ZDNET Picks Sony Bravia 5 as Best 98-Inch TV of 2026 at $5,000

Q: The Sony Bravia 5 rules the 2026 mega-TV market, but could its limited HDMI 2.1 ports be a dealbreaker for gamers?

For many gamers, no—but for multi-device enthusiasts, yes, the Sony Bravia 5’s two HDMI 2.1 ports could be a real drawback. The Bravia 5 remains a strong gaming TV on performance. Reviews cited in the roundup describe excellent responsiveness, around 7ms input lag at 120Hz, plus support for 4K/120, VRR, G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro. That means a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC will run very well on it, and Sony’s processing, contrast and HDR handling add to its appeal. The problem is connectivity, not gameplay quality. The set has four HDMI ports in total, but only two are HDMI 2.1, and one of those is typically the eARC port used for a soundbar or AV receiver. In practice, that can leave just one full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 input free for a console or PC if you also want high-end audio. For buyers spending about $5,000 on a 98-inch premium TV, several reviewers explicitly called that “too few.” Whether it is a dealbreaker depends on the setup. A single-console gamer, or someone using one console and no eARC audio system, may never notice the limitation. A buyer with a PS5, Xbox, gaming PC, and soundbar likely will. That is where rivals may make more sense. TCL’s QM8K is the more gaming-focused alternative, with 144Hz support and stronger gaming positioning, while some competitors also offer more flexible HDMI 2.1 connectivity. So the Bravia 5 is still an excellent giant-screen gaming TV, but not the most convenient one for serious multi-device gamers.

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Aug 5

Sony’s 98-inch Bravia 5 topped ZDNET’s 2026 rankings after lab tests highlighted its 120Hz panel, Dolby Vision and Acoustic Multi-Audio as the best balance of price, performance and features.
ZDNET said the Mini LED set delivered bright colors, crisp contrast and strong results across films, sports and console gaming, with VRR support adding appeal for PlayStation 5 users.
Price helped shape the ranking: the Bravia 5 lists at $5,000, versus $15,000 for Samsung’s premium 98-inch QN90F and $4,000 for TCL’s gaming-focused QM8K.
Budget and niche alternatives still made the list, including Samsung’s $1,698 DU9000 for value buyers and Hisense’s $2,500 U6 100-inch model for streaming-heavy households.
The roundup reflects a broader push into cinema-sized home TVs, with brands now expanding beyond 98 inches into 115-inch and even 130-inch classes.