The ultimate 4K TV guide for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S ~ System Admin Stuff

Microsoft delivers its vision for the next-generation with Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, its duo of consoles boasting leading hardware, scheduled for this November. Hardware advancements see graphical leaps, high framerates, and speedy load times on the cards, with an approach split between a power-hungry Xbox Series X and an affordable Xbox Series S.

But the latest in Xbox consoles shine when coupled with the best 4K TVs, and a growing lineup of displays already account for the next generation's flagship features. The Xbox Series X boasts unparalleled performance, with 4K resolution, high dynamic range (HDR), and 120 FPS, all among the fundamental capabilities to consider when display shopping. The Xbox Series S features much of the same but targeting a lower 1440p resolution ideal for budget-conscious setups.

With Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S soon headed to your living room, we've rounded up the best 4K TVs, with the features and specs that draw the most from next-generation consoles.

Best Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S TVs 2020

LG CX OLED — Best Overall: One of the best 4K TVs money can buy, with 120Hz and various gaming-focused features, building on the foundation of a striking OLED panel.
Samsung Q80T — Best Premium: This high-end TV stows huge potential with eye-catching QLED boasting rich colors, support for 4K video at 120Hz, and all the tools to upgrade your gameplay.
Sony X900H — Best Mid-Range: Sony designed its X900H with next-generation consoles in mind. This 4K, 120Hz LED panel undercuts many rivals, but some features remain absent for a future update.
TCL 6-Series R635 — Best Budget: TCL never disappoints with its affordable 4K TVs, and the R635 delivers its best yet. However, you're limited to 4K at 60Hz or 1440p at 120Hz. Especially suited to Xbox Series S.
TCL 5-Series S535 — Best Cheap: The S535 provides the best low-cost entry point into 4K HDR gaming, with rich colors and low input lag. While it lacks 120Hz and VRR, it's all about the price.

Best Overall TV for Xbox Series X/S: LG CX OLED

With Xbox Series X landing on store shelves this November, the LG CX is the best 4K TVs on the market and uniquely positioned to deliver a full next-generation gaming experience. Entering the company's lineup earlier in 2020, it ships with various gaming-focused features ideal for the new Xbox consoles, presenting a stunning 4K, 120Hz image. When coupled with an attractive OLED panel, it has everything that matters when shopping for a new TV for Xbox Series X at launch.

The LG CX supports 4K resolutions and framerates up to 120Hz, delivering an ideal balance of clarity and fluidity in gameplay. It ensures all of the best details of Xbox Series X games shine while enabling fast reaction times in high FPS titles. Upcoming blockbusters like Halo Infinite, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and DiRT 5 are among the early pioneers pledging 120 FPS support on Xbox, with TVs like the LG CX enabling those smooth, stutter-free experiences. It also supports HDMI 2.1 across all four ports, an attractive feature for TVs used with Xbox Series X, and uncommon given the standard's infancy.

OLED continues to present some of the best images compared to other display technologies, as demonstrated by the CX lineup. The LG panel impresses with its out-of-box image, including color accuracy and vibrancy. It supports the most popular high dynamic range (HDR) standards, with eye-catching contrast between blacks and highlights. It also proves generous with wide viewing angles, providing the versatility needed as a living room centerpiece.

And for Xbox Series X (and Series S), the LG CX boasts a rich assortment of gaming features, all of which tie back to Microsoft's ambitions to make games feel more responsive. This display has auto low latency mode (ALLM) to seamlessly reduce lag, variable refresh rate (VRR) support to reduce screen tearing, and relatively low response times to never miss the action. LG also opted for both G-Sync and FreeSync integration, which hugely benefit those considering PC gaming, too.

The LG CX comes in four sizes, spanning 48- through 77-inch, with pricing starting at $1,497 in the U.S. That makes this a costly option, especially for larger screen sizes that best highlight its triumphs. But the result is one of the few devices that shows the full potential of Xbox Series X, with more than enough headroom to support games pushing 4K and 120Hz. And while the same benefits affect Xbox Series S, the lower horsepower and 1440p target (although, games do go above) make cheaper alternatives equally viable.

The LG CX provides one of the few opportunities to experience the best of upcoming Xbox games, knowing you're getting the maximum value from your new console. If you can settle on that price, it's undoubtedly the best 4K TV for Xbox Series X and Series S. And right now, the 55-inch model is discounted to the same price as the 48-inch at most retailers — a deal you shouldn't ignore.

Pros:

4K, 120Hz support
Vibrant, rich colors
OLED produces perfect blacks
Low response time
All the next-gen features you need

Cons:

Expensive

Best Overall

LG CX OLED

This 4K OLED unleashes the full potential of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, presented with a stunning image and all the features to best experience next-generation gaming.

Best Premium TV for Xbox Series X/S: Samsung Q80T

For an alternative 4K TV ready for Xbox Series X, draw your attention to the Samsung Q80T. This one of the best 4K TVs without OLED, adopting a QLED panel with impressive image quality and next-generation gaming features to match. While missing out on the advantages of organic panels, namely industry-leading blacks, the switch to QLED reduces the cost while still providing much of the same value as higher-priced options.

The Q80T lineup delivers a solid baseline for Xbox Series X and Series S, with 4K resolution and 120Hz support to push the max from next-generation hardware. It's a vivid image enabled by the "QLED" quantum dot technology, recognized for improved colors and contrast over your standard LCD panel. It also supports HDR10 needed for Xbox gaming, Samsung-developed HDR10+, and broadcast-ready HLG, but no Dolby Vision.

While the costly LG CX will present better images, primarily in darker scenes, the advancements to QLED straddle the line between OLED and LCD. The picture won't disappoint, packing all the detail and fluidity you'd want from the new Xbox consoles. However, the 49-inch and U.S.-exclusive 50-inch models are limited to 60Hz panels. You should ideally ignore these, opting for at least the 55-inch display.

4K and 120Hz require the high-bandwidth connection enabled by HDMI 2.1, with one compliant port present on the Q80T. It also enjoys speedy response times, ALLM-enhanced low latency, and VRR to eliminate screen tearing. Those features position the Q80T among the most capable 4K TVs for gaming, supporting all the tools that define the new boxes.

The Q80T comes in various sizes, from 49- through 85-inch, with the 55-inch entry-level 120Hz model costing $1080 in the U.S. with current pricing. While this TV's successor, the Q90T, has also hit the market, we still prefer the Q80T that trades small upgrades for a few hundred dollars saved. The newer model has more dimming zones and improved HDR performance, but only for minor returns over the previous generation.

For Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, the Samsung Q80T remains one of the best 4K TVs, specifically for those looking for a great picture without the massive hit to the savings. It's a premium option that doesn't feel overkill, packing all the best at a suitable price.

Pros:

4K, 120Hz support
Great colors
All the next-gen features you need
Low response time
Ideal middle ground below OLED

Cons:

49-inch and 50-inch panels missing features
No Dolby Vision

Best Premium

Samsung Q80T

The Samsung Q80T comes ready for the future, rocking all the next generation's fundamental features, presented with 4K and 120Hz.

Best Mid-Range TV for Xbox Series X/S: Sony X900H

Experiencing the best of Xbox Series X and Series S doesn't need to be prohibitively costly, with the switch from OLED to LCD one of the best ways to reduce the cost. That opens your options to displays like the Sony X900H, one of the latest in its 4K TV range designed with next-gen considerations. Sony has labeled the device "Ready for PlayStation 5," with almost every feature offered by next-gen machines, including those on Xbox Series X.

The Sony X900H hits 4K resolution at 120Hz, once again pushing the best in resolution and refresh rate from Xbox Series X. It achieves this with the aid of HDMI 2.1 compliance, a core pillar of these new consoles. The resulting setup pushes the finer details of on-screen action down to the pixel, with smooth framerates and low latency streamlining gameplay.

While OLED remains the quality king, this LED display still delivers a vivid image, demonstrated by high color accuracy and vibrancy. While the chosen technology sacrifices blacks in some scenes, HDR's increased contrast and a wider color gamut still fuel true-to-life visuals. The switch to LCD has its benefits, primarily dropping the cost while avoiding burn-in seen with some OLED displays.

And while HDMI 2.1 comes baked into the X900H, some features remain locked away and muddy that initial proposition. While it has the hardware to support HDMI 2.1, Sony promised some features in a post-launch update. Sony recently rolled out new firmware, enabling both 4K 120Hz and enhanced audio return channel (eARC) support. ALLM and VRR remain inaccessible, and while we expect Sony to deliver on that promise, it's always worth noting that support isn't guaranteed.

The X900H comes in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch variants, starting at $1000 in the U.S. It provides a more palatable price compared to leaders in OLED, with small discounts also to be found across the available configurations.

If opting for LCD, whether for cost savings or other motives, the Sony X900H has emerged a must-buy for new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 owners. It accompanies a great image with considerations for next-gen features you'd expect from a 4K TV. It's a shame some remain absent as of publication, although we're hoping to see this amended over the weeks to come. But the base experience sets the X900H on the right path, ideal for those investing in a new Xbox, shying away from the costlier alternatives.

Pros:

4K, 120Hz support
Great colors
Low response time
Packs the best of next-gen for less

Cons:

ALLM and VRR withheld for future update

Best Mid-Range

Sony X900H

Cooking up an experience ideal for Xbox Series X, this 4K TV provides all the must-have features but at a more reasonable starting price.

Best Budget TV for Xbox Series X/S: TCL 6-Series R635

TCL's affordable TVs deliver outstanding value for budget 4K viewing, with its latest 2020 series furthering the trend with low starting prices. The R635 family offers superb visuals for a third of some TVs in our roundup, implementing many of the features associated with the next generation of consoles. While that means some firm limitations throttling potential, it's best in this price bracket, especially suited to Microsoft's Xbox Series S.

The TCL R635 caters to the fundamental pillars of Xbox Series X and Series S, with a sharp 4K and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports all major HDR standards — HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG — with an image that far exceeds expectations within this bracket. The cheaper panel means blacks suffer, with mediocre viewing angles, but you're otherwise looking at a vivid display that nails colors in HDR content.

The main issue with TCL's 6 Series comes from limited HDMI 2.1 support, including bandwidth limitations that limit both 4K and 120Hz simultaneously. The TV instead limits 120Hz video to 1440p resolution, while the clarity of 4K drops to a 60Hz refresh rate. That back and forth is an unfortunate consequence of cheaper 4K TVs. It's especially suited to the Xbox Series S, Microsoft's lower-tier console that targets 1440p gameplay at 120Hz, without forgoing 4K movies. And with only a small fraction of video games maximizing resolution and framerate, it's far from a dealbreaker for Xbox Series X.

Various other gaming-oriented tweaks feature, including ALLM support for easy low latency and VRR up to 120Hz. It even packs a THX-certified game mode, which optimizes the image around reducing latency. And while not needed for Xbox consoles, FreeSync and G-Sync didn't make the cut.

The R635 provides quality unmatched on a budget, making only a handful of compromises, but with a big payoff in the final price. It allows you to pick up its cheapest 55-inch panel from just $650, with 65-inch and 75-inch models also available at attractive rates.

It makes for the best budget 4K TV for Xbox Series X and Series S, especially suited to those with less cash after forking out for a new console. The R635 presents a deal that's hard to pass up, and if you're happy with minor compromises, it's one to check out this holiday.

Pros:

More budget-friendly price
120Hz support
Good image for the price
Low response time
Supports VRR, ALLM, and other gaming features

Cons:

Doesn't support 4K and 120Hz simultaneously
Poor viewing angles

Best Budget

TCL R635

Have an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S but on a budget? The R635 delivers it all, only bottlenecked by partial HDMI 2.1 support limits the early titles that boast 4K, 120Hz gaming.

Best Cheap TV for Xbox Series X/S: TCL 5-Series S535

To upgrade to 4K for less, the TCL S535 remains one of the best affordable 4K TVs, offering superb value at the lower end. It lacks many defining next-generation features but upholds a robust experience with high-quality visuals. The $400 starting price cuts the luxuries, including 120Hz support, but makes for an ideal low-cost purchase when on a strict budget.

This QLED panel has surprisingly great visuals for the price, delivering rich colors backed by surprisingly formidable HDR implementation. It supports 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, which provides an ideal baseline for gaming while also capable of movies and TV. The cheaper panel does mean viewing angles suffer, however.

The TCL S535 family has relatively low response times, with ALLM integration helping keep your Xbox games latency-free. But you're losing out on 120Hz refresh rates and VRR provided by many premium TVs, each of which plays a vital role in the high end. While performance won't disappoint, keep your expectations of an entry-level 4K TV in check.

The S535 saw a streamlined revision for 2020, with its 55-inch model now available from $400, and 65-inch and 75-inch models also available. It's an affordable 4K TV for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, delivering all the essentials at a cost that undercuts the rest.

Pros:

Amazing price
Solid 4K HDR image for gaming
Low response time
Rich colors

Cons:

No 120Hz support
No VRR support
Better images found elsewhere

Best Cheap

TCL S535

This is the cheapest 4K TV you should actually consider, which provides a solution foundation for either new Xbox. While you're losing out on 120Hz support, VRR, and more, it all results in that crazy low price.

Which TV is best for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S?

With Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S raising the bar for performance, it's an ideal time to invest in a new 4K TV. The two next-generation consoles push huge advancements in visuals, with the arrival of HDMI 2.1 also driving new displays to account for those advancements. It's finally seen 4K resolution at 120Hz become a reality, while new gaming-focused features like VRR and ALLM aim to enhance how even the best Xbox One games play. And with early 8K TVs remaining a costly, high-stakes investment, only the best 4K TVs are worth your consideration in 2020.

For those demanding the absolute best 4K TV for Xbox Series X, the LG CX OLED TV leads the market with its stunning OLED display and an extensive suite of gaming features. 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates help your games look and feel their best, with HDMI 2.1 bringing other enhancements beyond just image quality. The display technology also delivers rich blacks that make shadows seamlessly fall into the background, making vibrant colors truly pop across any scene. The impact is something you'll need to see in person to appreciate, but it's hard to go back.

But the Sony X900H 4K LED TV makes the best features in Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S more accessible, most crucially settling on a more realistic price for most. This TV boasts 4K resolution at 120Hz, even denoted as "Ready for PlayStation 5" by the manufacturer. It's also true for Xbox Series X, although half-baked HDMI 2.1 support means that it's not perfect yet. With VRR and ALLM expected to arrive with a near-future update, this could make for one of the best 4K TVs for the average household.

There are 4K TVs for every price bracket, with cheaper options also available, especially well suited to the Xbox Series S. But no matter which you chose, expect a taste of the next-generation when hooked up to either of the newest Xbox consoles.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Matt Brown is a staff writer at Future for Windows Central. Following years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he's focused on the world of Xbox and Windows PCs. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.

System Admin Stuff

Wednesday, 21 October 2020