The gaming TV market in spring 2026 has reached a new performance peak. The 2026 LG G6 OLED (~$3,399 for 65") now leads on raw gaming performance with a lab-measured 8.9ms input lag in Boost mode, 4K at 165Hz across all four HDMI 2.1 ports, AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync certification, Dolby Vision Gaming, and 2,471 nits peak HDR brightness from LG's second-generation Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel. For most buyers the 2025 Samsung S95F OLED (~$2,500 for 65") still wins on value at the high end, combining 4K 165Hz, ~5ms input lag with VRR enabled, FreeSync Premium Pro plus G-Sync, ~2,200 nits peak, and Samsung's matte Glare Free coating -- though it lacks Dolby Vision. [src1, src2, src4]
The biggest April 2026 development: the LG C6 (~$2,699 for 65") has now been lab-tested and reviewed. It measures 9.1ms input lag in Boost mode, supports 4K at 165Hz (up from 144Hz on the C5), keeps four HDMI 2.1 ports with G-Sync/FreeSync Premium and Dolby Vision Gaming, and pushes peak HDR brightness to 1,355 nits -- a ~25% jump over the C5. Reviews are mixed on whether the upgrade justifies the ~$1,000 premium over the C5 (~$1,700), making the C5 the strongest value pick of the year. Budget-focused gamers should still target the Hisense U8QG (~$1,400 for 65", 165Hz, 9.7ms input lag) for Mini-LED brightness, or the LG B5 OLED (~$1,000) for true OLED at the lowest price. [src3, src5, src6, src7]
| Model | Price (65") | Panel | Refresh Rate | Input Lag | HDMI 2.1 | VRR | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG G6 OLED | ~$3,399 | RGB Tandem 2.0 OLED | 165Hz | ~8.9ms (Boost) | 4 ports | FreeSync, G-Sync | Best premium overall | Check price |
| Samsung S95F OLED | ~$2,500 | QD-OLED | 165Hz | ~5ms (VRR) | 4 ports | FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync | Best value flagship | Check price |
| LG C6 OLED | ~$2,699 | WOLED (Tandem on 77"+) | 165Hz | ~9.1ms (Boost) | 4 ports | FreeSync Premium, G-Sync | Best new mid OLED | Check price |
| LG C5 OLED | ~$1,700 | WOLED | 144Hz | ~5.9ms (120Hz) | 4 ports | FreeSync Premium, G-Sync | Best overall value | Check price |
| LG G5 OLED | ~$2,400 | RGB Tandem OLED | 165Hz | ~9.2ms | 4 ports | FreeSync Premium, G-Sync | Best premium 2025 | Check price |
| Samsung S90F OLED | ~$1,500 | QD-OLED | 144Hz | ~9.2ms | 4 ports | FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync | Best mid-range OLED | Check price |
| Panasonic Z95B | ~$3,100 | RGB Tandem OLED | 144Hz | ~9ms (60Hz mode) | 2 ports | FreeSync Premium, G-Sync | Best all-format HDR | Check price |
| Sony BRAVIA 8 II | ~$2,700 | QD-OLED | 120Hz | ~10ms (VRR) | 2 ports | VRR, ALLM | Best for PS5 | Check price |
| Hisense U8QG | ~$1,400 | Mini-LED | 165Hz | ~9.7ms | 3 ports | FreeSync Premium Pro | Best Mini-LED gaming | Check price |
| Samsung QN90F | ~$1,500 | Mini-LED | 165Hz | ~9.5ms | 4 ports | FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync | Best bright-room Mini-LED | Check price |
| LG B5 OLED | ~$1,000 | WOLED | 120Hz | ~9.1ms | 4 ports | FreeSync Premium, G-Sync | Best budget OLED | Check price |
| TCL QM8K | ~$1,600 | Mini-LED | 144Hz | ~5.2ms (120Hz) | 2 ports | FreeSync Premium Pro | Best value Mini-LED | Check price |
The LG G6 is the new gaming performance leader. TechRadar measures 8.9ms input lag in Boost mode -- the lowest of any OLED tested -- with 4K at 165Hz across all four HDMI 2.1 ports, full FreeSync and G-Sync certification, Dolby Vision Gaming, and HGiG HDR. The second-generation Primary RGB Tandem panel hits 2,471 nits peak HDR (Filmmaker Mode), making it the brightest OLED ever tested for gaming. The trade-off is price: at $3,399 for the 65", it's $700 more than the LG C6 and $900 more than the S95F for marginal real-world gaming gains. [src4, src7]
Samsung's QD-OLED flagship still delivers the best gaming-vs-price ratio at the top end. With 4K at 165Hz, ~5ms input lag with VRR enabled (lowest of any 65" TV tested), FreeSync Premium Pro plus G-Sync, ~2,200 nits peak HDR, and the matte Glare Free coating, it excels for both console and PC gaming. RTINGS gives it a 9.3/10 gaming score. The single trade-off remains: no Dolby Vision support (HDR10+ only). [src1, src2, src5]
With the LG C6 now shipping at $2,699, the 2025 LG C5 is the standout value pick of 2026. Four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 144Hz, full VRR including FreeSync Premium and G-Sync, and Dolby Vision Gaming. Input lag measures ~5.9ms at 4K 120Hz in Game Optimizer mode -- actually slightly faster than the new C6 in like-for-like 120Hz testing. Tom's Guide and RTINGS both still rank it as the best gaming TV most people should buy. [src1, src2, src3]
Now lab-reviewed (April 2026): 9.1ms input lag in Boost mode, 4K at 165Hz (up from 144Hz on the C5), four HDMI 2.1 ports, full G-Sync/FreeSync, Dolby Vision Gaming, and 1,355 nits peak HDR -- a ~25% brightness jump over the C5. Tom's Guide calls it "an absolute powerhouse" and What Hi-Fi praises the brighter, richer image. The honest verdict: a small step up over the C5 at a $1,000 premium, so worth it for buyers who want the latest 165Hz panel and brighter HDR but the C5 remains the smarter value. The 77"+ C6H sizes use LG's RGB Tandem 2.0 panel for an even bigger brightness gain. [src3, src6, src7]
Sony's QD-OLED flagship includes PS5-exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Switch that automatically optimize the picture for PlayStation gaming. Supports 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming. Input lag is ~10ms with VRR -- competitive but slightly higher than LG and Samsung rivals -- and HDMI 2.1 is limited to two ports. [src2, src5, src8]
The most affordable way into OLED gaming with true 4K 120Hz, ~9.1ms input lag, G-Sync, FreeSync Premium, and Dolby Vision Gaming across four HDMI 2.1 ports. Peak brightness (~688 nits) is lower than premium OLEDs, but black levels, contrast, and response time are identical. A strong choice for dark-room setups where brightness matters less. [src1, src5]
Tom's Guide now measures the U8QG at 9.7ms input lag (slightly improved from earlier reports). It supports 4K 165Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, both Dolby Vision Gaming and HDR10+ Gaming, across three HDMI 2.1 ports. Peak brightness reaches ~5,000 nits, making it ideal for bright rooms. A built-in 4.1.2-channel speaker array adds value. [src2, src5, src8]
Samsung's flagship Mini-LED offers 4K 165Hz across four HDMI 2.1 ports with FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync compatibility, plus a matte Glare Free coating. Input lag measures ~9.5ms, and 720 local dimming zones deliver excellent contrast for an LCD. At ~$1,500 for 65", it undercuts every OLED while offering superior brightness for well-lit rooms. [src2, src5]
→ No strong gaming TV at this price point in 2026. Wait for Prime Day / Memorial Day sales on the LG B5 OLED or consider the budget TV unit instead. [src1, src2]
→ LG B5 OLED (~$1,000) for true OLED picture quality with 4K 120Hz and four HDMI 2.1 ports. In bright rooms, consider the Samsung QN90F during sales or a smaller size of the U8QG. [src1, src5]
→ LG C5 (~$1,700) is the sweet spot in spring 2026 -- four HDMI 2.1, Dolby Vision Gaming, and ~5.9ms input lag at 120Hz. Samsung QN90F (~$1,500) for bright rooms with 4K 165Hz across four HDMI 2.1 ports. Hisense U8QG (~$1,400) for maximum brightness with 165Hz. Samsung S90F (~$1,500) as an OLED mid-range option. [src1, src2, src5]
→ Samsung S95F (~$2,500) for the best overall flagship value with class-leading ~5ms input lag and 165Hz. LG C6 (~$2,699) if you want the newest OLED with 165Hz and brighter HDR than the C5. [src1, src2, src3]
→ LG G6 (~$3,399) for the brightest OLED ever tested (2,471 nits) and lowest-measured OLED input lag (8.9ms). Panasonic Z95B (~$3,100) if you need both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ in one TV. [src4, src7]
→ Sony BRAVIA 8 II for PS5-exclusive Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Switch. If budget is a concern, the LG C5 supports Dolby Vision Gaming and offers lower input lag (~5.9ms vs ~10ms). [src2, src8]
→ Prioritize Dolby Vision Gaming support: LG C5 (~$1,700), LG C6 (~$2,699), LG G6 (~$3,399), or LG B5 (~$1,000). Samsung TVs do not support Dolby Vision, which Xbox Series X outputs for gaming. Hisense U8QG and Panasonic Z95B also support Dolby Vision Gaming. [src1, src3, src8]
→ Samsung S95F (~$2,500) for lowest input lag (~5ms) at 165Hz with G-Sync. LG G6 for 8.9ms input lag at 165Hz with G-Sync if budget allows. Hisense U8QG and Samsung QN90F offer 165Hz at lower prices. 165Hz only benefits PC gamers, as consoles cap at 120Hz. [src1, src4]
→ LG G6 (~2,471 nits HDR with anti-glare coating) is the new leader. Samsung S95F with Glare Free and ~2,200 nits, or Samsung QN90F with Glare Free and Mini-LED brightness. Hisense U8QG reaches ~5,000 nits peak. Mini-LED options excel in bright rooms at lower cost than OLED. [src2, src4, src5]
→ LG C5 OLED (~$1,700). Despite the LG C6 launch, the C5 remains the consensus value pick across RTINGS and Tom's Guide for spring 2026. Best balance of gaming performance (5.9ms input lag, 144Hz, four HDMI 2.1), picture quality, Dolby Vision Gaming, and price. Safe choice when requirements are unknown. [src1, src2, src3]