Do All 4K TVs Run at 60 Frames Per Second?

The short answer – no! Not every 4K TV on the market today can handle the full 3840 x 2160 resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second for gaming or video playback.

There are specific requirements around HDMI inputs, refresh rates, and more that determine whether a 4K television can support 60fps or higher. Only higher-end models designed with gaming and future-proofing in mind have the specs needed.

Let‘s dive deeper into the specifics…

HDMI Ports – The Foundation for High Frame Rates

The HDMI inputs on your television serve as the gateway for high resolutions and fast frame rates from media devices and gaming consoles. But not all HDMI connections are made equal!

Here‘s a breakdown of what kind of ports you need:

As you can see, you need at least HDMI 2.0 to get 4K resolution at the crucial 60 frames per second needed for smooth gaming and video playback.

HDMI 2.1 offers an even faster pipeline with nearly double the bandwidth, enabling next-generation gaming performance up to 120fps that high-end televisions can take advantage of.

Here are frame rate capabilities for current-gen consoles via different HDMI inputs:

So if you want cutting-edge performance from your PS5 or Xbox Series X, an HDMI 2.1 future-proofed television is a smart investment!

It‘s All About The Refresh Rate, Baby!

The refresh rate determines how many times per second your television can update the image on screen.

It‘s measured in hertz (Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the more frames per second your TV can display.

Here is how common 4K TV refresh rates translate to frame rate performance:

As you can see, a 60Hz 4K television can only display 60 frames per second maximum. That meets the baseline, but won‘t unlock the true gaming potential of cutting-edge consoles and PCs.

To surpass 60fps for buttery smooth animation, you need one of the latest 120Hz or 144Hz panels found only on high-end 4K models at this time.

Match Your Gaming Speed!

The source content itself also plays a huge role. If your PlayStation 5 is rendering the next Call of Duty game at 120fps, but your TV only has a 60Hz panel, you end up missing out!

That‘s why it‘s important to match your gaming setup to your television‘s capabilities. Here is how popular titles compare:

As you can see, today‘s biggest FPS titles are optimized to run up to 120fps or more. So competitive gamers need 120Hz or 144Hz televisions to keep up!

Slower paced genres like adventure or RPG games still look gorgeous at 60fps or lower. So a 60Hz television may be perfectly suitable there.

Finding The Right Gaming TV Balance

At the end of day, achieving the highest frame rates requires tradeoffs:

• Resolution vs Frame Rates: Do you prioritize 4K visuals or blistering 120+ fps for competitive response times? Most televisions only support 4K or high refresh rates – not both.

• Graphics Fidelity vs Speed: Higher graphics settings add immersion but slow performance. Lower settings remove eye candy for lightning fast frame rates. What feels best for your gaming style?

Console gamers face fewer tradeoffs thanks to standardized hardware. But you still need to decide whether your gaming is competitive enough to warrant upgrading from a 60Hz to 120/144Hz display.

My Gamer-Approved 4K TV Recommendations

If you want my personal picks for the best 4K televisions for next-gen console gaming today, here are some to consider across budgets:

Budget Pick
TCL 6-Series 4K TVs – Pack HDMI 2.1 inputs for 4K 120fps gaming at an affordable price point. Can‘t be beat!

Mid-Range Marval
Sony X90K – Stunning visuals with HDMI 2.1 and 120fps support. Sony‘s television magic brings out the best in PS5 exclusives!

Cutting Edge Pick
Samsung S95B QD-OLED – This television has it all. Incredible OLED visuals combine with 144Hz refresh rates for the ultimate gaming experience. Prepare to be amazed!

I evaluate all specifications including gaming features, streaming capabilities, and image quality for various use cases in my TV reviews. Check out my YouTube channel Gaming Tech TV to see my recommendations for this year‘s best television picks across all budgets and categories!

The Frame Rate Verdict

While the majority of 4K televisions can handle 60fps for responsive gameplay and smooth video, only higher-end models exceeding $1000 provide 120Hz, 144Hz, or higher refresh rates to unlock FPS titles at their maximum potential and future-proof your investment.

Carefully compare ports, refresh rates, graphics power, and pricing when shopping for a new 4K TV to ensure it keeps up with your gaming needs! Feel free to reach out with any questions. Enjoy those sweet frames per second!