Getting a great TV can be a hugely impactful upgrade to your sim racing setup. Knowing what you need from a TV is even more important and understanding how certain features can help your performance on the track is vital when choosing the best TV for your sim racing setup.
The 9 best TVs for sim racing are:
- Samsung Q80A
- Samsung N5300
- Hisense 43A4H
- Samsung AU8000
- TCL 55R635
- Sony X85J
- LG C2 OLED
- Samsung QN90A QLED
- Samsung S95B QD-OLED
All 9 of these TVs offer a great sim racing experience with a large viewing angle and feature sets that can help make you an overall better racer. As a sim racer, some features are more important than others, so read on below to learn what to look for in a TV for sim racing.
- • Ideal for those on a budget
- • Great HD screen
- • Doesn't require a beefy PC
Are TVs Good For Sim Racing?
TVs are good for sim racing. One big advantage of monitors over TVs used to be the ability to have high refresh rate displays, but as technology has progressed over the years, it’s now fairly common for a large TV to have a high refresh rate display, and so TVs can be great for sim racing.
While large monitors of 32 inches or more are often extremely expensive, it can be cheaper to get a large TV as their large size is more common. One thing to consider is that latency is often lower on a monitor designed for PC gaming rather than a multifunctional TV.
While high refresh rate displays are increasingly becoming the norm, low input lag features found on most PC focused monitors usually drive up the price significantly when featured on a large TV. Sometimes it just depends on the brand of TV you end up buying, as some TVs do offer great latency and high refresh rate displays for prices no more expensive than a PC monitor.
Size And Immersion
The main advantage of having a TV for sim racing is its size. It’s pretty difficult to find a PC monitor that’s 65 inches corner to corner but relatively trivial when talking about TVs. A large TV can make your sim racing experience far more immersive, as more of your field of vision is taken up by the simulator on screen.
The large size of a TV also allows you to sit further back and can be a great help for any long-form sim racing rigs that require you stay a few meters away from the screen in order to make room for the chassis or pedal deck in front (along with everything else in your room).
However, the bigger you go with a TV, as you would expect, the higher the prices rise. For sim racing, about 32 inches for a single-screen setup is usually adequate, and so although you might be able to get an 80-inch TV, you likely don’t need it! This means there are lots of other things to consider when choosing a TV for sim racing.
KEY POINTS
• You absolutely can sim race on a TV
• TVs are often cheaper in larger sizes when compared with PCs
• Other than size, there are other important features to consider
What To Look For In A TV For Sim Racing
Size
Getting a big TV is highly recommended as it is far more immersive. It also allows you to sit further back and in a more relaxed position while sim racing as there is no need to strain your eyes. A size of 32 inches or more is generally a good size to start off with, but the bigger you go, the more you’ll have to adjust your sim racing setup to accommodate things like FOV and viewing angles.
Buyer’s Tip: It’s a good idea to measure where you are going to place the TV just to make sure there is enough spaceDisplay
A high refresh rate display can better simulate high speeds and fast motion due to the smoother viewing experience and more fluid gameplay. A display with a high refresh rate will also offer far lower latency compared to a 60 Hz refresh rate panel.
There are slight competitive advantages to high refresh rate displays, such as reduced latency, clearer images when moving at high speeds, and in general it is easier for your eyes to focus on something in the game on the TV.
The 4K Options
However, higher resolution TVs that feature 4K displays can be enticing to someone who values graphical fidelity more than framerates, and luckily for them, 60 Hz 4K TVs don’t have such a costly price associated with them like they used to a few years ago.
Getting a 4K TV that also features a high refresh rate display is very expensive and you will need a very high budget and a good PC in order to make use of such a TV.
Buyer’s Tip: Refresh rate is sometimes referred to as the TVs “motion rate” or similar (depending on the brand), and the motion rate equates to exactly double the actual refresh rate. So, if a TV has a “motion rate” of 120, what that actually means is it has a refresh rate of only 60 Hz, and they’re filling in the extra frames to simulate this higher refresh rate – beware of this marketing tactic!Budget
Depending on your budget, your options may be fairly limited, but that’s not to say there aren’t fantastic options for every budget. Again, high resolution displays with a refresh rate of 60 Hz or 75 Hz don’t hold the premium price tag they used to, but if you want a high-resolution TV that also features a high refresh rate, you will pay a much higher price.
Curved Screens
Curved monitors are also great options for large TVs as they offer a greater level of immersion at a slightly higher price point. OLED TVs are usually the most expensive options available and offer the best visual experience, but screen burn-in is something to be weary of if you choose to go OLED.
Burn In
Screen burn-in is when an image is retained on the TV and can look like a ghosted image burned into the display overlayed on the content you watch. Most TVs have screen burn-in reduction methods built into them,and are enabled by default, but it’s still something to be aware of.
KEY POINTS
• 32 inches is a good size of TV for sim racing
• Ideally you want a screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz or more, but these are more expensive
• 4K and OLED options are worth considering, but they’re also very expensive
The 9 Best TVs For Sim Racing
1. Samsung Q80A
Size: 50” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Panel Type: LCD
The Samsung Q80A is a large 50” 4K TV from Samsung, but with a few more competitive advantages that you can utilize on the track. Firstly, the TV is very thin, and most sim racing setups will be able to accommodate the TV. The display has a refresh rate of 120 Hz, offering a faster and smoother image than the first TVs on this list.
This 4K TV from Samsung is one of the best on the market, especially for sim racers. It offers a huge screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing some of the best and most immersive visuals you could ask for.
Whether your gaming PC will be able to drive your favorite racing sims at such high resolution and at 120 Hz is obviously dependent on your hardware. A good GPU and CPU will ensure a smooth racing experience with this TV, but if you’re racing on a next gen console, you should have no problems.
Gaming Focused
The Q80A also features FreeSync Premium Pro, which allows for a variable refresh rate, allowing you to have a tear-free experience, like with V-sync enabled but without the input lag that usually comes with it. This ensures the smoothest experience possible and makes fast sim racing games so much more enjoyable.
Regarding HDR capability, this TV does feature Quantum HDR 8x, offering impressive high-dynamic-range that makes deep blacks darker and makes whites paper white. Audio quality is impressive and features Object Tracking Sound technology or “OTS.” OTS allows the TV to track objects as they move on the display and delivers directional audio based on the location of that object.
This can be especially useful in sim racing games where you may have a car edging on the left or right of your display and the OTS can work its magic, making it a much more immersive sim racing experience. This TV is certainly more expensive than our previous picks, but the impressive feature list and competitive refresh rate make it a worthwhile option for those with the budget.
PROS:
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- Features Object Tracking Sound (OTS) technology
- Has FreeSync Premium Pro
CONS:
- Cost drastically increases with size of TV
- Not very stable TV stand
2. Samsung N5300
Size: 32” | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Panel Type: LCD
The Samsung N5300 offers a large 32-inch display, big enough to deliver an extremely immersive sim racing experience with a large field of vision. It shouldn’t be too hard for a lower end gaming PC to drive its 1080p, 60 Hz display.
This budget friendly TV is ideal for those that don't need 4K and just want something that'll do the job. It offers crisp HD on its LCD panel, and it won't require a beefy PC to run.
At 1080p you will get crisp visuals at a resolution that is easy for budget sim racing PCs to power, and with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, all you need to worry about is making sure your PC can pump out at least 60 frames per second in your sim.
While it is a standard LCD flat panel, there has been a considerable amount of effort put in to making sure that the colors look fantastic and vivid, resulting in a surprisingly good viewing experience, considering the low price tag of this TV. With two HDMI inputs, switching from your PC input to something else like a PlayStation or Xbox is quick and painless.
Multifunctional
While they aren’t features that will help you with sim racing, it is a smart TV with Wi-Fi capability, so you can access streaming services directly from the TV itself, meaning this is a great multifunctional option. It does feature some form of high-dynamic-range (HDR), but I wouldn’t purchase this monitor purely because of this, as there are better HDR options out there.
This is a fantastic budget option for those who need a large 1080p display that may not have all the bells and whistles featured on more expensive options, but certainly gets the job done.
PROS:
- Very cheap
- 32-inch display is good for sim racing
- Easy-to-power 60 Hz display
CONS:
- Not a competitive option at only 60 Hz
3. Hisense 43A4H
Size: 43” | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Panel Type: LCD
This Hisense 43A4H TV features an impressively large 43-inch display that can completely absorb you into the racing sim due to its size enveloping your field of vision depending on how close you are to the TV. This TV has a “motion rate” of 120, which actually equates to a refresh rate of 60 Hz. It’s important to recognize this as you are not getting true 120 Hz performance.
This 43" TV is relatively cheap for what you get, and it features an immersive screen that will make you feel like you're really on the track. It also features a dedicated gaming mode for reduced input lag.
That said, this fairly cheap TV is easy to power at its 1080p resolution on its 60 Hz LCD display with most budget gaming PCs, depending on the simulator you plan on playing. The colors on this TV are extremely vivid, but at 1080p and on such a large display, the pixel density can be quite poor resulting in a slightly blurry looking picture.
While racing at high speeds, it’s unlikely you will even notice this, but for general use or consuming video content, it may become more apparent. The 43A4H does feature a “game mode” that attempts to lower input lag by a significant margin, so if you do want a more competitive experience while sim racing you can utilize this for improved input lag, but you are still limited by the 60 Hz display.
PROS:
- Very cheap
- Very large and immersive 43-inch screen
- Features a “game mode” to reduce input lag
CONS:
- Only 60 Hz display
- 1080p display may look blurry due to low pixel density
4. Samsung AU8000
Size: 50” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 60 Hz | Panel Type: LCD
The Samsung AU8000 is a fantastic 4K smart TV with HDR functionality at a competitive price point. This TV comes in a variety of different sizes including 43”, 46”, 50”, 55”, and 65”. Their 43” to 50” sizes are on the low end and are relatively budget friendly in comparison to their 65” offering, and many other 4K TVs on the market.
This 4K TV from Samsung offers a stunning high resolution with plenty of screen to make you feel like you're actually in the car. It also features HDR to ensure you get some incredible visuals.
Simple And Minimalistic
The TV itself is slim and minimalistic in design, meaning it will easily fit into most sim racing setups and won’t take up too much space. It does feature HDR powered by HDR10+, adding impressive dynamic range to any content that supports HDR.
While I would normally recommend using headphones for the most immersive experience, this TV’s audio quality is excellent and if you don’t want to use headphones, this is a great alternative. Samsung’s Auto Low Latency Mode, or ALLM, is featured on this TV and aims to reduce input lag as much as possible, making it an excellent option for competitive play.
Stunning Visuals
The Samsung AU8000 has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, but what we get in return is a stunning 4K display with HDR capabilities that makes already visually impressive games such as Assetto Corsa Competizione look outrageously good.
While the 50” version is one of the most affordable 4K TVs on the market, the price drastically increases with the larger sized options. The 50” version is therefore an excellent choice for those on a smaller budget that want a crisp 4K display.
PROS:
- One of the more affordable 4K TVs on the market
- Auto Low Latency Mode functionality
- Offers HDR10+
CONS:
- Only 60 Hz refresh rate
- Larger sizes can be very expensive
5. TCL 55R635
Size: 55” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Panel Type: QLED
The 55” version of the TCL TV is packed with features that can help make you a better racer and make your sim racing experience a far more enjoyable one. Firstly, it has a 120 Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for regular gaming or even esports level sim racing, offering incredibly smooth motion playback and low latency.
This is a TV that offers a beautiful 4K resolution paired with a super smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. It uses a QLED panel, and features Dolby Vision HDR for some incredible contrast between dark and light colors.
A THX certified Game Mode removes ghosting and reduces input lag, making for an excellent gaming experience. With 4 HDMI ports, hooking up multiple consoles or PC inputs and switching between them is painless. The display is a crisp 4K resolution and features Dolby Vision HDR.
Tear-Free Gaming
A variable refresh rate mode is also featured that, when enabled, can offer the smooth tear-free experience of having V-Sync enabled but without the horrendous input lag often associated with it. If you don’t normally play with V-Sync on, or you have never seen a G-sync or FreeSync display in action, it’ll be a game changer.
At a size of 55”, or if you choose one of their 65” or 75” options, it’s easy to become totally absorbed by the display, making it a great immersive experience and a cheaper alternative to a triple monitor setup.
The 120 Hz refresh rate display can only be utilized when set to a resolution of 1440p or lower due to the lack of an HDMI 2.1 port, but there are currently only a handful of select titles that utilize 4K 120 Hz anyway. But 1440p resolution and 120 Hz is still an incredible experience and highly competitive for a TV.
PROS:
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- Variable refresh rate
- Dolby Vision HDR
CONS:
- Larger sizes drastically increase cost
- No HDMI 2.1 port
6. Sony X85J
Size: 43” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Panel Type: LCD
The Sony X85J is an impressive 43” TV with a 4K display with HDR functionality and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. A refresh rate of 120 Hz allows for smoother motion and lower latency, perfect for anyone looking to get into competitive sim racing or esports. The X85J features Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos surround sound for a very immersive racing experience.
This Sony TV offers a crisp 4K, 120 Hz display that is ideal for sim racing. It's a smart TV, making it multifunctional too, and it also offers Dolby Atmos surround sound for added immersion.
The stand that it comes with out of the box is fairly simplistic and has a narrow stand position and a wider and more stable standing position, so nothing too fancy going on here. Wall mount brackets can be purchased separately so you can mount the TV on a wall in front of your sim racing rig.
When updated with its latest firmware, the TV can utilize variable refresh rate technology for playback with no screen tearing and minimal input latency. While not being sim racing focused features, a good chunk of the price comes from its built-in Apple Airplay, Google TV, Chromecast, and voice search functionality.
If you are someone that is looking for a multifunctional TV that can do both competitive sim racing and excellent content streaming, this is a great option at a competitive price point.
PROS:
- 4K display
- 120 Hz (variable) refresh rate
- Good multifunctional smart TV
CONS:
- 2-way stand isn’t the best
- Fairly expensive
7. LG C2 OLED
Size: 42” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Panel Type: OLED
The LG C2 OLED is one of the most visually stunning TVs on the market and is packed with features that any sim racer will surely be thankful for. The TV comes in a range of sizes all the way from a comfortable and immersive 42” to a gargantuan and all-encompassing 83”. Needless to say, the 83” version is far more expensive and unnecessary for most sim racers!
This OLED TV offers some incredibly stunning visuals. You get a beautiful 4K, 120 Hz screen, along with surround sound for total immersion when you're racing.
The screen is an OLED display, offering some of the deepest blacks and most vibrant colors that a display can possibly offer. The I/O does feature a HDMI 2.1 port, allowing for 4K 120 Hz gameplay. The body of the TV itself is incredibly thin and takes up no space at all. The stand that comes with it is also durable and very stable.
Competitive Features
The LG C2 OLED can up-mix 2-channel audio into virtual 7.1.2 channel sound, making it an extremely immersive audio experience. This TV does support Nvidia G-Sync as well as AMD FreeSync Premium, so if you want top tier monitor performance from a huge OLED TV, the LG C2 OLED is a great option.
A refresh rate of 120 Hz makes for incredibly smooth playback and your sense of speed while racing is far better simulated with the smooth tear-free display running at 120 Hz. Dolby vision IQ is also featured, as well as Dolby Atmos for great surround sound.
Overall, this TV is an extremely competitive but expensive option, and if you value visuals and this is in your budget, I highly recommend the LG C2 OLED.
PROS:
- 4K 120 Hz display
- G-Sync/FreeSync functionality
- Beautiful OLED display
CONS:
- Very expensive
8. Samsung QN90A QLED
Size: 55” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Panel Type: QLED
The Samsung QN90A QLED comes with some extremely competitive features that will be sure to help you on the track, such as 4K resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and object tracking sound for precise directional audio that’s incredibly immersive. At 55” the 4K display looks stunning, and sim racing with it in front of a rig is pretty easy to setup.
This QLED TV features a 4K screen capable of 120 Hz for smooth and crisp sim racing gameplay. It also has impressive HDR functionality, and it's pretty huge too!
The stand is concerningly small and constantly looks like it’s about to fall over, but it’s still fairly stable – this may depend on your own setup. The QN90A supports HDR, so if visuals are on your priority list this TV will offer that in an abundance. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is featured on this TV and is a great addition with the high refresh rate.
It’s clear that gaming was certainly on their mind when Samsung made the QN90A QLED TV. As this is a Smart TV, you get all the usual neat tricks you’ve come to expect, such as streaming services, etc. At its price point, this is an extremely competitive option for those that want top shelf features and a 4K display without spending an outrageous amount (although it’s still pricey).
PROS:
- 4K resolution
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- Impressive HDR
CONS:
- The stand isn’t the most secure
9. Samsung S95B QD-OLED
Size: 55” | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | Panel Type: QD-OLED
The Samsung S95B QD-OLED is an excellent choice for next gen console users and PC sim racers alike due to its HDMI 2.1 capability, offering 4K OLED visuals as well as 120 Hz gaming at the same time. AMD FreeSync is featured on this TV, ensuring a stutter and tear-free racing experience with minimal input latency.
This TV features a QD-OLED panel, capable of 4K resolution at 120 Hz. It's perfect for Next Gen console users thanks to its HDMI 2.1 compatibility, and it's ideal for PC gamers too, as it has AMD Free-Sync for a smooth racing experience.
The OLED screen makes vivid colors really pop and blacks look deeper, and the contrast created makes for an incredible visual experience. The TV itself is incredibly thin and very fragile, but this means that it will fit in tighter spaces without sacrificing screen real estate.
The audio is powered by Dolby Atmos, which matters less if you choose to use headphones, but for general immersion, the surround sound offered here is very good.
Ease Of Use
4 HDMI ports allow for seamless switching between devices, which is good for someone who may play on a variety of consoles or platforms and wants to switch freely between them without the hassle of plugging in and out cables. Auto Low Latency Mode, or ALLM, lowers input latency and makes gameplay feel much more responsive.
This TV’s HDR capabilities make for a stunning visual experience. While it is an expensive option, it’s an extremely high-performing TV ideal for competitive play. If it’s in your budget, I would highly recommend taking a closer look at this one!
PROS:
- 4K resolution
- HDMI 2.1 capability
- 120 Hz refresh rate
CONS:
- Very fragile
- Very expensive
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best TV for sim racing, the Samsung N5300 is an excellent option for those on a budget or those looking for a simple 1080p display. The Samsung S95B QD-OLED is the most expensive and naturally has the most features. If you can afford it, I would highly recommend getting the S95B.
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