Latest news with #WillGreenwald
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The best budget TVs for gaming, according to the experts
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission. We all own so many tech gadgets these days that combining functions is always welcomed. You probably have a TV at home for streaming your favorite shows, but is it good enough for gaming? If you're not one to game on your laptop or you like to spend the weekend with friends playing co-op games in the living room, your TV needs to be up to snuff in terms of performance. Not all TVs are worthy of your gaming skills, and many top-of-the-line models come with a hefty price tag. If you're not in the mood to spend thousands on a new TV but you also intend to game in the living room, some of the best budget-friendly TV brands make a few models that are great for gaming. TV jargon is notoriously confusing, and new acronyms pop up often. Instead of leaving you overwhelmed with the decision, we asked PCMag's Will Greenwald to help out. Greenwald serves as a lead analyst, having tested over 170 TVs for PCMag, which is also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis. Here's the thing about testing TVs — it takes deeply advanced technology that most of us don't have. SEE ALSO: I bent LG's new 5K2K bendable gaming monitor at CES 2025 When it comes to TVs capable of handling gaming without costing over $1,000, Greenwald says, 'Several of Hisense and TCL's TVs are excellent for gaming on a budget.' Both brands stand out as leaders when it comes to offering a solid price-to-quality ratio. Gaming, or rather gaming efficiently, means your TV needs to tick a few boxes. We're looking at the refresh rate and input lag when finding a TV that's well-equipped for gaming. Without scoring decent numbers on those elements, your gaming experience could be stuttery and interrupted. If your game happens to be full of quick action, you'll want a TV that can keep up, instead of leaving you in sticky situations. 'For gaming, you should look for a TV with at least a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR, at the very least,' according to Greenwald. Refresh rate refers to how many times per second your TV updates the image, measured in hertz. VRR refers to variable refresh rate, and VRR-equipped TVs are able to match the game's FPS (frames per second) up to the max refresh rate. For this feature, Greenwald says you want to look out for a gaming TV that comes with AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync. And then there's input lag, which is "the amount of time between when the TV receives a signal and the screen updates,' according to Greenwald. This is where the PCMag expert testing proves essential because TVs don't include input lag info in their stats, and you won't be able to tell when buying a TV online or even when it's displayed in a store. In real-life terms, input lag is how long it takes the TV to reflect what happened IRL. Say you press the jump button in the game. Input lag measures how much time it takes for the TV to get that info and show it on screen. As you can imagine, this is a big deal when it comes to gaming. Since buying a gaming-worthy TV can be overwhelming, we've intentionally kept this short and sweet — only selecting a few models that should work well for everyone, following Greenwald's guidance and expert testing. TCL QM6K (65-inch) $749.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $250 Shop Now The TCL QM6K is Greenwald's top pick for buying a budget-friendly gaming TV. The refresh rate comes in at 144 Hz and you'll get AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to tick off that VRR requirement. 'The TCL QM6K is a very good value and a strong performer for the price,' said Greenwald in his review. 'While it isn't the brightest TV available, its mini-LED backlight enables deep black levels for excellent contrast, its colors are wide and accurate, and it's packed with features for streaming and gaming.' Greenwald's measurements showed the TCL QM6K has an input lag of 7.5 milliseconds when in Game Mode, and anything under 10 milliseconds is considered good for gaming with Greenwald's advanced equipment. The TCL QM6K's overall design is also nice, with a slim design that looks modern. Its Google TV platform is one of the best options around, thanks to an intuitive design that keeps all of your streaming options nicely arranged and easy to access. Google Cast lets you stream from an Android device or a Chrome tab, and Apple AirPlay means Apple's ecosystem can easily push to the TV. While it's a small detail, the backlighting on the included remote control is really helpful for movie nights. The 4K QLED display on the TCL QM6K is impressive when it comes to contrast, according to Greenwald, giving off accurate colors and deep blacks. 'By the numbers, the QM6K's contrast is excellent, though it only gets modestly bright compared with slightly more expensive TVs,' Greenwald found after extensive testing. But what makes the TCL QM6K our top pick is the combination of picture quality with gaming features at an affordable price. If you're looking for an even more budget-friendly option, consider the 55-inch version of the TCL QM6K, which usually knocks about $200 off the price of the 65-inch. You could also go bigger and grab an 85 or 98-inch model. While the price increases with size, it remains a good value for the cost across the entire line. The TCL QM6K comes in 55, 65, 75, 85, and 98 inches. Hisense U8N (65-inch) $947.99 at Amazon $1,499.99 Save $552 Shop Now In addition to TCL, Hisense is a strong contender when it comes to manufacturing TVs with impressive specs for the price point. The Hisense U8N is one of Greenwald's top picks for budget-friendly TVs that don't skimp out on quality, and this model comes with gaming stats that should work well for all but the most serious of gamers. For starters, the Hisense U8N comes with a 144 Hz refresh rate in Game Mode Pro, which is more than acceptable. Plus, it comes equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which will give you a better experience in terms of VRR. When Greenwald tested the Hisense U8N for input lag, his equipment showed a 7.4 millisecond lag when in Game Mode Pro with Instant Game Response enabled. This is pretty quick, according to Greenwald, since anything under 10 milliseconds is PCMag's threshold for what makes a TV suitable for gaming. Greenwald further explains that a 7.4 millisecond lag works out to just one frame drop per second at the Hisense U8N's 144 Hz refresh rate. The one disclaimer with the Hisense U8N's Game Mode is that Greenwald suggests you turn that feature off once you're done gaming and switch to watching TV. 'Make sure you turn off Game Mode when not playing games, though, because I saw significant clipping in highlights (where very bright parts of the screen blend together and become indistinct) with it turned on,' he noted in his review of the TV. Greenwald also praises the Hisense U8N's brightness, which comes from the 4K QLED display. He was impressed with the U8N's off-angle viewing, which didn't have color skewing or desaturation. This off-angle viewing experience can be a big factor if you host a gaming night for friends, where not everyone will be directly in front of the TV. With a 144 Hz refresh rate, low input lag, nice display, and budget-friendly price, the U8N is a great option. 'It can put out a nearly blinding amount of light, it's loaded with features, and it's very affordable for the performance it offers,' Greenwald noted. The Hisense U8N comes in 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches. Vizio Quantum Pro (65-inch) $698 at Walmart $1,644.56 Save $946.56 Shop Now Also hanging out under the $1,000 mark, the Vizio Quantum Pro could work well as your affordable gaming TV. CNET, another Mashable sister publication also owned by Ziff Davis, considers the Vizio Quantum Pro to be a nice mid-range option. 'In our tests over the years, Vizio TVs have consistently produced excellent picture quality at a more affordable price,' according to the CNET review. 'The Vizio Quantum Pro continues this trend and holds up as a solid mid-priced TV option, particularly for gamers looking for a high-performance gaming TV without breaking the bank.' It comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate, which is lower than our top two choices, but is still perfectly acceptable for gaming. That's especially true if your video game preferences are on the more chill side, like spending the weekend with Animal Crossing or endless rounds of Balatro. It's also worth noting some consoles top out at 120 Hz, including the Nintendo Switch 2, which means you might not require a 240 Hz+ TV. Regarding VRR, you'll be in good shape with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. A slight limitation comes from the single HDMI port on the Quantum Pro that can support 4K 120 Hz. This means you can only have one console connected at a time. The other three HDMI ports cannot support these specs. The Vision Quantum Pro comes in 65 and 75 inches.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Massive Screen, Maximum Savings: Take $228 Off a 75-Inch Hisense U6H Smart TV
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. I've held back from having friends over for movie nights and game nights because my TV just wasn't good enough. If that sounds like you, too, fear not. The Hisense U6H is here to save the day for all our viewing pleasure. The massive 75-inch display gives that theater-like movie experience that you deserve. Right now, it's priced at only $529.99, which is $228 less than its original price. TV upgrade, meet savings! The Hisense U6H brings those theater-quality visuals right into your home while you enjoy a truly immersive viewing experience. It boasts Dolby Vision, Quantum Dot for vibrant colors, and Full Array Local Dimming for deeper blacks. Whether you're watching movies, gaming, or just browsing, the 4K UHD resolution and 1,800 ANSI Lumens brightness make every detail pop. Plus, with Game Mode Plus, you'll experience a smoother, lag-free gaming session. And with Alexa voice control and Google TV, navigating your favorite shows is a breeze. Our TV expert, Will Greenwald gave the Hisense U6H an "Outstanding" rating in his 2022 review of this series, calling it one of the best budget-friendly 4K smart TVs on the market. For $529.99, the Hisense U6HF is a total steal. You're getting a massive 75-inch screen, top-notch picture quality, and all the smart features you need to upgrade your home entertainment setup; all without the crazy price tag. 65" Hisense U7 Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Smart TV (2024 Model) for $698.00 (List Price $748.00) 85" Samsung Q60D Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) for $1,297.99 (List Price $1,697.99) 65" LG C4 Series 4K 120Hz OLED Evo Smart TV (2024 Model) for $1,496.99 (List Price $2,699.99) 65" Samsung S90D 4K OLED 144Hz Smart TV (2024 Model) for $1,497.99 (List Price $1,697.99) 65" LG OLED Evo G4 Series 4K Smart TV (2024 Model) for $2,396.99 (List Price $3,399.99) More TV Deals on More TV Deals on More TV Deals on Newegg
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Heads Up, Prices Down: This Razer Blackshark Gaming Headset Is Only $37
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Today's Amazon deals are built to level up your setup without draining your wallet. The Razer Blackshark V2 gaming headset is marked down to just $37, and it brings killer comfort, crisp mic clarity, and THX-powered spatial audio that gives you that gaming edge. The Razer Kishi Ultra gaming controller drops 33% off its price, and turns your phone into a handheld console with a full-size feel that's perfect for cloud gaming and long sessions. Top it off with the Eero Pro 6E at $150 off, so your home gets smooth, smart Wi-Fi that works without the fuss. If these deals aren't quite what you're looking for, don't worry! We've got a few more for you from and that are still available. The Razer Blackshark V2 is a wired headset that nails gaming audio without wrecking your wallet. It's super lightweight, stays comfy during long sessions, and the THX Spatial Audio gives you that "where-the-heck-did-that-shot-come-from" edge in shooters. You can tweak everything through the Razer Synapse app, but honestly, the mic sounds crisp even without adjustments. As Will Greenwald puts it, 'the microphone on the Blackshark V2 sounds excellent,' and it is proven in our tests. For $37 only, this thing is stacked. It scored an 'Outstanding' rating and even snagged the Editors' Choice award in our 2020 , which tells you all you need to know. Logitech G535 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (Black) for $99.99 (List Price $129.99) Logitech G Pro X Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset for $99.65 (List Price $129.99) HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Surround Sound Wireless Headset for $84.99 (List Price $149.99) HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset for $146.85 (List Price $199.99) Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset (Black) for $169.99 (List Price $199.99) The Razer Kishi Ultra is capable of making your phone feel like a full-on console. It's big, but in the best way possible. As a result, it actually feels like a real controller instead of a squished mobile gamepad. The triggers are a bit sensitive, but you won't have any problem diving into Genshin or even racing in Forza on Xbox Cloud. As Will Greenwald puts it, 'The Razer Kishi Ultra is easily the best-feeling, best-equipped gamepad designed for snapping around a mobile device.' It earned an 'Excellent' rating in our , and honestly, it lives up to the hype if you're serious about mobile gaming and saving cash (with today's 33% discount). The setup of the Eero Pro 6E is a breeze, and once it's up, you'll notice your devices switching nodes seamlessly as you walk through the house. The speeds are fast, and you get the bonus of built-in smart home support. With an 'Excellent' rating and Editors' Choice award in our 2023 , this mesh system's all about simplicity, speed, and future-ready features without the usual router headaches. "Granted, Wi-Fi 6E is still in its infancy, but as more and more compatible client devices become available, this mesh system will let you take advantage of the relatively un-crowded 6GHz radio band without missing a beat," says our expert. At $150 off, this is an investment purchase. Asus ZenWiFi ET8 AXE6600 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System (2-Pack) for $268.99 (List Price $329.99) TP-Link Deco XE75 Pro Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System (2-Pack) for $149.99 (List Price $229.99) TP-Link Deco XE70 Pro AXE4900 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System (3-Pack) for $239.99 (List Price $299.99) TP-Link Deco X20 AX1800 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (3-Pack) for $139.99 (List Price $179.99) Netgear Orbi 770 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System (3-Pack) for $799.99 (List Price $899.99) Keep the savings coming with today!
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Deal Alert: This Editors' Choice-Winning 77-Inch Samsung OLED TV Is $1,000 Off
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Outside of big sale events, the best deals on tech are often found at . The site is entirely dedicated to deals across seven categories, including popular electronics in new, open box, and refurbished condition. Even better, Amazon Prime members qualify for free two-day standard shipping. The only catch is that the best deals don't last very long, usually selling out within the day. The key is to shop smart and shop you can score nearly $1,000 in savings on a Samsung 77-Inch OLED 4K S95C Smart TV, which earned our Editors' Choice award – but that's not all! Grab an Arris Surfboard Max Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System for $295 off, plus a Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Controller for $50 jump into the daily Woot deals so you can start saving fast! In the words of our expert Will Greenwald, the Samsung 77-Inch OLED 4K S95C Smart TV is an "absolutely dazzling high-end OLED TV with class-leading brightness, top-notch color performance, and minimal input lag". It offers the true black and vivid color contrast typical to OLED TVs with a brightness that's nearly comparable to high-end LED backlight TVs. In terms of smart features, it doesn't disappoint either, providing easy access to streaming services, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice control. Earning our Editor's Choice Award in 2023, it's a top-notch OLED smart TV that's nearly $1,000 off right now! 65" LG OLED Evo G4 Series 4K Smart TV (2024 Model) for $2,296.99 (List Price $3,399.99) 65" Hisense U6 Series Quantum ULED 4K Smart TV (2024 Model) for $449.94 65" Sony Bravia 7 4K Mini LED QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) for $1,398.00 65" Samsung S90D 4K OLED 144Hz Smart TV (2024 Model) for $1,397.99 (List Price $1,697.99) 65" Samsung The Frame LS03D 4K QLED TV for $1,299.99 (List Price $1,999.99) 85" Samsung Q60D Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) for $1,197.99 (List Price $1,697.99) 98" TCL 98Q651G 4K QLED Smart Google TV (2024 Model) for $1,599.99 (List Price $2,999.99) First off, this thing is marked down by 87%. That got your attention, didn't it? Easy to install and manage, the Arris Surfboard Max 6E is a two-piece mesh system that transmits over 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz radio bands to deliver a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout every corner of your home (up to 5,500 square feet). In our expert testing, it had excellent 6GHz throughput with the capability to support Wi-Fi 6 technologies like MU-MIMO data streaming, WPA3 encryption, and direct-to-client beamforming. Its strong performance was enough to earn it a rating of "Excellent," even with a high price point – so at an astounding $295 off, it's well worth the investment. TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router for $59.99 (List Price $99.99) Asus RT-AX55 AX1800 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Router for $79.99 (List Price $109.99) Asus RT-AX1800S AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router for $69.99 (List Price $89.99) Asus RT-AX82U AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router for $139.99 (List Price $199.99) TP-Link Archer AXE300 Wi-Fi 6E AXE16000 Quad-Band Router for $351.78 (List Price $599.99) Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 AXE11000 Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band Router for $299.97 (List Price $599.99) TP-Link Archer A8 AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router for $49.99 (List Price $79.99) The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is a high-end gamepad featuring springy buttons, excellent swapping analog sticks, and a lightweight build with ultra-comfortable contours. While it's especially designed for gamers who prefer a "claw" grip, any player will appreciate the option to customize button functions, adjust dead zone size, tweak vibration strength, and even change the Razer logo's color. It earned a rating of "Excellent" in our due to its overall fast responsiveness and smart design– and right now, it's $50 off!Not quite what you were looking for? Check out even more Woot tech deals.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Grab a Massive $300 Discount on One of Our Favorite Soundbars
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Your TV sound is supposed to enhance the experience, not make you question your life choices during every action scene. Whether you're an audiophile or not, if immersive sound and sleek design are on your wishlist, the Sonos Arc should be at the top of your list. And while the Amazon Spring Sale might be over, this awesome deal is still live, so go ahead and bring that theater-quality sound into your living room for just $599. Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case for $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced Wi-Fi Thermostat for $169.00 (List Price $189.99) Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid ANC Headphones (Black) for $63.99 (List Price $79.99) Apple iPad mini 128GB 8.3" Tablet for $399.00 (List Price $499.00) Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) for $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Sonos Era 100 Wireless Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker (White) for $199.00 (List Price $249.00) *Deals are selected by our commerce team The Sonos Arc isn't just a soundbar, it's a full-on audio upgrade. It brings Dolby Atmos support, so you get that immersive, 3D sound that'll make you feel like you're in the middle of the action. It also has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can control it easily with the Sonos app or through Alexa and Google Assistant. Its sleek design blends perfectly with any living room, and it's got HDMI eARC support for a cleaner setup; no extra cables, just high-quality sound. The Arc fills the room with rich, clear sound whether you're watching movies, playing games, or just jamming out to music. PCMag's Will Greenwald called the Sonos Arc 'one of the best-sounding soundbars we've tested,' giving it an excellent rating in his review and awarding it our Editors' Choice for high-end soundbars. Sony HT-S100F Bluetooth 2.0ch Soundbar for $98.00 (List Price $129.99) Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Bluetooth Soundbar (Black) for $399.00 (List Price $499.00) Samsung QS730D 3.1.2ch Soundbar With Wireless Subwoofer for $497.00 (List Price $797.99) Klipsch Flexus Core 200 3.1.2ch Bluetooth Soundbar With Dolby Atmos for $395.00 (List Price $499.00) Samsung HW-S50B 3.0ch All-in-One Soundbar for $177.99 (List Price $247.99) *Deals are selected by our commerce team Now available for $599—$300 off its original price—this Sonos Arc deal is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your home entertainment. Don't wait too long, though; this discount won't be around for too long. More Soundbar Deals on Amazon More Soundbar Deals on Walmart More Soundbar Deals on Best Buy
