Are LG TVs Good For Gaming? (We Checked)

One of the most talked-about TV brands is LG. LG developed the newest in TV tech: OLED displays with an ultra-responsive, high-quality screen.  

But are LG TVs good for gaming? 

About LG TVs and Their Capacity for Video Games. 

All LG TVs perform quite well with video games. But its best TVs for gaming are the OLED models, which have very low input lags and peak image quality. Professional gamers, however, will want to use a computer monitor for the fastest graphics shifts and lowest lag times.

How Much Input Lag Do LG TVs Have?

LG TVs have an average input lag of 12.7 ms at 1080p resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. 

The lowest input lag recorded from an LG TV is at 5.4 ms at 1080p resolution and Variable Refresh Rate. 

The highest input lag from an LG TV is 116 ms at 4k resolution, 60 Hz Refresh Rate with interpolation. 

What Are The Refresh Rates On These Models?

LG TVs usually have a refresh rate of 60 Hz, with some capable of handling 120 Hz. 

Some LG TV models also come with support for Variable Refresh Rate.

Do LG TVs Have a Variable Refresh Rate? 

Not all LG TVs have a Variable Refresh Rate. You’ll need to check each model for Variable Fresh Rate support.

A Variable Refresh Rate is what allows a TV to render images on the fly based on the information it receives from the gaming console. Unlike videos, where everything is scripted, video games process data on the spot, based on the commands selected by a user. 

Since video games spontaneously process this data, a Variable Refresh Rate allows the TV to keep up with the rendering of images from the information it receives. 

Do LG TVs Have a “Game Mode”?

LG TVs have a Game Mode that helps provide a more responsive gaming experience. 

Game Mode is a feature that provides TVs with a lower input lag for smoother gameplay. It reduces the input lag by reducing image quality and redirecting resources for a faster response time. 

Notably, some LG TVs feature an Auto Low Latency Mode that switches the TV to Game Mode automatically based on the information it receives. 

If your LG TV does not have the Auto Low Latency Mode, open the Picture Mode Menu and select Game Mode from the list.

Can All LG TVs Be Used As Computer Monitors?

You can use your LG TV as a computer monitor. 

There won’t be much of a problem with regards to the input, as the modern TVs made by LG, or any other company, have HDMI inputs and VGA, for older computers. 

Note that using a TV as a monitor may have some issues, regardless of the brand. 

• First on the list is input lag, which means you can expect some delays when you type with your keyboard or cursor movement. This issue can be resolved by turning on Game Mode on the TV.
• The second notable issue when using a TV as a computer monitor is how it renders text on the screen from applications such as Word Processors or Spreadsheets. Unfortunately, not all TVs are able to achieve clean text rendering on a TV screen.

But there are perks of using your TV as a computer monitor!

• If you are into multimedia, a TV can work as a secondary screen when editing videos.
• You can also use it for photo editing applications, and take advantage of the color accuracy of certain TVs.
• You can also use it for video games, although there may be some limitations, depending on the TV model.

What About LG PlayStation and Xbox Compatibility?

You can use LG TVs with the Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox. 

But the gaming experience will still depend on how well the TV model can handle crucial video gaming factors. The best gaming experience will come from LG TVs with low input lags and support for Variable Refresh Rates. 

Do People Generally Use LG TVs For Gaming? 

Not all people use LG TVs for gaming, of course, but LG’s latest addition to their product lineup, the CX, has proven to be promising for video games. 

Many technology review websites have noted that the latest LG TV, the CX series, is one of the best TVs you can have when it comes to gaming. 

It boasts great features and delivers quality that gives other brands a run for their money.

How Good Is the Image Quality and Resolution? 

The image quality and resolution of LG TVs are good, in general. 

But if you are looking for the best image quality available for LG TVs, then you should give their OLED TVs a look. 

These OLED TVs deliver stunning images, can produce sharp blacks, and maintain picture quality in different lighting conditions.

Are LG TVs Durable? 

LG TVs are generally durable and one will last you an average of seven years with heavy use before it will need to be replaced, or 10 years with average use. 

But it’s a different matter for the OLED TVs. 

According to LG, the OLED components of their TVs can last more than 50 years. 

It might take a while to check if these claims are true, considering that other parts may break first before reaching the 50-year mark. 

And while OLEDs can last half a century, remember that they are also prone to burn-in, or permanent image retention. 

Thus, the durability of an LG TV is still highly dependent on the usage. 

What Features Should I Look for in a Gaming TV or Monitor? 

The most important feature to look for in a TV for gaming, whether LG or other brands, is the Low Latency or Input Lag. 

Ideally, you would want around 30 ms of input lag.

The next important feature is the Refresh Rate. You would want something that has a 120 Hz Refresh Rate with support for Variable Refresh Rate for a smooth gaming experience. 

Other considerations to look for are HDR support and 4k resolutions. 

What Are the Best LG TVs for Gaming? 

If you are considering buying an LG TV for gaming, here are some suggested picks.

LG CX 

The LG CX is a game-changer among the newer TVs from LG. 

• It comes with an OLED display, which gives you better viewing angles, accurate and deep blacks, and better color accuracy.
• For its gaming features, the CX has one of the lowest input lags in a TV today.
• It also comes with a Variable Refresh Rate with FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility.
• The CX has a near-instantaneous response time, giving you a smooth gaming experience.
• Upping the ante for the CX is its Auto-Low Latency Mode. It switches the CX to Game Mode when it detects a video game being launched.
• The CX still performs top-notch with low input lag, even when playing in HDR. That means still getting high-quality images, without sacrificing gameplay.
• Like any other OLED display, the viewing angles are wide. That makes the CX perfect for multiplayer games with family or friends.

But watch out, the CX is prone to burn-in, like any other OLED display. So you should avoid leaving static frames onscreen for extended periods. 

LG E9 

Another good option for gaming is the E9 from LG. 

• Like the CX, the E9 features the Auto Low Latency Mode that allows you to switch to Game Mode whenever you launch a video game.
• It comes with an exceptionally fast response time, which smooths the movement in games.
• The E9 can also display lower resolution content excellently when older consoles are plugged into it.
• And while it has a Variable Refresh Rate, the only downside to it is that it is available only for the Microsoft Xbox. So, if you are a PlayStation user, you might want to avoid this TV.

Another downside to the E9 is its OLED display’s propensity for burn-in, which is the risk with all OLEDs. 

LG GX 

The GX from LG is another viable option for a gaming TV. 

• Out of the box, the GX comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate support to mitigate the effects of screen tearing.
• Input lag is low.
• It also has an almost instantaneous response time and Black Frame Insertion to improve the graphics onscreen.
• HDR gaming is also not an issue, thanks to the wide color gamut of the GX.

For the weaknesses of the GX, it is prone to burn-in, since it uses an OLED display, and the Automatic Brightness Limiter is also mediocre, which can affect the quality of the image on the screen. 

LG Nano90 

The LG Nano90 is the only non-OLED TV in this list of suitable LG TVs for gaming. 

• This gives it an advantage since it is not prone to burn-in like OLED displays. It can also handle brightness and glare without any problems.
• For its gaming features, the Nano90 comes with Black Frame Insertion to reduce screen tearing.
• It also has a near-instant response time and low input lag. The Nano90 also supports Variable Refresh Rates and can take on the most dynamic games on the market today.

Unfortunately, the Nano90 has its shares of weaknesses, including HDR colors, and it has a low contrast ratio that makes it not ideal for dimly lit rooms.

Final Thoughts

LG is a good brand to consider if you plan to buy a TV for gaming. 

Buying a TV should be seen as a medium- to long-term investment, and you should consider “future-proofing” when choosing a TV so that you won’t find yourself wanting to replace your outdated TV in a few short years. 

Thus, should you go for LG as your choice for a gaming TV, consider getting one of their models with an OLED display. They have the best image quality around, and they are designed for the long haul.

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

 

Sources:

Rtings.com

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