Are LED TVs Good For Gaming? (We Checked)

Are you looking for an LED TV for gaming? It might seem like a challenge to pick just the right TV since there are so many options, and stores and manufacturers advertise so many features to convince you to buy their products.

So, are LED TVs good for gaming?

Here’s What You Need to Know about LED TVs and Gaming.

LED TVs are the most common TVs you can find on the market today. A lot of these TVs cater to different purposes, including gaming. There is sure to be an LED TV that’s perfect for your gaming needs.

We also have a guide on how to connect gaming consoles to smart TVs.

The input lags of LED TVs vary, but they can go as low as 9.2 ms at 1080p resolutions with a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

The highest input lag you’re likely to encounter on an LED TV is 130.4 ms at a setting of 60 Hz. That amount makes it less than ideal for gaming.

The ideal input lag for gaming is 30 ms and below.

What Are The Refresh Rates On These Models?

LED TVs have a refresh rate of either 60 Hz or 120 Hz.

For gaming, 60 Hz is a good refresh rate for games without intensive graphic needs.

You will need 120 Hz for video games that are graphic intensive, such as First-Person shooter games.

What is Variable Refresh Rate?

Variable Refresh Rate is a feature found on some modern TVs that lets TV spontaneously adjust their refresh rate to match the movement in the game.

Unlike movies, where movement is fixed, video game movements depend on your input from your gaming pad. A Variable Refresh Rate helps keep up with these movements to maintain image integrity.

Do LED TVs Have a “Game Mode”?

Some LED TVs feature a Game Mode to improve the gaming experience.

Game Mode lets a TV move processing power from delivering graphics quality to improving the input lag and response time for smoother gameplay. Instead of dealing with sluggish gameplay, Game Mode lets you move faster without adjusting the gameplay speed on your console.

You’ll need to check your TV’s model to see if it comes with Game Mode.

Can All LED TVs Be Used As Computer Monitors?

You can use your LED TV as a computer monitor.

LED TVs have the standard inputs, such as HDMI and VGA, that are often used in computers. As long as your computer has these video outputs, you will not have any problem connecting it to an LED TV to use as a monitor. 

But note that keyboard strokes and mouse movement will have some delay on an LED TV screen. Should you encounter this problem, you can turn on Game Mode to lower the input lag on the LED TV, which will help reduce this problem.

What About LED PlayStation and Xbox Compatibility?

You can use LED TVs with gaming consoles, such as the Sony PlayStation and the Microsoft Xbox.

But the performance varies from one TV model to the other.

Not all LED TVs are made equal; thus, there will be LED TVs with better performance, especially when it comes to input lag.

Do People Generally Use LED TVs For Gaming?

Many people use LED TVs for gaming since they are the most common TV you can find on the market today.

LED TVs have been around for quite a while now, making them the default choice in recent years.

LED TVs replaced plasma TVs, and as we look toward the future, it appears the era of OLEDs is on the horizon.

For details on OLEDs and gaming, check out our article Are OLED TVs Good For Gaming? (Explained).

How Good Is the Image Quality and Resolution?

The image quality and resolution of LED TVs vary from one TV to another.

But to give an idea of the range of quality out there, there are LED TVs that can display up to 8k resolution but with mediocre image quality. Meanwhile, there are 4k TVs that supersede their 8k counterparts with sharper images.

Remember that high resolution doesn’t always mean better image quality; you really must consider each TV.

Can Video Games Ruin LED TVs?

It is perfectly fine to use your LED TV for video games.

LED TVs can handle the movement and graphic needs of video games today. So, go ahead and plug in that gaming console.

Are LED TVs Durable?

LED TVs are durable in general, but note that not all parts are as durable as others.

• Under heavy, round-the-clock usage, you can expect your TV to last you around five years. Sometimes, it can reach seven.
• But with light to moderate and regular use and good upkeep, you can get more mileage and make your TV last 10 years.

If something fails on your LED TV,  the first thing that usually fails is the LED backlight of the TV, which has a lifespan that depends on usage.

If you want to extend the lifespan, the first thing you should do is adjust the backlight brightness to a lower setting. Cranking up your backlight will only shorten its lifespan. You’ll also want to be sure to turn your TV off when you’re not using it.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of LED TVs for Gaming?

There are several perks for using an LED TV as opposed to an OLED TV. 

• One great thing about LED TVs is that they are cheaper than their OLED counterparts. While there may be LED TVs that cost more than OLED TVs, the fact remains that the former is still cheaper as a whole.
• Another advantage of LED TVs is it not prone to burn-in, unlike their OLED counterparts. You can leave an image paused onscreen without issue, unlike OLED TVs. This is especially relevant if your preferred game has a static interface display, like a scoreboard or display name. These images, if left onscreen for a long time, can be permanently embedded on OLEDs.
• LED TVs are still the standard, which means finding a third-party service shop will be easier than with OLED TVs.

As for disadvantages, here’s what you can expect:

• Image quality is good, but not as great as OLED
• Viewing angles can be limited, but that will depend on the LED TV’s panel type.

What Are the Qualities of a Good TV for Gaming?

The most important feature you want in a gaming TV is the low input lag.

The lower the input lag, the better. If you can go for a TV with an input lag of 30 ms and below, consider it.

The second most important thing to look for is Variable Refresh Rate.

Having a Variable Refresh Rate could help you survive longer in that shooter game, as you’ll be able to quickly catch all the details. 

With more video games now having HDR compatibility, it may also be good to have a gaming TV that has good HDR support.

What Are the Best LED TVs for Gaming?

Samsung Q80

The Samsung Q80 is one of the best 4k LED TVs you can get for gaming.

What makes this TV an excellent choice for gaming is its built-in HDMI 2.1 input, which allows for 4k playing with a 120 Hz refresh rate. There is also Variable Refresh Rate support coupled with a low input lag.

• The Q80 also comes with Black Frame Insertion to smooth movement and a native contrast ratio.
• There is also a local-dimming system, which makes the TV suitable for dim environments.
• The drawback of the Q80 is that its Variable Refresh Rate is only available to models that measure 55 inches and above. Thus, the 49 and 50-inch models only have a 60 Hz refresh rate. So if you want to maximize the potential for this TV, go for the bigger models.

Vizio M7 Series Quantum

If you are disappointed that the 50-inch Q80 does not have Variable Refresh Rates, consider the Vizio M7 Series Quantum.

The M7 Series is a budget TV that is quite suitable for gaming purposes. It comes with Gaming Mode and FreeSync support, although it only features a 60 Hz panel. But do not be disappointed, as the M7 Series has other features for a smooth gaming experience.

• The response time is exceptional and comes with Black Frame Insertion to enhance the image quality during fast-moving scenes.
• The input lag is low and performs well with HDR games.
• The M7 Series also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision and comes with a wide color gamut.
• The downside to this TV is its mediocre scaling features. That means those old gaming consoles will have to stay in the closet unless you want to deal with unclear images.
• Other drawbacks include the narrow viewing angles, which is expected for many budget-level LED TVs.

Sony X900H

If you’re looking for color accuracy, then the Sony X900H takes the cake.

• The X900H features an excellent HDR gaming experience and features HDMI 2.1 for 4k gaming. Input lag is low, and the response time is almost instantaneous.
• If you play 120 fps games, there is a black frame insertion to compensate for screen tearing.
• The contrast ratio is exceptional, and there is a wide color gamut for HDR content. Peak brightness is also remarkable.
• For the disadvantage of this TV, the X900H lacks Variable Refresh Rate, but it may be activated through a later firmware update. Viewing angles are also limited, but again, this is not new with LED TVs.

If you are willing to bank on that possible update, then the X900H should fit the bill for gaming.

Final Thoughts

As LED TVs are the most common TVs you can find in the market, it will be easy to find a TV that performs well for games.

Any LED TV will be fine, as long as you get one with a low input lag.

If you’re still considering options, check out our article Are OLED TVs Good For Gaming? (Explained).

 

Sources:

Rtings.com

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