Best action cameras of 2022

Best action cameras of 2022

When you think of action cameras, there's a good reason that GoPro is often the first brand name that comes to mind. GoPro cameras are compact, lightweight and built to be tough enough to withstand extreme adventures. But GoPro isn't the only game in town. If you're looking for a good high-resolution, mountable, rugged waterproof camera to take on your next incredible outing, we can help you find the best action camera for your needs. 

A good action camera offers a variety of features to help you make a great video recording of your most extreme exploits. Some features are must-haves, like image stabilization and a waterproof case. Others aren't necessarily make or break for a sports camera, such as a touch screen, 4K resolution and remote control compatibility.

With that in mind, here are the best action camera models we've tested. All of these action cams are portable, tough and, depending on the shooting mode, have solid video quality. Keep reading to find the best action camera for you. If you've had good results from an action camera not mentioned here, please share it in the comments.

Joshua Goldman/CNET

This is the best single-lens action camera you can get from GoPro at the moment in features and performance. Compared with the Hero 8 Black, there are new tools for photos and videos like being able to schedule recordings or set them for a specific duration -- from 15 seconds to 3 hours -- and it now records at 5K at 30 frames per second. That might sound like overkill, but you can pull high-quality stills from the video, making 5K video good for when you can't choose between getting a movie or stills. 

However, the biggest changes are in the design of the GoPro camera. The Hero 9 Black is larger to accommodate a bigger, more powerful battery. The lens cover is also now removable so it can be replaced easily if it gets scratched. It also allows you to add lenses including the new GoPro Max Mod Lens that gives you an ultrawide view with hypersmooth stabilization. The action camera is currently on sale for $400, but if you sign up for GoPro's service, the camera price drops to $350 and that includes the service costs. 

Read about the GoPro Hero 9 Black.

Josh Goldman/CNET

While GoPro has long called itself the most versatile camera, the Insta360 One R takes versatility to another level. The One R's modular design lets you swap out camera modules for different features and shooting options. At the moment, the module options include a 4K video wide-angle camera for that traditional 4K action camera experience with 4K footage; a dual-lens 360-degree camera; and a Leica-engineered camera with a 1-inch sensor for the best image quality possible even in low light conditions. 

Each camera has its own unique capabilities letting you really push your creativity. However, should you get stuck, the company's mobile app and the Insta360 community are a constant source of inspiration. Speaking of the mobile app, it has superintelligent editing features that make it easy to create sharable clips. And all your footage will look incredibly smooth when you use its FlowState image stabilization. 

But one of the best parts of the Insta360 One R is that the company never stops improving it and adding features. For example, it just updated the device so it can be used as a webcam, and with the camera's WiFi you can now livestream with the 360 camera. There is no shortage of accessories for it, either, including a dive housing and a selfie stick that disappears from view when you use it with the 360 camera. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

The Hero 8 Black's image quality, stabilization and features aren't too far off from what you get with the Hero 9 Black, but its price is certainly more affordable. This 4K video camera was the company's first to feature the redesigned waterproof housing body with built-in mounting fingers to attach the camera directly to a GoPro mount. This HD video camera also has a customizable interface with shooting presets and improved video stabilization and image quality from the Hero 7 Black. The lens, while not removable like the 9's, is made with Gorilla Glass that's twice as impact-resistant as the glass on past Hero models.

Read our GoPro Hero8 Black review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

For a company known for its camera drones, DJI got a lot right with its first action cam. One of its stand-out features is its front color screen. Osmo Action might be small, but it's enough to make sure you're centered in the shot when the camera lens is facing you on a selfie stick. Another great feature of the camera is that it responds to voice commands -- the view can be switched with a voice control. It's also waterproof and rugged with removable lens covers, it has great electronic image stabilization, shoots HDR video and has customizable presets so you get to control the shooting modes you want without diving into menus. This is an excellent waterproof camera for people who are looking for better control when shooting photos and videos.

Read our DJI Osmo Action preview.

Josh Goldman/CNET

Good 4K video for less than $150 and it has a front display. The Brave LE is quite the deal. The body is water-resistant but, along with a variety of mounts, two batteries, a charger and a wrist remote, Akaso includes a dive housing good to 40 meters (131 feet). A touch screen on the back lets you tap your way through its simple interface to change modes and camera settings. A long press on the Mode button on top lets you switch to the front display so you can see yourself while you shoot. 

You get several shooting options with this 4K action camera including video and photo time-lapse modes, slow motion and loop recording. It has Diving and Driving modes: the former to compensate for the lack of red light in underwater scenes, the latter will turn on and off with your car when you have the camera connected to your car for power. 

As for picture quality, you'll want to keep this budget action camera set to 4K30 with the image stabilization and video quality set to high for the best results, though. Also, while it offers a solid mix of resolutions and frame rates, not all of them have image stabilization including 1080p120 for slow motion.  

Read more about all types of cameras

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The Best Sci-Fi TV Shows on Prime Video

The Best Sci-Fi TV Shows on Prime Video

Prime Video  might not make it the easiest to find its best sci-fi offerings, so let's highlight them in this best list. Amazon has picked up three of the best sci-fi series out there: Counterpart, The Expanse and Orphan Black. Already watched that essential trio? Try some of the intriguing new originals, including Night Sky, Outer Range and Paper Girls.

Read more: Best Fire TV Stick in 2022

Scroll down to see our top picks for the best sci-fi TV shows you can stream right now on Prime Video.

Starz/YouTube/CNET Screenshot

Counterpart (2017-2019)

Counterpart stars J.K. Simmons playing off J.K. Simmons. Get excited about that for a second. Set in Germany during a cold war, the sci-fi thriller follows a lowly office grunt dejected by his grim life. Then one day, he rocks up at work and meets himself, but a better version from a parallel world. Secrets, tense action and a masterful dual-lead performance from Simmons make Counterpart a must-watch.

Amazon Studios/YouTube/CNET Screenshot

Tales from the Loop (2020—)

Not just another show about a small town where strange things happen, Tales from the Loop has layers beneath its beautiful surface. Based on a narrative art book by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, the series is stunning to look at. Meticulous, symmetrical frames somehow give off a painterly feel. The interconnected townspeople are similarly nuanced, their stories exploring loneliness, aging and the impact of technology.

Amazon Studios

Paper Girls (2022—)

Is it the next Stranger Things? Bikes, check. The '80s, check. Ali Wong playing the older version of one of the characters who interacts with said younger character in hilarious fashion... check? Yes, Paper Girls has its own thing going on. Based on Brian K. Vaughn's stunning comic book series, Paper Girls unfurls time travel shenanigans to the max, placing its four young heroines at the center of a war between time travel factions. Scoring impressive young actors whose characters are confronted with harsh reveals about each of their future selves, Paper Girls is a charming blast.

Amazon Studios

Night Sky (2022)

Night Sky isn't the most evocative title, and the one-season series doesn't reach the hard sci-fi highs some people may be searching for. Though it does feature a slow-burn mystery involving an alien planet, Night Sky's greatest strength is the moving, at times surprisingly funny drama between an old couple, the most unlikely of protagonists. Facing health problems, let alone dangerous new guests, Franklin and Irene York (the immense J.K. Simmons and Sissy Spacek) do their kind-hearted best to make sense of a portal to a mysterious, desolate planet.

Paramount Plus

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022—)

The Star Trek series just keep on coming. Set in the decade before Star Trek: The Original Series, Strange New Worlds follows Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and the crew of the starship USS Enterprise as they boldly go where no one has gone before. With nods to the earlier series' episodic storytelling, narration and designs, Strange New Worlds brings a contemporary take to much-loved territory.

Prime Video

Outer Range (2022—)

For trippy sci-fi that asks you to turn on your wild theory generator, look no further than Outer Range. The sci-fi Western is set on the Abbott family ranch, where patriarch Royal (Josh Brolin) hides an almighty secret. When a stranger comes to town (Imogen Poots), he's forced to confront his past, present and future, and not just in the metaphorical sense. Weird in ways you won't expect, Outer Range is a solid sci-fi outing worth sticking with.

EPIX

From (2022—)

This sci-fi horror centers on a small town plagued by mysterious and terrifying occurrences. When a family become lost, they're sucked into a nightmare involving deadly creatures and equally deadly townspeople. With enough intrigue to keep you hooked and a strong protagonist in Harold Perrineau's Sheriff Stevens, From is an engaging destination to spend time in.

Showtime/YouTube/Screenshot

The Man Who Fell to Earth (2022—)

This series, based on the Walter Tevis novel, features a stunning cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor plays an alien who lands on Earth in search of help from a brilliant scientist and Bill Nighy plays Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien who fell to Earth in the 1976 movie adaptation. The role was originally played by David Bowie and each episode in this sequel to the movie is named after one of Bowie's songs. A more than solid, entertaining series that's best watched without comparing it to previous material. Although, if you're not a fan of split timelines, beware.

Amazon Studios

The Expanse (2015-2022)

Amazon rescued The Expanse from the realm of canceled TV, bringing the series up to six seasons. Thank goodness it did, because The Expanse is smart sci-fi with realistic characters, high production values and a dash of detective noir. In a future where humanity has colonized the Solar System, a conspiracy threatens to start a cold war between the largest powers. A band of antiheroes find themselves at the center. Look forward to more space western themes in the consistently excellent later seasons.

Amazon Studios/YouTube/CNET Screenshot

The Feed (2019)

The Black Mirror comparisons are inevitable with this British series about technology gone wrong. Set in a futuristic London, The Feed centers on an implant that lets people livestream their lives without needing to press a button on a phone. No, absolutely nothing goes wrong. An impressive cast includes David Thewlis and Michelle Fairley. While it's not as polished or deep-cutting as Black Mirror, The Feed is still worth a look.

BBC Studios/YouTube/CNET Screenshot

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1981)

Before the 2005 movie starring Martin Freeman, Douglas Adams' classic sci-fi comedy franchise brought this cult '80s TV series. Making the most of visual trickery, the six-episode series successfully brought Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin to the small screen.

Channel 4/YouTube/CNET Screenshot

Humans (2015-2018)

Humans might not be entirely original, but the assembled parts sing. A British family purchases an artificially intelligent robot called a "synth" to help out with their busy lives. This grounded approach to sentient, possibly dangerous robots is one of Humans' greatest strengths. At the sweet center: an innocent bond between the family's youngest daughter and Gemma Chan's elegant and efficient synth Anita. A mystery draws the family into the origins of the robots, who explore requisite philosophical themes such as humanity, pain, memories and reality.

Elizabeth Sisson

Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams (2017-2018)

Electric Dreams lives up to its name, each episode of the anthology series a vibrant, polished product whirring on the ideas of its source material: The works of Philip K. Dick. As with most anthologies, some episodes are better than others, but if you're craving storytelling with Black Mirror-like setups, let this reverie slip over you.

Amazon Studios

The Man in the High Castle (2015-2019)

The Man in the High Castle imagines an alternate history where the Axis powers (Rome-Berlin-Tokyo) win World War II. Based on a Philip K. Dick novel, the series follows characters in the '60s who live in a parallel universe, where Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan control the US. But there's impossible newsreel footage surfacing of a world where Germany and Japan lose the war, causing some to rebel. To really hammer home its dystopia credentials, The Man in the High Castle is steered by producer Ridley Scott. Fully realized and with a focused plot, this is gripping TV.

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Halo TV Series Gets Explosive First Trailer

Halo TV Series Gets Explosive First Trailer

It's finally, actually happening. The first trailer for the Halo TV series exploded onto screens Sunday, and Master Chief finally looks set to complete his longest, most difficult mission: leaping from Xbox hit video game to live-action TV show.

The series will be available on streaming service Paramount Plus this spring. Set in the 26th century, Halo sees a brilliant scientist played by Natascha McElhone genetically engineer super-soldiers to fight an alien menace called the Covenant. One of these so-called Spartans, in instantly recognizable green armor and yellow visor, is Master Chief Spartan John-117, played by Pablo Schreiber, from Orange Is the New Black and American Gods.

The 2-minute trailer for the Halo series debuted Sunday, Jan. 30, during the AFC championship game on CBS and Paramount Plus. It's a fast-paced, action-packed intro to Master Chief -- "humanity's best weapon" -- and we get a glimpse of a handful of other Spartans, as well as McElhone's character, a suspicious general, a minion that Master Chief saves and a rather haughty, beshawled sort uttering softly, "Humans, surrender to the Covenant." It winds toward its conclusion against an ethereal cover of the moody Phil Collins classic In the Air Tonight and what seems like the show's mission statement: Find the Halo, win the war.

A title card gives us a rough date to mark in our TV viewing calendars: this March. A tweet from the Halo on Paramount account gives the date of March 24.

Microsoft has been talking about a Halo TV show for a decade, with Steven Spielberg attached earlier in the process. His company Amblin is one of those behind the project, along with 343 Industries, the current owner of the Halo game franchise (the game was originally developed by Bungie, but was spun off years ago so Halo is not part of Sony's deal to buy Bungie). In anticipation of the show, 343 explained that the series would have its own version of Halo continuity dubbed "the silver timeline," making it distinct from the backstory familiar to fans while still borrowing important and cool stuff from the lore of the games, novels and other spinoffs. 

Interest in the Halo franchise has been running high since the game Halo Infinite arrived in December after a troubled development period and a yearlong delay. In his review of the game, CNET's Mark Serrels wrote, "No matter where you are in Halo Infinite's open world, everything feels designed for the player. There are no dud textures, no spaces where you shouldn't be."

The TV series was originally intended to air on Showtime before it made the move to Paramount Plus (formerly known as CBS All Access, and home to new Star Trek series, among other shows).

The show's cast also includes Jen Taylor, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac, Olive Gray, Yerin Ha, Bentley Kalu, Kate Kennedy, Charlie Murphy, Danny Sapani and Bokeem Woodbine.

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Best MicroSD Card Deals: Get $192 Off a SanDisk 512GB Extreme, $16 Off Topesel and More

Best MicroSD Card Deals: Get $192 Off a SanDisk 512GB Extreme, $16 Off Topesel and More

Not too long ago, even the biggest and most expensive memory cards could only handle a few gigabytes of data. Things have come a long way since then, and these days you can fit an entire terabyte of storage into a chip that's smaller than the tip of your finger. And you can pick up packs of smaller-capacity cards for a dime a dozen.

As you can probably infer from the name, microSD cards are an even smaller version of the standard SD cards used by most digital cameras. They're primarily used in phones and tablets, where size is a major factor, and it never hurts to have a few extras on hand. And right now, you'll find plenty of these tiny memory cards on sale with big discounts. We've rounded up some of the best deals on microSD cards out there below, and we'll continue to update this page as offers come and go. Be sure to check back often to make sure you're getting the best price available.

Read more: How to Choose the Right MicroSD Card for Your Android

SanDisk

SanDisk's Extreme series is built to withstand harsh conditions, so they're ideal if you're looking for a memory card for your GoPro or another action camera. This card is resistant to water, shock, extreme temperatures and even X-rays. Beyond its durability, this card boasts some impressive specs. It has read speeds of up to 160 megabytes per second, and write speeds of up to 90MBps for fast shooting, plus a respectable 512GB of storage. This is one of the best overall values you'll find out there at the moment.

SanDisk

If durability is your No. 1 priority, this is the best deal for you. The Extreme Plus, like the Extreme, is resistant to shock, water, temperature and X-rays, so there's no need to worry about leaving it in your airport carry-on. It also boasts an impressive read speed of up to 170MBps, and a write speed of up to 90MBps, to save you time while transferring files.

Topesel

Considering how many devices can be improved with a microSD, there's a good chance you'll want to pick up more than one. Right now at Walmart, you can get this five-pack of 16GB Topesel cards at just $4.38 per card. True, 16GB isn't a lot of storage in this day and age, but that's still enough to hold about 600 pictures or about two hours of HD video.

SanDisk

The SanDisk Ultra is a less expensive alternative to the more rugged Extreme series listed above. It boasts read and transfer speeds of up to 120MBps and can capture and store full HD video.

SanDisk

Sometimes it makes more sense to invest in a single microSD card that you can reuse over and over, rather than several different cards. This 256GB SanDisk is designed for maximum longevity, and can record and re-record for up to 120,000 hours. It's also fairly durable with protection against extremes, water, shock, and x-rays, and boasts read speeds of up to 100MBps. 

Samsung

This Samsung microSD only has half the storage capacity of the 512GB SanDisk Extreme listed above, but it also costs less than half the price, and is more durable. This 256GB chip is protected against water, shock, drops and temperatures, as well as magnets and X-rays. It's designed to capture 4K UHD video and boasts transfer speeds of up to 130MBps.

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The Best Prime Video Fantasy Movies You Need to Watch

The Best Prime Video Fantasy Movies You Need to Watch

Prime Video's list of fantasy movies is sparse but at least you have Lord of the Rings! Whether you're looking for a brand new release or a classic from the vault, there's something everyone.

Check out some of the best fantasy movies below!

Read more: The Best Horror Movies on Prime Video

The best fantasy movies on Prime Video

New Line

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

It's Lord of the Rings. It's the best. If you haven't watched it, time to watch it. The end.

All three of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies are currently on Prime Video. Must watch stuff, all of it.

Just don't bother with The Hobbit movies!

Paramount

Love and Monsters (2020)

This is one of those titles that really does what it says on the tin. Is there love? Yep. Are there monsters? You betcha. Love and Monsters was an underrated release that showcases Dylan O'Brien as a young man trying to reconnect with his high school girlfriend... after the end of the world, with a bunch of monsters between them.

Columbia Pictures

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is one of the most legendary comedies ever made and features -- depending on who you ask -- maybe Bill Murray's best performance ever.

But it's the high concept the film is truly famous for. Trapped in Groundhog Day, Bill Murray's character is forced to live the same day, over and over again. 

Amazon Prime Video

Cinderella (2021)

Starring Camila Cabello (and yes, James Corden as a giant rat), this Cinderella adaptation is a jukebox musical that is surprisingly enjoyable once you get past how in-your-face it is. It's a light-hearted time with a feisty Cinderella calling the shots.

Momentum Pictures

Dorian Gray (2009)

Adapted from Oscar Wilde's classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, this 2009 film tells the story of Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes) and the portrait he keeps hidden away, which becomes older and more tainted while he lives on in eternal youth. The film also stars Colin Firth as Lord Henry Wotton.

01 Distribution

Pinocchio (2019)

This Italian live-action Pinocchio is one that will stick with you long after you watch it. Starring Federico Ielapi as Pinocchio and Roberto Benigni as Geppetto, the film follows the story of young puppet boy Pinocchio and his quest to become a real boy. It gets dark at times, but it works.

Highlander Productions

Highlander (1986)

There can be only one... top spot on this list, that is. A classic fantasy adventure starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, Highlander tells the story of an immortal warrior destined to fight other immortals in a secret, centuries-old war. It's one of those movies that has gained cult classic status -- it might not be the best, but it's worth it just to hear Lambert's undefinable accent.

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The Best Prime Video Fantasy Movies You Need to Watch

The Best Prime Video Fantasy Movies You Need to Watch

Prime Video's list of fantasy movies is sparse but at least you have Lord of the Rings! Whether you're looking for a brand new release or a classic from the vault, there's something everyone.

Check out some of the best fantasy movies below!

Read more: The Best Horror Movies on Prime Video

The best fantasy movies on Prime Video

New Line

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

It's Lord of the Rings. It's the best. If you haven't watched it, time to watch it. The end.

All three of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies are currently on Prime Video. Must watch stuff, all of it.

Just don't bother with The Hobbit movies!

Paramount

Love and Monsters (2020)

This is one of those titles that really does what it says on the tin. Is there love? Yep. Are there monsters? You betcha. Love and Monsters was an underrated release that showcases Dylan O'Brien as a young man trying to reconnect with his high school girlfriend... after the end of the world, with a bunch of monsters between them.

Columbia Pictures

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is one of the most legendary comedies ever made and features -- depending on who you ask -- maybe Bill Murray's best performance ever.

But it's the high concept the film is truly famous for. Trapped in Groundhog Day, Bill Murray's character is forced to live the same day, over and over again. 

Amazon Prime Video

Cinderella (2021)

Starring Camila Cabello (and yes, James Corden as a giant rat), this Cinderella adaptation is a jukebox musical that is surprisingly enjoyable once you get past how in-your-face it is. It's a light-hearted time with a feisty Cinderella calling the shots.

Momentum Pictures

Dorian Gray (2009)

Adapted from Oscar Wilde's classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, this 2009 film tells the story of Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes) and the portrait he keeps hidden away, which becomes older and more tainted while he lives on in eternal youth. The film also stars Colin Firth as Lord Henry Wotton.

01 Distribution

Pinocchio (2019)

This Italian live-action Pinocchio is one that will stick with you long after you watch it. Starring Federico Ielapi as Pinocchio and Roberto Benigni as Geppetto, the film follows the story of young puppet boy Pinocchio and his quest to become a real boy. It gets dark at times, but it works.

Highlander Productions

Highlander (1986)

There can be only one... top spot on this list, that is. A classic fantasy adventure starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, Highlander tells the story of an immortal warrior destined to fight other immortals in a secret, centuries-old war. It's one of those movies that has gained cult classic status -- it might not be the best, but it's worth it just to hear Lambert's undefinable accent.

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Samsung Q60A series (2021) review: QLED TV brings out HDR brightness, color

Samsung Q60A series (2021) review: QLED TV brings out HDR brightness, color

The Samsung Q60A is its entry-level QLED model, aka an LCD TV with quantum dots. Those magical dots let the Q60A perform better than many traditional LCDs that cost less, with far greater brightness and deeper, richer colors with HDR content. Its skinny design also separates it from its bulkier brethren. 

While the extra color and brightness is great, you definitely pay for it compared to entry-level models from other brands. The Q60A is roughly twice as expensive as the similar size TCL 4-Series and Vizio V-Series I compared it to, but overall image quality isn't twice as good. While brighter than those TVs, it still doesn't have the brightness nor dynamic range to really take advantage of HDR content. Its speakers are worse as well, so if you care about decent audio it requires investing in a soundbar.

Meanwhile the Q60A costs about the same as the TCL 6-series, CNET's favorite TV for the money. I didn't compare the Q60A directly to the 6-Series for this review, but based on my observations of the Q60A and CNET's review of the 6-Series, the TCL has a better picture.

The Q60A is a good choice if you want a Samsung and appreciate its design and feature upgrades (like a solar-powered remote) over cheaper models. It definitely offers better performance than a typical "budget" TV, but it's a worse value than non-Samsung brands.

Samsung's Q60A series comes in a massive array of sizes, from 43 inches all the way up to 85 inches. I reviewed the 55-inch model.

Solar remote alert!

We need to talk about the new Samsung remote. It's excellent overall and has one great feature: It's solar powered. On the back is a tiny array of solar panels. Those, combined with some efficient electronics, mean that it's always going to have enough power. No more changing batteries, which in a small way is good for the environment, too.

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

My theater room has next to no natural light, and rarely has the lights on, and after several weeks the remote still has plenty of charge. I'm not sure all remotes will go this solar route in the future, but it'd be cool if they did. Alternately, you can charge the remote via USB-C on the bottom.

Turn it over and you'll find a sparse selection of tastefully designed keys and a mic for voice search. This lets you speak a show or movie name and then shows you where you can stream or buy it. This screen even has a Metacritic score to further impress (or shame) you about your selection. Oddly, it highlights Apple TV Plus as the main service to do this from, but an additional click brings up the other options. It's not quite as user-friendly as Vizio's version, or Roku's if you have one of their products with a voice remote. It does get the job done though.

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

You can also use Samsung's SmartThings app to control the TV, along with other smart devices in your home.

Features and connections

Aside from quantum dots and that remote, Q60A is fairly typical for an entry-level(ish) TV. It lacks stuff like a 120Hz refresh rate, next-gen gaming perks and local dimming found on step-up Samsungs like the QN90A.

It does share that TV's smart features, however. As far as apps go, you get all the standard options like Netflix, Vudu, HBO Max and so on. The Q60A's interface isn't nearly as in-your-face about streaming as, say, the Vizio and to a lesser extent, the Roku-enabled TCL. The apps are grouped in a small row at the bottom of the screen, more like smart TVs of yore. There's also Samsung TV Plus, which is essentially like free basic cable, though you can't fast-forward through the ads.

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

Connections are fairly standard. There are three HDMI inputs, one of which has eARC, and there are two USB ports, one of which should provide enough power for a streaming stick, if you decide to eschew the TV's own apps. Wired LAN gets you connected if your Wi-Fi isn't up to snuff. There are no analog inputs, so if you've got a Wii or, I don't know, a LaserDisc player or something, you'll need an inexpensive HDMI converter.

• HDMI inputs: 3 (1 eARC)
• Analog inputs: None
• USB port: 2 (1.0A and 0.5A power)
• Internet: Wi-Fi, LAN
• Antenna input
• Optical digital audio output
• Analog audio output: No
• Speakers: 2 downward-facing, 20W total

An Energy Star rating of $14 per year for the 55-inch is on the more efficient end of similar TVs, and the other sizes in the line are similarly efficient. 

Picture quality comparisons

The Samsung Q60A is far more expensive than either of the TVs I compared it to, namely the Vizio V-Series and the TCL 4-Series. However, as Samsung's most entry-level QLED model, it provides a good indication of what image quality improvements you get from quantum dots. I connected all three via a Monoprice 1x4 distribution amplifier, and viewed all of them side-by-side-by-side.

Right out of the gate my eye was drawn to the Samsung. It is bright. Well, at least compared to the other two TVs, which are already pretty bright. When going all-out with HDR content, it's about twice as bright as the Vizio. If you have a really bright room, or like to watch TV in the middle of the day in a room with many windows, the Samsung will be easier to see than cheaper TVs. 

Aside from brightness, color with HDR sources was the other really noticeable difference between the three TVs. The quantum dots let the Q60A produce far deeper, richer colors than the Vizio and TCL, which use traditional color filters on their LCD elements. So you get far more vibrant purples, bluer blues, more crimson-y reds than the others could hope to produce. 

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

The contrast ratio, and therefore the dynamic range, isn't much different, however. So overall the image doesn't take advantage of HDR content like some other TVs would, in particular those equipped with local dimming. That said, thanks to brightness and color it takes more advantage of HDR than the other two TVs, so that's a step in the right direction. 

Subjectively speaking, I'd say the added colors and brightness make the Samsung look roughly 50% better with HDR than the TCL and Vizio, which isn't bad but definitely less than the 100% more it typically costs. Again, that if you're watching HDR content. Any non-HDR content, which is most TV shows and older movies, the difference is even closer.

No TV sounds good. All have tiny speakers. However, the Samsung is especially bad in this regard. Even at maximum volume it's not particularly loud and has lots of distortion when you're cranking it up. In my theater the volume was regularly above 90 (out of 100) and even maxed, it was hard to hear with the air conditioner on. This is not an issue the Vizio nor the TCL had. This is the price paid for such a thin design. So despite its cost, if you're considering this TV you should budget in a soundbar to go with it. In fairness, that's always true -- just, er, more true here.

Geoffrey Morrison/CNET

High end of the low end

The Q60A is an interesting TV. It's Samsung's low-end QLED, but it's far more expensive than other entry-level TVs. It's like if Porsche tried to make a car to compete with budget sedans like the Hyundai Accent or Nissan Versa... but it cost $50,000. So yes, the Q60A does perform better than other low-end TVs, but it also costs significantly more. And it simply is not, for example, twice as good as the TCL 4-Series. 

That said, it is better. It's also far more attractive, with its svelte design. So if you're able to spend a bit more on a TV and want brighter, better HDR performance in addition to sleeker design, the Q60A is a great option. Just make sure you budget for a soundbar, too.

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If you've invest in a  PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S console, any TV with an HDMI port will work. However, not all TVs are created equal, and if your TV isn't up to snuff, it may be unable to take advantage of these new consoles' best features. The best 4K TVs these days are equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, which have the power to let you play at 4K with HDR and reach frame rates as high as 120 frames per second. On top of all that, the gameplay stays butter-smooth, with the consoles and TV playing nice via variable refresh rate, which reduces choppy movement and screen tearing.

Also, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on an 88-inch 8K behemoth to get these gaming console-friendly features. In fact, as far as screen size goes, you can find most of the features necessary for an excellent gaming experience in 65-inch TVs that are priced below $1,000.

Best TVs for PS5 and Xbox

At the end of the article you'll find two charts with all of the TVs we know on sale now that support advanced gaming features. We've included compatible TVs from the past two years, and you may still be able to find 2020 models on sale. Before those charts, however, here's a list of our current favorite gaming TV options. 

David Katzmaier/CNET

If OLED isn't your thing, Samsung's QN90A offers the best non-OLED picture quality we've ever seen. Image quality is incredibly bright, with minimal blooming from the local dimming backlight. This gaming TV option also has the lowest input lag we've ever measured on a TV.

1080p input lag: 10ms

4K HDR input lag: 10ms

Sizes: 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-inch.

Read our Samsung QN90A review.

David Katzmaier/CNET

The Hisense U8G offers tremendous brightness for gamers who want to play during the day and don't have light control in their chosen gaming space. While there are a couple of TVs that are brighter, all are a lot more expensive. Contrast and color is good too, though HDR is a step behind the competition and this 4K resolution TV's games mode isn't as sophisticated as Samsung or LG.

1080p input lag: 15ms

4K HDR input lag: 15ms

Sizes: 55-, 65-inch.

Read our Hisense U8G series review.

David Katzmaier/CNET

With a price generally lower than any of the TVs above, this Vizio's image quality and gaming features aren't quite as good, but it's still a solid step above budget gaming TVs. Local dimming achieves solid contrast and while it lacks 4K/120Hz input capability, this smart TV does offer variable refresh rate -- a rarity at this price.

1080p input lag: 16.07ms

4K HDR input lag: 13.73ms

Sizes: 50-, 55-, 58-, 65-, 70-, 75-inch.

Read our Vizio M-7 Series Quantum (2021) review.

Gaming TV FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about the best gaming TVs, followed by the charts that show which features are available on which TVs.

What TVs support HDMI 2.1 features?

All the advanced gaming features we've mentioned-- 120Hz input and VRR, as well as the more common Auto Low Latency Mode, aka Auto Game Mode, and eARC -- are roughly grouped under the HDMI 2.1 standard, but not all of the TVs in the charts below include every feature, nor deliver the full video and audio bandwidth that's possible with HDMI 2.1.

Even more confusing, input capability can vary on the same TV. Behind the physical connection where you plug an HDMI cable is a subsection of the TV's processing, namely a chip. These chips cost money, like everything else. In order to keep costs down, not every input on the TV is fully capable of all the latest features and frame rates. To put it another way, every road on Earth could be capable of highway speeds, but building them all that way would be expensive and rather pointless.

For example, one HDMI input might be capable of eARC, but not be able to handle 4K at 120Hz. Just something to keep in mind as you peruse the charts below. Also, there are some important brand and model specifics that didn't fit in the chart; please check the bullet points below for details.

Finally, the consoles themselves are in a transition period, too. The hardware of the PS5 console can technically support VRR, but unlike the Xbox Series X and Series S, it's not enabled yet. Sony's PlayStation 5 FAQ says VRR will be added via a future software update. 

What is 120Hz input?

Despite TVs being capable of 120Hz refresh for well over a decade, the ability to input 120Hz is a far more recent development. This is largely due to the fact that other than a fairly beefy gaming PC, there just haven't been any 120Hz sources. That all changes with the PS5 and Series X. Some of the TVs on our list can accept 4K at 120Hz on all HDMI inputs. Others can only do so on select inputs and one, the TCL 6-Series, can only accept 120Hz at lower-than-4K resolution (1440p).

The Xbox Series S can also output 4K at 120Hz, but internally the game is rendered at a lower resolution (1440p) and upscaled before it's sent to your TV. 

For more info, check out the truth about 4K TV refresh rates -- and beware fake 120Hz refresh rates on 4K TVs.

What is VRR?

VRR, or variable refresh rate, is a new TV feature that you'd probably be surprised wasn't already a thing. All modern TVs have a fixed refresh rate. A 60Hz TV is going to refresh, or create, a new image 60 times a second. The problem is a new console might not be ready to send a new image. 

Let's say you're in the middle of a huge boss battle, with lots of enemies and explosions. The console struggles to render everything in the allotted time. The TV still needs something so the console might send a duplicate of the previous image, creating juddering on screen, or it might send a partially new image, resulting in the image looking like someone tore a page off the top and revealed the new page below.

VRR gives the TV some flexibility to wait for the new frame from the console. This will result in better gaming performance with smoother action and less tearing.

What is ALLM or Game mode?

Game mode turns off most of the image-enhancing features of the TV, reducing input lag. We'll discuss input lag below, but the specific feature to look for is called either Auto Low Latency Mode or Auto Game Mode. Different manufacturers call it one or the other, but the basic idea is the same. Sensing a signal from the console, the TV switches on game mode automatically. This means you don't need to find your TV's remote to enable game mode. Not a huge deal, but convenient. All the TVs listed above have, or will have, one or the other.

What about input lag?

Input lag describes how long in milliseconds it takes for the TV to create an image. If this is too high, there's a delay between when you press a button on the controller and when that action appears on screen. In many games, like shooters or platformers, timing is crucial and a TV with high input lag could hurt your performance. 

As a longtime console gamer myself, I can easily notice the difference between high (greater than 100ms) and low input lag (sub-30ms). The good news is, most modern TVs have input lag that's low enough that most people won't notice it. Largely gone are the days of 100-plus-millisecond input lags… at least when you enable game mode.

So as long as the TV has a game mode, you're probably fine, though it's worth checking CNET's reviews for the exact numbers to see if it has low input lag. Lower, in this case, is always better.

What is eARC?

While not a console feature, eARC is a next-gen TV feature to keep in mind. It's the evolution of ARC, or Audio Return Channel. This sends audio from a TV's internal apps (such as Netflix or Vudu), back down the HDMI cable to a receiver or soundbar. With eARC, newer formats like Dolby Atmos can be transmitted as well.

The issue is in many cases, eARC often precludes higher resolutions or frame rates on the same input. So if you've connected your PS5 to your receiver and the receiver to the TV, you can have eARC audio back from the TV or 4K120, but usually not both. This is only important if you plan on using the internal apps in a TV (as in, not a Roku or Amazon streaming stick) and you want to use the new audio formats via eARC.

Best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, Series S in 2022

2021 TVs for PS5 and Xbox

Brand	Model	65-inch price	4K 120Hz Input	VRR	ALLM/AUTO	eARC
LG	G1	$2,500	HDMI 1-4	Yes	Yes	HDMI 2
	Nano 90	$1,300	HDMI 3, 4	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
	QNED 90	$2,000	HDMI 3, 4	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
	C1	$2,100	HDMI 1-4	Yes	Yes	HDMI 2
	A1	$1,800	No	No	No	HDMI 3
	Nano 75	$900	No	No	Yes	HDMI 2
	70 series	$700 (70 in)	No	No	Yes	HDMI 2
Samsung	QN900A	$4,000	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	QN800A	$3,000	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	QN90A	$2,100	Yes (55 in and up)	Yes (not 43 in)	Yes	Yes
	QN85A	$1,900	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Frame	$1,700	Yes	Yes (55 in and up)	Yes	Yes
	Q80A	$1,400	Yes (55 in and up)	Yes (not 50 in)	Yes	Yes
	Q60A	$1,000	No	No	Yes	Yes
Sony	A90J	$3,800	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes
	X80J	$1,000	No	No	No	Yes
	A80J	$2,200	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes
	X95J	$2,000	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes
	X90J	$1,350	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes
	X85J	$1,100	Yes	Yes*	Yes	Yes
TCL	8	$2,000	No	No	No	No
	6 8K	$2,200	HDMI 1,2	Yes	Yes	HDMI 4
	6 4K	$950	Yes (x2)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vizio	OLED	1900	HDMI 2, 3	Yes	Yes	HDMI 1
	P series	1300	HDMI 3, 4	Yes	Yes	HDMI 1
	M series	900	No	Yes	Yes	HDMI 1
Hisense	U9	$3500 (75")	No	No	No	No
	U8	$1,250	HDMI 3, 4	VRR	No	HDMI 3
	U7	$1,000	No	Freesync	No	Yes

*Available via a firmware update at a later date (just like Sony's 2020 models).

2020 TVs

You might still be able to find some of 2020's TVs on sale. Many had 120 Hz inputs, eARC and more, though not quite to the extent of the newer models. Here's a look at the TVs from 2020 and what they could do.

2020 TVs for PS5 and Xbox

Brand	Model	65-inch price	Max input Hz	VRR	ALLM/AUTO	eARC
LG	UN85	$765	120Hz (HDMI 3,4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
	Nano85	$1,000	120Hz (HDMI 3,4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
	Nano90	$1,200	120Hz (HDMI 3,4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
	Nano91	$1,000	120Hz (HDMI 3,4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
	CX	$2,200	120Hz (All)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 2
	GX	$2,500	120Hz (All)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 2
	BX	$2,000	120Hz (HDMI 3,4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
Samsung	Q70T	$1,200	120Hz	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Q80T	$1,700	120Hz (HDMI 4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
	Q90T	$2,000	120Hz	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Q800T (8K)	$2,700	120Hz	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sony	X900H	$1,400	120Hz (HDMI 3,4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 3
TCL	6-Series	$950	4K60/1440p120	Yes	Yes	HDMI 4
Vizio	OLED	$1,500	120Hz (HDMI 2,3)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 1
	P	$950	120Hz (HDMI 3,4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 1
	PX	$1,500	120Hz (HDMI 3,4)	Yes	Yes	HDMI 1
	M-Series	$600	60Hz	Yes	Yes	HDMI 1

Notes and specifics

• Prices are current as of press time but may fluctuate.
• There are some TVs that fit the criteria but weren't included because they're so expensive, namely 8K TVs like LG's ZX series and Samsung's Q950TS and Q900TS series.
• The PS5 and Series X can also output 8K resolution to compatible TVs, but we consider 4K/120Hz, VRR and other enhancements like ray tracing and even HDR more important than 8K for gaming.
• Samsung doesn't specify which inputs can handle 4K120 or eARC. It is unlikely that all do, but when we asked, the company didn't clarify. We did review the Q80T, however, and can confirm that Input 3 is compatible with eARC and Input 4 with 4K120.
• Sony says the software update(s) that enables VRR and ALLM on the X900H is coming "at a later date." It's been saying that for over a year now.
• The Vizio 2020 M-Series is only 60Hz but has VRR.
  
• The TCL 2020 6-Series can only accept 4K at 60Hz, but can accept 1440p at 120Hz.
  

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As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, airplane graveyards and more. 

You can follow his exploits on Instagram and YouTube, and on his travel blog, BaldNomad. He also wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, along with a sequel.

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