Should I Buy a TV with HDMI 2.1 for My PS5? The Ultimate Guide

Hey there! Loring here. Buying a new TV is always an exciting endeavor, but also a confusing one, especially if you‘re a gamer armed with a shiny new PlayStation 5. You‘ve likely seen all the chatter around things like HDMI 2.1, 4K 120Hz, VRR, and more. It‘s a lot to digest.

Well, you‘re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll demystify all those industry terms and specifications. I‘ll explain in simple language what HDMI 2.1 brings to the table, why it matters for your PS5, and things to look for when shopping. My goal is to make sure you buy the right TV to unlock the awesome power of your PS5! Let‘s dive in.

What is HDMI 2.1?

HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of the HDMI connection standard used for high definition video and audio. It offers some major upgrades over the previous HDMI 2.0 version:

• Bandwidth increased from 18 Gbps to 48 Gbps – This allows far more data to be transmitted from source to display.
• Can support resolutions up to 10K at 120Hz refresh rate – A big jump up from 4K 60Hz max with HDMI 2.0.
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) – Matches TV‘s refresh rate to the source‘s frame rate to prevent screen tearing.
• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) – Ensures fast response time and low lag.
• Dynamic HDR – Expanded contrast and color.

According to HDMI.org, over 85% of new TV models released in 2022 have implemented HDMI 2.1. That number is up from just 28% in 2021, showing the rapid adoption by manufacturers. Bottom line is that HDMI 2.1 brings a suite of enhancements all aimed at delivering smoother, faster, and more immersive gaming and video. This is great news for PS5 owners!

Why Does HDMI 2.1 Matter for PS5 Gaming?

Sony designed the PlayStation 5 with an HDMI 2.1 port specifically to tap into those cutting edge capabilities mentioned above. Here are some of the key benefits HDMI 2.1 unlocks for PS5 gaming:

Display Higher Resolutions

The PS5 GPU is capable of rendering games at very high resolutions like full 4K and theoretically even up to 8K. But you need sufficient bandwidth to actually transmit and display that image data on your TV without losing quality. This is where HDMI 2.1‘s 48 Gbps comes in, providing enough headroom even for 8K. While few games actually run at 8K, it means you can enjoy ultra sharp 4K quality.

Achieve Higher Frame Rates

Many PS5 titles offer a "performance mode" that prioritizes high frame rate over resolution. Popular examples include Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 targeting 120 frames per second. For your TV to keep up, HDMI 2.1‘s enhanced bandwidth can reliably deliver 4K resolution at 120Hz to your display. You‘ll benefit from astonishingly smooth, fast-playing action.

Enable Variable Refresh Rate

VRR is a really important feature for gaming. Essentially, it dynamically matches your TV‘s refresh rate to the actual frame rate being rendered by the PS5 in real time. This synchronizes things to prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can occur when frame rates fluctuate under demanding loads. It‘s especially useful when targeting very high frame rates.

Get Automatic Low Latency Mode

ALLM is another neat technology whereby your TV automatically switches into its fast, low latency gaming mode when playing on PS5. Latency refers to input lag or response time, which needs to be kept low for responsive controls. ALLM ensures your TV is ready for lag-free gaming without you having to remember to toggle settings.

According to Samsung, their 2022 TVs with HDMI 2.1 see latency drop from 15ms in normal mode to under 5ms with ALLM activated, giving a sizeable boost to responsiveness.

Enjoy Premium Visual Quality

Finally, HDMI 2.1 has enough raw throughput to transmit uncompressed 4K video signals. This preserves every last detail of visual quality in movies and games as intended by creators. Previously, quality would have to be compromised to fit within HDMI 2.0‘s limits.

Clearly HDMI 2.1 and the PS5 make a perfect match! Those examples above showcase how you‘ll benefit from buttery smooth frame rates, lightning fast response times, and jaw-dropping resolution. That spells a super immersive gaming experience.

What to Look for in an HDMI 2.1 TV for PS5

Okay, so HDMI 2.1 is really advantageous for PS5 gaming. But there are some specifics to look for when shopping for a compatible TV. Here‘s my handy checklist:

Ensure There are HDMI 2.1 Ports

First, confirm that the TV is advertised as having HDMI 2.1 ports. These will be rated for the full 48 Gbps bandwidth. Some TVs misleadingly say "HDMI 2.1 support" but only have HDMI 2.0 ports, so read the fine print. You want ports clearly labeled as HDMI 2.1. These deliver the performance you need.

Native 120Hz Refresh Rate Panel

To fully leverage performance modes up to 120fps, ensure the TV panel itself has a native 120Hz refresh rate. Many cheaper 4K TVs still use 60Hz panels, which won‘t cut it. 120Hz gives you that silky smoothness.

Variable Refresh Rate Support

VRR is crucial, so the TV must indicate support for VRR over HDMI. It may be branded as AMD FreeSync or use generic terminology like "VRR support." As long as it‘s there, you‘re set.

Auto Low Latency Mode

Likewise, you want the TV to explicitly list Auto Low Latency Mode, instant response, or automatic game mode. This triggers when using PS5 to minimize lag.

HDR Capabilities

Since PS5 games are optimized for HDR, the TV should also support premium HDR standards like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ for the best contrast and colors.

Stick to that checklist, and you can enjoy full HDMI 2.1 performance that really enhances your whole PS5 experience. Be wary of cut-down "HDMI 2.1 support" that comes with compromises.

Do You Need HDMI 2.1 for PS5?

At this point, you might be wondering whether you can get by just fine without HDMI 2.1. Let‘s go over some key considerations:

• You can connect and use PS5 on a TV with only HDMI 2.0 ports. So HDMI 2.1 is not an absolute requirement.
• Without HDMI 2.1, you‘ll be limited to 4K 60Hz and miss out on 120fps modes or VRR.
• If you mainly play slower paced, cinematic single player games, 4K 60Hz may suffice.
• Competitive online multiplayer gamers will notice the fast action and low lag with HDMI 2.1.
• Upcoming PS5 titles will increasingly demand HDMI 2.1‘s capabilities.
• Eventually you‘ll want the enhanced experience, so might as well get it now if possible.

Given the significant benefits outlined earlier around responsiveness and visual quality, I think HDMI 2.1 is very worthwhile for PS5. While not absolutely necessary, it delivers the peak performance developers intended. If you‘re invested in PS5 for the long term, HDMI 2.1 helps future proof your setup too. But weigh your own gaming preferences as well.

Best HDMI 2.1 TVs for PS5

Here are my top recommended TVs offering full HDMI 2.1 support for your PS5:

LG C2 OLED

LG‘s brilliant C2 OLED TV hits the sweet spot of elite picture quality and features. OLED technology delivers perfect black levels and pixel response for amazing contrast. All models from 42" up to 83" boast 4K 120Hz panels and HDMI 2.1 connectivity. LG OLEDs have extremely low input lag, and the C2 adds VRR, ALLM, and HDR too. Highly recommended for cinematic single player games.

Samsung S95B OLED

Samsung‘s inaugural foray into OLED TVs impresses with their S95B model. It takes OLED picture quality and enhances it through Samsung‘s quantum dot technology for wider colors. Its 4K 120Hz OLED panel supports VRR and ALLM via HDMI 2.1. Samsung‘s Tizen OS has superbly low lag for fast multiplayer action. And the S95B gets incredibly bright for well-lit rooms.

Sony X90K

The Sony X90K is a great mid-range LED LCD option. Sony‘s cognitive processor delivers fantastic upscaling and image processing. With full array local dimming, it achieves impressive contrast for an LED. Of course, it includes HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz plus VRR from your PS5. The clean Google TV interface is very responsive too.

Hisense U8H

Hisense packs tremendous value into the U8H. It uses over 5,000 mini-LEDs for precise backlight control and searing 1500+ nit peak brightness. This HDR pop really makes games and movies shine. Underneath is a 4K 120Hz panel with VRR and ALLM courtesy of HDMI 2.1. At this price, the U8H is hard to beat.

TCL R646 Mini-LED

TCL‘s 6-series R646 TVs also utilize mini-LED backlighting for impressive contrast and brightness. The dense backlight array with thousands of zones really makes HDR content stand out. It matches nicely with the 4K 120Hz panel that supports HDMI 2.1 features like VRR from your PS5. If you want excellent picture quality on a budget, look no further than the TCL R646.

Those are my top picks that ensure you get the full HDMI 2.1 PS5 experience. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HDMI 2.1 necessary for PS5?

While not absolutely mandatory, HDMI 2.1 offers big advantages for PS5 gaming. You‘ll miss out on key features like 4K 120fps, VRR, and ALLM without it. I highly recommend HDMI 2.1 to enjoy everything the PS5 is capable of. But you can connect and use PS5 on an HDMI 2.0 TV in a pinch.

What resolution does PS5 support without HDMI 2.1?

Without HDMI 2.1, the PS5 will be limited to 4K 60Hz resolution for games. You won‘t be able to display higher frame rates above 60fps at 4K. The enhanced bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 is required to go beyond 4K 60Hz.

Can PS5 do 1440p 120Hz without HDMI 2.1?

Yes, PS5 can output 1440p resolution at 120Hz refresh rate even if connected to a monitor or TV without HDMI 2.1. So that‘s a good workaround if you want faster frame rates on a 1440p display but lack HDMI 2.1.

Is HDMI 2.1 necessary for 4K 60fps?

You do not need HDMI 2.1 just for 4K 60fps gaming. An HDMI 2.0 connection has enough bandwidth to handle 4K 60Hz signals without issue. If you only care about 4K and 60fps is sufficient, HDMI 2.0 will still work fine.

Will PS5 games look worse on HDMI 2.0?

For 4K 60fps gaming, PS5 titles will look virtually identical on both HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 TVs. You won‘t see major differences in core graphics or image quality at matched resolutions and frame rates. The advantages of HDMI 2.1 mainly apply for pushing beyond 4K 60Hz.

The Bottom Line

Well, that covers everything you need to know about getting the right HDMI 2.1 TV for your PlayStation 5! Here are my key takeaways:

• HDMI 2.1 enables higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, VRR, ALLM, and best quality. This boosts PS5 gaming in a big way.

• Check that any TV has full HDMI 2.1 ports, 120Hz panel, VRR, and ALLM. Don‘t settle for limited "HDMI 2.1 support."

• While not absolutely necessary, HDMI 2.1 maximizes what PS5 is capable of. Highly recommended for tech enthusiasts.

• Look for an HDMI 2.1 TV like the LG C2 OLED or Samsung S95B OLED to experience PS5 gaming in its full glory!

I hope this guide answered all your questions around HDMI 2.1 and picking the perfect TV for your PS5. Feel free to reach out if you need any other advice! Enjoy your new TV and unlocking the power of your PS5. Game on!