Which is better for gaming?

The Panasonic Z95B. It runs at 144Hz and supports FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible, plus Game Mode Extreme and a Game Control Board. The Sony tops out at 120Hz with HDMI 2.1 and VRR.

Which has the better picture?

Both are excellent. The Z95B is brighter and more colorful thanks to its Tandem panel. The Sony's Cognitive Processor XR is widely praised for upscaling and motion, and reviewers often rank Sony processing at the top.

Do I need a soundbar with either?

No. The Z95B has 360° Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics with Dolby Atmos. The Sony uses Acoustic Surface Audio+, which vibrates the screen itself to produce sound. Both are strong for built-in TV audio.

Which is better for a bright room?

The Panasonic Z95B. Its Primary RGB Tandem panel and ThermalFlow cooling push brightness higher than the Sony's standard OLED panel. The Sony's glossy screen reflects bright sources without much diffusion.

Is the Sony worth stepping up to over the Panasonic?

Only if you want a 77-inch screen and prefer Sony's processing and Google TV. On brightness, gaming features and HDR format support, the Panasonic has the edge.

Both use OLED panels with similar lifespans under normal use. Panasonic's ThermalFlow cooling is designed to manage heat and support long-term brightness, which may help panel longevity.

Panasonic Z95B OLED TV vs Sony Bravia 8 II 77-inch OLED TV

The Panasonic Z95B is the brighter, more gaming-focused set, with a Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, 144Hz support and a Technics-tuned speaker array that makes a soundbar unnecessary. The Sony Bravia 8 (K-77XR80) counters with a larger 77-inch screen, Sony's Cognitive Processor XR and Acoustic Surface Audio+, and reviewers consistently place Sony's processing near the top. Both are excellent OLEDs; the Z95B wins on peak brightness and gaming features, while the Bravia 8 wins on size, processing polish and sound-from-screen design.

Choose the Panasonic Z95B if you want the brightest OLED picture, 144Hz gaming with FreeSync and G-Sync, and strong built-in sound in a 55 or 65 inch size.
Choose the Sony K-77XR80 if you want a 77-inch screen, Sony's Cognitive Processor XR and Acoustic Surface Audio+ in a slim, premium design.

Prices

Panasonic Z95B OLED TV: $1,899.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 10)