If you are a serious PS4 or Xbox gamer, you know speed matters. Not just your own reactions to the complexity of dynamic games, but your TV’s too. For the best, split-second experience with a crystal-clear HDR-view of the action, you need a screen with low Input Lag. If you’re reading this, you’ve already realised that finding the lowest input lag 4K TVs for PS4/XBOX gaming isn’t easy.
What is input lag in gaming?
To get the best gaming experience, you need to see your actions transferred to screen with the lowest input lag. Delays cause not just frustration but a poor gaming experience. Nobody wants to see their competitive edge ruined by a TV that can’t keep up with their actions. This is especially true if you favour the first-person shooter or racing games. I’ve tested the lowest input lag 4K TVs for PS4/XBOX gaming on the market. And the results are outlined below.
Input Lag in Gaming and the Importance of Picture Quality
Image Source: InspiredImages / Pixabay
How long does it take the action of moving an analogue stick or pressing a button to translate on screen?
The actual delay is termed an input lag. High input lags have the longest delays and the lowest gaming experience rates. That is why 4K TVs have evolved – to offer features specifically designed to improve the gaming experience. But not all 4K TVs actually live up to the hype.
Many technology manufacturers claim to offer the lowest input lag 4K TVs for PS4/XBOX gaming when the only way most gamers can get a blur-free image is via standard 1080p.
Acceptable Input Lag
Finding a 4K TV that delivers the low input lag competitive gamers need for optimum game performance is getting easier. But, if you are looking for great graphics that aren’t blurry or impeded by things like backlight dimming, fluctuations in peak brightness and the scope of screen colours, you still face a challenge.
The latest low input lag 4K TVs for PS4/XBOX gaming deliver under 50ms of input lag. While this is considered acceptable for most gamers, those who take their gaming really seriously should invest in a TV that is capable of delivering an input lag below 40ms. To reduce motion blur, gamers should opt for 4K TVs that can deliver consistent refresh rates of at least 120Hz. Ideally, if you are a serious gamer, you should aim for a refresh rate of 240Hz or higher.
Top Lowest Input Lag 4K TVs for PS4/XBOX Gaming
Each of the TVs below claim to offer 8.3 million pixels in ultra HD – more than 6 million additional pixels than their Full HD counterparts. Do they all reduce input lag while improving picture quality? Here are the results…
Sony XBR65X900E 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
Image Source: Amazon.com
- Was: $1,799.99
- Price: $1,498.00
- You Save: $301.99 (17%)
This is the top performing, mid-range lowest input lag 4K TV. If you can’t afford a price tag as high as $3,000, this is a great buy. The input lag comes in at a fast 31ms or below in both HDR and SDR game mode.
Packed with powerful features that even the most competitive gamers will love, it delivers a realistic gaming experience. It has a powerful HDR processor with X-tended Dynamic Range PRO for truly immersive gaming. The Triluminos display mostly lived up to the promise of delivering extra colours and extra brilliance – for a budget 4K TV. I’ve seen better on more expensive alternatives.
However, what I really loved about the Sony XBR65X900E is that it offers direct LED local dimming, which I have struggled to find at this level of precision in any other model at this price. I found it delivered much crisper graphics than typical edge-lit displays. Other top features: Peak Brightness of 936 nits; Colour Gamut DCI P3 at 97 percent.
In all honesty, it wasn’t perfect – but the best I’ve tested in this budget range.
LG 55SJ8000 SUPER UHD 55″ 4K HDR Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
Image Source: Amazon.com
- 6 Months of Netflix + 1 Year Extended Warranty
- Price: $896.99 – With Free Shipping
When I tested this model, it consistently delivered an HDR low input lag of just over 30ms – though other gamers have reported achieving even lower input lags. While it did present a few lighting issues, they were not severe enough to detract from the overall gaming experience.
With an LED screen resolution of 3840 x 2160, the IPS 4K Nano Cell display provided the promised pixel placement (one nanometre apart). The multi HDR comes with Dolby Vision. Its advanced formatting has been optimised to recognise HDR alithograms and support a user-friendly gaming experience – even for the most competitive gamers. A budget buy, that delivers on low input lag.
Samsung UN55MU7500 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
Image Source: Amazon.com
- Was: $789.80
- Price after saving: $739.80
- You Save: $50.00 (6.33%)
One of the best budget 4K TVs to hit the market this year, this Samsung model delivered low lag times – as low as 22ms – for a superb price.
Offering certified Ultra HD for ‘true colour and clarity’, this model promises 17 million colours delivered to ‘the latest resolution standards’. While I did find this 4K TV offered a good picture most of the time, the shadow detail and colour authenticity was typical of edge-lit displays and the Ultra HD dimming sometimes lets the experience down.
Overall, a great budget buy.
LG 65UJ7700 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
Image Source: Amazon.com
- Price: $899.99
- Free shipping included
Promising a vibrant and vivid picture from any angle, this 2017 Ultra HD IPS 4K TV appeared to offer a seamless gaming experience. While it did deliver low lag rates (typically around 22ms when I tested it), the promised 8.3 million promised pixels could not always be appreciated.
LG says this 4K TV offers four times the resolution of Full HD, but the dimming features were not quite precise enough for me to deliver the depth of detail a competitive gamer will require. That aside, an all-around good buy for your typical gamer.
Sony XBR49X800E 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
Image Source: Amazon.com
- Was: $848.00
- Price: $698.00
- You Save: $150.00 (18%)
With a lag time of around 35ms when this model was tested in HDR, it offered an all-around good experience for the average gamer – for the price.
Although some gamers have reported lower lag times in 1080p/game mode than HDR, this year’s model takes full advantage of new software launched in 2016 after complaints from gamers. Colour range and dimming was acceptable for the price. A good buy, if you can’t afford a more expensive 4K TV.
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