**The Top 4K Gaming Televisions for 2025**
*This article was first published on Mashable for a U.S. audience and has been modified for the UK.*
We have been experiencing the age of next-gen gaming for several years now. Whether you are gaming on a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a powerful gaming PC, a 4K television is a crucial addition to your setup.
While most 4K televisions feature gaming-friendly options, they are not all equal in quality. Various models are tailored to different styles of gamers, making it essential to understand the technical terms and select the ideal 4K TV that meets your gaming requirements. Furthermore, the majority of contemporary 4K TVs are equipped with smart functionalities, making them perfect for streaming during your breaks from gaming or when your housemates wish to binge-watch their favourite series.
With leading television manufacturers launching new models annually, there is always an opportunity to upgrade. We have conducted the research to assist you in discovering the best choices, enabling you to spend less time reviewing specifications and more time gaming. Here’s everything you need to understand, along with our top recommendations for the finest 4K gaming televisions available at the moment.
### What is 4K?
4K signifies ultra-high definition (UHD) resolution. A 4K television has a minimum of 8 million active pixels, featuring a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160—four times the clarity of standard 1080p HD. Many advanced 4K TVs also upscale lower-resolution content, improving clarity and detail.
### Is a 4K TV necessary for gaming?
In brief, yes—especially if you want to fully utilize your next-gen console’s capabilities. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X support 4K gaming, and the latest 4K TVs are equipped with features intended to enhance performance. These include:
– **eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)** – For superior audio transmission.
– **ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)** – Automatically shifts to gaming mode to minimize lag.
– **4K at 120Hz (High Frame Rate)** – Guarantees smoother gameplay.
– **HGiG tone-mapping** – Enhances HDR performance for gaming.
– **VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)** – Diminishes screen tearing and stuttering.
– **Low input lag** – Reduces delay between controller input and on-screen action.
These features collectively result in a more fluid, responsive gaming experience.
### What size 4K TV should you choose?
For 4K gaming, a larger screen is often preferable. A bigger display enables you to fully enjoy the enhanced resolution offered by 4K. The smallest 4K televisions typically begin at 48 inches, with popular sizes being 55, 65, 75, and even over 80 inches.
### What is low input lag?
Input lag is the duration it takes for your TV to process and showcase the information it receives. Measured in milliseconds (ms), a lower input lag translates to swifter response times, which is vital for competitive gaming. Even a delay of 100ms can affect gameplay, so achieving low input lag is crucial for seamless, real-time action.
### What is ALLM?
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) is a feature that recognizes when you are gaming and automatically switches your television to its gaming mode. This deactivates unnecessary image processing, decreasing input lag and enhancing performance. It’s a handy feature for gamers eager to jump straight into action without manually modifying settings.
### Is HDMI 2.1 necessary?
If you are using a **PS5** or **Xbox Series X**, then yes—HDMI 2.1 is essential. This connection allows your console to output games at up to 120 frames per second (fps) and supports a bandwidth of 48Gbps for higher resolutions, quicker refresh rates, and enhanced HDR. HDMI 2.1 also facilitates **eARC**, which improves audio quality.
Most recent 4K televisions come equipped with multiple HDMI ports, but not all will be HDMI 2.1 compliant. Many televisions still feature HDMI 2.0, which can manage 4K but is restricted to 30fps or 60fps. Ideally, your TV should have at least one HDMI 2.1 port—more if you intend to connect both a PS5 and an Xbox Series X at the same time. Older consoles like the **PS4**, **Xbox One**, and **Nintendo Switch** function well with HDMI 2.0.
### What does 120Hz signify?
A TV’s refresh rate (measured in Hertz, or Hz) indicates how often the screen updates each second. A **120Hz refresh rate** provides smoother motion and gameplay, which is particularly critical for fast-paced games.
Many 4K televisions also