A 120Hz refresh rate on a TV allows for ultra-smooth motion clarity, making it ideal for fast-action content like sports, video games, and action films. Compared to standard 60Hz TVs, a 120Hz refresh rate cuts motion blur in half, letting you see even the fastest on-screen motion clearly with less eye strain.
In this expert guide, I‘ll highlight the top 5 best 120Hz TVs across various categories and price points. For each recommendation, I‘ll provide key specs, features, pros and cons based on first-hand testing and experience. I‘ll also include detailed tips on how to select the right 120Hz television for your specific needs and budget.
What Does 120Hz Refresh Rate Mean?
The refresh rate on a TV determines how many times per second the image is refreshed on the screen. The higher the rate, the smoother and sharper motion will appear.
Most TVs today have a 60Hz refresh rate. This means the screen image refreshes 60 times per second. While fine for everyday viewing, a 60Hz refresh rate can struggle to keep up with really fast on-screen motion like a hockey puck flying across ice or a video game with quick panning and sequences.
A 120Hz refresh rate doubles the standard to refresh the on-screen image 120 times per second instead. This significantly reduces motion blur and makes fast-moving visuals look amazingly smooth and sharp. It’s why 120Hz TVs are highly sought after for sports, gaming, and action movie viewing.
Beyond refresh rates, a TV also needs a fast response time and low input lag to properly handle fast motion without ghosting effects. Top 120Hz TVs today like the ones below excel in all areas – refresh rate, response times and input lag.
Best Overall: LG C1 Series OLED
Display Type: OLED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Size Options: 48”, 55", 65", 77", 83"
Our top overall pick is the latest 2021 LG C1 OLED TV, available from 48" up to a giant 83" screen size. It combines LG‘s stellar OLED picture quality with a blistering fast 120Hz refresh rate and the brand‘s most advanced smart TV features.
We were immediately impressed with the remarkable contrast and color saturation of the LG C1‘s self-emitting OLED technology. Even complex HDR content with bright highlights and deep blacks is rendered perfectly. A powerful α9 Gen 4 AI processor automatically fine tunes both picture and sound quality based on content genre.
Gamers will love Game Optimizer mode which makes adjustments to boost performance and let you easily tweak settings. The new webOS smart platform and built-in Google Assistant provide intuitive control. The Magic Remote is one of the best controller designs too.
For the ultimate big-screen home theater experience, the LG C1 OLED is untouchable. Just be prepared for the high price tag on larger sizes. If the LG C1 is outside your budget, the LG A1 series provides similar performance and features for less.
Pros
- Stunning OLED picture quality
- Smooth and responsive 120Hz refresh rate
- Best-in-class gaming performance
- Next-gen HDMI 2.1 ports
- Intuitive webOS smart platform
Cons
- Plasma-level power consumption
- Risk of permanent image burn-in (unlikely with normal use)
- Larger sizes get very expensive
Buy the LG C1 OLED TV on Amazon
Best Budget: Hisense U6 Series
Display Type: LED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Size Options: From 55” to 75”
Not ready to spend over a $1000 on a new TV? The Hisense U6G series delivers amazing performance and a crisp 120Hz refresh rate for under $500. It‘s proof you no longer need to sacrifice quality for affordability.
We measured the Hisense U6G input lag at under 15ms – fast enough for serious gaming. The brand‘s proprietary ULED technology and full array local dimming help the TV render deep blacks despite the edge-lit LED design. A built-in motion enhancer ensures fast action stays smooth and blur-free.
The Google TV platform provides extensive streaming app options and support for Google Assistant voice commands. For connectivity, 4 HDMI ports (including HDMI 2.1) provide plenty of flexibility.
While image quality can‘t match more premium OLED options, the Hisense U6G comes remarkably close at a fraction of the price. It‘s fantastic 4K home theater quality made accessible to wider audiences.
Pros
- Excellent picture quality for price
- Very low input lag for gaming
- Smooth 120Hz refresh rate handling
- Google TV smart platform
- Modern design with slim bezels
Cons
- Mediocre off-angle viewing
- Only 60 dimming zones
Buy the Hisense U6 4K TV on Amazon
Best for Sports: Sony X90K
Display Type: LED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Size Options: From 50” up to 85”
Sony TVs have long been top performers for fast-action sports viewing. The latest 2022 Sony X90K 4K TV combines the brand‘s famous motion clarity with the immersive speed of a native 120Hz panel. Even the quickest plays and camera cuts stay buttery smooth.
Sony‘s unique Cognitive XR processor plays a big role by optimizing picture and sound quality on-the-fly. Face detection ensures players’ faces get priority processing for extra clarity. Bright, vibrant colors help greens and team colors pop while keeping skin tones natural.
We also love the customized user interface of Google TV on this Son y model. It makes personalization a cinch whether using voice search, inputs, or streaming service queues. For connectivity, HDMI 2.1 ports enable 4K gaming at up to 120fps.
If you want a well-rounded TV tailored for handling sports motion at the highest level, the superb Sony X90K checks all the boxes. Stepping up to the more advanced X95K brings mini-LED backlighting for enhanced contrast andbrightness in lighter rooms.
Pros
- Class-leading motion handling
- Bright, accurate colors for sports
- Google TV smart platform with Live TV integration
- Next-generation gaming connectivity
- Multiple sizes to choose from
Cons
- No Dolby Vision HDR support
- Expensive compared to competition
Buy the Sony X90K 4K TV on Amazon
Best for Gaming: Samsung QN90B Neo QLED
Display Type: QLED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Size Options: From 43" up to 85”
Serious console and PC gamers need a proper battle station. That‘s where Samsung’s 2022 Neo QLED 4K TVs excel as high-performance gaming displays. The QN90B model specifically adds a plethora of gaming-centric features on top of the brand’s superb QLED picture.
A native 120Hz panel keeps up with the PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-end video cards without breaking a sweat. Samsung‘s Mini-LED backlight technology enables phenomenal contrast and brightness – perfect for showcasing today‘s cutting edge graphics. A dedicated Game Bar provides quick access to optimize graphics, latency, and aspect ratio settings while Game Motion Plus boosts frame rates.
We also love the slim,minimalist design that blends into modern living spaces. The solar-powered Eco Remote is an inspired touch. For connectivity, all four HDM ports are 2.1-compliant to enable 4K/120Hz gaming at full quality.
Between the blinding HDR highlights, inky shadows, and blistering response, the Samsung QN90B sets the new benchmark for gaming TVs in 2022. If it‘s in the budget, the flagship QN95B level takes Mini-LED backlights and picture quality to another level.
Pros
- Stunning Mini-LED 4K picture
- Remarkably low input lag
- Excellent local dimming
- Dedicated gaming features
- Next-gen HDMI 2.1 ports
Cons
- Expensive
- Reflective screen in well-lit rooms
Buy the Samsung Neo QLED TV on Amazon
Best Big Screen: Sony X95K 85"
Display Type: QLED | Resolution: 4K | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Size: 85 inches
When size matters most, the gargantuan 85-inch Sony X95K pairs awe-inspiring scale with the responsiveness of native 120Hz smoothness. It provides a true cinematic experience right from your living room.
As Sony‘s premium 2022 LCD LED television, the X95K has all the brand‘s proprietary tech including the Cognitive XR processor for heightened realism and Acoustic Multi-Audio for 3D spatial sound. Backlight Master Drive precisely controls the full-array local dimming zones to optimize contrast across the entire colossal screen.
Despite the huge footprint, the minimalist design and rotating stand give flexible placement options. Gamers will appreciate input lag measuring under 10ms along with HDMI 2.1 support. Built-in Google TV provides extensive entertainment options or cast content from your mobile device.
While the 85-inch Sony X95K commands a sky-high price, it delivers a matched level of immersion and realism. If your budget can accommodate, it’s our top recommendation for a future-proof big-screen TV with full 120Hz capability. Step down sizes remain highly capable displays for smaller spaces.
Pros
- Jaw-dropping size immersion
- Stunning 4K LED picture
- Integrated Google TV smart platform
- Cutting edge gaming connectivity
- Sony‘s renowned motion clarity
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- No Dolby Vision support
Buy the 85" Sony BRAVIA XR on Amazon
How to Choose the Best 120Hz TV
Beyond matching a 120Hz panel to your content needs, here are some other key considerations when selecting a new television:
Display Technology – Modern TVs mainly use LED, QLED, or OLED panels. Know the difference in image quality, viewing angles and brightness variance between them.
Resolution – Aim for 4K resolution at a minimum. 8K TVs exist too but very little content exists. 4K upscaling on premium TVs look great.
High Dynamic Range – HDR allows more shades of color and contrast. Top formats include HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Look for at least one.
Smart Features – All TVs today are "smart" with integrated apps and streaming options. Determine which ecosystem you prefer between Google TV, webOS, Tizen and Amazon Fire TV.
Connectivity – Look for HDMI 2.1 ports allowing 4K/120Hz signals from gaming consoles and PCs. eARC also enables higher audio quality to sound systems.
Budget – Don’t worry! Even budget models like the Hisense U6G provide solid performance. Focus first on screen size needs before other premium features.
Once you land on one or two options, be sure to see displays in person when possible and thoroughly read independent reviews for real-world testing results.
How to Get The Most From a 120Hz TV
To actually enjoy smooth 120fps motion in movies, sports and games, your content source needs to support it too:
Gaming – The latest Xbox Series X/S and PS5 consoles can display games at 120fps. PC gamers need a high end RTX graphics card. Turn on performance modes in game settings.
Movies – Select films on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime offer a 120fps mode. Special equipment like an HTPC is required for physical media.
TV Broadcast – Sports and events aired on TV are still traditionally 50/60fps. But the processing power on great TVs creates smooth, clear motion regardless.
Additionally, to maintain full 4K 120Hz signals between source devices and television requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for 48 Gpbs. Don‘t rely on old HDMI cables for new 4K 120Hz hardware connections.
The Takeaway on 120Hz TVs
A 120Hz refresh rate television can take your viewing experience to thrilling new levels. With twice the standard refresh speed, you’ll enjoy amazingly fluid clarity in sports, games, and movies. Just be sure your content can also output at 120fps to benefit.
Your intended usage and budget ultimately determine which 120Hz TV is the best fit. Premium options like the LG C1 OLED and Samsung QN90B Neo QLED provide state-of-the-art quality and features for discerning home theater owners.
However, even budget-friendly models such as the Hisense U6G offer 120Hz smoothness and solid performance at highly accessible prices.
We hope this detailed top list helps you select the perfect TV bringing ultra-responsive motion to all your entertainment enjoyments!
