- System
- Xbox
- Xbox Series X
- Buying Guide
- Best HDMI 2.1 TV for Xbox Series X in 2021
Best HDMI 2.1 TV for Xbox Series X in 2021
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By Jacob Woodward
- Last Updated Nov 24, 2020
- 7 Min Read
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Table of Contents
The Xbox Series X is certainly the next generation of console gaming providing that 4k resolution as well as the capacity to output 120 frames per second. But, the question is if your display can keep up with that.
A lot of Xbox Series X owners will have their console located in the main family room and therefore it would more than likely be hooked up to a TV. So, to ensure you’re seeing and feeling the full potential of the Xbox Series X, you’re going to need a 4k TV. Moreover, due to that aforementioned 120 FPS support, you’re going to need a HDMI 2.1 ready 4k TV as it’s this new tech that enables this to happen. Below, you should be able to see a selection of the best HDMI 2.1 TVs for Xbox Series X including best value and best budget options, hopefully catering to your needs.
Best Xbox Series X HDMI 2.1 TV
LG OLED 55CXPUA
LG produces some stunning displays both in terms of monitors and TVs so there’s no surprise that they’ve made it on the list of the best HDMI 2.1 TV for Xbox Series X. The LG CX OLED TV is the best of the best though in this category thanks to its simply incredible picture, gaming optimizations, and obviously, that all-important HDMI 2.1 support.
With a TV of this calibre, you’re obviously looking at a 4k resolution to go nicely with that 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support. If you pair this with LG’s OLED tech, it creates a visual experience to marvel at. Moreover, due to this, you’ll get perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and over a billion rich colors showcasing those minute details that game developers want you to see.
Looking now at the gaming specific extras. You’ll be able to take advantage of G-Sync and Freesync technology, creating a smooth gaming experience no matter how high you have your sensitivity. There’s also low input lag and an advertised 1ms response time, certainly reducing the disadvantages that many TVs face in that area. Finally, there’s HDR gaming options too making those colors pop even more than you’d traditionally expect.
It’s not just fantastic for gaming though, you can enjoy features such as Alexa built-in, cinematic sound, and smart functionality making it a brilliant all-rounder that you can enjoy watching your favorite shows and movies on too.
Best Value Xbox Series X HDMI 2.1 TV
SAMSUNG OLED 55Q90T
If you’re wanting to squeeze the most value out of a HDMI 2.1 TV for Xbox Series X, Samsung is a great place to start with it’s relatively inexpensive screens that really do pack a punch. We believe that the specific model you should go for is the Samsung Q90T due to the impressive tech and plethora of built-in features.
It utilizes Samsung’s QLED tech similar to that of LG’s OLED to enable razor-sharp clarity and incredible contrast, making those blacks as true as possible. Additionally, it has incredible HDR support with Quantum HDR 16X, cranking those colors even further.
In an effort to mimic the LG CX OLED in terms of gaming performance, there’s low latency automatically enabled when you’re hooked up to that HDMI 2.1 slot, a real plus and one that’ll certainly enhance your Xbox Series X gameplay.
Again, similar to the LG CX OLED, you’ll be able to enjoy this TV as your main screen of choice, thanks to its other features that make it perfect for watching whatever you want rather than just gaming.
With a TV of this calibre, you’re obviously looking at a 4k resolution to go nicely with that 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support. If you pair this with Samsung’s OLED tech, it creates a visual experience to marvel at. Moreover, due to this, you’ll get perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and over a billion rich colors showcasing those minute details that game developers want you to see.
Looking now at the gaming specific extras. You’ll be able to take advantage of G-Sync and Freesync technology, creating a smooth gaming experience no matter how high you have your sensitivity. There’s also low input lag and an advertised 1ms response time, certainly reducing the disadvantages that many TVs face in that area. Finally, there’s HDR gaming options too making those colors pop even more than you’d traditionally expect.
It’s not just fantastic for gaming though, you can enjoy features such as Alexa built-in, cinematic sound, and smart functionality making it a brilliant all-rounder that you can enjoy watching your favorite shows and movies on too.
Best Budget Xbox Series X HDMI 2.1 TV
LG NANO85
The Xbox Series X certainly isn’t inexpensive so adding a HDMI 2.1 4k TV on top will make those outgoings certainly mount up. Thankfully, even though you’d usually associate LG with more expensive models like the LG CX OLED we listed above, they’ve also got the more budget-friendly LG NANO85 on offer that still has HDMI 2.1 and a fantastic picture.
So, yes, there’s no OLED on this TV but in its place is NanoCell tech which is still extremely impressive delivering precise color at wide angles, deeper blacks, and contrast of precisely balanced lighting. These come together to provide a finely detailed gaming experience that single player and multiplayer fans alike can be in awe over. Moreover, there’s low input lag and HDR capabilities bundled into the LG NANO85 which is very impressive considering the price and a big reason why it stands out next to other budget 4k options out there.
All in all, the LG NANO85 is a really solid HDMI 2.1 TV for Xbox Series X providing you with the 120 FPS that you’re looking for while also not compromising on the display. Yes, it’s not got as many frills and as good an image as the much pricer counterparts but it’s still top tier and one that you’ll certainly not regret buying for your next-gen console.
Things To Consider
TV vs Monitor for Xbox Series X gaming
TVs on the whole are cheaper and come in much larger screen sizes so why do people traditionally opt for monitors as their screen of choice? Well, while TVs offer incredible picture detail, there’s input lag to consider coming in far higher than monitors. So, it’s a tricky one to measure up, do you go for a TV for gaming which will probably give you a better overall picture and a bigger screen but at the cost of input lag? Or do you choose to have a smaller screen experience and have little to no input lag at all? That’s up to you. What we’d suggest is that if you’re seriously into multiplayer gaming then a monitor is the way to go but if you prefer to sit back and enjoy a single player experience, a TV is probably your better option. Also, don’t forget, HDMI 2.1 monitors are a myth right now…
FAQs
Do you need HDMI 2.1 for Xbox Series X?
We’ve mentioned it before and we’ll say it again, to have the option for 120 frames per second at a 4k resolution, you need HDMI 2.1 support on your display. But, the question is do you need it? Well, if you want the best and smoothest 4k gaming experience possible then yes 100%. However, 4k at 60 FPS is still a sight to behold and will be more than enough for most casual gamers. So, it’s your choice really, if you want to spend the extra cash on a HDMI 2.1 TV that’s futureproof and allows you to access the true potential of the Xbox Series X, then do it but if you’re happy with how smooth 60 frames looks and want to save a bit of money, maybe HDMI 2.1 is something you could do without.
Will I need a 4K TV for Xbox series X?
The short answer is no, you don’t technically need a 4K TV for the Xbox Series X to work. However, if you want to maximize what you get out of this next generation console then a 4K TV or 4K monitor is your best route to the crispiest image.
Conclusion
LG OLED 55CXPUA
Overall, it’s clear to see that TVs of this calibre are perfect for pairing with your Xbox Series X. LG CX OLED really is the best HDMI 2.1 TV for Xbox Series X on the market currently thanks to its breathtaking image and those gaming optimizations. But, it does come in at a premium so it could be out of many people’s price ranges. However, don’t fret, our budget HDMI 2.1 TV for Xbox Series X pick is no slouch and will still give you all the necessary features required to have the best gaming experience.
On the flip side, if you’d rather opt for a monitor over a TV, take a look at our best monitors for Xbox Series X where you should be able to find one for your needs. Moreover, if you want to secure the top controller, head over to our best Xbox Series X controllers page to put together the full package.