5 Best Gaming TVs Of 2018
We buy our own products and put them under the same testing methodology so that you can easily compare them. Unlike most websites, we do not get our products directly from the manufacturers, which means our units aren’t handpicked and actually represent what you would buy yourself. We spend a lot of time comparing the products side-by-side to validate our results and we keep them until they are discontinued so we can continually go back and make sure our reviews are always accurate.
Console gaming has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, and improvements in TV technology has been a driving force behind it. With 4K HDR TVs gaining in popularity, most major console makers have broken the standard release cycle to release updated consoles that support the latest technologies. TV manufacturers have been listening, and newer TVs have ever lower input lag and other features specifically targeting gamers, including game motion interpolation and variable refresh rate technologies.
We’ve tested 37 TVs in 2018, and here are our recommendations for the best ones for gaming.
LG B8: A premium OLED TV with excellent picture quality
Type: OLED
Sizes: 55”, 65”
The LG OLED B8 is the best gaming TV that we’ve reviewed so far. The OLED panel delivers an extraordinary dark room experience and excellent picture quality. It has excellent low input lag, so you get a responsive gaming experience. It also has incredible wide viewing angles, great for couch co-op gaming with a group of friends.
Unfortunately, OLEDs aren’t without flaws, as they can experience temporary image retention or even permanent burn-in when displaying static content. With varied enough content, we don’t expect this to be an issue for most people. Due to the nearly-instantaneous response time, OLEDs like the B8 also have bad stutter with some scenes in lower frame rate content, and this can bother some people.
Overall, the LG B8 is an outstanding gaming TV with excellent picture quality and a nice design. It performs very similarly to the other OLED TVs from LG, including the C8 and E8.
Shop Now: from $1,597
Vizio P Series Quantum: Best LED gaming TV
Type: LED
Sizes: 65”
If the possibility of burn-in concerns you, or you have a bright living room, the Vizio P Series Quantum is the best LED gaming TV that we’ve reviewed so far. It is one of the brightest TVs we’ve ever reviewed, delivering outstanding HDR performance, even in a bright room. It can easily overcome glare in any room, and it has outstanding dark room performance.
The P Series Quantum has outstanding gaming performance. It has an incredibly fast response time, so fast-moving objects are clear with little blur, and it has excellent low input lag. It doesn’t support any advanced gaming features like VRR or low latency interpolation, but it doesn’t really need them to deliver an incredible gaming experience, regardless of viewing conditions.
Unfortunately, the P Series Quantum is only available in one size, and it can be very difficult to find. It also doesn’t have the most advanced smart features, with a small collection of apps and no way to add more. Overall, it is a great LED/LCD TV.
Shop Now: $1,500
Vizio P Series 2018: Best mid-range gaming TV
Type: LED
Sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”
If you like the Vizio P Series Quantum, but would prefer something cheaper, check out the Vizio P Series. It is the best mid-range gaming TV that we have reviewed so far. It delivers very good picture quality and has an excellent 120 Hz refresh rate, great for Xbox One gamers.
The P Series has the same great motion handling as the Quantum, and equally low input lag, which is great. It isn’t quite as bright as the Quantum, and it has slightly worse reflection handling, but it is still bright enough to overcome bright glare in almost any room.
Unfortunately, the P Series has bad viewing angles, so it is best enjoyed from directly in front. Like the Quantum, it also doesn’t have the most advanced smart features but it is a great gaming TV that should please even the most serious gamers.
Shop Now: from $957
Samsung NU8000: Great mid-range TV with advanced gaming features
Type: LED
Sizes: 49”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 82”
If you want a great mid-range TV with more advanced gaming features than the Vizio P Series, check out the Samsung NU8000. It is a great gaming TV with a fast response time, so fast-moving objects look great and have little motion blur. It has outstanding low input lag with any content as long as game mode is activated.
The NU8000 has a few new gaming features that can significantly improve your gaming experience. It supports FreeSync VRR, great for Xbox One owners or if you plan on connecting your TV. It can also interpolate low frame rate games, and unlike the vast majority of TVs, it can do so without adding much input lag.
Unfortunately, the NU8000 doesn’t perform as well as the Vizio P Series in a dark room, as it has a bad local dimming feature, and the image degrades when viewed at an angle. Overall though, it is a great mid-range gaming TV that should please most people.
Shop Now: from $598
TCL 6 Series (R617/R615/R613): Best budget gaming TV
Type: LED
Sizes: 55”, 65”
If you want a good gaming TV on a budget, take a look at the TCL 6 Series. The 6 Series is a great TV for gaming. It delivers very good picture quality, including a wide color gamut great for HDR games. It has great peak brightness, in SDR and HDR, and it can easily overcome glare in a bright room.
Gamers will appreciate the 6 Series’ fast response time, delivering clear motion that has little blur. It also has excellent low input lag, ensuring a responsive gaming experience, and it supports most common resolutions at 60Hz.
Unfortunately, the TCL 6 Series doesn’t support any advanced gaming features like FreeSync, and it is limited to a 60 Hz refresh rate. The smart interface isn’t the fanciest, but it has a massive selection of apps and streaming channels available. Overall, it is a great gaming TV that should please most people.
Shop Now: from $630
