Level Up Your Gaming: The Best PS5 & Xbox Series X TVs Under £700

As fellow gamers, we know that a great TV can transform your gaming sessions. While high-end TVs with all the bells and whistles can be tempting, you don't always need to spend a fortune to get a fantastic display for your PS5 or Xbox Series X. We're here to show you that an immersive, responsive 4K gaming experience is well within reach, even on a budget of under £700.

Why a Good TV Matters for PS5 & Xbox Series X

Your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are powerhouse consoles, capable of stunning 4K visuals, incredibly smooth frame rates, and advanced features like HDR (High Dynamic Range). To truly appreciate what these machines can do, you need a TV that can keep up. Here's what we're looking for when recommending TVs for these consoles:

* 4K Resolution (UHD): This is a must. Both consoles are designed for crisp, detailed 4K gaming. Even if a game runs at a lower resolution, the TV can often upscale it, making it look sharper.
* HDR Support: HDR makes colours pop, blacks deeper, and whites brighter, adding incredible depth and realism to compatible games. Look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision support.
* Low Input Lag: This is crucial for gaming. Input lag is the delay between you pressing a button on your controller and the action appearing on screen. Lower is always better, especially for fast-paced games. Aim for 20ms or less.
* HDMI 2.1 (Optional but a Big Plus): While many budget TVs won't have full HDMI 2.1 features on all ports, it's worth noting what it offers. HDMI 2.1 enables features like 4K@120Hz (for super-smooth motion), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate – which eliminates screen tearing), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode – which automatically switches the TV to game mode). Some TVs may offer partial HDMI 2.1 features, like ALLM, even without 4K@120Hz.
* Refresh Rate: For TVs under £700, most will have a native 60Hz refresh rate. This is perfectly fine for most games at 4K resolution. If you find a 120Hz panel within this budget that also offers other key gaming features, that's a bonus, but it's not a deal-breaker at this price point.

Our Top Picks: Best Gaming TVs Under £700

Finding the perfect balance of features and affordability can be tricky, but we've identified some strong contenders that offer fantastic value for money. Remember, prices can fluctuate, so always check the latest deals!

#### 1. Hisense U7 Series (e.g., U7KQ / U7K)

* Why it's great: Hisense has been consistently delivering excellent value, and the U7 series often punches above its weight. You might find last year's models (like the U7KQ or U7K) falling into this budget, especially in sizes like 55 inches. These TVs often boast 120Hz panels, full array local dimming for impressive contrast, and support for VRR and ALLM thanks to HDMI 2.1 ports. The picture quality is vibrant, and the low input lag makes them a joy for gaming.
* Perfect for: Gamers who want a taste of proper next-gen features like 120Hz and VRR without spending a fortune.

#### 2. TCL C745 / C735 Series (QLED)

* Why it's great: TCL is another brand making waves in the budget-friendly sector. Their C745 or C735 QLED models often dip below the £700 mark, particularly for 50 or 55-inch sizes. These TVs benefit from QLED technology, which delivers brighter colours and better contrast than standard LED. Many models in this series also feature 120Hz panels, VRR, and ALLM, making them highly capable gaming displays. The Google TV smart platform is also intuitive and easy to use.
* Perfect for: Those who prioritise vivid, bright colours and good motion handling for both gaming and movies.

#### 3. Samsung CU8000 / BU8000 Series (Crystal UHD)

* Why it's great: While Samsung's top-tier TVs are pricey, their Crystal UHD range offers a solid gaming experience for less. The CU8000 or last year's BU8000 series (often available at a discount) provide a crisp 4K picture with good colour reproduction. While these are typically 60Hz panels and won't have HDMI 2.1's 120Hz or VRR, they often come with ALLM and a dedicated Game Mode that keeps input lag very low. The Tizen smart platform is slick and responsive.
* Perfect for: Gamers who want a reliable, good-looking 4K display from a major brand, primarily playing at 60fps, with excellent low input lag.

#### 4. LG UQ / UP Series (e.g., UQ7500 / UP7500)

* Why it's great: LG's entry-level 4K TVs, such as the UQ or UP series, are excellent value propositions. While they won't offer the advanced gaming features of their OLED siblings, they still deliver a sharp 4K image and support for HDR10 Pro. Crucially, they usually boast very low input lag in Game Mode, which is essential for responsive gaming. Their WebOS smart platform is user-friendly and fast.
* Perfect for: Value-conscious gamers who need a dependable 4K TV with great input lag for competitive play, but don't mind sticking to 60fps.

Getting the Most Out of Your New TV

Once you've got your new gaming TV, here are a few tips to ensure you're getting the best experience:

* Enable Game Mode: Most TVs have a 'Game Mode' that reduces input lag. Make sure it's switched on when you're gaming.
* Check HDMI Ports: Ensure your PS5 or Xbox Series X is connected to the 'best' HDMI port on your TV, sometimes labelled 'HDMI 2.1' or indicated with a gaming symbol. If not, any 4K-compatible HDMI port will do.
* Adjust Picture Settings: Don't just stick with default settings. Look up recommended picture settings for your specific TV model online, or experiment with brightness, contrast, and colour saturation to find what looks best to you.
* HDR Calibration: Both PS5 and Xbox Series X have built-in HDR calibration tools. Run through these to ensure your TV is displaying HDR content correctly.

The Takeaway

Finding a fantastic gaming TV for your PS5 or Xbox Series X under £700 is absolutely achievable. While you might not get every single premium feature, the models listed above offer a brilliant 4K HDR experience with crucial low input lag, making your games look and feel incredible. Do your research, keep an eye on sales, and you'll be enjoying next-gen gaming in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need 120Hz for PS5/Xbox Series X?

While 120Hz offers smoother motion and can be great for competitive games, most games on PS5 and Xbox Series X target 60 frames per second (fps) at 4K. A 60Hz TV with good input lag is perfectly fine for the vast majority of titles and gamers. If you can find a 120Hz TV within your budget, it's a bonus, but not essential for an excellent experience.

What is input lag, and why is it important?

Input lag is the delay between your controller input (e.g., pressing a button) and that action appearing on screen. For gaming, especially fast-paced or competitive genres, low input lag is crucial. High input lag can make games feel unresponsive and frustrating. Aim for a TV with input lag of 20ms or less in 'Game Mode' for the best experience.

Can I use TrustPay to buy one of these TVs?

Absolutely! Trusty Stores offers TrustPay, a fantastic 0% APR store credit facility that allows you to spread the cost of your new gaming TV. With no credit checks and easy instalments, you can get the TV you need today without impacting your credit score or paying extra interest.

Shop with Trusty Stores and spread the cost of your next gaming TV with 0% APR TrustPay.