Gamers looking to upgrade their home setup in 2025 are in luck—premium features like 4K resolution, low input lag, and fast refresh rates are no longer limited to high-end TVs. In fact, some of the best gaming-ready smart TVs now fall under the $1,000 price tag, and many of them offer QLED picture technology for vibrant colors and excellent brightness. In this comprehensive guide, we review the best smart TVs under $1,000 for gaming and what makes them stand out.
What Makes a TV Great for Gaming?
Before jumping into product picks, let’s look at key gaming TV specs to look out for:
Input Lag: The time between controller input and on-screen action. Lower is better.
Refresh Rate: Higher rates (like 120Hz) ensure smoother gameplay.
HDMI 2.1: Required for next-gen gaming consoles to reach 4K 120fps.
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Automatically enables game mode.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Helps eliminate screen tearing.
Top Smart Gaming TVs Under $1,000 in 2025
1. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (65”)
Price: ~$799
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Key Features: Dolby Vision IQ, Alexa built-in, Auto Low Latency Mode
Best For: Budget-conscious gamers using Fire TV or Alexa ecosystem
Why it stands out: Fire TV Omni QLED combines QLED brightness with Alexa voice control, perfect for hands-free setup changes during gameplay.
2. TCL Q7 QLED Series (55” – 65”)
Price: ~$699–$899
Refresh Rate: 120Hz (Native)
Key Features: VRR, FreeSync, Dolby Vision, Google TV OS
Best For: Console gamers who need smooth 120Hz for PS5/Xbox
TCL’s Q7 series is a value leader for gamers. True 120Hz makes it ideal for FPS titles like Call of Duty or Apex Legends.
3. Hisense U6K Mini-LED QLED (55”)
Price: ~$649
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Key Features: Dolby Vision + HDR10+, Game Mode Plus
Best For: Casual gamers wanting cinematic HDR + low latency
Gaming Performance Benchmarks
Let’s take a closer look at how these TVs perform across key gaming metrics:
| Model | Input Lag (ms) | Refresh Rate | HDMI 2.1 | VRR Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire TV Omni QLED | ~11.5 ms | 60Hz | Yes | No |
| TCL Q7 | ~6 ms | 120Hz | Yes | Yes |
| Hisense U6K | ~12 ms | 60Hz | Yes | Yes (limited) |
Setup Tips for Gaming TVs
Make the most of your new gaming TV with these setup tips:
Enable Game Mode in the TV settings to reduce input lag.
Use HDMI 2.1 ports for Xbox Series X or PS5.
Set refresh rate manually to 120Hz (if supported).
Update firmware to unlock VRR or ALLM on some models.
Pair with a soundbar for immersive audio (Dolby Atmos preferred).
Smart Features & Streaming
While gaming is the priority, these TVs also excel as entertainment hubs:
Fire TV Omni QLED: Integrates Alexa routines and smart home control
TCL Q7 (Google TV): Vast app ecosystem + Chromecast built-in
Hisense U6K (Roku or Google): User-friendly interface for Netflix, Disney+, and more
Verdict: Which TV is Best for You?
Pro Gamer: TCL Q7 – True 120Hz and FreeSync make it unbeatable.
Smart Home User: Fire TV Omni QLED – Alexa integration and voice control.
Casual Gamer: Hisense U6K – Great HDR and gaming performance at a steal.
Choose based on your primary usage and the platform (Fire TV, Google TV, Roku) you prefer.
