Best Budget TVs for PS5 (2026): 4K/120Hz, VRR & Value Picks
You don’t need a $2,000 OLED to enjoy PS5.
But you do need the right features, because budget TVs can be sneaky:
- some are still stuck at 4K/60
- some claim “120 motion” but aren’t true 120Hz panels
- some have VRR on paper but messy real-world behavior
The goal for a PS5 budget TV is simple:
- HDMI 2.1
- 4K at 120Hz
- VRR + ALLM
- low input lag
- good HDR that doesn’t look washed out
This guide shortlists the best budget-friendly PS5 TVs you can buy in 2026, for a global audience.
Quick picks (choose your budget lane)
- Best overall budget TV for PS5: TCL QM7 (QM751G / latest QM7 series)
- Best bright-room budget pick: Hisense U7N
- Best “cheapest real 4K/120” option: TCL QM6K
- Best big-screen value (65–85 inches): TCL QM8 (or latest high-end QM equivalent)
- Best “not quite budget but worth stretching” OLED: LG B5 OLED
Model names can vary by country. Focus on the series name (QM6K/QM7/U7N/etc.) and confirm HDMI 2.1 + 4K/120 + VRR on the exact size you’re buying.
What PS5 actually needs from a TV
HDMI 2.1 matters for 4K/120
PS5 supports HDMI 2.1 and can output 4K at 120Hz on compatible TVs.
VRR is not optional if you want the smoothest experience
VRR helps reduce stutter and tearing when frame rate fluctuates. On PS5, VRR works through HDMI 2.1.
The hidden PS5 advantage of a 120Hz TV: 40fps modes
Some PS5 games offer a 40fps mode that feels noticeably smoother than 30fps — but it requires a 120Hz-capabledisplay.
HDR quality is more important than “peak nits” marketing
Budget TVs can get bright, but what matters for PS5 HDR is:
- contrast and black level
- local dimming quality (if it’s Mini‑LED)
- how the TV tone-maps in Game Mode
Best Budget TVs for PS5 (2026)
TCL QM7 (QM751G / latest QM7 series) — Best overall budget TV for PS5
Why it’s here: This is the sweet-spot TV for PS5 players who want the full feature set (4K/120, VRR, ALLM) without paying premium OLED money. It’s one of the most consistently “gaming-ready” TVs in the affordable class.
Who it’s for: Most PS5 owners who want a modern 120Hz gaming TV with strong HDR impact at a sane price.
What it solves:
- Proper 4K/120 support for PS5 performance modes
- VRR + ALLM support for smooth, low-lag gaming
- Great “big TV excitement” without going flagship
Trade-offs: Like many value brands, you may need a few minutes of tuning (Game Mode + HDR settings) to get it looking perfect.
Hisense U7N — Best bright-room budget TV for PS5
Why it’s here: If your living room is bright, a good Mini‑LED TV often beats OLED at daytime visibility. The U7N is a strong value option that still gives you real next‑gen PS5 features.
Who it’s for: Bright rooms, daytime gaming, and buyers who want strong HDR “pop” without OLED pricing.
What it solves:
- 4K/120 + VRR gaming support for PS5
- High brightness that holds up in sunlight
- Great value in 55–85 inch sizes
Trade-offs: Mini‑LED can show a little blooming around bright objects on dark scenes. Much better than older generations, but OLED remains cleaner in perfect blacks.
TCL QM6K — Best “cheapest real 4K/120” PS5 TV
Why it’s here: If you’re trying to spend as little as possible but still want true 4K/120 input for PS5, QM6K is one of the strongest entry points.
Who it’s for: Budget shoppers who want next‑gen gaming features without stretching into higher tiers.
What it solves:
- Affordable access to 4K/120 gaming
- VRR + ALLM support in a low-cost package
- Great option if you’re upgrading from an old 4K/60 TV
Trade-offs: HDR and picture refinement won’t match the QM7/QM8 class, but for the money, it’s a real upgrade.
TCL QM8 (or latest high-end QM equivalent) — Best big-screen value for PS5
Why it’s here: If you’re buying 65–85 inches, value matters even more. TCL’s higher QM tier is often the best way to get a huge, high‑brightness, gaming‑capable screen without OLED pricing.
Who it’s for: Big-screen buyers who want immersive PS5 gaming (open-world games look unreal at 75–85 inches).
What it solves:
- Strong HDR brightness for cinematic gaming
- Great immersion at large sizes
- Full modern gaming feature support
Trade-offs: Like most value Mini‑LED sets, picture processing may not look as “polished” as premium Sony/LG—though gaming performance is excellent.
LG B5 OLED — Best “stretch budget” upgrade for PS5
Why it’s here: If you can stretch the budget into entry-level OLED, this is where you get the cleanest gaming visuals: perfect blacks, instant response time, and excellent contrast.
Who it’s for: People who play at night, love cinematic single‑player games, and want the best contrast without going full flagship.
What it solves:
- Perfect blacks and unreal contrast for dark games
- Great motion clarity and instant response time
- Excellent “games and movies” TV for smaller rooms
Trade-offs: OLED is less ideal in sun‑blasted rooms, and you may pay more per inch than Mini‑LED.
TVs to avoid (common budget traps)
1) “120 motion” ≠ 120Hz panel
Some TVs advertise “120 motion rate” but are still 60Hz. If you want 40fps modes and true next‑gen smoothness, you need a real 120Hz panel.
2) 4K/60-only models
Some budget TVs are great for movies but not for PS5 next‑gen modes. If there’s no 4K/120 and no VRR, skip it for gaming.
3) TVs with no VRR
For PS5, VRR is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades. If the TV lacks VRR support, it’s not a future-proof PS5 buy.
Best TV size for PS5 (simple, real-world rule)
- 43–50″: small rooms, close seating
- 55″: most living rooms
- 65″: the “wow upgrade” size
- 75–85″: cinematic immersion (especially for open-world games)
If you play competitive shooters and sit close, 55″ can feel more controlled. If you play story and open-world games, 65–85″ is pure fun.
PS5 setup checklist (so you actually get 4K/120 + VRR)
After you buy the TV:
- Use the correct HDMI port (many TVs have only 1–2 HDMI 2.1 ports).
- Enable Enhanced / HDMI 2.1 mode on that port (TV settings).
- On PS5, enable:
- 120Hz output
- VRR
- ALLM (Game Mode auto-switch)
- Run HDR calibration on PS5.
If you’re using a soundbar:
- Connect the soundbar via eARC
- Keep the console on a full HDMI 2.1 port for best results
Comparison table
| TV | Best for | Tech | Biggest strength | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL QM7 | Best overall budget | Mini‑LED/QLED | Full PS5 feature set for the money | Needs minor tuning |
| Hisense U7N | Bright rooms | Mini‑LED/QLED | Daytime HDR brightness + value | Some blooming vs OLED |
| TCL QM6K | Cheapest 4K/120 | QLED/Mini‑LED | Best entry to next‑gen features | Less HDR impact than QM7 |
| TCL QM8 | Big screens | Mini‑LED | Huge sizes + strong HDR | Less “premium polish” |
| LG B5 OLED | Stretch budget | OLED | Perfect blacks + response time | Not best in bright rooms |
Conclusion
If you want the best budget PS5 TV in 2026, start with one question:
Do you game mostly at night or in a bright room?
- Night / cinematic gaming → stretch to OLED (LG B5) if you can.
- Bright rooms / daytime gaming → go Mini‑LED (Hisense U7N or TCL QM7/QM8).
For most buyers, TCL QM7 is the cleanest “buy it and enjoy your PS5” pick: real 4K/120, VRR support, great HDR for the money, and strong value at popular sizes.
Just remember: the TV is only half the win. Turn on the right HDMI settings and PS5 video modes — and your console finally plays like a true next‑gen system.
Another related list you might want to check out for other favorable options: Best TVs for Xbox Series X: 4K/120, VRR & HDR Picks
