Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.11 Best 4K TVs With HDMI 2.1 | 165Hz Gaming Without the Hype

Buying a television with HDMI 2.1 isn’t just about checking a spec sheet — it’s about ensuring your PS5, Xbox Series X, or high-end gaming PC delivers the full 120Hz or 144Hz frame rates without VRR stutter or chroma subsampling. One wrong port allocation can leave you capped at 60Hz, defeating the entire purpose of the upgrade.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent months parsing HDMI 2.1 bandwidth tables, MiniLED dimming zone counts, and real-world owner reports to separate marketing claims from actual performance in this category.

This guide breaks down the critical spec details — native refresh rates, dimming zones, HDR format support, and the exact number of full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports — so you can confidently choose your next 4k tvs with hdmi 2.1.

How To Choose The Best 4K TVs With HDMI 2.1

HDMI 2.1 unlocks the full potential of modern consoles and gaming PCs — 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) are all tied to this standard. Not all TVs labeled “HDMI 2.1” are equal; some cap bandwidth at 24Gbps instead of the full 48Gbps, which forces chroma subsampling at higher refresh rates.

Native Refresh Rate vs. Advertised Motion Rate

A true HDMI 2.1 gaming TV must have a native panel refresh rate of at least 120Hz. Some models boast “144Hz” or “165Hz” via overclocking — a genuine advantage for PC gamers with high-frame-rate rigs. Always check if the HDMI 2.1 ports support VRR and ALLM simultaneously at 4K.

Local Dimming and HDR Format Support

For MiniLED models, the number of local dimming zones determines how well the TV can produce deep blacks without blooming. OLED panels, with self-lit pixels, sidestep this issue entirely. On the HDR side, look for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive — both automatically adjust brightness and color based on ambient room lighting.

Quick Comparison

On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.

Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
LG OLED77C4PUA Premium OLED Cinematic gaming & movies 77″ OLED, 144Hz, 4x HDMI 2.1 Amazon
Sony BRAVIA 8 (K-65XR80) Premium OLED PS5 & filmmaker modes 65″ OLED, 120Hz, XR Processor Amazon
Samsung OLED S90F QD-OLED Vibrant color & 144Hz PC gaming 65″ QD-OLED, 144Hz, NQ4 AI Gen3 Amazon
Hisense U7 Mini-LED Premium MiniLED Bright-room 165Hz gaming 85″ MiniLED, 165Hz, 3000 zones Amazon
Sony BRAVIA 5 (K-65XR50) Premium MiniLED AI upscaling & PS5 65″ MiniLED, 120Hz, XR Processor Amazon
TCL QM7K Mid-Range MiniLED Value MiniLED with QLED 65″ MiniLED, 144Hz, LD2500 zones Amazon
LG QNED85A Mid-Range MiniLED AI-enhanced sports & movies 55″ MiniLED, 144Hz, α8 Gen2 Amazon
iFFALCON 65U85 Mid-Range MiniLED Hotel/commercial installs 65″ MiniLED, 144Hz, 4x HDMI 2.1 Amazon
Hisense CanvasTV (50S7SG) Mid-Range QLED Art mode & decor 50″ QLED, 120Hz, anti-glare Amazon
Panasonic W70 Budget Large-screen budget Fire TV 85″ LED, 60Hz, 1x HDMI 2.1 Amazon
Sony BRAVIA XR8B Premium OLED Dark-room OLED purity 65″ OLED, 120Hz, XR Processor Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Premium Pick

1. LG OLED77C4PUA 77″ Class OLED evo C4 Series

77″ OLED evo4x HDMI 2.1

The LG C4 series remains a benchmark for HDMI 2.1 gaming at scale — all four HDMI inputs support full 48Gbps bandwidth with 4K 144Hz, VRR, ALLM, and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility. The 77-inch OLED evo panel delivers per-pixel black levels with zero bloom, making HDR content from Dolby Vision sources look reference-grade.

Owners consistently praise the crystal-clear 4K clarity, easy Apple TV integration, and the Magic Remote’s mouse-like cursor for navigating webOS. The bundled 26-month extended protection plan adds peace of mind against burn-in — a practical consideration for anyone using the TV as a PC monitor.

Glossy screen reflections in bright rooms are the only recurring caveat, and the 2024 C4 lacks the slightly brighter panel of the G-series. But for a pure black-level experience with full HDMI 2.1 throughput at a competitive price point, this is the set to beat in the large-screen OLED category.

What works

  • Four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports at 48Gbps
  • Perfect per-pixel blacks with no blooming
  • Excellent motion handling at 144Hz

What doesn’t

  • Glossy screen can produce distractions in sunlit rooms
  • Not as bright as G-series for high-APL scenes
PS5 Optimized

2. Sony BRAVIA 8 65″ OLED (K-65XR80)

XR ProcessorAcoustic Surface Audio+

Sony’s BRAVIA 8 series marries its XR Triluminos Pro color engine with an OLED panel, achieving natural skin tones and deep contrast that filmmakers intend. The Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology vibrates the screen itself to produce sound, creating a direct center-channel effect that makes dialogue easy to follow without a soundbar.

Exclusive PS5 integration — Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode — means the console and TV communicate seamlessly, adjusting latency and HDR brightness profile automatically. Two of the four HDMI ports support 4K 120Hz with VRR, while the Google TV interface remains fast and responsive.

Several owners emphasize that this TV excels in darker rooms where OLED contrast can truly shine. The main downside is that the Google OS occasionally has sound dropouts in apps, and the panel’s peak brightness is noticeably lower than MiniLED rivals, which matters if your room has large windows.

What works

  • Superb black levels with XR Triluminos color accuracy
  • Seamless PS5 Auto HDR Tone Mapping
  • Acoustic Surface Audio+ for clear center-channel dialogue

What doesn’t

  • Only 2 of 4 HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1 speeds
  • Lower peak brightness than premium MiniLED alternatives
QD-OLED Brilliance

3. Samsung 65″ OLED S90F (2025)

QD-OLED PanelMotion Xcelerator 144Hz

The Samsung S90F uses a QD-OLED panel that combines the perfect black levels of OLED with the color volume of quantum-dot technology — resulting in richer reds, greens, and blues at higher brightness than conventional OLEDs. The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor with 128 neural networks oversees real-time upscaling and HDR tone mapping.

Motion Xcelerator pushes the native 120Hz panel to 144Hz for PC gaming, supporting VRR and FreeSync Premium Pro at 4K. Owners describe the S90F as a huge upgrade over previous LED sets, noting the vibrant colors and deep blacks create a “wow” factor for both movies and competitive shooters.

The S90F’s anti-reflective coating is effective but can be damaged by aggressive cleaning. Additionally, the included SolarCell remote — while minimalist and rechargeable — lacks the number pad and mute button that some traditionalists prefer. For dedicated gamers wanting QD-OLED vibrancy, it’s a phenomenal mid-cycle refresh.

What works

  • QD-OLED delivers unmatched color volume and deep blacks
  • Native 144Hz panel for high-refresh PC gaming
  • AI-powered 4K upscaling with 128 neural networks

What doesn’t

  • Anti-reflective coating is fragile during cleaning
  • Remote lacks mute button; no DTS support
165Hz Flagship

4. Hisense 85″ U7 Mini-LED (85U7SG, 2026)

Native 165Hz3000 Dimming Zones

The Hisense U7 packs an 85-inch MiniLED panel with a native 165Hz refresh rate — the highest native speed in this list — making it a beast for PC gamers chasing frame rates above 144Hz. The ~3000 local dimming zones, combined with up to 3000 nits peak brightness, deliver high-contrast HDR that holds its own even in rooms flooded with daylight.

Owners highlight the anti-glare layer as genuinely effective against overhead lights and afternoon sun, and the Hi-View AI Engine Pro continuously analyzes scenes to adjust color and contrast in real-time. The 2.1.2-channel sound system is serviceable, but most agree a dedicated Dolby Atmos soundbar elevates the experience further.

While the 85-inch size requires at least two people for installation, the sheer immersion and brightness make it a compelling alternative to OLED for those who prioritize daylight viewing. The only trade-off is that black levels, while strong for MiniLED, cannot match the infinite contrast of a self-emitting OLED panel.

What works

  • Native 165Hz panel with VRR up to 330Hz
  • 3000 nit peak brightness with ~3000 dimming zones
  • Excellent anti-glare performance in bright rooms

What doesn’t

  • Very large and heavy — need help installing
  • Soundbar recommended for serious Dolby Atmos
AI Upscaling

5. Sony BRAVIA 5 65″ Mini LED (K-65XR50)

XR ProcessorIMAX Enhanced

Sony’s BRAVIA 5 combines thousands of Mini LEDs with the XR Backlight Master Drive for granular control of brightness and contrast. The real star is the XR Processor’s AI-driven 4K upscaling — it analyzes each scene and intelligently enhances textures, edges, and color depth, making even 1080p cable broadcasts look markedly sharper.

Two of four HDMI ports support full 4K 120Hz and VRR, and the Game Menu puts all gaming picture settings — including motion blur reduction and black equalizer — into one centralized overlay. The TV also ships with the Sony Pictures Core app, giving access to the largest IMAX Enhanced streaming library.

Owners consistently give five-star ratings for the picture quality and the instant power-on response. The built-in speakers are decent for everyday use but lack the bass extension of a separate system. For anyone who watches a mix of low-bitrate streaming and high-end Blu-ray, the BRAVIA 5’s upscaling is genuinely best-in-class.

What works

  • XR AI upscaling dramatically sharpens low-res content
  • IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Vision support
  • Game Menu centralizes all gaming adjustments

What doesn’t

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports (both at 48Gbps)
  • Built-in audio lacks deep bass
Best Value MiniLED

6. TCL 65″ QM7K Mini LED QLED (65QM7K, 2025)

LD2500 Zones144Hz VRR

The TCL QM7K is the value-performer sweet spot in the MiniLED category, offering up to LD2500 precise dimming zones and a native 144Hz panel at a price that undercuts most competitors. The CrystGlow HVA panel effectively blocks reflections, keeping image detail crisp even in rooms with ambient lighting.

With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a 144Hz VRR gaming mode that reaches 288Hz at lower resolutions, this set is well-suited for both Xbox Series X and higher-frame-rate PC play. The Onkyo-tuned 2.1-channel audio system delivers more bass than typical built-in speakers, though most reviewers still recommend adding an external soundbar.

The bundled Google TV remote is lightweight and functional but feels less premium than the TV itself. A few owners noted that Google TV’s pre-installed apps constitute bloatware. Still, for the picture quality — deep blacks, strong brightness, minimal halo effect — the QM7K is a compelling entry into MiniLED territory.

What works

  • Up to LD2500 local dimming zones for excellent contrast
  • Native 144Hz panel with 288Hz VRR capability
  • Strong anti-reflective CrystGlow HVA panel

What doesn’t

  • Remote feels cheap and lightweight
  • Google TV includes noticeable bloatware
AI Precision Dimming

7. LG 55″ QNED evo AI QNED85A (55QNED85AUA, 2025)

α8 AI Gen2144Hz VRR

LG’s QNED85A uses MiniLED backlighting combined with the α8 AI Gen2 processor to analyze content in real-time and adjust brightness, contrast, and color temperature. The panel supports 100% Color Volume and delivers vibrant, accurate colors that stay consistent even in bright living rooms.

The native 120Hz refresh rate can be boosted to 144Hz for VRR gaming, and the LG Game Optimizer dashboard lets you adjust black levels, response time, and input lag from a single overlay. Owners highlight the bright, brilliant picture and find the Filmmaker Mode useful for preserving director intent during movie nights.

A recurring complaint centers on the remote control — it lacks a dedicated mute button and number pad, forcing users to navigate submenus for simple functions. The TV’s packaging is well-designed for two-person installation, but finding the manual online for a 2025 model can be a minor hassle. Overall, it’s a strong mid-range MiniLED option with excellent software support.

What works

  • α8 AI Gen2 processor provides excellent auto-calibration
  • Bright MiniLED panel with 100% Color Volume
  • Game Optimizer dashboard for quick gaming adjustments

What doesn’t

  • Remote lacks mute button and numeric keypad
  • Documentation for 2025 model is sparse online
4x HDMI 2.1 Value

8. iFFALCON 65″ MiniLED (65U85)

4x HDMI 2.1MiniLED 144Hz

The iFFALCON 65U85 stands out for offering four HDMI 2.1 ports at a price point where most competitors give you two. Two ports run 4K at 144Hz, while the other two handle 4K at 60Hz — enough bandwidth to simultaneously connect a PS5, Xbox Series X, gaming PC, and soundbar without sacrificing high-refresh availability.

The MiniLED panel hits up to 1000 nits brightness with a 7000:1 contrast ratio and local dimming, producing vibrant colors and deep blacks that approach OLED territory without the burn-in risk. The 50W 2.1-channel sound system (2×15W tweeters + 20W woofer) delivers fuller audio than most entry-level sets, and Dolby Atmos passthrough via eARC supports lossless output to external soundbars.

Owners emphasize the surprisingly smooth UI performance — faster than LG and Samsung equivalents in the same price bracket — and the Google TV interface stays clean with minimal bloatware. The main compromise is physical thickness; it’s not an ultra-slim model, which may matter for flush wall mounts. For multi-console households on a budget, the 65U85 is an absolute steal.

What works

  • Four HDMI 2.1 ports for multi-console setups
  • Excellent value for 144Hz MiniLED performance
  • 50W 2.1-channel audio with Dolby Atmos passthrough

What doesn’t

  • Panel is thicker than premium slim models
  • Limited app ecosystem compared to major brands
Art TV Alternative

9. Hisense 50″ CanvasTV (50S7SG, 2026)

Anti-GlareArt Mode

The Hisense CanvasTV repositions the TV as a decor piece — it ships with a magnetic teak frame and an UltraSlim wall mount that sits flush against the wall. The Hi-Matte anti-glare display dramatically reduces reflections, and the AI Ambient Light Sensor adjusts brightness and color temperature to mimic the look of true canvas prints.

From a gaming perspective, the CanvasTV includes two 144Hz HDMI 2.1 ports (plus two 60Hz ports), supporting VRR and ALLM so you can switch seamlessly from art gallery mode to Call of Duty. The 2.0.2 multi-dimensional sound with DTS Virtual:X creates a surprisingly wide soundstage for a 50-inch TV.

The art mode offers over 1,000 free curated works from major museums — a massive library that competes with The Frame at a lower entry price. The motion sensor wakes the display when you enter the room and fades it when you leave, saving energy. Some owners find the art mode’s default brightness too low, requiring manual tuning for a convincing painting effect.

What works

  • Hi-Matte display with excellent anti-glare for daytime use
  • Flush wall mount and magnetic frame included
  • Two 144Hz HDMI 2.1 ports for console gaming

What doesn’t

  • Art mode brightness needs manual calibration
  • Smaller 50″ size limits immersive movie experience
Budget Large-Screen

10. Panasonic W70 85″ LED (85W70BP, 2025)

85-InchFire TV Built-in

Panasonic’s W70 delivers an 85-inch 4K LED panel at a price point that prioritizes screen real estate over premium gaming features. It includes a single HDMI 2.1 port — sufficient for one console at 4K 60Hz, but not the multi-console setup that HDMI 2.1 enthusiasts typically want.

The Fire TV integration with Alexa voice control provides a unified interface for live TV, streaming apps, and smart home control. The picture quality is solid for the price, with MEMC motion smoothing and HDR10+ support, but the panel’s native 60Hz refresh rate and limited dimming capabilities mean it’s not suited for competitive gaming.

Owners praise the easy QR-code setup and the sturdy metal stand. However, its processor is sluggish compared to competitors, causing noticeable lag when switching apps. For a family room where casual viewing and the sheer size of an 85-inch screen are the priority, the W70 is a decent entry-level choice.

What works

  • 85-inch screen at an entry-level price point
  • Fire TV integration with Alexa voice control
  • Metal stand feels sturdy during assembly

What doesn’t

  • Only 1 HDMI 2.1 port; panel locked at 60Hz
  • Slower processor causes app-switching lag
OLED Pure Black

11. Sony 65″ OLED BRAVIA XR8B (K-65XR8B)

XR OLED MotionAcoustic Surface

The Sony XR8B uses over 8 million self-lit OLED pixels for absolute black with zero blooming — ideal for dark-room movie enthusiasts and PS5 gamers. The XR Processor intelligently enhances color, contrast, and clarity in real-time, while the Acoustic Surface Audio+ bounces sound off the screen panel for more immersive directionality.

Studio-calibrated picture modes for Netflix and Prime Video ensure content looks as the director intended, and the exclusive PlayStation 5 features — Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode — work seamlessly. Two of four HDMI ports support 4K 120Hz with VRR, making it a capable companion for both cinematic and competitive play.

Owners consistently praise the TV’s gorgeous picture clarity, especially with HDR content in darker viewing environments. The thin frame and excellent viewing angles add to the premium feel. The built-in audio, while decent, cannot match a good external sound system, and the XR8B is best reserved for users who can control ambient room lighting.

What works

  • Perfect per-pixel blacks with zero compromise in dark rooms
  • Seamless PS5 Auto HDR and Genre Picture Mode integration
  • Studio-calibrated Netflix and Prime Video modes

What doesn’t

  • Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports at 48Gbps
  • Lower peak brightness than MiniLED in bright rooms

Hardware & Specs Guide

HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth and Port Allocation

Full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth means 48Gbps per port — sufficient for 4K at 144Hz with 12-bit color at 4:4:4 chroma subsampling. Some TVs (including the Sony BRAVIA 5 and XR8B) only provide two such ports, while models from iFFALCON and LG C4 offer four. For multi-console households, verifying the count of full-bandwidth ports is essential — a TV marketing “HDMI 2.1” but delivering only 24Gbps cannot maintain full chroma at high refresh rates.

Panel Type: OLED vs. MiniLED vs. QLED

OLED panels (LG C4, Sony XR8B, Samsung S90F) deliver infinite contrast with per-pixel black levels, but peak brightness tops out around 800-1300 nits. MiniLED TVs (TCL QM7K, Hisense U7, Sony BRAVIA 5) use thousands of individually controlled backlights to achieve 2000-3000 nits, maintaining contrast in bright rooms at the cost of minor blooming. QLED (Hisense CanvasTV) uses quantum-dot filters on standard LED backlights for improved color volume but cannot match OLED or MiniLED in black-level depth.

FAQ

Do I need a separate soundbar for Dolby Atmos with these TVs?
It depends on your expectations. TVs like the iFFALCON 65U85 and TCL QM7K include 2.1-channel systems with a built-in woofer that deliver decent bass for casual viewing. However, for true Dolby Atmos height effects and clear dialogue separation, a dedicated soundbar with upward-firing speakers will provide a noticeably more immersive experience. Models with eARC support (such as the Sony BRAVIA 5 and LG C4) can pass lossless Atmos to external audio systems.
Can I use a 4K 120Hz TV with a standard HDMI 2.0 cable?
No — HDMI 2.0 cables are capped at 18Gbps, which is insufficient for 4K at 120Hz with 10-bit HDR and 4:4:4 chroma. You need an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable rated for 48Gbps. Some TVs include a compatible cable in the box, but always verify that your cable is certified for 48Gbps to avoid signal dropouts or chroma subsampling at high frame rates.
What is the practical difference between 120Hz and 144Hz native refresh rate?
For console gaming, most PS5 and Xbox Series X titles currently lock at 120Hz, so a native 120Hz panel is sufficient. For PC gamers, a native 144Hz (or 165Hz) panel can produce noticeably smoother motion in supported titles, especially at frame rates above 120fps. HDMI 2.1 bandwidth must support the higher refresh rate — verify that the TV can maintain 4K at 144Hz without reducing chroma to 4:2:2.
Does VRR eliminate all screen tearing on HDMI 2.1 TVs?
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) synchronizes the display’s refresh rate to the game’s frame rate, effectively eliminating screen tearing within the VRR window. Most HDMI 2.1 TVs support VRR ranges between 48Hz and 120Hz or 144Hz. Some models (like the Hisense U7 with VRR up to 330Hz) offer wider ranges, which can reduce tearing even during extreme frame-rate dips.
Is OLED burn-in still a concern for long gaming sessions?
Modern OLED panels (2023 onward) include aggressive compensation cycles and pixel-shift algorithms that significantly reduce static-image retention. For typical mixed-use patterns (gaming interspersed with movies and browsing), burn-in is rarely an issue. TVs like the LG C4 also include a Screen Saver function that dims static HUDs. If you plan to use the TV exclusively as a PC monitor with a fixed taskbar, a MiniLED or QLED panel presents zero burn-in risk.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most buyers, the 4k tvs with hdmi 2.1 winner is the LG OLED77C4PUA because it combines four full-bandwidth 48Gbps ports, stunning OLED black levels, and a buttery 144Hz refresh rate in a sizable 77-inch package. If you want an exceptionally bright panel for sunlit rooms with minimal blooming, grab the Hisense U7 Mini-LED. And for a pure gaming setup with best-in-class 4K upscaling and seamless PS5 integration, the Sony BRAVIA 5 is the smart middle ground between OLED and budget MiniLED.