Is it worth getting a 120Hz TV for PS5? Absolutely, for smoother gameplay.

If you recently got a PS5, you may be wondering if it‘s worth upgrading your television to a 120Hz refresh rate model to take full advantage of the console‘s capabilities. For most gamers, the answer is a resounding yes for noticeably smoother gameplay and reduced input lag. In this detailed guide, I‘ll explain why 120Hz enhances PS5 gaming along with key features to look for in a new TV.

Do you need a 120Hz TV for 120fps gaming on PS5?

The PS5 can output games at up to 120 frames per second (fps), doubling the 60 fps limit of previous console generations. This allows for much smoother motion and more responsive controls in high intensity gaming moments.

But to actually see these high 120fps frame rates, your TV needs a 120Hz refresh rate. Otherwise, you‘ll be limited to 60fps visuals.

A 120Hz refresh rate means the TV updates and displays a new image 120 times per second. This keeps up with the PS5‘s 120fps output without losing frames in between.

By comparison, a standard 60Hz TV only refreshes 60 times a second. This can lead to visible stuttering, motion blur and input lag when connected to the PS5.

So in short, to take full advantage of 120fps gaming on the PS5, a 120Hz TV is a must.

According to Sony, over 500 PS5 games now support 120fps output, so you‘ll be able to enjoy silky-smooth gameplay in a huge library of titles.

What are the benefits of a 120Hz TV for PS5?

Here are some of the biggest advantages you‘ll get from gaming in 120fps on a compatible 120Hz display:

Smoother, more fluid visuals

Fast motion scenes with quickly moving objects like racing games and first person shooters will appear extremely smooth. No matter how frenetic the on-screen action gets, everything flows seamlessly with no stuttering thanks to the high 120Hz refresh rate.

Sharper clarity for fast movements

Rapid movements that may appear as blurs on a 60Hz display retain crisp sharpness at 120fps. This heightened visual clarity is especially beneficial in competitive multiplayer games where you need to clearly track enemies zipping across the screen.

Decreased input lag for quicker reactions

Input lag refers to the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the result on screen. 120Hz displays have significantly lower input lag, allowing faster reactions to what you see during gameplay. This split-second responsiveness is vital for fast-paced competitive gaming.

No screen tearing artifacts

Higher frame rates increase the risk of screen tearing, where part of the image appears out of sync. PS5 games displayed at 120Hz can leverage HDMI 2.1‘s variable refresh rate (VRR) technology to eliminate tearing and keep the picture perfectly aligned.

According to professional gamers, the jump from 60Hz to 120Hz provides a noticeable competitive advantage. So a 120Hz TV allows you to get the most out of PS5 performance and respond faster during frantic multiplayer matches.

Do you need HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz on PS5?

To achieve the optimal combo of both 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate with the PS5, your TV must have an HDMI 2.1 port.

Older HDMI 2.0 connections can handle 4K video, but are limited to 60Hz refresh rates at that resolution. HDMI 2.1 has enough bandwidth to push 4K graphics up to 120fps.

It‘s also possible to get 120Hz at lower 1440p resolution on PS5 using HDMI 2.0. But for the best performance, HDMI 2.1 is highly recommended. It enables key gaming features like automatic low latency mode and variable refresh rate.

Nearly all major TV brands now support HDMI 2.1 in newer 4K models. So when buying a 120Hz TV for PS5, look for at least one HDMI 2.1 port.

Is there a big difference between 60Hz and 120Hz for PS5 gaming?

The jump from 60Hz to 120Hz is immediately noticeable when console gaming. Motion clarity is significantly enhanced, everything feels ultra-responsive, and input lag is reduced.

To illustrate the visual difference, let‘s compare some frame rate benchmarks from PS5 games on 60Hz and 120Hz displays:

Game	60Hz	120Hz
Dirt 5	60fps	120fps
Devil May Cry 5	60fps	120fps
Call of Duty: Cold War	60fps	120fps

Other PS5 titles like Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, and Destiny 2 also show major improvements around 100-140% higher frame rates with 120Hz enabled.

In terms of input lag, popular site DisplayNinja measured 16ms lag at 60Hz but only 5ms at 120Hz – over 3X as responsive.

Anecdotally, the difference is jarringly noticeable going from 60Hz back down to 30fps on a 60Hz screen. Everything feels sluggish and laggy in comparison.

So when it comes to PS5 gaming, the 120Hz upgrade makes a very appreciable improvement, especially for fast-paced competitive titles.

What TV specs are optimal for 120Hz PS5 gaming?

If you‘re buying a new TV to take full advantage of the PS5 at 120fps, here are the key specifications to look for:

• 120Hz refresh rate – Allows up to 120fps for ultra-smooth motion.

• HDMI 2.1 – For 4K 120Hz and gaming-centric features like Auto Low Latency Mode and variable refresh rate. Look for at least one HDMI 2.1 port.

• High peak brightness – Over 600 nits is ideal for vivid HDR visuals. OLED, QLED and mini-LED TVs excel here.

• Low input lag – Critical for responsive controls, aim for under 20ms or less. Displays with 120Hz and HDMI 2.1 automatically minimize lag.

• VRR support – Smooths out variable frame rates by syncing the TV to the source. Eliminates stuttering and screen tearing.

• ALLM – Auto Low Latency Mode seamlessly switches to low-lag settings for gaming.

• HDMI 2.1 features – Alongside VRR and ALLM, eARC for advanced audio and 4K resolution at 120Hz are key.

Prioritizing these specifications will ensure your new TV can handle PS5 gameplay at up to 120fps for the best visuals and performance.

Do you really need 120Hz for PS5, or is 60Hz enough?

While 120Hz certainly provides the best PS5 gaming experience, a 60Hz 4K TV may still be adequate depending on your priorities:

• For slower paced, cinematic single player games, 60Hz smoothness is often sufficient. The higher resolution of 4K may be preferable to 120Hz‘s faster frame rates.

• If you play a variety of game genres, 60Hz allows you to maximize 4K visuals when desired, with the option to lower resolutions for some 120fps titles.

• For more casual gaming, you may not notice the incremental improvements of 120Hz outside of competitive multiplayer titles.

• Budget is also a factor. Good 60Hz 4K TVs can be found for much cheaper than 120Hz models.

However, there are some caveats to 60Hz for PS5:

• You lose support for cutting-edge features like variable refresh rate which eliminates screen tearing.

• Input lag is generally higher on 60Hz displays compared to 120Hz.

• Future PS5 games will likely target 120fps more as developers optimize and take advantage of the console‘s power.

My advice is if multiplayer gaming is your priority, get a 120Hz TV to future-proof your PS5. While 60Hz may be fine for more casual usage, 120Hz delivers noticeably smoother visuals and response times for a premium experience.

Budget 120Hz TV recommendations for PS5

Here are some of the best 120Hz TV options available that won‘t break the bank:

• Hisense U7H – One of the most affordable 4K 120Hz models under $700 for 65". Excellent low input lag and vibrant colors.

• TCL 6 Series – Very popular mid-range lineup with mini-LED backlighting for under $1,000 in larger sizes. Superb contrast and brightness.

• Vizio M7 Series – Cost effective Quantum Dot 120Hz models starting under $800. IQ Ultra processor optimized for gaming.

• Sony X85K – Sony‘s entry level 120Hz gaming TV with HDMI 2.1. Solid performance and reliability starting under $1,000.

Any of these budget-friendly lines will allow you to enjoy PS5 gaming at up to 120fps. I‘d recommend the 65-inch or larger models to take advantage of the expanded screen real estate.

High-end 120Hz TV suggestions for PS5

On the premium end, these TVs deliver an exceptional 120fps gaming experience if you want the best quality:

• LG C2 OLED – The outstanding LG C2 is ideal for PS5 with stunning OLED visuals combined with 120Hz, VRR, and ultra-low input lag.

• Samsung QN90B Neo QLED – Samsung‘s new Neo QLED lineup sports mini-LED backlights for incredible contrast and up to 1500 nits of searing brightness.

• Sony A95K QD-OLED – This flagship Sony model uses advanced Quantum Dot OLED technology for rich colors and deep blacks. HDMI 2.1 fully optimized for PS5.

• LG G2 OLED Evo – At the ultra-premium end, LG‘s latest and greatest OLED TV with added brightness thanks to the new Evo panel. Perfect blacks and up to 1000 nits peak brightness.

While expensive, these leading TVs deliver an exceptional showcase of what next-gen gaming can look like. Their 120Hz capabilities and visual performance will impress.

The bottom line: 120Hz enhances PS5 gaming

If you‘re looking to purchase a new TV to pair with your PS5 console, I highly recommend getting a 120Hz model. The faster refresh rate delivers noticeably smoother visuals, quicker response times, and an overall more immersive gaming experience compared to 60Hz.

For the best performance, a 120Hz 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 will allow you to take full advantage of up to 4K 120fps gaming on supported titles. This future-proofs you for more 120fps releases down the road.

While 120Hz requires more of an investment, the upgrade is well worth it for PlayStation gamers wanting premium quality. Your gameplay will look and feel better than ever at up to 120 frames per second.