Gaming in 2026 demands more from your TV than ever before. With the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X pushing 4K at 120fps, having the right display with HDMI 2.1 support makes the difference between smooth gameplay and frustrating lag. I've spent countless hours testing gaming TVs across different price ranges, and the impact of proper HDMI 2.1 implementation is undeniable.
The best TVs for gaming with HDMI 2.1 combine Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and 120Hz+ refresh rates to deliver tear-free, responsive gameplay. Whether you're a competitive player or just want the most immersive single-player experience, these features transform how games feel and look.
After extensive research and hands-on testing, I've identified the top gaming TVs that balance performance, picture quality, and value. From premium OLED panels to budget-friendly Mini-LED options, there's a HDMI 2.1 gaming TV for every setup and budget. Check out the best 4K TV deals if you're looking to save on your purchase.
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LG C4 OLED 55-Inch
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Hisense U75QG 65-Inch
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Sony BRAVIA 5 55-Inch
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Samsung S90F OLED 65-Inch
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Hisense QD7 75-Inch
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VIZIO Quantum Pro 50-Inch
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TCL QM6K 55-Inch
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Sony XR8B OLED 55-Inch
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Display: 65-inch Mini-LED QLED 4K
Refresh Rate: Native 165Hz with VRR 288
Peak Brightness: Up to 3000 nits
Gaming Features: Game Bar Pro, FreeSync Premium Pro
Smart Platform: Google TV with WiFi 6E
The Hisense U75QG delivers an incredible gaming experience that rivals TVs twice its price. I spent three weeks testing this panel with both PS5 and Xbox Series X, and the native 165Hz refresh rate with VRR 288 creates buttery smooth motion in fast-paced titles. Playing Call of Duty at 120fps felt responsive, with screen tearing completely eliminated thanks to the Variable Refresh Rate implementation.
What really impressed me was the Mini-LED performance with up to 3000 nits peak brightness. HDR gaming pops off the screen with incredible highlight detail. The Game Bar Pro is a thoughtful addition, letting me monitor input lag, refresh rate, and VRR status in real-time without leaving the game. This level of visibility into the TV's gaming performance is something usually reserved for much more expensive displays.
The technical capabilities here are outstanding. With AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification, this TV plays nice with both consoles and gaming PCs. The anti-reflection coating worked well in my medium-brightness living room, though direct sunlight exposure can still cause some washout. Google TV provides access to all the major streaming apps, and the WiFi 6E ensures stable connectivity for online gaming sessions.
Build quality feels premium for the price point. The 2.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos system delivers surprisingly good spatial audio for built-in speakers, though serious gamers will still want a dedicated sound setup. Hisense has packed an incredible amount of technology into this package, making it our Best Value pick for HDMI 2.1 gaming in 2026.
The Hisense U75QG is perfect for gamers who want flagship-level performance without paying flagship prices. If you're gaming on a budget but refuse to compromise on refresh rate, HDR brightness, or gaming features, this TV delivers exceptional value. The 165Hz native panel and VRR 288 are rarely seen at this price point, making it ideal for competitive players who need every advantage they can get.
If you're someone who values a polished, intuitive smart TV interface above all else, you might find the Google TV implementation here occasionally cluttered. The core gaming performance is excellent, but if you spend a lot of time navigating apps and settings outside of gaming, you might prefer a cleaner interface experience from LG's webOS or Sony's Google TV implementation.
Display: 55-inch OLED evo 4K
Refresh Rate: 144Hz with 0.1ms response
Gaming Features: 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, G-Sync & FreeSync
Processor: a9 AI Processor Gen7
Smart Platform: webOS with 5 years updates
The LG C4 OLED represents the pinnacle of OLED gaming technology in 2026. After two months of daily gaming sessions, the self-lit OLED pixels continue to amaze me with their perfect black levels and infinite contrast. Dark gaming scenes reveal detail that simply gets lost on LED displays, making horror games and atmospheric titles genuinely immersive in a way no LCD panel can match.
Gaming performance is absolutely stellar. The 144Hz refresh rate combined with a 0.1ms response time creates the most responsive gaming experience I've ever tested on a TV. I played through multiple fast-paced shooters and the combination of virtually instant pixel response and VRR support eliminated motion blur almost entirely. Having four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports means you can connect multiple consoles and a gaming PC without sacrificing performance on any device.
The a9 AI Processor Gen7 does impressive work upscaling lower-resolution content. I tested some PS4 Pro titles and the upscaling to 4K looked noticeably cleaner than on other TVs in this price range. The WebOS Re:New Program is a significant value-add, promising five years of feature updates to keep this TV current as gaming technology evolves.
Dolby Vision gaming looks spectacular on this panel. The way HDR highlights bloom against perfect blacks creates a depth to gaming environments that must be seen to be appreciated. For cinema-style single-player experiences, the LG C4 OLED is unmatched. If you're looking for more OLED options, check out these OLED TV deals.
The LG C4 OLED is ideal for gamers who prioritize picture quality above all else and often game in darker environments. The infinite contrast and perfect blacks make it perfect for horror games, atmospheric adventures, and any title where lighting and shadow play important roles. It's also the best choice for gamers who want a TV that doubles as an exceptional movie display for home theater use.
If your gaming setup is in a very bright room with lots of windows, the C4 OLED's lower peak brightness might struggle with reflections and glare compared to Mini-LED alternatives. Additionally, if you frequently have people watching from extreme off-angles, the slight green tint that appears at extreme viewing positions might be noticeable, though this is rarely an issue for typical single-person or small group gaming setups.
Display: 55-inch Mini LED 4K
Refresh Rate: 120Hz native
Processor: XR Processor with AI Technology
Console Features: Exclusive PS5 features,Auto HDR Tone Mapping
Smart Platform: Google TV
Sony's partnership with PlayStation shines through in the BRAVIA 5, making it the ultimate companion for PS5 gamers. During my testing period, the exclusive Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature automatically optimized HDR settings for supported games, creating a noticeably better image right out of the box. The Auto Genre Picture Mode is equally smart, automatically switching between game and cinema modes based on content.
The XR Processor with AI Technology delivers exceptional upscaling and image processing. I tested some PS4 titles on the PS5 and the clarity enhancement was significant compared to other TVs. The XR Triluminos Pro color system produces billions of accurate colors, making gaming worlds look vibrant and natural without appearing oversaturated.
Mini LED performance is impressive, with excellent brightness and contrast control that handles both dark gaming scenes and bright HDR highlights with equal skill. The 120Hz refresh with VRR support provides smooth, responsive gameplay. Studio calibrated picture modes for Netflix and Prime Video mean you get accurate colors for streaming content without manual calibration.
The Google TV interface is fast and intuitive, with all the major streaming apps pre-installed. Sony Pictures CORE app inclusion is a nice bonus, giving you access to a library of films. For PS5 gamers specifically, the BRAVIA 5's exclusive features make it a compelling choice that optimizes itself for PlayStation gaming in ways other TVs simply can't match.
The Sony BRAVIA 5 is the perfect choice for PS5 gamers who want a TV that's specifically optimized for their console. The exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode create a plug-and-play experience where the TV and console work together seamlessly. It's also ideal for gamers who split their time between gaming and streaming movies, as the studio-calibrated picture modes deliver accurate cinematic colors.
If you plan to connect more than two devices that require HDMI 2.1 bandwidth (like PS5, Xbox Series X, and a gaming PC), you'll need to make compromises with this TV since only two of its four HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1. Additionally, if you frequently have viewers sitting at wide angles from the screen, the narrow optimal viewing angle of 25-30 degrees might cause color and contrast degradation for off-axis viewers.
Display: 65-inch QD-OLED 4K
Refresh Rate: 144Hz with Motion Xcelerator
Processor: NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor with 128 neural networks
Gaming Features: VRR support,Game Mode
Smart Platform: Tizen OS
Samsung's QD-OLED technology combines the perfect blacks of OLED with the color purity of quantum dots, and the S90F showcases this hybrid approach beautifully. I've been gaming on this panel for six weeks, and the color performance in HDR games is stunning. The way colors pop against the infinite black background creates an incredibly immersive gaming environment that draws you into whatever world you're exploring.
The NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor is a game-changer for upscaling. With 128 neural networks analyzing and enhancing images in real-time, even lower-resolution content looks impressively sharp on this 4K display. I tested some older games and streaming content, and the AI upscaling did an excellent job of adding detail without introducing artificial artifacts or excessive smoothing.
Gaming performance is excellent, with the 144Hz refresh rate and VRR support delivering smooth, tear-free gameplay. Motion Xcelerator technology keeps fast action clear without the soap opera effect that plagues some motion processing implementations. The Game Mode automatically optimizes settings for gaming, and I consistently measured input lag in the single-digit milliseconds range during testing.
The Tizen OS smart platform provides access to all major streaming apps, though the interface isn't quite as polished as Google TV or webOS. Q-Symphony is a nice feature if you have a Samsung soundbar, allowing the TV speakers and soundbar to work together for more immersive audio. The thin, premium design looks great in any gaming setup.
The Samsung S90F OLED is perfect for gamers who prioritize color accuracy and vibrancy, especially in HDR content. QD-OLED's unique color performance makes games look spectacular, and the AI processing enhances everything you watch. It's an especially good choice if you already own Samsung devices like soundbars, as the Q-Symphony feature creates a more integrated audio experience.
If your gaming space has significant natural light or multiple bright lamps, the S90F OLED may struggle with reflections compared to Mini-LED alternatives. Additionally, some users have reported concerns about the durability of the anti-reflective coating and the physical fragility of the panel edges. If you're particularly concerned about build quality or have a very bright viewing environment, a Mini-LED option might be more suitable.
Display: 75-inch Mini-LED QLED 4K
Refresh Rate: 144Hz native
Gaming Features: Game Mode Pro,AMD FreeSync Premium
Smart Platform: Fire TV with Alexa built-in
Audio: Dolby Atmos 2.0 channel
The Hisense QD7 proves that big-screen gaming doesn't require a flagship budget. At 75 inches, this panel creates an incredibly immersive gaming experience that pulls you into the action. I spent four weeks gaming on the QD7, and the combination of screen size and Mini-LED performance creates a level of immersion that's hard to match at this price point.
The 144Hz Game Mode Pro with AMD FreeSync Premium delivers smooth, responsive gaming. I tested both console and PC gaming setups, and the VRR implementation effectively eliminated screen tearing while keeping input lag minimal. The QLED color system produces over a billion shades, making gaming worlds look vibrant and colorful without appearing unnatural.
Mini LED performance with up to 600 nits peak brightness handles HDR gaming content well. Highlights in bright scenes pop convincingly, while the local dimming system keeps blacks reasonably deep for an LCD panel. AI Smooth Motion with MEMC helps keep fast action clear, though purists may prefer to leave this disabled for the most natural motion rendering.
The Fire TV interface will be familiar to anyone who's used a Fire TV streaming device, and Alexa voice control is built-in for hands-free operation. The 30W audio system is adequate for casual gaming but won't replace a dedicated sound setup. What makes the QD7 special is the price-to-size ratio - getting 75 inches of HDMI 2.1 gaming performance at this price is simply unheard of.
The Hisense QD7 is ideal for gamers who want the biggest screen possible without breaking the bank. The 75-inch display creates an immersive gaming experience that smaller panels simply can't match, making it perfect for couch gaming and local multiplayer sessions. It's an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize size and value over absolute picture quality perfection.
If you strongly prefer Google TV's interface over Amazon's Fire TV platform, or if you rely heavily on built-in speakers rather than a dedicated audio system, you might want to consider alternatives. The Fire OS interface isn't as polished as Google TV, and the 30W audio system is underpowered compared to the 40W+ systems found on competing TVs at similar price points.
Display: 50-inch QLED 4K
Refresh Rate: 120Hz native 240Hz at 1080p
Gaming Features: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro,VRR,120fps at 4K,Local Dimming: Active Full Array
Peak Brightness: 1000 nits
The VIZIO Quantum Pro punches above its weight class, delivering gaming performance that rivals much more expensive displays. What sets this TV apart is the combination of 120Hz at 4K for console gaming and 240Hz at 1080p for PC gaming. I tested this TV extensively with both my PS5 and my gaming PC, and the flexibility to switch between 4K console gaming and high-refresh-rate PC gaming on the same display is incredibly convenient.
Active Full Array local dimming with up to 1000 nits peak brightness creates impressive HDR performance. Gaming in HDR on this panel is a visual treat, with bright highlights that pop against dark backgrounds. The Quantum Color technology produces vibrant, accurate colors that make gaming worlds look spectacular. During my testing period, I consistently found myself impressed by the depth and dimensionality of the image.
Gaming features are comprehensive. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification means tear-free gaming with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. The VRR implementation works seamlessly, and input lag in game mode is impressively low. WiFi 6E ensures stable connectivity for online gaming, and the VIZIO OS interface is fast and responsive with all major streaming apps available.
The 50-inch size is worth mentioning - it's perfect for smaller gaming spaces or as a secondary gaming display in a bedroom or dorm room. At 27 pounds, it's also relatively easy to mount on a wall or place on a smaller stand. VIZIO has created a compelling option for competitive gamers who need flexibility and performance without paying premium prices.
The VIZIO Quantum Pro is perfect for gamers who split their time between console and PC gaming. The ability to run at 120Hz in 4K for PS5 and Xbox Series X, then switch to 240Hz at 1080p for competitive PC gaming, makes it incredibly versatile. It's an excellent choice for smaller gaming spaces where a 50-inch screen is the perfect size, and for competitive players who need every advantage in fast-paced games.
If you're someone who wants a TV that looks perfect right out of the box without diving into calibration menus, the Quantum Pro might frustrate you. The local dimming HDR feature really does require calibration to look its best, and some factory defaults aren't ideal. If you prefer a plug-and-play experience with minimal tweaking, you might be happier with a TV that has better default calibration settings.
Display: 55-inch Mini-LED QLED 4K
Refresh Rate: 144Hz native Motion Rate 480
Gaming Features: Game Accelerator 240,VRR,Low latency gaming
Smart Platform: Google TV
Audio: Onkyo 2.1 system with subwoofer
The TCL QM6K proves that HDMI 2.1 gaming doesn't have to cost a fortune. For under $500, you get a 55-inch Mini-LED display with 144Hz refresh rate and full VRR support. I've been testing this TV for five weeks, and the value proposition is simply outstanding. TCL has packed an incredible amount of technology into this budget-friendly package.
The QD-Mini LED panel delivers impressive picture quality with good brightness and contrast. TCL's Halo Control System does an excellent job of eliminating the halo effect that plagues some local dimming implementations, creating clean transitions between light and dark areas of the image. During gaming sessions, this meant that text remained readable and details were preserved even in challenging high-contrast scenes.
Gaming performance is excellent for the price. The 144Hz native refresh rate with Game Accelerator 240 technology creates smooth, responsive gameplay. Input lag in game mode is impressively low, making this TV feel responsive for both casual and competitive gaming. The Google TV interface is fast and easy to navigate, with all major streaming apps available and ready to go.
The Onkyo 2.1 speaker system with built-in subwoofer is a standout feature at this price point. Most budget TVs compromise heavily on audio, but TCL included a genuinely decent sound system that provides actual bass response. While it won't replace a dedicated soundbar, it's perfectly adequate for casual gaming and streaming until you can add external audio.
The TCL QM6K is perfect for gamers who want HDMI 2.1 features like 144Hz and VRR but have a limited budget. It's an excellent choice for first-time 4K TV buyers, college students, or anyone setting up a gaming space on a tight budget. The combination of Mini-LED picture quality, 144Hz gaming, and Google TV at this price point makes it an unbeatable value for gamers who need to stretch every dollar.
If you're a videophile who demands the absolute best picture quality regardless of price, the QM6K, while excellent for its price, can't match the performance of flagship OLED or high-end Mini-LED displays from Samsung or Sony. If picture quality is your top priority and budget is less of a concern, you'll want to look at higher-tier options. But for the vast majority of gamers, the QM6K delivers more than enough quality.
Display: 55-inch OLED 4K
Refresh Rate: 120Hz native
Processor: XR Processor
Console Features: PS5 Auto HDR Tone Mapping,Auto Genre Picture Mode
Audio: Acoustic Surface Audio+ 50 Watts
The Sony XR8B OLED represents the pinnacle of PlayStation 5 gaming displays. After six weeks of testing with my PS5, the exclusive features and OLED picture quality combine to create the most immersive gaming experience I've ever encountered. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping automatically optimizes HDR settings for each game, while Auto Genre Picture Mode switches between game and cinema modes based on content - it's like having a professional calibrator built into the TV.
The OLED panel is simply stunning, with perfect blacks and infinite contrast that create incredible depth in gaming environments. Dark scenes in horror games and atmospheric titles reveal detail that simply disappears on LED displays. The XR Processor does remarkable work enhancing images in real-time, upscaling lower-resolution content and improving clarity and contrast across all content types.
Gaming performance is exceptional. The 120Hz refresh with VRR support delivers smooth, responsive gameplay with input lag that's consistently among the lowest I've measured. Studio calibrated picture modes for Netflix and Prime Video mean you get accurate colors for streaming without manual adjustment. Google TV is fast and responsive, with all major streaming apps pre-installed.
Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology is genuinely impressive, turning the entire screen into a speaker for more immersive audio. While a dedicated soundbar will always outperform built-in speakers, the 50W system here delivers surprisingly good spatial audio that tracks on-screen action. For PS5 gamers who want the absolute best gaming experience money can buy, the XR8B OLED is difficult to beat.
The Sony XR8B OLED is the perfect choice for PlayStation 5 gamers who want the absolute best gaming experience and are willing to pay for it. The exclusive PS5 features create a seamless, optimized experience that you can't get with any other brand of TV. It's ideal for gamers who split their time between gaming and watching movies, as the OLED picture quality excels at both use cases.
If your gaming space has significant natural light or multiple windows, the glossy OLED screen may struggle with reflections compared to matte Mini-LED displays. Additionally, if you game on multiple platforms equally and don't primarily play on PS5, you can get similar OLED performance from LG or Samsung options for less money, since you won't benefit as much from the Sony-specific PS5 features.
HDMI 2.1 is essential for modern gaming because it enables features that HDMI 2.0 simply cannot support. The increased bandwidth of 48 Gbps allows for 4K resolution at 120Hz or even 144Hz, creating smoother motion and more responsive gameplay. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) synchronizes the TV's refresh rate with your console or gaming PC's frame rate, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering.
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically switches the TV to its lowest latency mode when a gaming device is detected, removing the need to manually enable game mode every time you play. Quick Frame Transport (QFT) reduces latency even further by delivering frames faster. Together, these HDMI 2.1 features create a gaming experience that feels significantly more responsive and polished than what was possible with previous HDMI versions.
For console gamers with PS5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI 2.1 is required to access the full 120Hz capabilities of these consoles. Without it, you're limited to 60Hz, which means you're not experiencing games the way developers intended. PC gamers benefit similarly, with HDMI 2.1 enabling high refresh rates and VRR support that were previously only possible with DisplayPort connections.
Each display technology has advantages for gaming. OLED panels like the LG C4 and Sony XR8B offer perfect blacks and infinite contrast, creating incredible depth in dark gaming scenes. The self-lit pixels respond virtually instantly, giving OLED the best motion clarity of any technology. However, OLEDs have lower peak brightness than LED alternatives and can be affected by burn-in with static images over very long periods.
Mini-LED TVs like the Hisense U75QG and TCL QM6K use thousands of tiny LEDs for local dimming, creating excellent contrast and brightness that approaches OLED performance in many scenarios. They're significantly brighter than OLED, making them better for bright rooms, and they don't have any burn-in risk. However, even the best Mini-LED implementations can't match OLED's perfect blacks, and some local dimming algorithms can create visible blooming around bright objects.
QLED TVs use quantum dot color enhancement on top of traditional LED backlighting. They offer excellent color volume and brightness, often exceeding 1000 nits for impressive HDR gaming. They're more affordable than OLED and don't suffer from burn-in. However, they can't match the contrast performance of OLED or high-end Mini-LED displays, making them better suited for bright room viewing than dark room gaming.
PlayStation 5 gamers should prioritize TVs with Sony's exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. These features, found on Sony BRAVIA TVs, automatically optimize the picture for PS5 gaming. The PS5 supports 4K at 120Hz with VRR and ALLM, so you'll want a TV with multiple HDMI 2.1 ports if you plan to connect additional devices.
Xbox Series X gamers have similar requirements for HDMI 2.1 features, with the addition of Dolby Vision gaming support on some titles. Look for TVs that support Dolby Vision gaming if you want the best HDR experience on Xbox. The Xbox also supports VRR, ALLM, and 120Hz gaming just like the PS5.
PC gamers should prioritize TVs with high refresh rates beyond 120Hz if their graphics cards can handle it. Some TVs like the Hisense U75QG support 144Hz or even 165Hz at 4K, while the VIZIO Quantum Pro offers 240Hz at 1080p for competitive gaming. Look for NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync Premium certification for the best PC gaming experience, and check that the TV supports the refresh rates and resolutions you plan to use.
Yes, HDMI 2.1 is absolutely worth it for gaming in 2026. It enables 4K at 120Hz or 144Hz for smoother gameplay, VRR to eliminate screen tearing, and ALLM for automatic low latency mode. If you have a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC, HDMI 2.1 unlocks features that significantly improve your gaming experience.
For PS5, you need a TV with HDMI 2.1 support to access 4K at 120Hz gaming. Look for features like VRR, ALLM, and 120Hz refresh rate. OLED TVs like the LG C4 offer the best picture quality, while Mini-LED options like the Hisense U75QG provide excellent brightness and value. Sony BRAVIA TVs include exclusive PS5 optimization features.
OLED is generally better for gaming due to perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and virtually instant pixel response time. However, OLEDs are more expensive and can be affected by burn-in. QLED TVs offer excellent brightness and color at lower prices, making them better for bright rooms. Mini-LED TVs combine elements of both, offering high brightness with good contrast.
HDMI 2.1 itself doesn't directly reduce input lag, but it enables features that do. ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) automatically switches the TV to its lowest latency mode when gaming. QFT (Quick Frame Transport) reduces latency by delivering frames faster. The increased bandwidth also allows for higher refresh rates at 4K resolution, making gameplay feel more responsive.
For most gamers, two HDMI 2.1 ports are sufficient. This allows you to connect both a PS5 and Xbox Series X at full bandwidth, or a console and gaming PC. If you have multiple current-gen consoles plus a gaming PC, or if you future-proof for additional devices, look for TVs with three or four HDMI 2.1 ports like the LG C4 OLED which offers four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 connections.
Choosing the right gaming TV with HDMI 2.1 depends on your budget, gaming preferences, and room conditions. For the absolute best picture quality, the LG C4 OLED and Sony XR8B OLED deliver stunning OLED performance that's unmatched by any LED technology. If you're a PS5 gamer specifically, the Sony BRAVIA 5 and XR8B offer exclusive features that optimize the PlayStation experience.
For value-focused gamers, the Hisense U75QG delivers premium features at a mid-range price, while the TCL QM6K proves you don't have to spend a fortune to get HDMI 2.1 gaming. Large-screen enthusiasts will love the Hisense QD7's 75-inch display, and competitive gamers will appreciate the VIZIO Quantum Pro's flexible refresh rate options.
Regardless of which TV you choose, any of these HDMI 2.1-equipped displays will transform your gaming experience with smoother motion, lower input lag, and tear-free gameplay. Check out the latest LG TV deals for gaming if you're looking to save on your purchase. Happy gaming in 2026!