It might feel a little early to be talking about the best 8K TV for gaming, especially since consoles and graphics cards can't quite pull off the resolution yet. However, there will come a time when 4K is considered scaling back, and some of you might prefer to be prepared before it happens. So, if you want to be able to enable 7,680 x 4,320 when it comes to a more viable way to play without upgrading your screen, we've got you covered.
All the best gaming TV models right now are 4K, and standard UHD is still considered to be top spec. You might think that means you won't have to think about 8K gaming TVs any time soon, but that doesn't mean playing at higher resolutions isn't beneficial. In fact, even if you haven't worked out how to time travel so you can steal a PS6 yet, the current-gen PS5 could still benefit from upscaling provided by future-proofed screens. Not to mention that some graphics cards can technically run PC games at 7,680 x 4,320, so long as you're using the right HDMI cable and compatible port.
From Sony’s Cognitive Processing technology to Samsung’s Quantum AI 8K processor, via LG’s 8K capable Alpha 9 silicon, there's a lot going on inside the latest 8K TVs for gaming. With that in mind, we've rounded up the best models that can both upscale your 4K content and unleash the full abilities of next-generation consoles when they eventually arrive. You don't even have to pay a ridiculous amount, as chances are this year's Memorial Day TV sales event will feature some monstrous panels.
The best 8K TV for gaming overall
Samsung’s QN900A is undoubtedly a fabulous 8K flagship screen - and while probably the best 8K TV going, is also one of the very best QLED TVs going too. Behind the glass is the brand’s powerful Quantum Matrix processor, able to upscale 4K to something very close to 8K resolution.
This Neo QLED set also uses an advanced Mini LED backlight, capable of greater precision than a conventional full-array backlight. HDR support covers regular HDR10 and HLG, along with HDR10+. However, there’s no room for Dolby Vision though, which will disappoint both film fans (it’s the standard HDR offering on Netflix and Disney+) and Xbox owners. The TV's audio is above average, courtesy of Object Tracking Sound Pro. The QN900 actually has ten speakers built into its slim frame. There’s no OTS support for Dolby Atmos though.
The set looks the business, thanks to its ultra-slim Infinity Design, with an ‘invisible’ bezel - basically, the panel is all picture. One consequence of this is the use of a One Connect box; you’ll connect all your consoles, TV boxes, and whatnot, into the One Connect box, which then, in turn, uses a single cable to feed the TV. Neat.
Smart functionality is via Tizen, here in its 2021 guise. Expect all the usual streaming services, along with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby voice assistants.
The best budget 8K TV for gaming
This Nanocell 8K screen may not use Mini LED technology, but it does have a full array backlight, which goes some way to ensuring good black level control. The key difference between this model and its QNED sibling is that it’s a 60Hz panel, so there’s no support for 120fps gameplay. Differences in panel technology aside, there’s not a lot more that separates this model from its QNED stablemate.
Going some ways to compensate for that, LG’s Game Optimizer is on hand to fine-tune your gaming experience, with a one-stop shop for game presets, VRR, and frame rate options. There’s GSync VRR, as well as ALLM and eARC, and it uses the same Alpha 9 Gen 4 8K processor, with assorted AI enhancements to make the best of content. HDR format support covers Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, and HLG.
The smart platform is webOS with Thin Q AI functionality, so no shortage of streaming apps, and catch-up TV, and the set also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and is also Dolby Atmos-enabled and will work with optional Bluetooth stereo or rear speakers.
The best LG 8K TV
Combining a Mini LED backlight with Quantum Dot colour filter, LG’s Nanocell range-topper offers impressive 8K and 4K performance that won’t break the bank, and offers something slightly different from LG than its oft-seen big hitters on the internet's best OLED TV guides.
Gaming support is excellent, courtesy of the brand’s Game Optimizer interface, a dedicated UI that offers quick access to dedicated gaming presets and VRR settings - G-Sync is also supported here. The ports will have you covered for gaming too, as all HDMI inputs are v2.1, with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and eARC.
The picture quality is outstanding. The 86-inch version of this screen boasts approximately 30,000 Mini LEDs, with some 2,500 unique dimming zones, which means a high degree of accuracy when it comes to HDR handling and contrast. Picture parameters are managed by an Alpha 9 Gen 4 8K processor, complete with various AI tuning tricks, like AI Picture Pro and AI Sound pro. HDR support is good but not comprehensive (there’s no HDR10+, but we do get LG’s own HDR 10 Pro mode), however, there is Dolby Vision IQ, which is able to automatically adjust to ambient room lighting conditions.
The set also has Dolby Atmos, and it is worth partnering with a compatible gaming sound system. There’s even the option of adding Bluetooth rear speakers, for a full, cinema-style experience.
And you'll also have your smart TV needs covered by the LG webOS platform, which means you’ll get a full complement of top-notch streaming services (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Now TV, Britbox, and Apple TV). There’s also a smart hub Thin Q interface, which works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The best Sony 8K TV for gaming
This beautiful Bravia set is one of the very best 8K TVs and that is in no small part due to its Cognitive Intelligence AI processing engine. The clever idea is that it’s able to replicate the way you see and hear, by concentrating on natural focal points in the image. AI divides the screen into zones and detects the appropriate ‘focal point’ - and that’s where it focuses its image processing. Audio also gets a boost courtesy of these Cognitive smarts, as it analyses where the sound position is within a signal to better match what’s on the screen.
Unfortunately, there’s no dedicated gaming interface, although the set is rated as Perfect for PlayStation by Sony, and includes an Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature that ensures the screen will optimise for the console’s HDR output. There’s also support for 4K 120fps playback, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and eARC.
The set uses the Google TV smart platform, which ensures all key streaming apps are on board and also boasts Bravia Core, a Sony-specific streaming service that uses Pure Stream technology, to stream up to 80Mbps. It talks to Google Assistant, too. Nice.
The best value 8K TV for gaming
Samsung’s 2021 NeoQLED range gave us a few screens worthy of the best 8K TV mantle and the QN800 is certainly worth the premium over its 4K Neo QLED equivalent. Built around the brand’s Neo Quantum 8K processor, it offers crisp HDR handling with punchy contrast. HDR support covers HLG, HDR10, and HDR10+, although Samsung doesn’t support Dolby Vision. Smart TV coverage is strong, with all the key streaming service apps and players.
The QN800 uses Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound + system, which features multiple speakers for a greater sense of realism. If you partner the set with a compatible Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar, you’ll end up with a wall of sound as both components work together.
The QN800 boasts 1.5x more lighting zones than regular Quantum Matrix technology, while image clarity gets a helping hand with wide viewing angle technology. This model also utilises Samsung’s One Connect box, a function junction where you connect all your sources.
Gamers also benefit from Samsung’s Motion Xcelerator Turbo mode; this doubles the refresh speed of any 60Hz console source, to deliver 120Hz motion playback. The set is compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. This set also has a unique trick in its big TV arsenal for gamers: an UltraWide Game View mode, which lets you display images in a 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratio. It’s accessed via the brand's Game Bar, which also lets you check on input lag and connected peripherals, aspect ratios, and input lag.
Overall, a beast of an 8K set.
The best mini LED 8K TV for gaming
TCL is clearly stepping up a gear with this Mini LED 8K QLED offering. Available in 65- and 75-inch screen sizes, the R648 is only available in the US, priced at $2,199 and $2,999 (MSRPs), respectively, and is a great value entry into the 8K TV market.
The set utilises the well-appointed Roku smart platform (all key streaming services onboard), and has two high-frame rate 4K 120Hz compatible HDMI v2.1 inputs, as well as VRR and ALLM. There isn't any other screen sync tech but gamers looking to the future should still be well catered for.
The set works with Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, and it’s also Apple AirPlay 2 compliant. HDR compatibility includes Dolby Vision.
Overall, this 8K TV for gaming and entertainment makes for an intriguing alternative to rival Mini LED QLEDs from Samsung.
Note: To reiterate, this is available only in the USA.
Best 8K TV: FAQs
Are 8K TVs good for gaming?
Yes! But also, kind of no. You will find that 8K TVs do offer all the best benefits and features that you'd need from a top gaming TV like HDMI2.1 capability, VRR, exquisite display quality, excellent motion processing and so on, but, importantly, there's basically no 8K gaming content to actually make use of that mega resolution currently.
However, what an 8K TV will do is bag you those benefits, and keep you future proofed for years to come. So if you're looking to go big hard and once to cover your bases the none of the best 8K TVs is a great shout.
Is there an 8K 120Hz TV?
This one is simple to answer: yes! And even better than a simple yes, and pointing you toward one of the best 8K TVs for gaming that has 120Hz, you'll find that many of the top 8K TVs for gaming have 120Hz functionality due to the handy HDMI 2.1 ports making more appearances now. It's almost become a default feature for 8K TVs, and certainly those looking to offer any semblance of premium performance too.
What 8K TV is best for PS5?
Much like many of the best TVs of any resolution nowadays, there's always a great TV for PS5 no matter what your budget or needs, and the best 8K TVs have all the top-line features to boot. For example, it's actually quite rare to find an 8K TV for gaming that doesn't have 120Hz capability. And while you may not see every single benefit of going for 8K over 4K right now, the best 8K TVs do offer immense levels of picture quality and tech.
However, saying all that, if you're looking to get the objectively best 8K TV for PS5, then out of all the brands available it's like that a Sony TV will play the nicest, and talk to a PS5 the nicest too.
If you prefer your screens enormously big, then check out the best 4K projectors and best projectors for PS5 and Xbox Series X.
