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. 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 at up to 120 frames-per-second (FPS), while Xbox Series S features much of the same up to 1440p resolution. We've rounded up the best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, with the features and specs that draw the most from next-generation consoles.

Best Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S TVs 2021

LG CX OLED — Best Overall: One of the best 4K TVs money can buy.
Samsung Q80T — Best Premium: Stows huge potential with eye-catching QLED boasting rich colors.
Sony X900H — Best Mid-Range: Sony designed its X900H with next-generation consoles in mind, but you'll need to wait on some features.
LG NANO 85 — Best Budget (4K 120Hz): Experience the fundamentals of Xbox Series X with the affordable LG NANO 85.
TCL 6-Series R635 — Best Budget (US): TCL never disappoints with its affordable 4K TVs, and the R635 delivers its best yet.
Samung TU8000 — Best Budget: Save on 4K gaming with the entry-level Samsung TU8000.
TCL 5-Series S535 — Best Cheap: The S535 provides the best low-cost entry point into 4K HDR gaming.

What to know about best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X/S

When it comes to graphics, the value you draw from your console hugely depends on your display. With 4K TVs increasingly the norm, they're the best way to experience next-generation gaming on a big screen in your living room. Those with tighter spaces like a desk may also want to consider smaller 27-inch or 32-inch options from the best monitors for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

Consider new features like 4K resolution at 120Hz when shopping, with high clarity and fluidity enabled by the new HDMI 2.1 specification. Other enhancements to watch include high dynamic range (HDR) that improves colors and contrast, while variable refresh rate (VRR) support keeps your games smooth. You also want the best overall picture quality, considering how brightness, contrast, and colors appear on-screen.

It's a perfect time to buy a new 4K TV with new consoles on the market. While the next annual refreshes sit ahead, worth watching if you can wait, they're mostly minor year-to-year iterations on existing models. It means that buying any discounted TV today will hold up, regardless of future models to come. The only issue is availability, with high demand stripping stock from some retailers in early 2021.

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

When picking up Xbox Series X, the LG CX is currently the best 4K TVs on the market and uniquely positioned to deliver a full next-generation gaming experience. It claimed our best 4K TV award in 2020, shipping with various features ideal for the newest Xbox consoles, presenting the gold-standard for 4K, 120Hz gaming. When coupled with an attractive OLED panel, it has everything that matters for Xbox Series X.

The LG CX supports 4K resolutions and framerates up to 120Hz, delivering an ideal balance of clarity and gameplay fluidity. It ensures all of the best details of Xbox Series X games shine while enabling fast reaction times in high FPS titles. Blockbusters like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and DiRT 5 are among the early pioneers with 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 benefits those considering PC gaming, too.

The LG CX comes in four sizes, 48- through 77-inch, with pricing falling around $1,399 in the U.S. right now. 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 it) make cheaper alternatives better suited.

Looking ahead, the company has detailed its 2021 follow-up in the form of the LG C1 OLED, an equally capable refresh of its 4K TV, although relatively unchanged beyond a new 83-inch model. It also has the new LG G1, boasting a next-generation "OLED Evo" panel, which has increased brightness. We still recommend buying the LG CX today, unless you're keen to experience the upgraded (and even pricier) Evo panel.

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. And right now, the 55-inch model can be found priced below the 48-inch. That's a deal you shouldn't ignore, unlocking your console's full potential from launch on a larger display. If you can settle on the price, it's undoubtedly the best 4K TV for Xbox Series X and Series S right now.

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 recommended 55-inch entry-level 120Hz model costing $1,098 in the U.S. with current pricing. While 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. But if you hold, Samsung's 2021 developments with Mini LED also prove to be promising, with the technology shrinking backlight LEDs for upped precision, improving the picture quality.

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 / XH90

Experiencing the best of Xbox Series X and Series S doesn't need to be prohibitively costly, with the switch from OLED to LED one of the best ways to reduce the cost. That opens your options to displays like the Sony X900H, also named XH90 in Europe, 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 LED 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 in 2021, 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 around $998 in the U.S. It provides a more palatable price than some OLED leaders, with small discounts to be found across the available configurations. Sony also plans a follow-up in 2021 with upgraded hardware, the X90J, although with no Mini LED support planned, the X900H remains a safe choice right now.

If opting for LED, whether for cost savings or other motives, the Sony X900H has been 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

This 4K TV provides all the must-have features but at a more reasonable starting price.

Best Budget 4K 120Hz TV for Xbox Series X/S: LG NANO 85 / LG NANO 86

Presenting an opportunity to experience next-generation features without the asking price demanded by premium 4K TVs, the LG NanoCell 85 (or LG NanoCell 86 in Europe) is a top contender for Xbox Series X owners. It sits firmly within the budget bracket, undercutting most HDMI 2.1-compliant TVs but packing many of the features fundamental to the latest consoles. It assembles an attractive display for those demanding the best resolution and framerate, but with compromises to consider due to the chosen IPS panel.

Onboard features elevate the NanoCell 85 above alternatives, allowing you to draw more from Xbox Series X if your budget allows. It includes support for 4K resolution up to 120Hz, one of the flagship additions enabling sharper and smoother images. It also boasts low input lag and response times, which, when coupled with a variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) support, leaves games feeling great to play.

LG also delivers vital color accuracy, resulting in realistic, rich colors, with wide viewing angles ideal for larger spaces. But affordability means picture quality falters in several areas, primarily suffering from a mediocre contrast ratio and poor local dimming. The TV suffers when it comes to deep blacks while losing finer details compared to others at this price. You also see robust HDR support with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, but with limited peak brightness throttling its capabilities.

The NanoCell 85 comes in 49-, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch variants, with its smallest panels relatively affordable starting with a $650 RRP. European buyers can expect similar affordability, although sans the 75-inch model exclusive to the U.S.

The LG NanoCell 85 works out as a good pickup for those looking to experience the newest Xbox Series X features, including HDMI 2.1 support's full potential. While it compromises the resulting image, it's still a recommended 4K TV with the foundations to support the next-gen essentials.

Pros:

4K, 120Hz support
More budget-friendly price
Low input lag, response time
Supports VRR, ALLM, and other gaming features

Cons:

Poor contrast
HDR falls short

Best Budget 4K 120Hz

LG NanoCell 85

Experience all the features associated with HDMI 2.1 gaming, including 4K resolution at 120Hz, and VRR support, at an affordable starting price.

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

TCL's affordable TVs deliver outstanding value for budget 4K viewing, with its latest 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 deal-breaker 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's a shame you won't find this in Europe, making an alternative like the Samsung TU8000 the better pick in this bracket.

TCL's latest 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.

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

From $650 at Amazon From $650 at Best Buy From $700 at Walmart

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.

Best Budget TV for Xbox Series X/S: Samsung TU8000

Priced out of the 4K flagships? In that case, the Samsung TU8000 delivers one of the best entry-level experiences, especially when hooked up to Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. The latest in the affordable 4K series embraces the fundamentals, if happy to settle on decent image quality while clocking 4K resolution at 60Hz refresh rates. It makes for an ideal alternative to the TCL R635, especially overseas, given its global accessibility and freely available stock. That low price also provides a perfect route to upgrade your TV size without the four-figure price tags demanded by the market leaders.

The TU8000 supports all the staples you expect from recommended TVs for games and video playback, with 4K resolution and support for top HDR standards like HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. Its contrast ratio also helps deliver deep, unified blacks and strong color, although the chosen LED panel with no local dimming still leaves room for improvement. And while that couples with mediocre HDR peak brightness, it's still a considerable advancement over your standard range alternatives. The result is a great image, as long as you keep your expectations in-line with the price.

And while picture quality proves average, the TU8000 still nails the foundations for gaming. You can expect low input lag and response times with images near-instantaneously reflected on-screen, ensuring you still perform at your best in shooters and other reactive titles. It also boasts ALLM support, meaning that your TV will automatically check games always run latency-free.

Like other TVs in this category, the price cuts premium features, including the HDMI 2.1 connectivity boasted by next-generation consoles. It lacks support for 120 FPS titles and VRR, which helps eliminate screen tearing on the fly. These won't be deal-breakers for the average gamer but understand that you won't be getting the absolute best available with your system.

The Samsung TU8000 ships in various display sizes, with models ranging from 43, 50, 55, 65, and 75-inches. You can also find an 82-inch model exclusive to the UK, while an 85-inch panel also resides in North America. Current pricing starts at just $348 in the U.S. with its 43-inch model, but prices remaining relatively affordable as you step up to other sizes.

Pros:

Great price
Solid 4K HDR image for gaming
Responsive
Great contrast and blacks

Cons:

No 120Hz support
No VRR support
Better images found elsewhere

Best Cheap

Samsung TU8000

The Samsung TU8000 is another of the best budget TVs out there, with a tempting image suited for gaming, given its affordable starting price.

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 playing 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.

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 games play.

But the new year means annual refreshes imminent, with CES 2021 having debuted various new flagship displays. Our current favorite TV, the LG CX, is set to be superseded by the LG C1, bringing various refinements although far from groundbreaking. That goes to the LG G1 and its new OLED Evo panel, which, while promising, will undoubtedly be costly. And while 8K is steadily becoming a reality, it's not something to worry about in the context of Xbox gaming. Those refreshes are worth considering if you can wait, but if you need a new 4K TV, many of these changes won't be game-changing.

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 LG NANO 85 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 up to 120Hz, with VRR and ALLM baked-in. While you're taking a hit in picture quality compared to premium alternatives, it's unbeatable in terms of functionality.

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

Saturday, 30 January 2021