No. You can use a PS5 Pro with a TV that is not 4K; a 4K display is needed only to view 4K output. A compatible 4K TV can show more of what supported games offer, but 120 Hz, VRR, HDR and 8K are optional—not requirements for playing.
What a 4K TV changes
The console detects the connected display’s capabilities and offers output settings accordingly. On a lower-resolution TV, the PS5 Pro still works, but you will not see a 4K image. The screen’s capabilities—and the game’s own options—determine which output and visual features are available. See Sony’s PS5 resolution and display settings guide.
Sony says compatible PS5 Pro games can use PSSR, its AI-enhanced upscaling feature, to deliver 4K resolution, alongside ray tracing and frame rates of up to 120 fps in supported modes. That is a capability for compatible games, not a guarantee that every game renders natively at 4K or runs at 4K and 120 fps. Sony notes that results vary by title on its PS5 Pro product page.
Will the PS5 Pro work with a 1080p TV?
Yes. A 1080p TV does not prevent you from using the console. It limits what the display can show: you will not see 4K output on a 1080p screen. You can still play games, and any benefits you notice will depend on the game and the capabilities of your particular TV.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
- All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
- Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
- Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
Do you need a 120 Hz TV?
No. A 120 Hz TV is useful only if you want to use higher-refresh-rate output in a game mode that supports it. Both the game and display must support the relevant output; a TV’s 120 Hz label alone does not make a game run at 120 fps. Sony describes higher frame rates as available in compatible games and modes, rather than as a universal PS5 Pro setting.
Are VRR and HDR required?
No. Variable refresh rate (VRR) and high dynamic range (HDR) are optional features, and you need compatible equipment and content to use them. Sony cautions that VRR results vary by TV. Its support guide also says VRR is disabled when the console outputs 8K. Check the TV’s specifications and the relevant HDMI input rather than relying on a broad feature label.
Rank #2
- CRYSTAL PROCESSOR: Powerful processor enhances colors and sharpens details for a vibrant 4K viewing experience. Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
- COLOR BOOSTER: Supercharge your color. From fiery reds to sparkling blues, make every color come to life with intensity. Color Booster transforms your content into a visual masterpiece.
- 4K UPSCALING: Upgrades what you watch to crisp 4K clarity. Upgrade your favorite shows, movies and more. Experience incredible details and clarity in every frame, even from lower-quality sources, with advanced upscaling technology.
Does PS5 Pro need an 8K TV?
No. 8K is a separate, optional output capability, not a requirement for ordinary PS5 Pro use or 4K gameplay. Sony’s support guidance specifies an 8K/60 Hz display with Display Stream Compression (DSC) for PS5 Pro 8K output. VRR is unavailable while outputting 8K, according to Sony’s display guide and its Canada guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you upgrade your TV?
Decide based on the screen you own, the games you play, and the modes you want—not simply because you bought a PS5 Pro. Before shopping, check:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Breathtaking picture: Sharp 4K brings out rich detail on our 55" flat screen TV, while the QLED screen and HDR10 create bright, accurate colors. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
- Resolution: Is your current screen 4K, and do you want to see 4K output?
- Refresh rate: Does it accept 120 Hz input, and do your games offer a mode you want to use?
- VRR and HDR: Does the TV support these features, and do the games you play support them?
- HDMI inputs: Does the specific port you plan to use support the TV’s advertised capabilities?
If your current TV meets your needs, there is no general requirement to replace it. A 4K TV is the relevant upgrade if you want to view 4K output; 120 Hz and VRR matter only if you want those features and your display and games support them.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- A treat for the eyes: Sharp 4K brings out rich detail on our 43" flat screen TV, while colors pop off in lifelike clarity with HDR10. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
