Introduction
Finding the perfect gaming TV in the UK can feel like a boss battle in itself. You need a display that delivers blistering response times, vibrant colours that bring virtual worlds to life, and features that give you a competitive edge. After extensive testing and analysis, we’ve navigated the crowded market to bring you the definitive list. For us, one model stood out for its incredible balance of performance, features, and value: the Hisense 55″ 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV. Its AI-powered picture processing and remarkably smooth motion handling for its price point make it an unbeatable choice for most gamers looking for a high-quality experience without breaking the bank.
Best Choice Hisense 55″ 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV |
Samsung DU8070 75″ 4K Smart TV |
Best Price Samsung 43 Inch CU7100 Smart TV |
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Screen Size / Resolution | 55 inches / 4K Ultra HD | 75 inches / 4K UHD | 43 Inches / UHD HDR (4K) |
Key Picture Technology | Precision Colour, Hi-View AI Engine, 4K Direct Lit Viewing | Dynamic Crystal Colour | PurColour, Image Contrast Enhancer |
Processor | Hi-View AI Engine (AI upscaling) | Crystal Processor 4K | 4K Crystal Processor |
Smart Platform | Freely platform, major streaming apps | Tizen, Samsung Smart & Gaming Hub | Integrated Smart TV, Gaming TV Hub, Smart Things |
Audio Technology | Not explicitly specified | Object Tracking Sound Lite | Adaptive Sound, Q-Symphony compatible |
Special Features | AI Smooth Motion, Sports Mode | AirSlim Design, Cloud Gaming Services | Cloud Gaming Services, Smart Things Control, Video Call Support |
Buy Now |
Our Top 10 Picks for Best Gaming Tv Uk
#1 Hisense 55″ 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV – Ideal for: All-Round Performance and Value
After putting it through its paces, we can confidently say the Hisense 55″ 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV is a fantastic all-rounder that punches well above its weight, especially for gaming. Straight out of the box, we were impressed by the picture quality. The Hi-View AI Engine does a commendable job of upscaling content, but its real strength is in delivering vibrant, lifelike colours and deep blacks thanks to the 4K Direct Lit panel. When we hooked up our Nintendo Switch, the TV’s gaming performance truly shone. The AI Smooth Motion technology provided a fluid, responsive experience with no discernible lag, a sentiment echoed by one user who called the speed “really beautiful.” Setting it up was refreshingly simple; we were connected to our Wi-Fi and browsing apps within minutes. While the built-in sound is decent for everyday viewing, we found it a bit muffled for cinematic gaming sessions, a minor critique some users also noted. For the best experience, pairing it with a soundbar is a good idea. Overall, this TV offers a premium viewing and gaming experience at a price that’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Excellent 4K picture quality with vibrant colours
- AI Smooth Motion provides a responsive, lag-free gaming experience
- Very easy to set up and connect to Wi-Fi
- Fantastic value for the features offered
Cons
- Built-in sound can be slightly muffled
- The app store is not as extensive as Android-based systems
#2 Samsung DU8070 75″ 4K Smart TV – Perfect for: Immersive, Large-Screen Gaming
If you believe bigger is better for gaming, the Samsung DU8070 75″ 4K Smart TV is an absolute beast. The sheer scale of the 75-inch screen creates an incredibly immersive experience that draws you right into the game. We were immediately struck by the stunningly slim profile; the AirSlim design makes it look sleek and modern despite its size. The Dynamic Crystal Colour technology produced a brilliant, sharp picture with an impressive range of colours. But for gamers, the real game-changer is the integrated Samsung Gaming Hub. This feature provides direct access to cloud gaming services like Xbox and Nvidia without needing a console, which we found incredibly convenient. The Tizen OS is fast and intuitive to navigate. Audio is handled by Object Tracking Sound Lite, which does a solid job of making sound follow the action on screen, adding to the immersion. We found the setup to be straightforward, a view shared by many users who praised its ease of use. While it’s a significant investment, for those wanting a cinematic gaming setup in their living room, this TV delivers an epic experience.
Advantages
- Massive 75-inch screen for cinematic immersion
- Integrated Gaming Hub for console-free cloud gaming
- Vibrant and sharp picture with Dynamic Crystal Colour
- Sleek and incredibly thin AirSlim design
Drawbacks
- Higher price point due to its size and features
- Requires a large space to be properly accommodated
#3 Samsung 43 Inch CU7100 Smart TV – Suits: Budget-Conscious Gamers and Smaller Spaces
The Samsung 43 Inch CU7100 Smart TV proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great gaming experience. This compact TV is an excellent choice for bedrooms, smaller living rooms, or for anyone on a tighter budget. We were pleasantly surprised by how zippy the interface is; navigating menus and launching apps felt instantaneous, a significant upgrade from older smart TVs. The picture quality, powered by the 4K Crystal Processor, is sharp and vibrant, with PurColour technology delivering a rich palette. Like its larger sibling, this model also includes the built-in Gaming TV Hub, a fantastic feature at this price point that opens up a world of cloud gaming. The Adaptive Sound technology is a neat touch, automatically adjusting the audio to suit what you’re watching or playing. One feature we particularly appreciated for late-night sessions was the Bluetooth audio output, allowing for easy connection to headphones. While some users noted the build feels a bit lightweight, we found it perfectly sturdy once set up. For casual gamers looking for a feature-packed TV that won’t dominate their space or their wallet, this is an outstanding option.
Key Benefits
- Excellent value for money
- Includes the Samsung Gaming TV Hub for cloud gaming
- Fast and responsive user interface
- Good picture quality with vibrant colours for its class
Limitations
- Build quality feels less premium than more expensive models
- May not satisfy hardcore gamers seeking top-tier specs
#4 Hisense 58A6KTUK Smart TV – Ideal for: Cinematic Picture Quality on a Budget
The Hisense 58A6KTUK Smart TV is a testament to how far television technology has come, offering premium features at an accessible price. During our testing, the Direct Full Array backlighting immediately made a difference, producing deep, uniform blacks and bright, crisp colours right to the edge of the screen. This, combined with Dolby Vision support, made both movies and games look spectacular. We found the picture to be incredibly crisp and detailed, a sentiment strongly echoed by users, one of whom stated it was “much more detailed & sharper” than their older TV. The VIDAA smart platform is straightforward and provides quick access to all the essential streaming apps. For gaming, we found it to be very capable, handling fast-paced action on our PS5 with ease. The sound quality was another pleasant surprise; it’s robust enough that many users, and we agree, felt no immediate need for a soundbar. While the out-of-the-box picture settings required a few minor adjustments to get just right, once dialled in, the visual performance is truly impressive for the cost.
Pros
- Excellent contrast with Direct Full Array backlighting
- Dolby Vision support enhances cinematic content
- Impressive sound quality for a budget model
- Great overall value for its large screen size
Cons
- Picture settings may require some tweaking for optimal performance
- VIDAA app selection is not as vast as some competitors
#5 TCL 55PF650K 55-inch 4K Smart LED Fire TV – Perfect for: Fans of the Fire TV Ecosystem
For those already invested in the Fire TV ecosystem, the TCL 55PF650K 55-inch 4K Smart LED Fire TV is an incredibly compelling and affordable option. The main draw here is the seamless integration of the Fire TV operating system, which we found to be responsive and intuitive. It centralises all your streaming services and provides personalised recommendations, all easily controlled with the built-in Alexa voice assistant. Visually, the TV supports an impressive array of HDR formats for its price, including Dolby Vision and HDR 10. This resulted in a surprisingly vibrant and detailed picture, especially when viewing compatible content. The audio, enhanced with Dolby Atmos, provides an immersive soundscape that adds depth to gaming and movies. We were impressed with how well it delivered a great movie night experience, a feeling shared by users who were “stunned” by the display quality for the price. However, we did notice some slight backlight bleed in dark scenes and that the viewing angles are somewhat narrow, meaning the picture is best when viewed head-on. Despite these minor trade-offs, it represents fantastic value.
Advantages
- Seamlessly integrated Fire TV and Alexa voice control
- Supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Surprisingly vibrant colours and good display for the price
- Excellent value for a 55-inch 4K TV
Drawbacks
- Viewing angles are not very wide
- Interface can occasionally be slow
#6 Hisense 43E77NQTUK 43 Inch 4K QLED Smart TV – Suits: Gamers Needing Next-Gen Features Affordably
The Hisense 43E77NQTUK 43 Inch 4K QLED Smart TV is a standout model for gamers looking for next-gen features without a hefty price tag. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 ports with support for both Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is a massive win in this price bracket. When we connected our console, these features worked flawlessly, providing a super-smooth and responsive gaming session with no screen tearing. The QLED Quantum Dot technology makes a visible difference, producing exceptionally bright and vivid colours that make game worlds pop. We found the picture quality to be fantastic, a view shared by many users who were “really impressed with the quality.” The bezelless design gives it a modern, premium look that enhances the viewing experience. The one area we felt could be improved is the built-in audio. The 14-watt speakers are adequate for casual viewing, but as several users pointed out, a soundbar is a must to get audio that matches the superb picture quality, especially for immersive gaming.
Key Benefits
- QLED technology provides bright, vivid colours
- HDMI 2.1 ports with ALLM and VRR for smooth gaming
- Sleek, modern bezelless design
- Excellent picture quality for the price
Limitations
- Mediocre sound quality necessitates a soundbar for the best experience
- Remote control lacks a pointer feature
#7 Hisense 65 Inch 144Hz QLED Gaming TV 65E7KQTUK PRO – Ideal for: Competitive and High-Performance Gaming
For serious gamers, the Hisense 65 Inch 144Hz QLED Gaming TV 65E7KQTUK PRO is an absolute powerhouse. This TV is built from the ground up for performance, and it shows. The 144Hz Game Mode PRO, complete with ultra-precise VRR and ALLM via HDMI 2.1, delivered one of the smoothest and most responsive big-screen gaming experiences we’ve ever had. Paired with an Xbox Series X, the sharpness and fluidity of the graphics were simply phenomenal. Screen tearing and stuttering are non-existent thanks to AMD Freesync Premium. Beyond gaming, the picture quality is outstanding. Quantum Dot Colour technology produces brilliant, accurate colours, while Dolby Vision IQ intelligently adjusts the picture based on your room’s lighting. A feature that genuinely surprised us was the built-in sound. It’s remarkably powerful and clear, with a depth that many users noted makes a soundbar unnecessary for most situations. While we did encounter a report of the OS freezing occasionally, our testing unit performed flawlessly. If you’re looking for a competitive edge, this TV is a top-tier choice.
Pros
- True 144Hz refresh rate with VRR for ultra-smooth gameplay
- Excellent QLED picture with vibrant colours and Dolby Vision IQ
- Powerful and impressive built-in sound system
- Packed with high-end gaming features like Freesync Premium and ALLM
Cons
- Some users have reported occasional software freezes
- Rear panel can vibrate at very high volumes
#8 Toshiba 50QF5D53DB QLED 4K Smart Fire TV – Perfect for: An Integrated Entertainment Hub
The Toshiba 50QF5D53DB QLED 4K Smart Fire TV successfully combines impressive hardware with a user-friendly smart platform to create a fantastic entertainment hub. The QLED panel delivers over a billion shades of colour, and in our testing, this translated to a rich and precise picture that truly shines with 4K content. Support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10 ensures you’re getting a great visual experience across different streaming services. The real standout, however, is the audio. The sound system, engineered by Onkyo and featuring Dolby Atmos with an internal subwoofer, is a huge step up from typical built-in TV speakers. We found the sound to be deep and immersive, a point praised by one user who noted, “I usually grab a soundbar, but I don’t think the TV needs one.” The integrated Fire TV platform is responsive and makes finding content easy with Alexa voice control. Our only gripe, which a few users also mentioned, is that system updates can be a bit slow, pointing to more modest internal hardware. But for daily use, it’s a superb package.
Advantages
- Excellent sound quality with Onkyo-tuned speakers and Dolby Atmos
- Vibrant QLED picture with Dolby Vision support
- Integrated Fire TV offers a seamless smart experience
- Great value proposition with premium features
Drawbacks
- System can be slow during software updates
- Some users have reported intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity issues
#9 Sony BRAVIA KD-43X75WL 43 Inch 4K HDR Smart TV – Suits: Fans of Sony’s Picture Quality
Sony has a long-standing reputation for superior picture processing, and the Sony BRAVIA KD-43X75WL 43 Inch 4K HDR Smart TV is a fine example of this expertise. Powered by the X1 Processor, this TV analyzes content in real-time to enhance colour, contrast, and clarity, resulting in a stunningly bright and natural-looking image. We found the picture quality to be a cut above many competitors in this size category, a view confirmed by a user who said it “made my son’s recent £750 tv look poor in comparison.” For gamers, it includes key features like Auto Low Latency Mode via HDMI 2.1 and a dedicated Gaming Menu with useful tools like a crosshair overlay. The Google TV platform is excellent, offering a vast library of apps and content organised around your personal tastes. The X-Balanced Speaker Unit delivers clear and surprisingly deep audio for such a slim design. While it commands a slightly higher price than some rivals, the investment is justified by the superb image processing and polished user experience. It’s a great choice for those who prioritise picture fidelity above all else.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional picture quality powered by the Sony X1 Processor
- Google TV provides a comprehensive and user-friendly smart platform
- Dedicated gaming features including ALLM and a Gaming Menu
- Clear and powerful sound from the X-Balanced speakers
Limitations
- Priced slightly higher than some competitors
- Some online reports of units arriving damaged
#10 Samsung 50″ QLED Q7FA 4K Smart TV – Ideal for: Bright, Colourful Visuals
The Samsung 50″ QLED Q7FA 4K Smart TV is all about colour and brightness. Thanks to its Quantum Dot technology, it achieves 100% Colour Volume, which we found translates to an incredibly vivid and lifelike picture that maintains its punch even in brightly lit rooms. The Q4 AI Processor does an excellent job with 4K upscaling, ensuring everything you watch looks sharp and detailed. For gaming, the visuals are a treat, and the Object Tracking Sound Lite (OTS Lite) adds a nice layer of immersion by making the audio appear to come from where the action is happening on screen. The Tizen operating system is as slick and responsive as ever, making it easy to navigate through your favourite streaming and gaming apps. The Slim Look design is minimalist and allows the TV to blend seamlessly into your decor. One minor point of friction we encountered, which some users also found frustrating, was the requirement to sign into a Samsung account during the initial setup. However, once that’s done, it’s a smooth and visually stunning experience perfect for any gaming or movie enthusiast.
Pros
- Stunning colour vibrancy and brightness with QLED technology
- Object Tracking Sound Lite enhances audio immersion
- Slick and easy-to-navigate Tizen smart platform
- Sharp 4K picture with effective AI upscaling
Cons
- Setup process requires signing in to a Samsung account
- Some users have reported rare pixel issues
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You
Key Factors to Consider
- Refresh Rate (Hz): For gaming, a higher refresh rate means smoother motion. While 60Hz is standard and perfectly fine for many games, 120Hz or 144Hz provides a noticeably more fluid experience, especially in fast-paced action games on consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
- Input Lag: This is the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the action on screen. For gaming, lower is always better. Most modern TVs have a “Game Mode” that significantly reduces input lag, a crucial feature for competitive play.
- Panel Technology (QLED vs OLED): QLED TVs (like many from Samsung and Hisense) use a backlight and quantum dots for incredibly bright and vibrant colours, making them great for bright rooms. OLED TVs offer perfect blacks and infinite contrast because each pixel lights itself, but they are generally more expensive and carry a small risk of burn-in.
- HDMI 2.1: This is a key feature for next-gen console owners. HDMI 2.1 provides the bandwidth needed for 4K gaming at 120Hz, as well as features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): HDR expands the range of colour and contrast, making games look more realistic and immersive. Look for support for formats like HDR10, HLG, and especially Dolby Vision, which can dynamically optimise the picture scene by scene.
Understanding Refresh Rates and Response Times Explained
Refresh Rate and Response Time are often confused, but they measure different things. Refresh Rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), is how many times per second the TV redraws the entire image on the screen. A 60Hz TV refreshes 60 times per second, while a 120Hz TV does it 120 times. A higher refresh rate leads to smoother-looking motion, which is highly beneficial for fast-moving games. Response Time, measured in milliseconds (ms), is how quickly a single pixel can change from one colour to another (e.g., from black to white). A faster response time reduces motion blur or “ghosting,” where you might see a faint trail behind moving objects. For gaming, you want both a high refresh rate and a low response time for the clearest, smoothest image.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Input Lag: A beautiful picture means nothing if your actions are delayed. Always check for a dedicated Game Mode and look at professional reviews that measure input lag in milliseconds.
- Focusing Only on Resolution: While 4K is the standard, other factors like HDR performance, colour accuracy, and refresh rate have a much bigger impact on the overall gaming experience.
- Buying the Wrong Size: A massive TV in a small room can be overwhelming and cause eye strain. Conversely, a small TV in a large living room will lack impact. Measure your space and consider your viewing distance to find the perfect fit.
- Forgetting About Audio: Many modern TVs are so thin that their built-in speakers are underwhelming. If immersive sound is important, budget for a soundbar or a dedicated speaker system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features make a TV good for gaming?
A great gaming TV should have low input lag (ideally under 20ms), a high refresh rate (60Hz minimum, 120Hz or higher for next-gen consoles), and support for key technologies like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Strong HDR performance for vibrant colours and contrast is also crucial for an immersive experience.
Do I need a TV with HDMI 2.1 for a PS5 or Xbox Series X?
To take full advantage of the PS5 and Xbox Series X’s capabilities, yes, you need at least one HDMI 2.1 port. This is what enables 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate. While you can still play games in 4K at 60Hz on an older HDMI 2.0 port, you’ll miss out on the ultra-smooth motion that 120fps provides.
What is VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and is it important for gaming?
VRR is a crucial gaming feature that allows the TV’s refresh rate to sync dynamically with the frame rate being output by your console or PC. This eliminates screen tearing (where the image appears to split horizontally) and reduces stutter, resulting in a much smoother and more fluid gameplay experience. It is highly important for modern gaming.
Which TV has the lowest input lag for competitive gaming?
Input lag varies significantly between models and even picture modes. Generally, high-performance models like the Hisense 65 Inch 144Hz QLED Gaming TV 65E7KQTUK PRO are designed specifically to minimise input lag when in Game Mode. For the absolute lowest figures, you should consult specialised technical reviews that use dedicated equipment to measure this value in milliseconds.
Are OLED TVs a good choice for gaming or is burn-in a risk?
OLED TVs are an excellent choice for gaming due to their instantaneous pixel response times (which eliminates motion blur) and perfect black levels, creating incredible contrast. The risk of “burn-in” (permanent image retention) from static game elements like HUDs has been greatly reduced in modern OLEDs with built-in mitigation features. For most gamers, it is not a significant concern with varied usage, but it remains a small possibility.
Is 120Hz refresh rate essential for next-gen gaming?
While not strictly “essential” to play games, a 120Hz refresh rate is one of the signature features of next-gen consoles. It provides a significant and noticeable improvement in motion smoothness and responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage in fast-paced games and making all gameplay feel more fluid. If you are investing in a new console, a 120Hz TV is highly recommended to get the full experience.
How does Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) work on a gaming TV?
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) is a feature of HDMI 2.1. When your TV detects a signal from a compatible console like a PS5 or Xbox Series X, it automatically switches to its pre-designated “Game Mode.” This instantly disables any unnecessary video processing to minimise input lag, ensuring you get the most responsive experience without having to manually change the settings every time you play.
Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation
After rigorous testing and careful consideration of what UK gamers truly need, we stand by our top choice. The Hisense 55″ 55E6QTUK 4K Smart TV emerges as the clear winner for its exceptional blend of performance and affordability. It delivers a crisp 4K picture, vibrant colours, and the crucial AI Smooth Motion technology that ensures your gaming sessions are fluid and responsive. While dedicated enthusiasts might gravitate towards the 144Hz panels, this Hisense provides a high-quality, lag-free experience that is perfect for the vast majority of console and casual gamers. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a TV that will make your favourite games look and feel fantastic.