Monday, November 01, 2021
Investing in a 4K TV is essential to obtain the best experience from any PlayStation or Xbox console. Choosing the right display ensures you have all the top gaming features available, helping realize striking virtual worlds and providing that much-needed competitive edge with little lag. The latest console generation also brings all-new technologies exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X, making it crucial to find the 4K TV that suits your preferences.
Black Friday remains an unmissable season for 4K TV deals, with popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy cutting prices site-wide ahead of the holidays. The newest 2021 models have spent several months on shelves, leaving them primed for their first major discounts. PS5 and Xbox Series X|S also soon celebrate their one-year anniversary, with manufacturers finally offering a broad lineup of next-gen-ready 4K TVs.
While Black Friday remains a little while out, retailers have steadily transformed the day into a season of deals, with early sales now live. We're seeing many 4K TV hitting their lowest expected prices, with Black Friday price guarantees in place should they drop further, meaning those on the lookout have little reason to wait. We're rounding up the best 4K TV deals out there for Black Friday that pair best with PS5 and Xbox Series X.
LG OLED C1 48" (OLED48C1PUB) | $1,097 at Amazon (Save $200)
We've consistently crowned the LG C1 the best 4K TV for Xbox Series X and PS5, not only for its best-in-class OLED panel but also its rich support for new gaming features. HDMI 2.1 support unlocks 4K gaming up to 120Hz, coupled with HDR10 and Dolby Vision for an unbeatable gaming experience. But its OLED technology is what makes games genuinely pop, with ultra-deep blacks and vivid colors you won't get elsewhere. Plus, its 48-inch model fits great in any space.
Samsung QN90A 55" Neo QLED | $1,300 at Best Buy (Save $300)
The Samsung QN90A is another stellar premium TV that provides an alternative to OLED. It's spec-ed out for the latest consoles, supporting up to 4K at 120Hz with VRR, ALLM, and HDR support, albeit missing Dolby Vision. Samsung's "Neo QLED" displays also use Mini LED as their backlight, which means some of the brightest visuals out there and fine control over contrast and black levels. While dark images fall short of OLED, you're getting much brighter images, especially suited to all-day viewing.
Hisense U8G 55" (55U8G) | $849 at Amazon (Save $151)
Mid-range 4K TVs like the Hisense U8G are the sweet spot for most, with 55-inch and 65-inch models now available below $1,000. It's equipped with HDMI 2.1, not always guaranteed in this price bracket, which means smooth 4K 120Hz experiences on Xbox Series X and PS5. You're taking a small hit in image quality compared to TVs like the QN90A, but there's incredible value here for gaming and movies. The 55-inch model is a great option given its lower RRP.
TCL 6-Series R635 55" (55R635) | $700 at Best Buy (Save $250)
If you're seeking the best 4K TV while sticking to a budget, the TCL 6-Series R635 remains unmatched for Xbox Series X and PS5. This QLED panel serves incredible 4K images for the price, supports all major HDR standards, and sports VRR and ALLM. This TV also supports 4K and 120Hz. The main shortcoming is the lack of HDMI 2.1, which prevents their use simultaneously. You can opt for 1440p resolution at a smooth 120Hz or scale down to 60Hz for a full 4K output. You save hundreds over pricier alternatives without missing out on your favorite features.
TCL 5-Series S535 50" (50S535) | $700 at Best Buy (Save $250)
We're also huge fans of the TCL S535 when it comes to cheaper 4K TVs. It's ideal for experiencing the staples of PS5 and Xbox Series X on a 4K display with solid colors and full HDR support. It has a low response time and input lag, a crucial factor to consider among affordable TVs, with 60Hz for a steady gaming experience. You're losing out on 120Hz support and VRR at this price. It pairs great with Xbox One and PS4 today, with future-proofing for an upgrade to any of the latest consoles.
Toshiba C350 Series 50" (50C350KU) | $360 at Amazon (Save $110)
Finding a great 4K TV under $400 can prove challenging, often missing fundamental features for gaming. The 2021 Toshiba C350 is one of the better options, with basic 4K HDR gaming at 60Hz, plus a low response time and input lag, so games feel responsive. The image quality is okay, and the lack of local dimming hurts the overall contrast with raised blacks. However, it's an ideal no-frills 50-inch panel, now available at an ultra-low price.
LG OLED C1 65" (OLED65C1PUB) | $1,797 at Amazon (Save $700)
The LG C1 makes a second appearance thanks to an incredible $700 saving on its 65-inch model in the leadup to Black Friday. It's the lowest-ever price on this 4K TV, boasting all the latest gaming features plus a complete 4K, 120Hz experience. The upgrade to the 65-inch model is a must if you have the cash, providing considerably more screen real estate, doubling as an all-encompassing centerpiece for the living room.
What to look for in a gaming TV this Black Friday
The PS5 and Xbox Series X have changed what to expect from a TV when shopping this Black Friday. The best 4K TVs help improve clarity, fluidity, and overall responsiveness when hooked up to the latest consoles, and they're future-proofed investments that benefit PS4 and Xbox One consoles if you're still to upgrade.
It's crucial to enter Black Friday with an estimated budget for your TV, a preferred screen size, plus the features you value most in gaming.
The type of display is also worth your consideration, with several technologies commonly used by top manufacturers. LED and LCD screens are among the most popular (and affordable) on the market, while OLEDs and Mini LEDs deliver improved contrast and colors at a higher price tag. OLED has historically dominated the high-end with its ultra-rich blacks, a result of its per-pixel precision. However, Mini LED is a close alternative recently embraced by top brands that achieves much higher brightness.
You'll also want to be on the lookout for HDMI 2.1, one of the essential features for Xbox Series X and PS5, providing more bandwidth to output 4K resolution up to 120Hz. That support means smoother images for more responsive gameplay, delivering the best in clarity and framerates. Features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) also keep gameplay snappy and tear-free, all supporting a stellar gaming experience.
But it's not all about the numbers, and no two displays are alike. We've been rounding up the best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and PS5 since their respective launches and have our favorites. The LG C1 OLED, Samsung QN90A, and Hisense U8G are among the best 2021 4K TVs out there regarding picture quality, features, and overall return on investment.
Finding the right display is all about doing your research, ensuring the manufacturer has delivered a great TV beyond what's listed on the spec sheet. It means that while you might see some crazy Black Friday savings, you want to avoid some cheaper brands. We continue to update this post with the newest deals as we find them in the leadup to Black Friday.
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