You've brought your Xbox Series X and/or PS5 home. What TV will you get the best mileage out of them with?
One of the most important considerations to make when purchasing a new video game console is what kind of TV to use with it.
These new systems will need to be paired with newer tech if you want them to look their best. They won't be meeting their true potential if you use them with, say, an old tube or projection TV. You'll want to consider sets with higher refresh rates and resolutions as well as those with additional connectivity standards and even 8K potential as a few blanket starting points.
If you aren't exactly sure what any of this means and need some assistance prepping your home entertainment center for your new console, read on. We've got everything you need to know about how to select the best TV for the console you want to use. This way, you can make the most informed decision possible.
What TV is best for PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X?
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The answer to this question will vary, of course, based on what you're looking for in a TV. There is no subjective "best" model to choose from. There are aspects of TVs you should consider instead, and look for models that have them.
Both consoles offer ray tracing and jaw-dropping 4K resolution, which means you'll be getting some great-looking games if you have the right equipment. On the best possible TV you can get, you'll get 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, which is what the Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro were capable of, though older games were mostly able to hit just 30 fps instead. Next-gen consoles can go to 120Hz at 4K, and you get some of the smoothest gameplay you've ever seen with newer sets.
If this is the type of quality you're looking for, you'd be best served by making sure you purchase a newer model with HDMI 2.1 connectivity, the best HDMI cables you can find, and larger TV sizes to support better resolution and smooth motion while you play. This will ultimately be more helpful than seeking out a specific set that may very well be obsolete by Here's what you need to know about each of those components.
What to know about HDMI 2.1 connectivity
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You'll want to seek out a TV that uses the HDMI 2.1 connection standard when you go shopping for a new display. That's because both new consoles use this type of connection. It supports both higher frame rates and can go up to 8K resolution in the event you choose a TV that can support it.
HDMI 2.1 is a step above the previous crop of TVs with HDMI 2.0b. Both previous consoles part of the last game system generation, Xbox One and PlayStation 4, used HDMI 2.0b. They aren't capable of offering 4K at anything higher than 60 frames per second, and cannot work with 8K at all. That's why you want a TV with an HDMI 2.1 connection, which supports three times the bandwidth at 48 Gbps. It can offer uncompressed 8K video at 60 HZ and 4K video up to 120 Hz. That's more than enough for modern games and the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
While HDMI 2.1 isn't a requirement for gaming on a flatscreen TV, it's the better option that will also help you to future-proof your gaming setup. This standard is by far the best way to ensure your TV is capable of offering the best picture, resolution, and frame rate you can get from your new consoles. Relying on old or outdated equipment is a sure way to keep yourself from getting the best quality possible.
Choose an 8K TV to support the resolution you need
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When you set out to purchase a new TV, make sure you get a large enough size to appreciate your potential 4K or 8K resolution. Buying 4K will do just fine, but if you're wanting to make sure you have the specifications for everything needed to make your games look the best they can, go for an 8K TV both for future-proofing purposes and to ensure you're getting the best right now instead of later, as long as it fits within your budget.
If you're going to go for better quality with an 8K TV as well, the best thing you can do is buy a bigger TV. The smaller the TV you decide on, the more difficult it will be to reap the benefits you've worked to achieve by seeking out new HDMI connectivity and cabling. Aim for a 55-inch TV or larger if you can swing it for the maximum benefit from the size factor. If you must go smaller, try not to go less than 40 inches, so you can appreciate the 8K visuals or higher-refresh rate.
This should be a good starting point for selecting the best TV for your new console. If you purchase a unit within these parameters, you should be good to go with enjoying your new Xbox Series X and/or PlayStation 5!
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