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The best OLED TVs offer the most impressive picture quality you can buy. Though pricier than other displays, there’s no substitute for an OLED if you want high-end image performance with true black levels, an infinite contrast ratio, and wide viewing angles.
Based on a combination of hands-on testing and over a decade’s experience covering home entertainment products, we’ve selected the best OLED TVs you can buy. We recommend the Samsung S90C as our top pick. It’s the most affordable OLED with quantum dots, which enables it to deliver impressive color performance. But if you’re willing to pay top dollar, the Sony A95L offers a more accurate image with a brighter picture and better upscaling.Â
Below, you can find all our picks for the best OLED TVs, including a model geared toward budget shoppers and a high-end option with an anti-reflective screen. All our recommendations are available in multiple screen sizes, so be sure to select the size that fits your needs from each retailer’s site.
Our top picks for the best OLED TVsÂ
Best overall: Samsung S90C 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best high-end: Sony A95L 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best on a budget: LG B3 4K TV – See at Samsung
Best midrange: LG C3 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best for your wall: LG G3 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best anti-glare screen: Samsung S95D 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best overall
Samsung S90C 65-inch 4K OLED TV
The S90C is our pick for the top TV you can buy right now. It delivers premium 4K image quality with high contrast and vivid quantum dot colors for less than similar OLEDs from LG and Sony.
Samsung’s S90C is the best OLED TV there is for the money. In fact, it’s our pick for the best TV overall. Thanks to its quantum dot technology, the S90C can produce a brighter image with better color performance than typical OLEDs. And it costs less than direct competitors from LG and Sony.
Like all OLED TVs, the S90C has deep black levels, wide viewing angles, and an infinite contrast ratio. But this model stands out in its price range thanks to its exceptional brightness, color range, and color volume. The S90C’s peak brightness is around 1,000 nits, a nice step up from the 800-nit max of other similarly priced OLEDs.Â
The TV also maintains vivid colors across high brightness levels better than LG’s OLEDs. This means that high dynamic range (HDR) content really pops. HDR10 and HDR10+ videos look stunning through streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs. On the downside, it’s disappointing that Samsung still doesn’t support Dolby Vision, a popular HDR format. However, we don’t consider that a dealbreaker. Check out our HDR TV guide for details on how Dolby Vision stacks up to other HDR formats.
Smart TV capabilities are also solid but not the smoothest we’ve seen. A cool Gaming Hub lets you use services like Xbox Game Pass to stream games without a console, a feature you won’t find on Sony and LG TVs. And you can game at up to 144Hz when paired with a computer. These perks help cement the S90C as the best OLED TV for gaming, in addition to being our top pick overall.Â
Samsung does sell a 2024 version of this set, called the S90D, that can get a little brighter. However, the S90D is much more expensive, so we think this 2023 model is the better buy. Likewise, though there are better-looking OLED TVs on the market, they all cost considerably more than the S90C, and their upgrades in picture performance are subtle. When it comes to overall bang for your buck, the S90C is simply unmatched.Â
Read our Samsung S90C OLED 4K TV review.
Check out our guide to the best Samsung TVs.
Note: The 83-inch S90C does not use quantum dots, so that size can’t offer the same color performance as smaller models.
Best high-end
Sony 65-inch A95L OLED 4K TV
Sony’s A95L is the best high-end TV you can buy. Though pricey, its QD-OLED panel delivers the most impressive picture quality we’ve seen. It’s also got a premium design and Google’s convenient smart TV interface.
Sony’s OLED TVs are known for their high-end picture processing, which enables them to deliver the most accurate image on the market. The A95L is the company’s latest and greatest model, and it’s the best OLED TV you can buy for a premium home theater experience. Â
Like most of Samsung’s competing OLED TVs, the A95L uses quantum dots to achieve a brighter, more colorful image than a typical OLED screen. And the A95L is one of the brightest OLEDs we’ve tested. We measured a max of about 1,500 nits. That’s 500 nits higher than this model’s predecessor, the A95K 4K TV, and about even with LG’s G series TVs. This leads to more realistic contrast and details in specular highlights when watching HDR content graded for peaks over 1,000 nits.Â
However, Samsung’s brand-new S95D OLED can get even brighter, with a peak of about 1,700 nits. But unlike Samsung’s OLEDs, the A95L supports Dolby Vision, so it can more precisely render HDR images on a scene-by-scene basis. On top of all that, the A95L uses Sony’s proprietary image processing to better optimize its picture and upscale lower-quality content. This means you’ll get a cleaner, smoother image with fewer artifacts. So, while the S95D is the new OLED champ for brightness, the A95L’s overall image quality is still better.Â
The A95L also features a premium design with a slim screen and convenient stand that can be set up in one of two modes: high or low profile. High profile gives you enough space to fit a soundbar in front, while low profile allows the display to sit flush on your entertainment console. A backlit Google Assistant voice remote is also included, and the A95L even comes with a webcam for video calls and gesture controls.Â
On the downside, the TV only has two HDMI 2.1 ports, which max out at 120Hz instead of the 144Hz support you get on Samsung OLEDs. But as far as high-end TVs go, they really don’t get any better than the A95L. If budget isn’t a concern and you want the absolute best image quality you can get, the A95L is the best OLED TV to buy.
Best on a budget
LG 65-inch B3 OLED 4K TV
Though the B3 isn’t the most advanced OLED TV, it’s the most budget-friendly model and still delivers an infinite contrast ratio.
The LG B3 is one of the most affordable OLED TVs available. Though it lacks the brightness capabilities and improved processing of LG’s more expensive C- and G-Series TVs, it still provides all of the contrast, black level, and viewing angle benefits that OLEDs are known for.
At a max of about 600-700 nits, the B3 can deliver solid but not fantastic brightness. Though extreme highlights won’t pop with the same intensity you’d see on pricier sets, the TV’s pixel-level contrast still delivers better overall HDR performance than any QLED display. However, the B3’s dimmer image does make this model less ideal for living rooms that let in a lot of light.
Despite its lower price, the B3 still packs in HDMI 2.1 support and a 120Hz panel. This means it can support advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and a 120 frames-per-second mode on compatible titles.Â
LG does sell a new 2024 version of this TV, called the B4, but its launch price is much higher than the B3 sells for. We expect the B4 to come down in price as the year goes on, but for now, the B3 remains the best OLED TV to buy on a budget.
Best midrange
LG 65-inch C3 OLED
The C3 delivers excellent contrast thanks to its OLED Evo panel, and unlike similarly priced Samsung OLED TVs, it supports Dolby Vision.
The LG C3 is an excellent all-around 4K display. It isn’t the absolute best OLED TV on the market, but it provides impressive performance in its class. It’s also available in more screen sizes than most OLEDs, so buyers with different space and budget needs have plenty of options. Â
Picture quality is on par with similar midrange OLEDs, but at a peak of about 800 nits, the C3 lacks the extra brightness that LG’s premium G-Series TVs provide. It also can’t match the color volume of OLED TVs with quantum dots, like the Samsung S90 and S95 series or the Sony A95L.Â
But while HDR highlights might not shine quite as intensely, image performance is still exceptional. And unlike Samsung OLEDs, the C3 supports the Dolby Vision format, which can provide the TV with more guidance on properly displaying high-dynamic-range videos.
The C3 uses LG’s webOS smart TV platform, and the interface works well. The Magic Remote lets you navigate using traditional directional buttons or by pointing the remote at the screen to move a cursor. The TV also supports 120Hz gaming with a PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC, but it doesn’t support 144Hz.Â
We still recommend our top pick, the Samsung S90C, over the C3 for most people since Samsung’s TV is brighter and delivers better color for about the same price. But the C3 is a fantastic midrange OLED alternative for anyone who prefers LG’s smart TV platform, wants Dolby Vision support, or is shopping for a smaller size screen.
It should also be noted that a 2024 version of this TV, called the LG C4, is now available. We got a hands-on look at the TV, and while it delivers a bump in brightness, it currently costs much more than the C3. As long as the C3 remains available for less money, we consider it the better buy.
Best for your wall
LG 65-inch G3 OLED 4K TV
The G3 uses new micro-lens array technology to get brighter than most other OLED TVs while still offering perfect black levels. It also has a thin “Gallery” design that makes it ideal for mounting on your wall.
LG’s G3 is an excellent TV for anyone who wants a high-end OLED that looks particularly great hanging on your wall. This is one of LG’s flagship models, and it delivers image quality that’s nearly on par with Sony’s A95L, along with an elegant “Gallery” design.
The TV’s build enables it to hang on your wall with virtually no gap, and it includes a flush wall mount to handle the job. It also manages to keep all of its ports within its panel, so there’s no need for a separate box as you get with Samsung’s S95 sr.
Thanks to its LG OLED Evo panel, the G3 offers high-end picture performance. It’s the first OLED to use MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology to help boost its maximum brightness, and the results are impressive. During our tests, we measured a peak of about 1,470 nits using the TV’s most accurate HDR mode, which puts it nearly neck-and-neck with Sony’s A95L.
However, the G3 doesn’t use quantum dots, so its color volume isn’t as high as that of a QD-OLED panel, like those used on the A95L and most Samsung OLED TVs. Its picture processing isn’t quite as accurate as Sony’s either, but the differences are subtle.
Though we think the A95L edges out the G3 in overall picture performance, the G3 is a close runner-up and is often on sale for a lot less than Sony’s TV. Coupled with its stylish “Gallery” design, this makes the G3 a great high-end OLED alternative, especially if you’re wall-mounting your set.
But while the G3 looks fantastic on a wall, it’s less suited for placing on an entertainment console. The G3 doesn’t include a traditional stand, so you must purchase one separately, which adds to the cost. The display also leans back slightly when attached to LG’s official stand, which gives it a somewhat awkward look.Â
If you’re willing to spend more money, there’s also the new 2024 LG G4 to consider. Unlike the G3, the 65- and 55-inch G4s come with a stand, and the display does not lean back. However, the G4 only offers a minor upgrade in color and brightness performance, so the G3 is still the better buy for wall mounting.Â
Best anti-glare screen
Samsung 65-inch S95D 4K OLED TV
Samsung’s 2024 flagship 4K TV is the brightest OLED we’ve ever tested. It features a new matte screen that nearly eliminates reflections, making it ideal for rooms that struggle with glare. However, the matte design gives black levels a slightly faded look in direct light.
Many OLED TVs claim to have anti-reflective screen filters, but the Samsung S95D’s glare-free coating is in a class of its own. The S95D is the only OLED you can buy that uses a matte screen instead of a glossy screen. This feature enables it to nearly eliminate glare and reflections, which can be problematic in rooms with many windows and indoor lights.Â
Every other OLED on the market can cause a mirror-like effect when hit with light from certain angles, but the S95D is free from this issue. During our testing in a bright room, we saw no troublesome reflections, making this set a game changer for buyers who want an OLED free from glare.Â
However, the S95D’s anti-glare screen has a drawback: it hurts black-level performance in a bright room. So, while you no longer have to deal with reflections, the S95D’s black levels take on a more gray and hazy look instead of the deep and inky quality you’d see on other OLEDs. Thankfully, this isn’t an issue when viewing the TV with the lights off, so the S95D still offers all the black-level benefits OLEDs are known for in a dark home theater setting.Â
In addition to its anti-glare screen, the S95D is the brightest OLED we’ve ever tested, with a peak of around 1,700 nits. This helps the display deliver exceptional HDR performance. That said, we think Sony’s A95L still has an edge in overall image quality thanks to its superior picture processing.Â
The S95D has all the other bells and whistles we expect from a flagship Samsung TV, including support for a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth PC gaming. And unlike the cheaper S90 series, the S95D has a uniformly thin design with a One Connect Box to house all its video ports.Â
Buyers should note that Samsung still sells the 2023 version of this TV, called the S95C, for significantly less money. That model offers a virtually identical design and similar picture quality, but it does not have the S95D’s glare-free screen.Â
Ultimately, the S95D’s matte screen is a divisive feature with clear pros and cons. For most buyers, we recommend sticking with a traditional glossy TV since you get better black levels. But if you need an OLED uniquely suited for combating glare and reflections, this is the model to get.Â
Read our Samsung S95D 4K TV review and our S95D vs. S95C comparison.
How we test OLED TVs
To test the best OLED TVs, we evaluate several factors, including peak brightness, high dynamic range (HDR) performance, smart TV features, navigation speed, and value.Â
To measure the brightness of a TV’s panel, we use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter with the Spears & UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray’s test patterns. We also use this disc’s patterns to evaluate other objective display qualities.
However, test patterns can only reveal so much, so we also use real-world content to get a better sense of how an OLED actually looks when watching regular TV. We use the same assortment of demo movies and shows on each display to help test each OLED’s overall image performance, with a specific focus on scenes that showcase shadow detail, specular highlights, color fidelity, and sharpness with native 4K, high-definition (HD), and standard definition (SD) content through Blu-ray players, cable TV, and all the best streaming services. We also evaluate TVs in various lighting conditions to see how an OLED performs in bright and dark rooms.Â
OLED TV FAQs
Should you buy a 2024 OLED TV?
LG, Sony, and Samsung have started to release their new 2024 OLED TV lineups. However, 2023 TV models will remain available throughout the year until stock runs out.
Though some exceptions exist, performance improvements are subtle for most OLED models that received updated iterations this year. Likewise, 2023 models remain cheaper than their 2024 counterparts. In most cases, we think 2023 OLED TVs continue to offer the best value.Â
What is an OLED TV?
OLED stands for “organic light-emitting diode.” Instead of using a traditional LCD panel with a backlight, like those found on QLED and LED TVs, OLED TVs are self-illuminating. This means that each pixel on an OLED can emit its own light or turn off completely, enabling an infinite contrast ratio. Because of this high contrast performance, OLED displays are among the best 4K TVs you can buy.Â
Though there are a few different types of OLED panels, they all share the same key benefits of pixel-level contrast and wide viewing angles. Some OLED subtypes, however, have extra perks that make them even more desirable.Â
QD-OLED panels, for instance, have the added benefit of quantum dot technology, which enables them to produce an even wider and brighter range of colors. Sony and Samsung use QD-OLED panels in their top TVs, like the S90C, S95D, and A95L.Â
Though LG doesn’t use QD-OLED, it does use another advanced OLED panel tech called MLA OLED. MLA stands for Micro Lens Array, and OLEDs with this feature employ a layer of tiny convex lenses to boost their brightness capabilities. The LG G3 is the first consumer OLED to use MLA tech.
You can learn more about how OLEDs stack up against QLEDs in our full QLED vs. OLED comparison.Â
Should OLED TV buyers worry about burn-in?
Even the best OLED TVs are technically susceptible to an issue known as burn-in. If you leave a static image on an OLED TV for an extended period — a news station’s chyron bar, for example — a faint after-image can get stuck on the screen.
Though it sounds alarming, burn-in is not a new phenomenon. Many past TV technologies, including plasma and CRT displays, have also been prone to this issue. While OLED buyers should be mindful of this risk, OLED TVs have built-in measures to combat burn-in, including automatic pixel-shift modes and pixel-refreshers.Â
Publications like Rtings have done long-term tests with many OLED TV models, and while the results do show that burn-in is possible in extreme use cases, the tests show that it shouldn’t be a problem for people with regular viewing habits.Â
I’ve owned an LG CX OLED TV for over two years, and the screen shows no burn-in. In my experience, as long as you don’t plan on watching the same cable news channel all day, burn-in shouldn’t be a deciding factor when choosing whether to get an OLED TV.Â
What size OLED TVs can you buy?
OLED TVs are sold in various screen sizes ranging from 42 to 97 inches.
The most commonly available options are 55, 65, and 77 inches. QD-OLED and standard OLED panels are both manufactured at those sizes.Â
A few OLED models are also available in larger 83- and even 97-inch options. However, OLED panels with quantum dots are not currently manufactured at those sizes.Â
LG, Sony, and Samsung also sell 48- and 42-inch OLED TVs, but only for a limited assortment of their models, and, once again, these options do not include QD-OLED panels.Â
Some 4K OLED displays smaller than 42 inches are also available, but these sizes are limited to PC monitors, like the 32-inch Alienware AW3225QF.
For OLED TV recommendations specific to certain screen sizes, check out our size-specific guides:
Should you buy a soundbar to pair with an OLED TV?
The best OLED TVs all include built-in speakers, but they typically offer mediocre sound quality and lack bass response. If you’re unhappy with your TV’s audio performance, we recommend buying a separate soundbar.Â
Check out our guides to the best soundbars, best budget soundbars, and best Dolby Atmos soundbars to see our top picks. Dolby Atmos is a spatial audio format that can spread sound effects around your room with simulated overhead audio, so soundbars with this feature tend to offer the most immersive performance.Â
Read the full article here
