What Are the TV Requirements for PS5?

A white and black PS5 standing straight next to two TVs.
Edward Barker
By Edward Barker
Co-Authors Connor Groom

A white and black PS5 standing straight next to two TVs.

Before purchasing a PS5, it's essential to understand the TV requirements to fully enjoy the console’s next-gen capabilities.

While the basic TV specifications might seem simple, the details are more intricate than they initially appear. We’ve broken down everything you need to know to get the best performance from your PS5.

What Are the TV Requirements for PS5?

To fully enjoy the PS5 and, now, the PS5 Pro and their next-gen features, your TV must meet certain specifications. Here are the basic requirements:

  • Minimum Resolution: 720p (though 1080p or higher is recommended for the best experience).
  • HDMI Ports: Your TV must have at least one HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 port to connect with the PS5.

The PS5 supports various resolutions, including 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K, and even 8K (pending a future update). However, 1440p resolution is not supported by the PS5.

1080i vs. 1080p: What's the Difference?

  • 1080i: Interlaced scanning refreshes alternating rows at 30 fields per second.
  • 1080p: Progressive scanning refreshes all rows 60 times per second, providing a smoother picture.

The visual difference between 1080i and 1080p is subtle, so either will work for casual gaming. However, 1080p is preferred for a better overall experience.

Optimizing Your Gaming Experience

Although your current TV may meet the basic requirements for PS5, it might not deliver the best gaming experience. To unlock the PS5's full potential, consider investing in a TV with the following features:

  • Higher Resolution: 4K or 8K TVs will take your gaming experience to the next level.
  • Faster Refresh Rates, and features that enhance gameplay quality: TVs with higher refresh rates (120Hz or more) will provide smoother gameplay.
  • Advanced Features: Features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) can greatly enhance your visual experience.
Two white and black PS5s standing up straight with white and black Dualsense controllers next to them.
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Credit: Sony

What Are the TV Requirements for Optimal Use of the PS5?

To fully experience everything the PS5 has to offer, such as native 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, ray tracing, and ultra-fast loading times, your TV needs to support higher-end specifications.

4K Gaming at 120Hz

For PS5 gaming at 4K resolution with 120fps, your TV needs to meet specific criteria:

  1. 4K Resolution: The TV must support 4K (3840x2160).
  2. HDMI 2.1 Port: To enable 4K at 120Hz, your TV must have an HDMI 2.1 port, which allows the PS5 to output at these high settings.

Additionally, for the best performance, using a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended to ensure full compatibility.

Which TV Should You Use for the PS5?

Choosing the right TV for your PS5 depends largely on your gaming habits, your budget, and how much you want to invest in next-gen features. The PS5 is capable of delivering stunning visuals, high frame rates, and advanced technologies like HDR and ray tracing, so picking a TV that complements these capabilities can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

If you’re a casual gamer who mostly plays single-player or less graphically demanding games, a standard 1080p or 4K TV that is compatible with your PS5 may be perfectly sufficient. You’ll still enjoy the console’s games, and you likely won’t notice a huge difference in performance by upgrading.

However, if you’re looking to fully experience the PS5’s potential, especially the next-gen features like 4K resolution at 120Hz, HDR, and low input lag, you should consider investing in one of the best TVs for PlayStation. OLED TVs like the LG OLED evo C5 are excellent choices because they provide deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth motion, which makes fast-paced games and cinematic visuals look incredible.

Near-frameless LG TV with a red and blue pattern on the display.
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The LG OLED evo C5 is one of the most advanced, console-ready TVs you can buy right now.

One critical factor to keep in mind is HDMI version support. To enjoy 120fps at 4K, your TV must have an HDMI 2.1 port, which is specifically designed to handle 4K at high refresh rates. TVs with HDMI 2.0 will not support this level of performance, limiting you to 60fps at 4K or lower resolutions. So, before purchasing, always check your TV’s specifications to ensure it has HDMI 2.1 support.

Other features to consider include:

  • Low Input Lag: Essential for competitive or fast-paced games.
  • HDR Support: Enhances brightness and contrast for more lifelike visuals.
  • Size & Viewing Distance: Bigger screens provide a more immersive experience, especially if you sit farther away from the TV.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best TV for PS5

To unlock the full potential of your PS5, selecting the right TV is crucial. Whether you’re sticking with a 1080p TV or upgrading to a 4K TV with HDMI 2.1, the right display will enhance your gaming experience.

Remember, if you want to enjoy 4K at 120Hz, ray tracing, and ultra-fast load times, investing in a high-quality HDMI 2.1 TV is the way to go. Choose wisely, and enjoy the best of PS5 gaming!