Best Budget TVs for PS5 in 2025 — Smooth 4K120, Low Latency, Real Value
If you’re gaming on PlayStation 5 (or PS5 Pro), a “budget” TV still needs the right gaming features: HDMI 2.1 for 4K/120Hz, VRR (HDMI Forum / FreeSync) to kill tearing, ALLM for instant Game mode, low input lag, and decent HDR with an HGiG or similar tone‑mapping option. The picks below are the 2024–2025 models that deliver those essentials without premium‑tier pricing, tested to pair cleanly with PS5’s HDR10 output and 120Hz titles.
List of the Best Budget TVs for PS5 (2025)
TCL QM7K (QM751G) — Best Value Mini‑LED for PS5
Key Gaming Specs: Mini‑LED FALD backlight; up to 4K/120–144Hz on HDMI 2.1; VRR/ALLM; low input lag; Google TV.
Why it’s great: Rare at this price to get true mini‑LED brightness plus high‑bandwidth HDMI. It handles fast motion well and its Game Bar + VRR keep 120fps titles feeling locked‑in.
Extra Insight: Two high‑bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs are separate from eARC, which is handy if you’re also running a soundbar or receiver.
Hisense U7N — Best Under‑the‑Radar All‑Rounder
Key Gaming Specs: Mini‑LED; HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz); VRR/ALLM; strong HDR brightness; Game dashboard; Google TV.
Why it’s great: Delivers high contrast and punchy HDR for daylight rooms with the gaming fundamentals PS5 needs.
Extra Insight: VA panel variants offer deeper blacks head‑on; if your seating is wide, check store display angles.
Samsung Q80D — Easiest Samsung Budget Pick for Console Players
Key Gaming Specs: Four HDMI 2.1 ports (rare at this tier) with 4K/120Hz, VRR/ALLM, Game Bar, excellent processing.
Why it’s great: Simple to hook up PS5 + other devices without juggling ports. Low latency and good motion make it a friendly everyday gaming screen.
Extra Insight: Works nicely in bright living rooms; add a soundbar to elevate cinematic titles.
LG B4 OLED — Best Budget OLED for PS5
Key Gaming Specs: 4× HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz on all), VRR/ALLM, low input lag; OLED’s perfect blacks; webOS.
Why it’s great: If you game at night or love story games, OLED contrast and near‑instant pixel response are hard to beat—motion looks incredibly clean.
Extra Insight: Not the brightest TV; shines in controlled lighting. Enable HGiG in Game Optimizer for truer HDR with PS5.
Sony X90L — Best Budget Sony for PS5 Features
Key Gaming Specs: Full‑array local dimming; HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz); VRR/ALLM; PS5‑friendly Game Menu; excellent processing.
Why it’s great: Sony’s motion and color accuracy remain superb, and this is the easiest recommendation for a value Sony/PS5 pairing.
Extra Insight: Calibrate HDR using PS5’s “Adjust HDR” and enable the TV’s tone‑mapping assistance (or HGiG‑style setting) for consistent highlights.
Hisense U8N — Step‑Up Brightness on a Budget
Key Gaming Specs: Mini‑LED; HDMI 2.1 up to 4K/144Hz; VRR/ALLM; very high HDR brightness; Dolby Vision (movies).
Why it’s great: A living‑room cannon—fantastic specular highlights and strong anti‑glare, while keeping gaming latency low.
Extra Insight: If you watch a lot in a bright space and game, this is a killer value when on sale.
TCL QM8K — Brightness Monster That’s Often Discounted
Key Gaming Specs: Mini‑LED with very high zone count; 4K/144Hz support; VRR/ALLM; strong local dimming; Google TV.
Why it’s great: A step up from QM7K with higher peak brightness and contrast—great for HDR‑heavy games and daytime sports.
Extra Insight: Viewing angles are narrower than OLED; center seating looks best.
TCL Q7 (Q750G) — Older But Still a Smart Budget Buy (If Heavily Discounted)
Key Gaming Specs: 120Hz panel; two HDMI 2.1 inputs (one up to 4K/144); VRR/ALLM; Google TV.
Why it’s great: If you catch a clearance price, Q7 remains a legit PS5 pairing with 4K120, VRR, and low lag.
Extra Insight: No mini‑LED here—QM7K is the better 2024–2025 value, but Q7 is fine for tighter budgets.
Quick Comparison Table (Gaming Essentials)
| Model | Panel/Backlight | HDMI 2.1 (4K120+) | VRR | HGiG/PS5 HDR Option | Notables |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL QM7K | Mini‑LED FALD | 2× ports (up to 144Hz) | Yes | HGiG‑style tone map | Great value; eARC separate |
| Hisense U7N | Mini‑LED FALD | 2× ports (4K120) | Yes | Game HDR/TM options | Punchy HDR for bright rooms |
| Samsung Q80D | QLED FALD | 4× ports (4K120) | Yes | Game HDR controls | Four high‑bandwidth HDMIs |
| LG B4 OLED | OLED | 4× ports (4K120) | Yes | HGiG in Game Optimizer | Elite motion; black levels |
| Sony X90L | VA FALD | 2× ports (4K120) | Yes | Game Menu / tone map | Color & motion accuracy |
| Hisense U8N | Mini‑LED FALD | 2× ports (up to 144Hz) | Yes | Game HDR/TM options | Very bright; anti‑glare |
| TCL QM8K | Mini‑LED FALD | 2× ports (up to 144Hz) | Yes | HGiG‑style tone map | Extremely bright; narrower angle |
| TCL Q7 | LED w/ local dimming | 2× ports (4K120/144) | Yes | HGiG‑style tone map | Good if discounted |
Note: PS5 games use HDR10, not Dolby Vision; enable HGiG (or the TV’s equivalent) and run the PS5’s Adjust HDR tool for accurate highlights.
Final Thoughts
- Best overall value: TCL QM7K—mini‑LED brightness, 4K120/144, and VRR at a price that undercuts most rivals.
- Best OLED on a budget: LG B4 for unbeatable blacks and response if you play in a dim room.
- Easiest multi‑device setup: Samsung Q80D with four HDMI 2.1 ports.
- Bright‑room champ: Hisense U8N (grab on sale).
- Sony ecosystem pick: X90L pairs cleanly with PS5 and keeps motion pristine.
FAQs
Do I need HDMI 2.1 for PS5?
You’ll get PS5 picture on any 4K TV, but HDMI 2.1 unlocks 4K/120Hz and VRR, which improve responsiveness and smoothness in supported games.
Does PS5 use Dolby Vision for games?
No—PS5 outputs HDR10 for games (and most apps). Use HGiG or equivalent to prevent double tone‑mapping.
What input lag should I aim for?
Under 15ms at 4K60 is good; many sets here drop into single‑digit ms at 1080p/120.
Is mini‑LED better than OLED for gaming?
Mini‑LED is brighter and better for sun‑lit rooms; OLED offers perfect blacks and near‑instant response, ideal in darker rooms.
How do I set up PS5 HDR correctly?
Enable Game mode, turn on VRR/ALLM, and run PS5’s Adjust HDR. If your TV has HGiG, enable it in the TV’s game menu before running the PS5 calibration.
