Are QLED TVs Good For Gaming? (Explained)

• QLEDs are great for gaming on. They are responsive, have low input lags and many are packed with gaming features such as Variable Refresh Rate and HDMI 2.1 features.
• QLEDs do not have “burn-in” issues which can occur when static images are displayed on the screen such as health indicators and Head Up Displays (HUD) used in games.
• QLEDs aren’t as responsive as OLED displays but are much brighter and better suited to gaming in bright rooms.

QLED TVs don’t have issues with “burn-in”, which is an important thing to consider, especially when gaming on your TV.

But burn-in issues aside, are they any good for gaming on, or should you shell out for a more expensive OLED instead?

Here’s what you need to know about QLED TVs and gaming:

QLED TVs are an excellent choice for gaming.  Many QLED TVs have excellent response times and low input lags, which are important metrics for gaming.  QLED TVs are bright enough for light rooms and don’t suffer from “burn-in” issues.

That being said, because of their self-emissive displays (they don’t need a backlight to light), OLED TVs do offer a better overall picture quality than any LED TV.

They’re also more responsive as a result.

But let’s look at QLEDs in more detail, as there is more to them than meets the eye.

Are QLED TVs responsive?

The 100% response times on QLED TVs range from 7.9ms to 18.2ms according to Rtings.com which are excellent.

In comparison, OLED TVS have 100% response times ranging from 1ms to 7.3ms.

This means that the pixels on OLED TVs can transition from one color to another quicker than those on an QLED TV.

These results were obtained from Rtings.com who carried tests on a total of 336 TVs between 2017 and 2021.

OLED TVs have a much quicker response time because they can turn the individual pixels on and off, resulting in minimum motion blur.

Do QLEDs have a Variable Refresh Rate?

Some QLED TVs have the Variable Refresh Rate feature.

Variable Refresh Rate allows the TV to vary its refresh rate to match the refresh rate of the input device’s output.

This is particularly useful as it can help reduce stuttering and screen tearing.  

It can also help to reduce unwanted artefacts that can sometimes appear whilst gaming.

What is the input lag on QLED TVs?

The input lag on QLED TVs range from 9ms to 19.1ms according to Rtings.com which is excellent.

In comparison, OLED TVS have input lags ranging from 10.1ms to 17.5ms.

These results were obtained from Rtings.com who carried tests on a total of 336 TVs between 2017 and 2021.

According to these results, OLED TVs have similar input lags to QLED TVs.

The reason for the similarity is that input lag has little to do with the actual display technology used.  

Rather, it has more to do with the image processing that the TV is carrying out behind the scenes, before the picture is displayed on the screen.

Do QLED TVs have a “game mode”

Yes, QLED TVs do have a game mode.  

The Samsung Q80/Q80A QLED for example has an input lag of just 9.0 ms (1080p @ 60Hz) when game mode is enabled.

Gaming mode bypasses the video signal processors in the TV.  

This helps to reduce the time it takes the TV to process the video input from your game.

The result is a reduction in picture quality.  But you get less lag from when the game console produces an image to the TV actually displaying it.

This can make a big difference in online or competitive games, where every millisecond counts.

Do QLEDs have HDMI 2.1 gaming features such as ALLM?

Yes, QLED TVs do support HDMI 2.1.

HDMI 2.1 for 4K gaming at 120fps is available on Samsung Q70T/Q70A TVs and above.

Variable Refresh Rate and ALLM is also supported on Samsung Q70T/Q70A TVs and above.

What are the refresh rates on QLED TVs?

QLED TVs support 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates depending on the model.

Are QLED TVs better for gaming than OLED?

In short, no.  OLED TVs offer faster response times and better overall picture quality tha QLED TVs.

OLED TVs produce better quality images because they can produce deeper blacks.  

This is because the pixels can be controlled individually and can be totally switched off.  

This means that OLEDs produce black levels at zero nits.

QLED and other LEDs aren’t able to produce black levels that compete with OLEDs, despite localized dimming that you see on QLED TVs and other premium LED displays.

The downside to an OLED TV is that they don’t get as bright as QLED TVs and there is the slight risk of “burn-in” when watching content that contains static images.

This may be a problem for gaming because they contain menus, logos, head-up displays and in-game statistics which are often static.

But if you vary the content that you watch and enable screensavers, then you shouldn’t have any issues.

Can QLED TVs withstand heavy and prolonged usage?

According to Samsung, it’s QLED televisions can be expected to last between 7 and 10 years before you’ll notice any sort of visual degradation.

This is based on “typical usage” which may include binge-watching a TV series or having prolonged gaming sessions with friends.

Also, as mentioned previously, QLED TVs don’t have the “burn-in” problem that OLEDs are prone to.  

This can occur when static images are displayed on the screen for an extended period, like when gaming for example.

Do people generally use QLED TVs for gaming?

QLED TVs are used by many gamers.

But OLED TVs are favored, because they have faster response times and have a better overall image quality.

But if you’re gaming in a light room, get a QLED.  If you game in a dark room, then get an OLED,

Are QLED TVs compatible with Playstation and XBox?

You can connect any QLED TV to a games console via HDMI.

Most QLED TVs will also automatically enter “games mode” when it detects that a games console has been plugged-in.

Samsung TVs in particular automatically detect consoles such as the Xbox Series X, Xbox One S/X, and the Sony PlayStation.

There are also some additional settings on Samsung QLED TVs that can help make the graphics appear even more lifelike.

For example, you can activate Input Signal Plus (also known as HDMI UHD Color).  

This helps to improve the picture quality for colors that are next to each other on the screen and generally make the graphics more clearer.

Samsung QLEDs also support HDR+ which you will definitely want to enable if your games console supports it.

You may also need to to ensure that 4K and HDR are both turned on in the settings if you’re gaming on the Xbox One X.

Can QLED TVs be used as a computer monitor?

QLED TVs can be used as a monitor by connecting your laptop/desktop to the TV using HDMI.

But to get the best performance you may wish to enable “game mode” on the TV.  

This will reduce the input lag that you may experience when using devices such as keyboards and mice.

Computer monitors in general are a better choice as they have lower input lag.  They also have higher refresh rates and faster response time than TVs.

Having said that, manufacturers are making TVs these days that have extremely low input lags that can rival some computer monitors.

Do QLED TVs have a good picture quality and resolution?

QLED TVs deliver an excellent picture quality with 4K resolution.

They also have the ability to get extremely bright, not just because of the LED backlighting, but because they have a layer of Quantum Dots built-in.

This Quantum Dot layer not only enhances the brightness, it also enhances the colors and contrast of the screen.

Compared to a standard LED TV, QLEDs provide a significant boost to 4K and HDR images.

Despite this, OLED TVs are still able to produce a better quality picture overall but they’re nowhere near as bright as a QLED.

What are the best QLED TVs for gaming?

Here are some recommended options if you’re looking for a QLED TV for gaming.

Samsung QN90A QLED

According to rtings.com, who have tested 335 televisions to date, the Samsung QN90A QLED is the best gaming TV with an LED panel.

• The response time on the Samsung QN90A QLED is nearly instant.  This means you won’t notice any blur when you have fast moving objects.
• Input lag is also outstanding.  This is important when playing games as a low input lag will allow any button presses to control the action on the screen almost instantaneously.
• The Samsung QN90A QLED has a bunch of gaming features such as FreeSync, G-SYNC and HDMI Forum VRR.  These Variable Refresh Rate formats help to smooth out gameplay, reduce input lag, and prevent screen tearing despite what gaming console you may connect.

The downsides to this TV is it’s cost and there is a bit of “blooming” around bright objects.  This is when light from bright objects bleeds into the darker areas surrounding it.

Samsung Q80T QLED

The Samsung Q80T QLED is not the most expensive and there are higher end models.  But in terms of price vs performance, the Samsung Q80T QLED nails it.

• The Samsung Q80T QLED has an incredibly low input lag of just 8.7ms.  Meaning that there is little delay between pressing buttons and seeing the result on the screen.
• Features a Full Array Local Dimming LED backlight to help deliver deeper blacks and improved contrast between the darkest blacks and brightest whites.
• Good connectivity with four HDMI ports.  HDMI 4 supports 4K at 120fps and eARC is supported on HDMI 3.
• Gaming features such as Variable Refresh rate, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and FreeSync are also supported.

The downside is that there is only one HDMI 2.1 port.  So it’s a great gaming TV if you only want to connect one games console such as the PS5 or Xbox Services X – just not both.  

Also there’s no support for Dolby Vision HDR.

TCL 6 Series/R646 2021 QLED

The TCL 6 Series is a fantastic 4K TV with Mini LED backlighting with gaming features that allow you to take full advantage of the Xbox Series X and PS5’s capabilities.

• Supports VRR, has a low input lag and two HDMI 2.1 inputs, one of which supports eARC which enables you to play sound from your TV through your external speakers.
• The TCL 6 Series has a VA-type panel and can produce very deep blacks.  Perfect if you’re using it in a dark room.  It also has a high peak brightness allowing it to be used in bright rooms.
• Low price compared to other TVs with similar features.

The downside is that if you use one of the HDMI 2.1 ports to connect a soundbar, then there is only one left to connect a games console or PC.

The TV is also quite chunky so it may stick out a bit if you plan to wall mount it.

Sources

Our TV Motion Tests: Response Time

QLED vs. OLED: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

Game Mode Settings on your Samsung TV

What is QLED? Samsung’s quantum dot TV tech explained

Samsung Q80T QLED TV review

The 5 Best 4k Gaming TVs – Fall 2021: Reviews

TCL 6 Series/R646 2021 QLED Review (55R646, 65R646, 75R646)

Robert Anderson

Robert Anderson, the founder of Tech Parasol, had a keen interest in tech from a very young age. He studied Electronic Engineering at University and then went on to become a Software Developer. He launched Tech Parasol in 2021 to share his knowledge with the aim of making tech easier to understand for everyone.