To really get the most out of a current-gen console or a modern gaming PC, just any TV won’t do: you need a high refresh rate (120Hz or 144Hz) and HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR and ALLM support, the same standards we cover in depth in our full guide on how to choose a TV. We compared three models that meet these requirements at very different price points — the Samsung OLED S94F, TCL 50Q6C and Hisense 65E7S PRO — looking not just at the numbers on the spec sheet but at what they actually mean during a gaming session.
Samsung OLED S94F: the best overall
With a QD-OLED panel, native 144Hz and 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, the Samsung OLED S94F is the least compromised pick of the group. OLED pixel response times are near-instant — every pixel switches on and off individually in a fraction of a millisecond, versus the longer times of a backlit LCD panel — an advantage that translates into sharp images even during the fastest pans, ideal for competitive shooters where every millisecond of input lag counts. Having 4 out of 4 HDMI 2.1 ports also means being able to connect a PS5, Xbox Series X and a gaming PC all at once without having to pick which one loses full bandwidth — a luxury neither of the other two models in this comparison offers. OLED’s true blacks elevate the experience beyond pure gaming too, for instance in narrative-driven, cinematic titles. It’s also, predictably, the most expensive.
TCL 50Q6C: the best value
The TCL 50Q6C offers the same 144Hz refresh rate and a generous 4 HDMI ports, 2 of them version 2.1, at a much more accessible price thanks to its QD-Mini LED panel instead of OLED. The Mini-LED panel’s hundreds of local-dimming zones allow much more precise contrast control than a traditional QLED, an advantage that in dark-setting games (survival horror, atmospheric titles) translates into visible shadow detail without sacrificing blacks. Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos round out a package that covers both gaming and watching movies and shows well: the IQ technology, in particular, adjusts HDR tone mapping based on ambient brightness detected by a sensor, useful for those gaming both during the day and evening in the same room.
Hisense 65E7S PRO: the most generous screen size
Those wanting more immersion without spending OLED money should look at the Hisense 65E7S PRO: native 144Hz and 2 HDMI 2.1 ports on a 65-inch screen, at a price that still stays below an equivalent OLED of the same size. With only 2 out of 4 ports at HDMI 2.1, those with multiple full-bandwidth sources to connect will need to choose carefully which two to reserve for console/PC and leave the other two for less demanding devices like a set-top box or Blu-ray player. Built-in audio (2x10W) remains the most obvious weak point on such a large screen: worth offsetting with a soundbar if the goal is a truly immersive experience, especially in titles with a strong soundtrack and positional audio effects.
Conclusion
Those unwilling to compromise, and with the budget to match, should go for the Samsung OLED S94F, the only one with 4 out of 4 HDMI 2.1 ports and near-instant response times. Those wanting the best balance between gaming performance and price will find the TCL 50Q6C the smartest pick, thanks to Mini-LED getting very close to OLED-level performance at a fraction of the cost. Those prioritizing screen size, for a more immersive experience on a console hooked up in the living room, should look at the Hisense 65E7S PRO, just making sure they have at most two sources needing full HDMI 2.1 speed.