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

As a UK gamer, you know the thrill of a new console. But to truly experience those stunning graphics and lightning-fast frame rates, you need a TV that can keep up. Don't worry, you don't need to spend thousands to get a fantastic gaming display. We’re here to guide you through the best budget-friendly options that will make your games pop, all while being mindful of your wallet.

What Makes a Gaming TV Great for PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Before we dive into specific recommendations, let's quickly cover the key features you should look for when choosing a TV for your next-gen console:

* HDMI 2.1: This is the big one! HDMI 2.1 unlocks features like 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rate (4K@120fps), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). Not all TVs under £700 will have full HDMI 2.1 support on all ports, so check the specifications carefully. Even one HDMI 2.1 port is a huge bonus.
* Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): This feature synchronises your TV's refresh rate with your console's output, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for incredibly smooth gameplay, especially in fast-paced titles.
* Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Also known as Game Mode, ALLM automatically switches your TV to its lowest input lag setting when it detects a game console, reducing the delay between your controller input and what you see on screen.
* Input Lag: Measured in milliseconds (ms), lower is better. Look for TVs with input lag ideally below 20ms, and even better if it's closer to 10ms or less for competitive gaming.
* HDR (High Dynamic Range): HDR support (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) offers brighter whites, deeper blacks, and a wider range of colours, making games look much more vibrant and realistic. Even budget TVs can offer decent HDR experiences.
* Screen Size & Panel Type: While personal preference plays a role, for gaming, a good sized screen (43-55 inches often offers a great balance for the price point) with a decent panel (VA panels often offer better contrast, IPS better viewing angles) makes a difference.

Now, let's explore some fantastic TV options that consistently perform well for gaming without breaking the £700 mark.

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Our Top Picks: Best Gaming TVs Under £700

#### 1. Hisense U7 Series (e.g., U7KQ, U7G, U7QF models - check current year's equivalent)

Hisense has consistently impressed us with their value-for-money TVs, and the U7 series is often a standout for gamers on a budget. These TVs frequently offer:

* Two HDMI 2.1 ports capable of 4K@120Hz. This is a massive win at this price point.
* Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) for excellent contrast and HDR performance. This is rare in this budget.
* VRR and ALLM support across their HDMI 2.1 ports.
* Low input lag, usually in the 10-15ms range for 4K@60Hz and even lower at 120Hz.
* Good brightness for HDR content.

The Hisense U7 series models (e.g., U7KQ from 2023, or its yearly iterations) are often considered one of the best budget gaming TVs, punching well above their weight. Keep an eye out for discounts on previous year's models too!

#### 2. TCL C745 / C735 Series (or similar C-series models)

TCL is another brand that delivers fantastic features for the price. Their C-series often competes directly with Hisense in the mid-range and budget-friendly categories.

* Often includes HDMI 2.1 features like 4K@120Hz support on at least one or two ports.
* QLED technology for vibrant colours and good brightness.
* Excellent motion handling thanks to high native refresh rates.
* VRR and ALLM are standard on their gaming-focused models.
* Generally very good input lag scores.

TCL's C-series offers a bright, colourful picture and solid gaming performance, making it a strong contender for PS5 and Xbox Series X users. They often feature Google TV for a smooth smart TV experience.

#### 3. Samsung AU/BU/CU Series (e.g., AU9000, BU8500, CU8000 models)

While Samsung's premium QLED and Neo QLED lines are amazing, their more budget-friendly AU/BU/CU series can still offer a decent gaming experience, especially if you're not solely focused on 4K@120Hz.

* Typically offer ALLM and good input lag (often under 10ms for 4K@60Hz).
* Crystal Processor 4K for good upscaling and picture processing.
* Excellent smart TV platform (Tizen OS) that's fast and intuitive.
* While most won't have full 4K@120Hz, they generally support VRR on some models, particularly on the higher end of this budget.

These Samsung TVs are great if your priority is a sharp, low-latency 4K@60Hz experience with a fantastic smart TV interface. If 4K@120Hz isn't a deal-breaker for you right now, these offer reliable performance and picture quality.

#### 4. LG UQ/NANO Series (e.g., UQ7500, UQ8100, NANO76 models)

LG is famous for its OLEDs, but their more affordable LED offerings shouldn't be overlooked. The UQ and NANO series can provide solid value.

* Generally feature ALLM and HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) for optimised HDR tone mapping.
* Good input lag, often very competitive at 4K@60Hz.
* WebOS is a user-friendly and feature-rich smart TV platform.
* Some NANO models may offer limited HDMI 2.1 features like VRR, but full 4K@120Hz is less common at this price point.

LG's budget TVs offer a smooth user experience and good gaming basics. They are a strong option if you prefer LG's WebOS and reliable performance.

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Making Your Choice

When making your final decision, consider:

* Your primary gaming habits: Are you a competitive multiplayer gamer who needs every millisecond, or more of a casual story-mode player?
* Future-proofing: While 4K@120Hz is great, not all games fully utilise it yet. If your budget is tight, prioritising ALLM and low input lag might be more beneficial than chasing every HDMI 2.1 feature.
* Available deals: Prices fluctuate constantly! Keep an eye out for sales, especially on older models that still offer fantastic features.

Remember, even with a budget of under £700, you can get a phenomenal TV that brings your PS5 and Xbox Series X games to life. The key is to know what features matter most to you and to look for brands that consistently deliver value.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I really need HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Xbox Series X?

While not strictly essential for *all* games, HDMI 2.1 unlocks key next-gen features like 4K resolution at 120 frames per second (4K@120Hz) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). If you want the absolute smoothest and most responsive gaming experience, especially for competitive titles, it's highly recommended to get a TV with at least one HDMI 2.1 port.

What's the most important feature for a gaming TV under £700?

For most gamers, the most impactful features at this price point are low input lag and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These ensure your controller inputs are registered quickly and you don't experience frustrating delays. VRR is also a fantastic addition if you can get it, as it eliminates screen tearing.

Can I use TrustPay to buy one of these TVs?

Absolutely! TrustPay is specifically designed to help you get the tech you need without upfront costs. We offer a 0% APR, no-credit-check store credit facility up to £1,200 at Trusty Stores. So, you can grab that perfect gaming TV today and spread the cost with easy, manageable payments.

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Ready to elevate your gaming setup today? Shop with Trusty Stores for a fantastic range of TVs and check out with TrustPay for a smooth, affordable purchase.