Anyone who loves high-performance gaming consoles like Sony's PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X knows that getting a gaming TV with solid specs is a no-brainer. Fortunately, one doesn't need to break the bank to buy a TV that runs different titles without lag or screen tearing. Nowadays, the market is filled with many budget TVs that deliver great value at an affordable price point.
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It's worth mentioning that, beyond cost, the TV's gaming specs should also be considered. Details like screen size, refresh rate, display technology resolution, HDR availability, and HDMI 2.1 ports are equally important. It makes sense to buy a TV with a high refresh rate and low input lag because it delivers great gameplay even with competitive titles. Considering the sea of available options, sifting through the crowd to find that perfect TV can be tiresome. To simplify the search, this guide comprises the best budget gaming TVs that offer the best specs.
Updated on May 11, 2024 by Michael Akuchie: Since its last publish, the 65-inch Hisense R6 has been included in the guide as a cheap option for players who want to experience fluid retro gaming on a TV.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Budget Gaming TVs in 2024
VIZIO 50-inch MQX-Series 4K 120Hz QLED HDR10+ Smart TV
This Vizio MQX Series 4K TV comes with a 50-inch display panel with QLED technology. The QLED display allows users to enjoy an increased color performance in a rich 4K resolution through Active Full Array Backlight and local dimming. A great budget gaming TV, players can experience 4K/120Hz gameplay without the inconvenience of high input lag. Vizio's smart TV platform also grants users access to tons of content from streaming channels. Additionally, Vizio WatchFree+ brings over 250 live channels to users for free.
- Dimensions
- 10"D x 43.8"W x 25.5"H
- Display Technology
- QLED
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, Ethernet
- What's Included
- XRT260 Voice Remote, 2 x AAA Batteries, Power Cable, Stand
- Brand
- VIZIO
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Weight
- 27 pounds
- FreeSync
- AMD FreeSync Premium
- Quantum Color technology for vibrant imagery
- Comes with 120Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay
- Offers access to wide range of content
- Heavier than some models
- No direct way to add apps from the online store
Vizio caters to the needs of budget-conscious consumers with affordable TV models. The MQX-Series stands out as Game ZXC’s best overall budget gaming TV for a handful of reasons. It comes with advanced gaming technology like HDMI 2.1 ports, making it perfect for getting the best gaming experience from current-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Capable of running games at 4K/120Hz, the MQX-Series TV also features Dolby Vision and AMD FreeSync Premium which ensures that players get to enjoy lag-free gaming.
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Beyond its impressive gaming capabilities, the Vizio TV also doubles as one of the best smart TVs. Not only do users get access to their favorite content across multiple streaming services, but they can also explore 250+ live channels using Vizio’s WatchFree+ service. Buyers can also enjoy high streaming and download speeds as the TV comes with Wi-Fi 6E, which reduces latency by a wide margin. Sadly, it is not without shortcomings. Users have complained about its subpar audio quality alongside the inclusion of a single HDMI 2.1 port. Anyone ready to look past these flaws will not be disappointed by this amazing television.
VIZIO 40-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV
Primarily intended for buyers with a modest budget, the VIZIO D-Series 40" TV still offers some exciting features. It comes with a 1080p Full-HD resolution which looks good most of the time. Being a smart TV, viewers can stream movies, shows, news, and music on their favorite apps. Vizio's Watchfree streaming service sweetens the deal with access to 260+ live channels. AMD FreeSync makes this TV a decent option for gaming with low latency and an auto-game mode.
- Dimensions
- 8.81"D x 35.55"W x 22.81"H
- Display Technology
- LED
- Connectivity Technology
- HDMI, USB, Bluetooth
- What's Included
- Power Cable, Remote Control, Stand
- Brand
- VIZIO
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 1080p
- Weight
- 12.35 pounds
- 1080p Full-HD resolution for sharp and clear images
- AMD FreeSync for smoother gaming experiences
- Vizio's Watchfree service with over 260 free live channels
- Capped at 60Hz refresh rate
- Dependent on strong Wi-Fi for optimal functionality
The 40-inch Vizio D-Series is suited to meet the needs of gamers working on a tight budget. Its gorgeous thin-frame design makes it a great addition to the bedroom or anywhere else. While not as good as a 4K display, the D-Series gets a 1080p display, which does its best to deliver a decent picture quality. The Vizio TV’s LED display aims for vibrant color and superior contrast using Full Array Display technology. Also adding to the TV’s strong suits is the IQ Picture Processor, which helps users easily navigate the interface, launch apps, and experience better picture processing.
Despite not being as competent at gaming as many premium TVs, the Vizio D-Series should easily handle casual gaming. The V-Gaming Engine aims to help D-Series owners optimize their gameplay using VRR and AMD FreeSync, two advanced gaming features. Although it is not a 4K TV or contains more high-performance gaming specs, there are still a fair number of features that should appeal to consumers not eager to splurge on a new TV.
Hisense 70-inch A6 UHD TV
Despite shipping with a 60Hz panel, the 70-inch Hisense A6 UHD TV is a pocket-friendly gaming TV option. It comes with Game Mode Plus which features VRR and ALLM, specs that translate into low input lag and smoother gameplay. Hisense claims this TV can handle the rotors of next-gen consoles. It also features a voice remote, 4K UHD resolution, and Google TV OS.
- Dimensions
- 13.4"D x 62.1"W x 37.9"H
- Display Technology
- LED
- What's Included
- Stand, TV, Remote Control, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide
- Brand
- Hisense
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Weight
- 70.4 lbs
- Has advanced gaming features like ALLM and a 60Hz refresh rate
- This TV comes with Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
- Budget-friendly with modest features
- Skips on AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync
- Contrast is inferior
For less than $500, buyers get a 70-inch Hisense TV with sweet 4K resolution among other features. Aside from displaying better picture quality than full HD TVs, there's no need to worry about watching non-4K content in its original resolution. The TV's upscale feature will enhance it. Dolby Vision HDR promises a premium viewing experience along with an amazing color range. For sports lovers, there's a special Sports Mode that instantly optimizes the TV's settings for smoother motion and color adjustment.
The A6 also comes with Game Mode Plus, a mix of technologies that Hisense says works to create a dynamic gaming experience. A 60 Hz panel, ALLM, and a variable refresh mode are also included. Unfortunately, it skips on AMD's FreeSync Premium, a major gaming-oriented feature. It does come with Chromecast built-in, so one can stream their favorite content and games directly from a phone. Running on Google TV OS, the remote works with voice commands, so feel free to ask Google Assistant to turn down the volume or open a channel.
Vizio 55-inch V555-J01 UHD 4K TV
Looking for an amazing budget gaming TV with high-quality 4K resolution? The Vizio V555-J01 is perfect for streaming and gaming. Using Vizio's V-Gaming Engine, this TV can upscale HD content to 4K standards. The V555-J01 also comes with decent gaming specs like AMD FreeSync, Auto Game Mode, and VRR. It's compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Home.
- Dimensions
- 10.24"D x 49.06"W x 30.87"H
- Display Technology
- LED
- What's Included
- Power Cable, Remote Control, Stand
- Brand
- Vizio
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Comes with a Game Menu that boasts AMD FreeSync among other specs
- It's budget-friendly
- 4K resolution delivers crisp images
- Not as powerful as a 120Hz TV
Not every gamer wants to splurge on a new TV, and that's fine. There are lots of pocket-friendly options to consider. When it comes to budget gaming TVs that deliver the best 4K viewing experience, the 55-inch V555-J01 Vizio UHD TV deserves a mention. Whether it's gaming or watching one's favorite show or movie, the Vizio TV offers a great 4K quality along with a full-array LED backlight. The TV also delivers important details in pictures thanks to Dolby Vision HDR.
Beyond great visuals, the Vizio UHD TV also packs some neat gaming specs. It's worth mentioning that these aren't the best game-oriented features, but given the price point, it seems like a fair deal. The TV comes with Vizio's V-Gaming Engine, which comes with an IQ active processor and an intelligent 4K upscaling feature to give the best graphics. Designed for next-gen consoles, the V-Gaming Engine brings AMD FreeSync, Auto Game Mode, and VRR to optimize one's gameplay.
Living up to the title of a smart TV, feel free to connect the Bluetooth headphones to the Vizio TV and enjoy pure sound. Vizio's voice remote unlocks a new level of convenience. Aside from being compatible with Google's Chromecast and Apple Homekit, this TV also works with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Home.
Sony X80K 65-inch 4K LED TV
The 65-inch Sony X80K is a great TV for the PlayStation 5 primarily because it ships with exclusive features for the phenomenal game console. Furthermore, it also features Google TV's Game Menu, a hub for customizing gameplay settings like motion blur reduction and crosshair. Aside from gaming purposes, the X80K also allows casting, streaming, the upscaling of near-4K content to 4K resolution, and more.
- Dimensions
- 13.38"D x 57.25"W x 35.75"H
- Display Technology
- LED
- What's Included
- Stand, Remote Control, Power Cable
- Brand
- Sony
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Weight
- 49.8 lbs
- Comes with exclusive features for the PlayStation 5
- HDR and Dolby Vision deliver amazing detail and color
- X1 4K HDR processor which makes for great picture quality
- Audio quality is mediocre
- The TV's brightness can be a lot better for this price
The PlayStation 5 is arguably one of the best gaming consoles to have ever been made. Aside from boasting a wide selection of titles, it also offers 4K gaming. To enjoy a console that packs the kind of punch like the PS5, an equally capable TV is needed. For those who can't afford the high-end options, Sony's X80K UHD TV comes with exclusive PS5 gaming features for a reasonable price. Using Sony's 4K HDR Processor X1 and Triluminous PRO, the X80K delivers movies and games in glorious 4K resolution.
What's more, non-4K content gets upscaled to near-4K levels. Bundled with Google TV's Game Menu, accessing gaming settings like motion blur reduction and crosshair in one location is possible. Aside from being Game ZXC's best budget gaming TV for the PS5, the Sony X80K also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos features. Aside from streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Peacock, casting shows on the TV using Apple Airplay is possible.
TCL 55-Inch Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV
The TCL Q6 is an affordable 4K TV that's good for gaming when paired with the Xbox Series S|X. Equipped with Game Accelerator 120, gamers can enjoy smooth gameplay thanks to a 120Hz VRR. What's more, Auto Game Mode aims to deliver the lowest possible input lag for a better gaming experience. The Q6’s sound quality is great thanks to DTS: Virtual X which simulates surround sound, thereby delivering a listening experience that's on par with a home theater.
- Dimensions
- 3.2"D x 48.3"W x 29.9"H
- Display Technology
- QLED
- What's Included
- Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Stand, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide
- Brand
- TCL
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Connectivity Technology
- HDMI, Wi-Fi
- Auto Game Mode optimizes settings for low input lag
- Decent picture quality
- Game Accelerator 120 allows you to enjoy fluid gaming
- TV is slow when switching from one app to another
Although the TCL Q6 QLED TV is not the first option for gaming on either the Xbox Series X or S consoles, it is among the budget-friendly displays. Its rich 4K resolution offers four times the picture quality of a 1080p display like the Vizio D-Series. Whether it’s a movie, TV show, or gaming, Q6 buyers are treated to an amazing viewing experience thanks to the QLED’s High Brightness Direct LED Backlight feature. The TCL TV also sports a 240 Motion Rate which leverages the abilities of multiple technologies for excellent motion handling.
While bundled with a 60Hz refresh rate, gamers can get a VRR of up to 120Hz through Game Accelerator 120. This translates to more responsive gameplay on the Xbox Series X|S. The Q6’s gaming features continue with the presence of an Auto Game Mode (ALLM), which optimizes the TV’s settings to allow users to enjoy a low input lag. To deliver a home theater experience, the DTS: Virtual X feature on the Q6 simulates surround sound, offering immersive sound from the speakers alone.
LG C3 Series 42-Inch Class OLED
The LG C3 Series OLED 4K smart TV has everything a player needs, from crisp imagery with a fast response time of 0.1ms to a 120 Hz refresh rate. Like most LG TVs, this selection has the NVIDIA G-SYNC, VRR, and AMD FreeSync Premium to boost the gameplay. Gamers will also appreciate the LG C3’s accessibility, with four HDMI 2.1 inputs that allow for the plugging of multiple devices.
- Display Technology
- OLED
- What's Included
- Stand, Remote Control Battery (AA x 2EA), Power Cable, Magic Remote, Quick Start Guide
- Brand
- LG
- Refresh Rate
- 120
- Resolution
- 4K
- Connectivity Technology
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI
- Fantastic color and contrast
- Very low input lag
- Packs VRR, FreeSync Premium, and other advanced gaming specs
- TV is a bit dimmer in Game Mode
- Risk of screen burn-in
The 42-inch LG C3 allows buyers to experience the superior picture quality that OLED TVs are known for at a reasonable price point. Using an exclusive processor called the a9 AI Gen 6, the C3 renders content with rich contrast and color. The C3’s Brightness Booster Max feature increases the TV's brightness level by 70%, allowing viewers to enjoy radiant images and high contrast even in bright rooms. Equipped with Dolby Vision and Dolby Audio, the C3 can transform the living room or bedroom into a mini cinema, filling the area with spectacular visuals and sound.
Users can also get to see movies in the way that the director intended with LG’s Filmmaker Mode. When activated, Filmmaker mode reduces the TV’s brightness to prevent images from losing important detail. The LG C3 packs serious weight in the gaming department too. A 120 Hz refresh rate coupled with a 0.01 ms response time makes this TV a reliable choice for playing modern titles. It also ships with four HDMI 2.1 inputs, allowing players to unlock the delight of 4K/120 Hz gaming and connect to different devices. Like all OLED displays, the C3 risks suffering screen burn-in. The C3 remains a terrific choice for shoppers looking not to spend over $1,000 on an OLED TV.
Hisense 65-inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV with Alexa Compatibility
- Display Technology
- LED
- What's Included
- Stand, TV, Remote Control, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide
- Brand
- Hisense
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Connectivity Technology
- hdmi, ethernet, usb, 3 5 mm audio
- Dimensions
- 2.9"D x 57.2"W x 32.8"H
- Delivers spectacular visuals through 4K resolution
- Offers decent sound quality
- Hss Game Mode which minimizes latency for smooth gameplay
- Sub-par sound quality
The 65-inch Hisense R6 is a budget TV that fits your needs especially when it comes to retro gaming. The massive 65-inch screen packs a 4K resolution which offers four times the picture quality of a 1080p display, enabling you to enjoy retro game titles with dazzling images. To sweeten the deal, the R6 also ships with Dolby Vision HDR+ and HDR10, assuring you crisp images and impressive character details. Sound is a crucial aspect of the gaming experience, so it's no surprise that the R6 features DTS Studio Sound, a technology that brings the wonders of surround sound to your ears.
To minimize lag and make retro gaming more exciting, the Hisense R6 has a dedicated Game Mode which reduces latency. This ensures that you move quickly on the screen. When you're not reliving your childhood with retro gaming, feel free to check out a wide range of streaming services. You can also do more with voice commands using Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. Despite the inclusion of DTS Studio Sound, users noted that they had to get a soundbar to supplement the TV’s sound quality.
How to Choose a Budget Gaming TV
After narrowing the TV models to budget-friendly ones, below are some additional tips that shoppers should note before making the final decision.
Refresh Rate: For the uninitiated, refresh rate refers to the number of times per second a TV or monitor can display a new image. Playing games at a high refresh rate translates into smooth gameplay. As such, it's necessary to know the refresh rate of any gaming TV one wishes to buy. Today's crop of gaming TVs come with 60Hz, 120Hz, and 240Hz refresh rates.
Game Mode: Modern TVs typically come with a nice feature called Game Mode. When activated, it strives to deliver the best gameplay without low input lags and low image latency. As such, it's a vital feature to look out for when shopping for a gaming TV.
HDMI 2.1: When shopping for a gaming TV, try to keep a close eye on the ones that support the HDMI 2.1 connection. The latest iteration of HDMI technology, HDMI 2.1, delivers 4K visuals at a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it a must-have for high-performance consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Although some PS5 and Xbox titles won't support a 120Hz refresh rate, the ones that do will look more fluid than ever.
HDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) allows gamers to play titles with greater picture quality. However, some TVs offer better HDR performance than others. So, it's best to check out user reviews to know whether the TV one wants to buy has decent HDR quality. Try to confirm that the console and favorite titles support the tech before buying an HDR-supported TV.
Screen Size: When shopping for a budget TV for gaming, ensure that you consider the screen size. TVs can be as small as 32 inches or as large as 85 inches, depending on the buyer's needs. If you've got a large space, it's okay to consider buying a large-screen TV. If you live in a studio apartment, a small-screen TV is best suited for you.
Resolution: While 4K resolution is the go-to for gamers who want to experience life-like visuals on a TV, not everyone can afford a 4K TV. As such, a 1080p TV is a great alternative, but note that there'll be a significant difference in picture quality. If you're willing to look past that, then a 1080p TV should do just fine for casual gaming.
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FAQ
Q: Is Hisense TV good for gaming?
Yes. Recent Hisense models offer advanced gaming specs like HDMI 2.1 and a refresh rate of 144 Hz, thereby increasing its appeal to gamers, especially those who play competitive titles. There are also certain Hisense models designated for casual gamers, packing a 60 Hz refresh rate.
Q: Which TV supports 4K Gaming?
The market currently comprises several 4K TVs that blend excellent picture quality with advanced gaming specs. Game ZXC has a guide comprising the best 4K TVs worth considering this year. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, we have a guide to those options too.
Q: Are OLED TVs better than QLED TVs?
OLED TVs are known for their impressive picture quality along with extremely low input lag which allows players to move quicker than opponents. Although they're considerably expensive, OLED TVs handle gaming better than their QLED counterparts.