When it comes to gaming and getting the most out of some of the latest titles, it pays to find the best 120hz TV you can for the job.
If you've secured a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, you'll want to look at TVs that will be able to showcase games in 4K at higher frames per second, alongside finding sets that have features to enhance contrast, colour and brightness.
Of course, there's a lot to factor in with TVs, from understanding what native 120hz is to knowing which TVs will allow for 120 fps in the first place, but we're here to take some of the complexity out of it.
We've selected a few of what we think are great options for 120hz gaming, based on specs, reviews, and features they offer.
From the popular OLED option, the LG OLED48C1PUB, to a TV from Sony themselves, the BRAVIA XR65X90JU, here are a few choices to kick off your search for the best TV for your console, plus some answers to some of your most frequently asked questions after our list.
Best 120Hz TV For Gaming
- LG OLED48C1PUB
- LG OLED48CX5LC 48" 4K
- SONY BRAVIA XR65X90JU 65" Smart 4K
- Samsung QE65QN95A QLED 4K
- Samsung 2020 65" Q80T QLED 4K
Best 120Hz TV For Gaming Premium - LG OLED48C1PUB (2021)
click to enlarge
+ 5Screen Size: 48" | Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x3 | Refresh Rate: 120hz, VRR, ALLM | Resolution: 4K, 3840 x 2160 | Screen Type: OLED
The LG OLED48C1PUB is a bit of a powerhouse when it comes to a 120hz gaming TV and from the looks of it has been quite popular this year for those looking to experience PS5 and Xbox Series X to their fullest (or at least their fullest right now that is).
Some of the key bragging rights to this set include its impressively low input lag and fast response times, thanks to the auto low-latency mode, which will certainly come in especially handy with any current and upcoming fast-paced titles.
It's also an OLED display, which essentially means that pixel can 'turn off' dynamically which creates the deepest blacks you'll find. This is great if you're playing more cinematic titles and really want to experience stunning visuals.
Another advantage of this TV is that it's also super slim, as is the case with many OLEDs on the market. Pair this with one of the best TV mounts and you have the beginnings of a seriously impressive setup.
Best 120Hz TV For Gaming Mid-Range - LG OLED48CX5LC 48" 4K (2020)
click to enlarge + 5Screen Size: 48" | Ports: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 x3 | Refresh Rate: 120hz, VRR, ALLM | Resolution: 4K, 3840 x 2160 | Screen Type: OLED
We think the OLED48CX5LC is one of the best LG TVs and another fantastic choice for gaming that packs practically all the same features as the newer iteration.
Thanks to it being last year's model, it also enjoys a few discounts from time to time too, making it, on the whole, a more affordable selection if you're looking for something special that is still a 4K OLED TV.
It supports HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision, meaning you can expect your games to look stunning and vibrant, plus at 48" it's big enough for a living room, but not too big that it'll dominate the space.
Best 120Hz TV For Gaming FreeSync - Samsung 2021 65" QE65QN95A QLED 4K Smart TV
click to enlarge + 5Screen Size: 65" | Ports: 4 x HDMI 2.1, 3x USB 2.1, Optical | Refresh Rate: 120hz, VRR, ALLM, G-Sync, FreeSync Premium Pro | Resolution: 4K, 3840 x 2160p | Screen Type: QLED
The Samsung QE65QN95A looks to be one of the manufacturer's best TVs, not least thanks to oodles of features on offer.
One of its major headline features is that it offers a Mini LED-backlit panel with diodes that are a fortieth of the size of traditional LEDs which in turn should allow for a bright panel and vibrant colours, which is certainly handy for gaming or even just watching the latest blockbusters.
There are four HDMI 2.1 ports which all support ALLM and VRR, too. Furthermore, you'll find the QE65QN95A is the first TV to support AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, alongside both standard HDMI VRR and Nvidia G-Sync, making this quite the capable offering.
In addition, you'll find Samsung's own Game Bar, which is a pop-up menu that displays all sorts of useful information including frame rate and the variable refresh rate format being used. It's a handy piece of info if you want to get your nerd on.
Best 120Hz TV For Gaming Sony- SONY BRAVIA XR65X90JU 65" Smart 4K
click to enlarge + 5Screen Size: 65" | Ports: HDMI 2.1 x2, HDMI 2.0b x2, Composite Input x1, USB 2.0 x2 | Refresh Rate: 120hz, VRR, ALLM | Resolution: 4K, 3840 x 2160p | Screen Type: LED
Another standout choice is the Sony BRAVIA XR65X90JU, again implementing that dream combination of 4K and 120Hz for the new generation of gaming.
Sony boasts a full array of sharp LED colours equipped with local dimming for high contrast and intense realism, which we think makes it one of the best TVs for PS5.
With a 65 inch screen, this is an unlikely piece of tech for a desk but great for a lounge or distanced set-up and ensuring you've got a long enough HDMI 2.1 cable you'll be good to go.
This also comes with 20W Dolby Atmos speakers with DTS Digital Surround which means you'll be able to hear the action of your games as vividly as you'll see it.
Another fantastic choice for gaming, for those with room for a larger screen!
Best 120Hz TV For Gaming Samsung - Samsung 2020 65" Q80T QLED 4K
click to enlarge + 5Screen Size: 65" | Ports: HDMI 2.0 x3, HDMI 2.1 x 1m, USB x 2 | Refresh Rate: 120hz | Resolution: 4K, 3840 x 2160p | Screen Type: QLED
Now, this Samsung Q80T TV is a brilliant choice for 120hz gaming, but before you go rushing in it's worth noting something.
120hz gaming is possible on this TV, but only with the 55" version size and above, and at the time of writing this is not explicitly made clear on Amazon...perhaps because the majority of HDMI ports are HDMI 2.0, with only one being HDMI 2.1.
But the important thing here is that this is a very impressive TV that ticks a number of the 120hz gaming boxes, and it even features Quantum HDR 1500 powered by HDR10+, which should make for some stunning visuals when combined with this QLED's Quantum Dot technology.
This is certainly an investment but doesn't tip the scales quite as much as some of the newer releases this year, making it a good call if you want to stick to an, albeit still weighty, budget.
As more 120hz TVs make their way to us, we'll be sure to update this list with all the latest and greatest.
Frequently Asked Questions About 120hz Gaming TVs
TVs that allow for 120fps 4K gaming are relatively new on the scene, and thus, understanding what's going on and what to look for on that enormous spec sheet can be a bit of a minefield.
Here are a few answers which should help you navigate it and make the right choice for you.
Are there any true 120hz TVs for gaming?
Yes, but understanding what a true 120hz gaming TV actually is, is very important when selecting the right set for you.
In short, you'll want to look for 'native 120hz' to ensure it's a true 120hz display.
Do all 4K TVs have 120Hz?
We wish they did, but no. Newer TVs, many of which are designed with gaming in mind should feature 120hz, but older models or less expensive sets will typically have 60hz refresh rates.
Does 120Hz mean 120FPS?
Sort of, but in a very 'round about way'. Frames per second are rarely constant, which is why technology like VRR can play an important part in keeping things smooth when they dip.
For ease, many people associate 120hz with 120fps, 60hz with 60fps and so on.
Does HDMI 2.0 support 4K 120Hz?
No. HDMI 2.0 does not support 4K 120hz. Pay very close attention to the specs to avoid disappointment. It's HDMI 2.1 that supports 4K at 120Hz output.
Should you go for a 120hz monitor or a 120hz TV for gaming?
The ultimate question! If we had to throw our two cents into the mix, we'd say that if you want 4K at 120hz, the best TVs and best gaming monitors are around the same price.
Both TVs and monitors double up, the former as something to watch movies on in a living room, and the latter something to work on in a home office. Decide where you'll spend most of your time first, then make your choice.
TVs do have OLED display though...which is rare in monitors. Decisions!!!
What is VRR?
Variable refresh rate. It basically means that the display can seamlessly vary its refresh rate as it goes, which reduces things like screen tearing and actually decreases latency, which is good for fast-paced games.
You'll find this on some of the best 120hz TVs for gaming for sure, and it's well worth it.
Read More: Best 4K TV 2021: Top Picks From Sony, LG, Samsung, And More