- 4x HDMI 2.1 ports Nano85 and up.
Cons:
- Limited peak brightness makes the TV unsuitable for HDR use.
- 4 x HDMI 2.0 ports Nano80
Last edited: