How do I get the lowest input lag?

Input lag refers to the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on screen. If you're a gamer, especially competitive ones, reducing input lag is essential for a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Here's how to get the lowest input lag possible:

1. Choose a Display with Low Input Lag (TVs/Monitors)

TVs and Monitors vary significantly in their input lag performance. When looking for a display, focus on these important factors:

  • Gaming Mode (or Low Latency Mode): Many modern TVs and monitors come with a Gaming Mode or Low Latency Mode that disables extra processing, like motion smoothing, which can add input lag. Always enable this mode.

  • Input Lag Rating: Look for reviews and specifications that list the input lag of the display in milliseconds (ms). For competitive gaming, aim for a 1ms to 5ms response time.

  • Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rates (e.g., 120Hz or 144Hz) generally result in lower input lag and smoother gameplay. OLEDs and high-end LCDs can offer high refresh rates with low input lag.

  • Response Time: A low response time (typically 1ms to 5ms) is also crucial. Response time is the time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. For fast-paced games, lower is better.

2. Use Wired Connections for Controllers

  • Wired Controllers have lower input lag than wireless ones. Wireless controllers (e.g., Bluetooth) introduce slight delays due to the nature of the signal transmission.

  • Use a wired controller or USB connection to ensure that there’s no added lag between the controller and your screen.

3. Optimize Your Settings

  • Turn Off Post-Processing Effects: Some settings like motion smoothing, auto HDR, and video upscaling can add input lag. Make sure these features are turned off in your console or TV settings.

  • Game Mode Settings: Always check if your console or PC allows you to reduce input lag by enabling a game-specific mode or performance mode.

4. Use a Monitor Instead of a TV (For PC Gamers)

  • Monitors generally have lower input lag than TVs. If you're gaming on a PC, consider using a gaming monitor with a high refresh rate and low input lag.

5. Reduce Display Resolution and Frame Rate

  • Higher resolution and higher frame rates can sometimes introduce more lag, particularly if your console or PC is struggling to maintain a steady output. Try to balance resolution and frame rate for smooth performance (e.g., 1080p at 60fps instead of 4K at 30fps).

6. Use the Right Cables and Ports

  • Use HDMI 2.1 cables if you're gaming on a 4K TV or using a next-gen console (PS5, Xbox Series X) to support higher refresh rates and reduce lag.

  • Direct HDMI connection: Plugging your console or PC directly into the TV or monitor's HDMI port (avoiding receivers or soundbars) can also reduce lag.

7. Use Console Settings for Reduced Input Lag

  • For consoles, check if there are options in the video/audio settings to lower input lag. Consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer performance modes that lower input lag by optimizing for a faster frame rate.

Best Options for Low Input Lag TVs and Monitors

Here are some top-rated options with low input lag and good reviews:

Best Low Input Lag TVs

  1. LG OLED C1 / C2 (OLED)

    • Input Lag: ~13ms (excellent for gaming)
    • Features: Stunning OLED picture quality, 120Hz refresh rate, supports NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync, and HDMI 2.1.
    • Price: Around $1,200–$2,000 depending on size.
    • Where to Buy:

  2. Samsung QN90B (Neo QLED)

    • Input Lag: ~5ms (excellent for gaming)
    • Features: Mini LED backlighting, 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 support, great for bright rooms.
    • Price: Around $1,400–$2,500 depending on size.
    • Where to Buy:

  3. Sony X90J (LED)

    • Input Lag: ~7ms (great for gaming)
    • Features: 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1, and Google TV interface.
    • Price: Around $1,000–$1,600 depending on size.
    • Where to Buy:

Best Low Input Lag Gaming Monitors

  1. ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN

    • Input Lag: ~1ms (extremely fast for competitive gaming)
    • Features: 360Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-SYNC, ultra-fast response times, and an excellent 24.5-inch display.
    • Price: Around $650–$750
    • Where to Buy:

  2. Samsung Odyssey G7 (LC32G75TQSNXZA)

    • Input Lag: ~1ms
    • Features: 240Hz refresh rate, QLED technology, curved screen, NVIDIA G-SYNC support.
    • Price: Around $500–$700
    • Where to Buy:

  3. Acer Predator X25

    • Input Lag: ~0.3ms (super low)
    • Features: 360Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-SYNC, IPS panel with excellent color accuracy.
    • Price: Around $800–$900
    • Where to Buy:

Conclusion:

For the lowest input lag, you should prioritize gaming-specific modes (Game Mode/Low Latency Mode), high refresh rates, and displays with low response times. OLED TVs like the LG C1/C2 and Samsung QN90B offer exceptional picture quality with very low input lag. For gaming monitors, ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN and Acer Predator X25 are standout options.

For the best price and quality, always look for deals from reputable retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg. Always check customer reviews to ensure the product has a proven track record of good performance and low input lag.

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