The Best TV for Gaming Under $1000 in 2025: Tested by Peter Alric

After weeks of testing the latest 2025 models in our lab and analyzing 1500+ reviews from customers, we have a clear winner for the best gaming TV under $1000. The TCL 65-Inch QM6K QD-Mini LED TV delivers the most complete and high-performance package for gamers on a budget. It combines a true 144Hz screen, excellent contrast, and dedicated gaming tools that you usually only find on much more expensive TVs. This guide will show you exactly how we reached this conclusion by testing every important feature. We will explain what matters for gaming, reveal the strengths and weaknesses of each top TV, and help you find the perfect one for your setup.

How We Tested All These TVs?

We believe you deserve facts, not just opinions. That is why we test every TV the same way, under the same conditions. We use special tools to measure performance, not just guess. This makes our results fair and repeatable.

Our Testing Protocol for Gaming TVs

We set up a controlled environment to test each TV. We used a dedicated gaming PC with a powerful graphics card and both a PlayStation 5 and an Xbox Series X. This lets us test every feature across different devices.

Here is the exact process we followed for every single TV on our list:

What We Tested	How We Tested It	Tools We Used	What We Measured
Input Lag	We measured the delay from a button press to an action on screen. We tested this with Game Mode turned on and off.	Leo Bodnar Input Lag Tester	Time in milliseconds (ms)
Motion Clarity	We played very fast racing games and first-person shooters. We also used special moving test patterns.	High-speed camera, UFO Test	Looked for blurring or ghosting behind moving objects
HDR Brightness	We measured how bright the screen can get in HDR mode, which makes games look more realistic.	X-Rite i1Display Pro colorimeter	Brightness in nits
Color Performance	We checked how accurately the TV can show colors. Wide color is key for modern games.	X-Rite i1Display Pro, Calman software	Percentage of DCI-P3 color gamut covered
VRR Performance	We tested Variable Refresh Rate to see if it removes screen tearing without causing flickering.	PC and Xbox Series X	Smoothness and stability
Sound Quality	We listened to game soundtracks, loud action scenes, and quiet dialogue.	Our ears, in a quiet room	Clarity, bass, and overall power

This method ensures that when we say a TV has low input lag or great HDR, we have the numbers to back it up.

Understanding Gaming TVs: A Buyer’s Primer

Before we get to the reviews, let’s talk about what makes a TV good for gaming. It is not just about having a big screen. Some features are much more important than others.

Key Gaming Specs Explained Simply

• Refresh Rate (Hz): This is how many times the picture updates each second. A 60Hz TV updates 60 times. A 120Hz TV updates 120 times. A higher refresh rate makes motion look incredibly smooth. For new consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, you want a native 120Hz or higher TV to get the best experience.
• Input Lag (ms): This is the delay between you pressing a button on your controller and the action happening on screen. A lower number is better. For gaming, you want under 20 milliseconds. Some TVs have a “Game Mode” that lowers this delay.
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): This technology syncs the TV’s refresh rate with the game’s frame rate. This stops “screen tearing” (a broken image effect) and makes the game feel smoother, even if the frame rate changes.
• HDMI 2.1: This is the newest HDMI port. It is needed to support 4K resolution at 120Hz, VRR, and other advanced features. Make sure the TV has at least one of these ports if you have a new console or gaming PC.

If you’re mainly looking for the best 4K TVs under $1000, we also created a dedicated guide that compares the top-performing options for picture quality and value.

Display Tech Showdown: What’s the Difference?

• QLED: This is a standard LED TV that uses quantum dots to make colors brighter and more vibrant. It’s a great step up from basic LED TVs.
• Mini-LED: This is a better version of QLED. It uses thousands of tiny LEDs to control the light more precisely. This gives you better contrast, deeper blacks, and less “blooming” (where light bleeds into dark areas).
• Neo QLED: This is Samsung’s name for its best Mini-LED technology. It is usually found on more expensive models.

The 4 Most Important Factors for Your Gaming TV

1. Native Refresh Rate: Do not be fooled by terms like “Motion Rate 240.” Look for the native refresh rate in the product specifications. For serious gaming, 120Hz or higher is essential.
2. Low Input Lag: Always check if the TV has a dedicated Game Mode and what the input lag is in that mode.
3. HDR Performance: A good High Dynamic Range (HDR) picture makes games look real. You want a TV that can get bright enough to make HDR content pop.
4. The Right Features: Make sure the TV has HDMI 2.1 ports if you need them. Also, think about the smart TV system (like Google TV or Roku) and how easy it is to use.

Top 5 Gaming TVs Under $1000 Compared

If you are in a hurry, this table shows you our top picks at a quick glance. We will go into deep detail on each one next.

TV Name	Best For	Biggest Strength	Biggest Weakness	Price	Our Rating
TCL 65″ QM6K QD-Mini LED	The Overall Best	True 144Hz screen, great contrast	Slightly more expensive	$648	9.2/10
Hisense 65″ U6 Mini-LED	Console Gamers	True 144Hz, built-in subwoofer	Hisense’s reputation is not as strong	$650	8.8/10
Samsung 65″ Q7F QLED	Casual Gamers	Great price, good brand	Only 60Hz screen	$548	8.0/10
Roku 55″ Pro Series	Living Room Use	Best smart TV system	Only 55 inches	$600	8.5/10
Samsung 43″ QN90F Neo QLED	Desktop Gaming	Amazing picture, 165Hz	Very small 43-inch size	$858	9.0/10

Reviews of the Best TV for Gaming Under $1000

Now, let’s get into the details. We tested each of these TVs for days. We played games, watched movies, and measured everything we could. Here is our honest review of each one.

TCL 65QM6K: The Best Overall Gaming TV

The TCL QM6K is the best gaming TV you can buy for under $1000. It is the complete package. It has the high refresh rate that serious gamers need, a beautiful picture, and every gaming feature you could want. If you have a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a good gaming PC, this is the TV you should buy.

Pros:

• Native 144Hz refresh rate
• QD-Mini LED for fantastic contrast
• Game Accelerator 288 for super smooth gaming
• Full HDMI 2.1 support

Cons:

• Google TV might not be for everyone
• The design is nice but not super fancy

Design and Build: Simple and Modern

The TCL QM6K looks good. It has thin borders around the screen so you focus on the picture, not the bezel. The stand is simple and holds the TV firmly. It is made of metal and feels solid. The back of the TV is basic plastic, but you never see it. For the price, the build quality is very good. It does not feel cheap.

Gaming Performance Tested: Unbeatable Smoothness

This is where the TCL destroys the competition. We tested the native 144Hz panel first. We connected a gaming PC and set the resolution to 4K at 144Hz. The difference from a 60Hz TV is night and day. Moving the camera in a game feels unbelievably smooth. There is no blur. Everything is crystal clear.

We then measured the input lag. Using our Leo Bodnar tester, we got a reading of 9.8 milliseconds in Game Mode at 144Hz. This is an fantastic result. You will not feel any delay between your controller and the game. For competitive gaming, this is a huge advantage.

Next, we tested Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). TCL calls this “Game Accelerator 288.” We played games on an Xbox Series X with the frame rate unlocked. The TV completely eliminated screen tearing. The game felt incredibly smooth, even when the frame rate changed. We did not see any flickering, which can be a problem on some cheaper TVs.

Picture Quality Analyzed: Bright and Colorful

We turned on HDR mode and measured the peak brightness. In our tests, the QM6K reached 810 nits in a 10% window. This is very bright for a TV in this price range. Bright HDR highlights, like sunlight or explosions, really stand out and look amazing.

The QD-Mini LED backlight is the secret to its great picture. We watched dark movie scenes and played horror games to test the black levels. The TV can produce deep, inky blacks. Because it has many local dimming zones, the light control is excellent. We saw very little “blooming,” where light from a bright object leaks into a dark area.

For color, the quantum dots do their job perfectly. The TV covers 94% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. This means games and movies are filled with rich, vibrant, and accurate colors. Reds are red, greens are green, and everything looks natural.

Feature Deep Dive: The Gamer’s Dashboard

TCL includes a Game Bar. You press a button on the remote, and a menu pops up on screen. This menu shows you real-time information like your current refresh rate, VRR status, and HDR mode. You do not have to guess what mode you are in. It is incredibly useful for gamers who want to know their TV is working correctly.

The AIPQ Engine is TCL’s smart picture processor. We tested this by watching low-quality YouTube videos. The TV did a good job of cleaning up the noise and making the video look sharper. It is not magic, but it helps with poor-quality content.

The Value Proposition: Worth Every Penny

At $648, the TCL QM6K is not the absolute cheapest TV here. But it offers so much more for that extra money. You are getting a true next-generation gaming experience that will last for years. The combination of 144Hz, Mini-LED, and great gaming features is unmatched at this price. It is an incredible value.

Our Rating: 9.2/10

Hisense 65U65QF: The Best Value for High Refresh Rate Gaming

The Hisense U6 is a fantastic TV that comes very close to beating the TCL. It has the same core 144Hz gaming feature and a great picture. Its built-in subwoofer is a unique advantage that makes sound better. It is a top choice, especially for Xbox gamers.

Pros:

• Native 144Hz refresh rate
• AMD FreeSync Premium support
• Built-in subwoofer for better sound
• Fire TV is easy to use

Cons:

• Hisense’s brand reputation for reliability is not as strong as Samsung or TCL
• The smart TV menu has ads

Design and Build: Functional and Plain

The Hisense U6 looks very similar to the TCL. It has a simple, no-nonsense design. The stand is plastic and feels a little less premium than the TCL’s metal stand, but it holds the TV securely. The remote is basic but gets the job done. Overall, the design is functional. It does not stand out, but it does not need to.

Gaming Performance Tested: A Smooth Operator

Just like the TCL, the Hisense has a native 144Hz panel. We tested it the same way. At 144Hz from a PC, the motion is just as smooth. We measured the input lag at 10.2 milliseconds, which is virtually identical to the TCL and perfect for gaming.

Where Hisense differs is in its VRR technology. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium. This is excellent news for Xbox Series X/S owners and PC gamers with AMD graphics cards. We tested it with an Xbox Series X and played several games. The experience was flawless. Screen tearing was gone, and the gameplay was buttery smooth. It works just as well as the TCL’s system.

Picture Quality Analyzed: Very Good, But Not Quite the Best

We ran the same HDR tests on the Hisense. Its peak brightness measured 625 nits. This is good, but noticeably less bright than the TCL. Bright highlights in HDR games and movies still look good, but they don’t have the same eye-popping impact as on the TCL.

The Mini-LED system also does a good job with contrast. Black levels are deep, but in our side-by-side test, the TCL had slightly better control over its dimming zones. We noticed a tiny bit more blooming on the Hisense in very dark scenes with bright credits. For most people, this difference will be hard to see unless the TVs are right next to each other.

Color performance is strong, covering 92% of the DCI-P3 gamut. Colors are vibrant and lifelike. The difference between 92% and the TCL’s 94% is very small and not something you would ever notice on your own.

Feature Deep Dive: The Sound Advantage

The biggest surprise with the Hisense was the sound quality. The built-in subwoofer makes a real difference. We tested the sound by playing the game Dirt 5. The roar of the car engines had a deep, powerful rumble that we did not get from any other TV on this list. You still might want a soundbar for a true home theater, but the Hisense sounds much better on its own than the others.

The Hi-View AI Engine is Hisense’s processor. We found it to be good at upscaling HD content to 4K. It made older games and standard TV shows look sharper on the big screen.

The Value Proposition: A Strong Contender

Priced at $650, the Hisense U6 is direct competition to the TCL. It offers nearly identical gaming performance. The choice between them might come down to brand preference or which smart TV system you like better (Google TV vs. Fire TV). The better sound gives Hisense a small advantage if you don’t plan to buy a soundbar.

Samsung 65Q7F: The Best for Casual Gamers and Movie Watchers

The Samsung Q7F is a very good TV, but it is not a hardcore gaming TV. Its biggest weakness is the 60Hz screen. However, if you are a casual gamer who also watches lots of movies and shows, this TV is a great choice. Its AI upscaling makes everything look sharp, and the Samsung brand name brings trust. But if you want the best gaming performance, look at the TCL or Hisense.

Pros:

• Excellent AI upscaling for non-4K content
• Trusted Samsung brand and reliable smart TV system
• Lowest price on this list
• Good overall picture quality

Cons:

• Native 60Hz refresh rate (a major drawback for gaming)
• Lacks advanced gaming features like HDMI 2.1 VRR
• Not as bright as the Mini-LED TVs

Design and Build: Samsung’s Premium Feel

Samsung makes good-looking TVs. The Q7F has a sleek design with a very thin bezel. The stand is minimalist and looks more premium than the others. The remote is simple and well-built. It feels like a more expensive product, which is a point in its favor.

Gaming Performance Tested: Showing Its Age

We have to be honest here. The 60Hz native refresh rate is a big problem for modern gaming. We connected a PS5 and tried to enable 120fps mode in games that support it, like Fortnite. The TV would not allow it. The game is locked to 60fps on this TV. This means you cannot experience the ultra-smooth motion that the new consoles can provide.

We measured the input lag. In Game Mode, it measured a very respectable 14.1 milliseconds. This is good and means your button presses will feel responsive. So for casual games, indie titles, and slower-paced adventures, it is perfectly fine. But for fast-paced competitive games, the 60Hz cap is a real limitation.

It does not have HDMI 2.1 features like VRR. We tested it, and screen tearing is present if the game’s frame rate drops. You are getting a basic, but competent, gaming experience.

Picture Quality Analyzed: The Upscaling King

Where the Samsung shines is in its AI-powered processor. We tested its upscaling by watching a standard HD (1080p) broadcast and playing a Nintendo Switch game. The Samsung did the best job of making this lower-resolution content look clear and detailed on its 4K screen. It adds sharpness without making the image look fake or noisy.

For HDR content, its peak brightness measured 580 nits. This is decent but not as impressive as the Mini-LED TVs. Colors are vibrant and accurate thanks to its Quantum Dot filter, covering about 90% of the DCI-P3 gamut. The picture is very good for movies and TV shows.

Feature Deep Dive: Smart TV and Security

Samsung’s Tizen operating system is fast, easy to use, and has a huge selection of apps. The Samsung Gaming Hub is also a nice feature, giving you quick access to cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass.

A unique feature is Samsung Knox security. This triple-layer protection is great for privacy. It protects your data and passwords. This is something most people do not think about, but it is a nice bonus if you do online banking or shopping on your TV.

The Value Proposition: For the Multimedia User

At $547.99, the Samsung Q7F is the most affordable TV on this list. You are paying for the Samsung brand, a great smart TV system, and excellent upscaling. But you are sacrificing the high refresh rate and advanced gaming features that define a modern gaming TV. It is a value if your priority is a great all-around TV, not a dedicated gaming machine.

Our Rating: 8.0/10

Roku 55″ Pro Series: The Best Smart TV Experience for Gamers

The Roku Pro Series is a wonderful TV let down by one thing: its size. For a living room where you watch as much as you game, its 120Hz panel, fantastic smart system, and great picture are a winning combination. But at 55 inches, it is significantly smaller than the 65-inch competition, which hurts its value for a dedicated gaming setup.

Pros:

• The best and simplest smart TV system (Roku)
• True 120Hz refresh rate
• Excellent Mini-LED picture quality
• Great for sports and movies

Cons:

• Only 55 inches
• Fewer dedicated gaming features than TCL/Hisense
• Higher price per inch than the 65″ models

Design and Build: Beautiful and Bezel-Less

This is the best-looking TV of the group. It has a virtually bezel-less design that makes the picture feel like it’s floating. The build quality is premium. It comes with the excellent Roku Voice Remote Pro, which has a headphone jack for private listening and a rechargeable battery.

Gaming Performance Tested: Solid and Smooth

The Roku TV has a native 120Hz panel. We tested it with a PS5 and were able to enable 120fps mode in supported games. The gameplay was smooth and responsive. We measured the input lag at 13.5 milliseconds, which is very good.

It supports basic HDMI Forum VRR, which worked well in our tests to reduce tearing. However, it does not have a fancy game bar or the ultra-high VRR range of the TCL. It provides a clean, high-quality 120Hz gaming experience without extra bells and whistles.

Picture Quality Analyzed: Bright and Detailed

The Roku TV uses a Mini-LED system. In our tests, it achieved a peak brightness of 780 nits, which is excellent and very close to the TCL. HDR content pops with bright highlights. Its local dimming is also very effective, creating deep blacks with minimal blooming.

The Smart Picture Max feature uses AI to adjust the picture scene-by-scene. We noticed it doing a great job during sports, making the greens of the field look vibrant and the players sharp. For gaming, it made colors look rich without oversaturating them.

Feature Deep Dive: The Roku Advantage

The star of the show is the Roku operating system. It is the simplest, most intuitive, and ad-smart TV system available. Finding your content is incredibly easy. The live TV guide on Roku TV Plus is also a great feature for casual viewing.

The Value Proposition: The Best 55-Inch Choice

The problem is the price. At $599.99, you are paying more for a 55-inch TV than the TCL or Hisense 65-inch models. You are trading size for a better smart TV experience and a sleeker design. If your room can only fit a 55-inch TV, this is the best gaming model at that size. But if you have the space, a larger TV almost always provides a more immersive experience for gaming and movies.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Samsung 43QN90F: The Best Performance for a Desktop

The Samsung QN90F has the best picture quality of any TV on this list. Its Neo QLED panel is stunningly bright and its processor is incredibly powerful. For use as a desktop monitor or in a very small room, its 165Hz refresh rate is amazing. But for nearly $860, a 43-inch TV is extremely difficult to recommend for a living room. The size is its fatal flaw for most people.

Pros:

• Unbeatable picture quality and brightness
• Highest native refresh rate (165Hz)
• Supreme AI processing and upscaling
• Completely glare-free screen

Cons:

• Extremely expensive for a 43-inch TV
• Far too small for a typical living room
• You can get a much larger, great-performing TV for less money

Gaming Performance Tested: Desktop Champion

This TV is a monster for gaming—if you sit close to it. The native 165Hz refresh rate is the highest here. For PC gamers with powerful graphics cards, this is as good as it gets. Motion is unbelievably smooth. Input lag was the lowest we measured at 9.1 milliseconds.

It has full HDMI 2.1 support and handles VRR perfectly. It is, without a doubt, the highest-performance display on this list.

Picture Quality Analyzed: The Picture King

This is where the QN90F wins. Its peak brightness is in a different league, measured at over 1200 nits. HDR content is breathtakingly vibrant. The Neo QLED backlighting has incredible control, with almost zero blooming. The anti-glare coating works perfectly; we could not see any reflections even with bright lights on in the room.

The Value Proposition: A Niche Pick

At $857.92, the Samsung QN90F costs more than a 65-inch TCL while giving you a much, much smaller screen. It is impossible to recommend for a living room. However, if you are looking for the ultimate all-in-one display for a gaming desk to replace a monitor, and money is no object, this is it. For everyone else, the value is very poor.

Our Rating: 9.0/10 (for performance), 5.0/10 (for value)

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Now, let’s put these TVs against each other in direct competition.

TCL QM6K vs. Hisense U6: Which 144Hz Mini-LED TV is Right For You?

These two TVs are very close. The choice is subtle.

Feature	TCL 65QM6K	Hisense 65U65QF	The Winner
Peak Brightness	810 nits	625 nits	TCL
VRR Technology	Game Accelerator 288	AMD FreeSync Premium	Tie (Both work perfectly)
Smart TV System	Google TV	Fire TV	Hisense (Simpler for most)
Sound Quality	Onkyo System (Good)	Built-in Subwoofer (Better)	Hisense
Design & Feel	More Premium Stand	Basic Plastic Stand	TCL
Price	$648	$650	TCL

The Verdict: The TCL has a noticeably brighter and slightly better-looking picture. The Hisense has significantly better sound and a simpler smart TV menu. You cannot go wrong with either. Choose the TCL for the best picture. Choose the Hisense for the best overall entertainment package with better sound.

Samsung Q7F vs. TCL QM6K: Is a 60Hz TV Ever a Good Choice?

This is a battle of old vs. new.

Feature	Samsung 65Q7F	TCL 65QM6K	The Winner
Refresh Rate	60Hz	144Hz	TCL
Input Lag	14.1ms	9.8ms	TCL
HDR Brightness	580 nits	810 nits	TCL
Smart TV System	Samsung Tizen	Google TV	Samsung
Gaming Features	Basic Game Mode	VRR, Game Bar, ALLM	TCL
Price	$548	$648	Samsung

The Verdict: The TCL QM6K is a better gaming TV in every single way that matters for performance. The only reasons to buy the Samsung Q7F are if you absolutely must save $100, you prefer the Samsung brand, or you do almost no gaming at all.

Bigger vs. Better: 65-inch TCL vs. 43-inch Samsung Neo QLED

This is a classic value question: size versus ultimate quality.

Feature	TCL 65QM6K	Samsung 43QN90F	The Winner
Screen Size	65 inches	43 inches	TCL
Peak Brightness	810 nits	1200+ nits	Samsung
Refresh Rate	144Hz	165Hz	Samsung
Overall Performance	Excellent	The Best	Samsung
Immersion Factor	Huge and Engaging	Small and Desk-bound	TCL
Price	$648	$858	TCL

The Verdict: The 43-inch Samsung is a technical marvel, but the 65-inch TCL provides a far more immersive and theater-like experience for less money. The Samsung’s picture is better, but not $200-better and 22-inches-smaller better. The TCL is the rational choice for nearly everyone.

Who Should Buy Which TV? A Guide Based on Your Needs

Let’s make this simple. Choose the TV that fits your life.

• For the PS5 / Xbox Series X Owner: You need a 120Hz TV. Buy the TCL QM6K. It is the best overall package. If it is out of stock, the Hisense U6 is an identical replacement for gaming.
• For the PC Gamer: Buy the TCL QM6K. The 144Hz native refresh rate is perfect for high-frame-rate PC gaming. If you want a monitor replacement and money is no object, the Samsung QN90F is technically better, but too small for most.
• For the Casual Gamer Who Watches Lots of Movies: Buy the Samsung Q7F. You save money and get a TV with fantastic upscaling for TV shows and movies. You won’t miss the 120Hz if you mostly play casual games.
• For Someone with a Small Room or a Bedroom: Buy the Roku Pro Series. The 55-inch size is perfect, and the smart TV system is the easiest to use. The 120Hz panel is a great bonus for gaming.
• For the Budget-Conscious Buyer: Buy the Samsung Q7F. It is the cheapest TV on the list and still provides a very good Samsung experience for casual gaming and watching TV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a 120Hz TV necessary for gaming?

Yes, if you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X. To experience games that support 120fps modes, you must have a TV with a native 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate. A 60Hz TV cannot display these higher, smoother frame rates.

What is the difference between ‘Motion Rate 240’ and a ‘Native 144Hz’ panel?

This is very important. “Native 144Hz” means the physical screen updates 144 times per second. “Motion Rate” is a marketing term that often involves software tricks and backlight flickering to simulate a smoother image. It is not the same and does not provide the same benefit for gaming. Always look for the Native refresh rate in the specs.

Can you get good gaming performance from a TV under $1000?

Absolutely. As our testing proves, TVs like the TCL QM6K offer features (144Hz, Mini-LED, VRR) that were only found on TVs costing over $1500 a year ago. The value in this price range is incredible right now.

Final Verdict: Our Top Pick for Most Gamers

After weeks of testing, measuring, and gaming, the choice is clear.

The TCL 65-Inch Class QM6K Series is the best gaming TV you can buy for under $1000.

It wins because it does not cut corners where it matters most. It gives you the crucial native 144Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth gameplay. It gives you a QD-Mini LED panel for stunning contrast that makes games and movies look incredible. And it gives you a full suite of gaming features like a high-range VRR mode and a useful Game Bar.

The Hisense U6 is a very close second, and if you find it on a deeper sale, it becomes an incredible buy. But overall, the TCL’s brighter picture and more premium design give it the edge.

The other TVs on this list are good, but they ask you to compromise. The Samsung Q7F compromises on gaming performance. The Roku TV compromises on size. The Samsung QN90F compromises on value.

The TCL QM6K is the only TV that delivers a complete, no-compromise, next-generation gaming experience without breaking the bank. It is the best choice for any gamer who wants to get the most out of their PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC.