OLED tech means these elite TVs offer incredible contrast and no light bleed. Here are our top picks
(Image credit: tomsguide)
Because OLED TVs are defined by their self-lighting pixels, the top models now available on the market offer stunning image quality. In a way that LED or mini-LED TVs just cannot equal, these pixels provide remarkably deep black tones and extremely precise contrast between light and dark areas. Explore our ‘What is OLED?’ guide to learn more about this technology and why it’s so much sought after.
Many models from the largest TV makers, like LG and Sony, are among the greatest OLED TVs; these models are also among the best TVs overall. Not only has Samsung, a TV manufacturer that had long shunned OLED, joined the party, but it also produces our top-ranked OLED! That’s quite the entrance.
We have been evaluating TVs for a long time, even before the first 4K OLED models were released, and we have seen how the technology has improved, gained popularity, and become more accessible over time. Based on our in-house testing, evaluations, and comparisons of these items with standard LED or mini-LED TVs available for comparable pricing, this guide was created. We’re evaluating them not only on the basis of picture quality but also on the features they provide and how well they match the pricing.
Today’s best OLED TVs, as chosen by our reviewers
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(Image credit: tomsguide)
1. Samsung S90C
It’s older, but at current prices, it’s unbeatable value
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches
Resolution: 4K
Panel type: QD-OLED
Smart TV: Tizen
HDR: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
In terms of features and picture quality, the Samsung S90C from last year still holds its own against the most expensive TVs on the market, but at nearly half the price, it might be the best deal available for a TV right now. I’ve seen many of the most expensive TVs in the world pass through our testing rooms and had the opportunity to compare them side by side. It has QD-OLED technology, which makes it brighter than other OLED TVs for the same price. It also produces black tones with depth and subtlety that are unmatched by anything else I’ve seen so far. Its gaming features are amazing, with excellent game-friendly choices and compatibility for 4K 120Hz on all four HDMI connections. Even at the same price, it sounds better than the competition, so I don’t think you need a soundbar—though a nice one will still enhance the experience). All in all, this device sounds amazing, is a terrific deal for its pricing in 2024, and is a dream for movies and games. Because of this, even with the arrival of newer models, it continues to be our top choice.
(Image credit: whathifi)
2. LG B3
The cheapest way into OLED while stocks last, but still excellent
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 55, 65 and 77 inches
Resolution: 4K
Panel type: OLED
Smart TV: webOS 23
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Pre-testing the LG B3, considering it’s a ‘entry-level’ OLED, I wasn’t sure what it could do better than more expensive competitors. Thankfully, I was shown to be incorrect. It might not be as bright as more expensive OLED TVs, but it still has amazing contrast, rich black depths, and vibrant colors, so every image appears beautiful. With two HDMI 2.1 connections supporting VRR, ALLM, 4K 120Hz, and Dolby Vision gaming, it’s also no slacker when it comes to gaming performance. At first, the B3’s price was excruciatingly near to that of the brighter LG C3, but over time, its costs have decreased, making it a much more cost-effective option for switching to OLED without compromising on features or performance. The B3’s capabilities for its price so astounded me that I dubbed it “the dark-horse OLED TV of 2023”. By 2024, you’ll still think so because the price has continued to decline. This is the way to enter the OLED space on a tighter budget.
(Image credit: whathifi)
3. Samsung S95D
Unbelievable picture quality, and the best for bright rooms
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 55, 65 and 77 inches
Resolution: 4K
Panel Type: QD-OLED
Smart TV: Tizen
HDR: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
I was most excited to test the Samsung S95D in our testing rooms because of its brighter, anti-reflective QD-OLED screen. And boy, did it live up to the expectations. The revolutionary OLED Glare Free anti-reflection technology, which addressed OLED’s main reflecting issue, was its most striking feature. Even with the overhead lights turned on, the picture of the S95D was clear and easy to see. Fortunately, it also kept the amazing image quality that I’ve grown accustomed to from premium QD-OLEDs, which consists of vibrant color and brightness that are harmoniously matched with deep black depths. It’s also a superb gaming TV, featuring four fully equipped HDMI 2.1 connections that provide all the gaming goodness you require: VRR, ALLM, 4K 144Hz. Thanks to the Game Hub, customizing your settings is simple and the device runs exceptionally well. Along with looking stunning, it has connections concealed in a separate box and a floating stand design that gives it a sleek, almost futuristic appearance. All of this is rather expensive, but if you can extend your budget, it’s well worth it. For this reason, I believe the S95D will be the TV standard bearer in 2024.
(Image credit: whathifi)
4. LG C4
A near-perfect TV in tons of sizes, just not as good value as the S90C
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 42, 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches
Resolution: 4K
Panel type: OLED
Smart TV: webOS24
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
After reviewing the LG C4 OLED TV and its predecessor, the LG C3, I can say that the new model offers a noticeable improvement in performance. The picture quality step-up is mostly attributable to a new Alpha 9 AI Gen 7 CPU with a Brightness Booster feature, which produces higher brightness combined with enhanced HDR handling and color detail. With widths ranging from 42 inches to 83 inches, the C4 series is a great choice for a variety of applications, including home theater and desktop gaming. The C4 is a great device for watching movies, and I really liked the plug-and-play nature of its new Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode picture preset. With four HDMI 2.1 connectors that support 4K 120Hz pass-through, VRR, and ALLM, it’s also a gaming powerhouse. In addition, LG’s OLED TVs for 2024 are the first to receive Nvidia’s 144Hz certification, which qualifies them for both PC and console gaming. The LG C4 is an excellent all-purpose TV that can be used for gaming, watching movies, or for any other purpose. It is less expensive than high-end OLED models like the LG G4 and Samsung S95D. That being said, it doesn’t displace the Samsung S90C from our top spot because it is a more recent model that offers nearly identical brightness levels and features.
(Image credit: whathifi)
5. Sony A80L
Bigger, richer built-in audio than any other mid-range OLED
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches
Resolution: 4K
Panel Type: OLED
Smart TV: Google TV
HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
When it comes to value for money, Sony’s TVs can be more difficult to sell than comparable OLED models from Samsung and LG because they are more expensive. However, the Sony A80L has an advantage over its competitors in terms of audio. In order to produce sound, Sony uses technology that vibrates the screen panel itself. This allows for excellent clarity and precise sound placement to correspond with what is happening on screen, while a woofer in the back adds depth. With this level of performance, even the Samsung S90C’s outstanding audio is surpassed by the competitors, so unless you want to go really big, you don’t need a specialized soundbar. In a dimly lit room, I consider Sony’s image quality to be truly compelling and exquisitely crafted. However, it is significantly less bright than the Samsung S90C or LG C4, and it only supports HDMI 2.1 gaming on two of its four connections. Therefore, compared to the other TVs here, our testers believe it to be less flexible for pictures and gaming; nonetheless, if you want the greatest integrated sound and still stunning visuals, this one is my choice.
How to choose an OLED TV
How to choose the best OLED TV for you
Since OLED TVs are often more expensive than other types of TVs, you can expect a certain level of functionality from them. For example, all of them are 4K, have four HDMI connections, and come with premium smart TV software.
However, none of them are exactly the same. There are variations in terms of brightness (with some up to twice as bright as others), number of HDMI 2.1 connections for next-generation gaming, sound quality, and available sizes.
It’s crucial to think about what size TV is ideal for you, and measuring the available space is a necessary step in that process. It may seem like a fantastic idea to have a TV that takes up every inch of space in your living room, but in order to get the most out of it, you’ll need to think about things like viewing angles, screen brightness, and whether you can sit comfortably away from the TV. If you’re looking for something smaller, the LG C3 is a wonderful place to start because it comes in the broadest range of sizes of any TV that we showcase.
We generally advise consumers to select TVs with Dolby Vision support when it comes to HDR compatibility, as this is the most widely utilized advanced HDR format on the finest streaming platforms. Only HDR10+, a less widely accepted but comparable technology, is used by Samsung TVs. While the lack of Dolby Vision support on Samsung TVs isn’t a deal killer, we do prefer sets that have, as you can see in our list.
How much do OLED TVs cost?
The technologies that come with an OLED panel, such as the resolution, processor, build quality, integrated speakers, and more, greatly affect how much OLED TVs cost. All you need to know, though, is that entry-level devices typically cost $1,000, £900, or AU$1,500, or somewhat less.
When it comes to cutting-edge high-end panels, that number can be doubled or even tripled by more mid-tier OLEDs at larger sizes (65 inches and higher). You may also notice that the smaller 42-inch OLED TV sizes don’t offer as big of a price reduction; this is because the technology required to make them so small is very new, so the value per inch isn’t as high.
However, OLED TV models are typically heavily discounted during sales events like Prime Day or Black Friday, particularly on models from LG and Samsung.
Should I buy OLED or QLED?
Shrewd TV shoppers have other options besides OLED. Samsung’s rival QLED televisions perform better in terms of brightness, and the advent of Mini LED backlights has only enhanced overall contrast and peak light output—areas where OLED often has an advantage because to its per-pixel brightness control.
Therefore, the competition is more fierce than ever, but it’s important to consider additional factors for OLED and QLED screens. A QLED with edge-lighting won’t fully benefit from its improved color and contrast, while an OLED with a low-cost CPU might introduce additional artifacts and video noise. Support for some formats or features may be essential if you’re connecting your TV to a 4K Blu-ray player, a PC, or a gaming console.
What is the lifespan of an OLED TV?
Around 100,000 hours, according to LG Display, the manufacturer of the OLED panels included in every OLED TV on the list. That’s roughly ten years’ worth of TV viewing for most people, which is significantly longer than the 40,000–60,000 hour lifespan of the majority of LED–LCD TVs. However, if a static image is seen on an OLED TV for an extended period of time, it might cause a condition known as burn-in, so make sure to switch the channel every few days.
Best OLED TV competitors: what else is out there?
For many, OLED is the newest and best TV technology available. A wave of more affordable mid-range OLEDs and reduced panel sizes has helped push OLED closer to the mass market, despite its previous disadvantage of being unaffordable price points.
QD-OLED hybrids, which combine OLED panels with quantum dot technology and use the self-emissive qualities of the former and color enhancements of the latter, are part of the current TV lineups from Sony and Samsung. If you’d like to learn more about these TVs, we’ve written a separate guide on whether or not to buy a Samsung OLED TV.
A high-end OLED TV or a Micro LED TV, which Samsung has recently leaned into, will be the option for those with extra cash to spend. Micro LED is a self-emissive panel technology that has proven challenging to offer at a reasonable price or in a mainstream size (the smallest we’ve heard of is 88 inches as of 2024).
It’s a more complex image than just OLED, but OLED might still be the best option for true-to-life color and deep blacks at a size that fits in a typical living room.
Is burn-in a problem in OLED TVs?
Burn-in, commonly referred to as screen burn or persistent picture retention, is a visual artifact that develops when a TV is left in one spot and shows the same image repeatedly over time. While some OLED TVs do experience it, manufacturers have developed numerous strategies to reduce the chance that yours will.
OLED TVs have three primary methods for reducing the risk of burn-in. They can detect static pictures, such TV channel logos, and gently fade them using image analysis. They have the ability to subtly adjust the image by a few pixels—something your OLED most likely does automatically without you realizing it.
There is also a more drastic method where the TV automatically reduces the brightness of the entire screen when it sees something bright that might burn in. The latter is the least common since it can be very dramatic and bothersome if not executed properly. When it comes to this technology, more recent TVs with ABL (Auto Brightness Limiting) are far more understated than those from earlier generations.
Not to mention, you can choose to do it yourself. Some TVs have absurdly bright default presets, such Vivid Mode; altering these or utilizing less intense settings will please your eyes and lessen the chance of burn-in even more.
As the name suggests, burn-in is ultimately all about heat. And improving OLED TV heat management is the best approach to lessen the likelihood of it occurring and possibly even completely eradicate it. And manufacturers are acting in this manner. OLEDs from Panasonic, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers have ingenious heatsink technology and heat dissipation design.
We’re not denying the existence of burn-in. Yes, it does. However, compared to early OLEDs, this is far less of an issue, and for the majority of us, it’s not something we really need to worry about too much thanks to recent advancements in OLED TV technology.
How we test the best OLED TVs
The same standards we use for all of our TV reviews—picture quality, audio quality, smart TV platform, design, gaming features, and affordability—are applied when evaluating the top OLED TVs. You can read our whole guide on how we test TVs at TechRadar, or continue reading for a summary. Our testing is based on both objective measurements obtained with specialist equipment and subjective views regarding each criterion.
We’ll cycle through each TV’s visual preset modes, such as Sport, Movie, and Standard, using various AV sources, including broadcast, streaming, and Blu-ray, to find out which settings work best for various media kinds. This is what we do to figure out the optimal conditions for, say, viewing a sporting event or a movie or TV show. After determining which picture modes work best for which kinds of material, we use reference scenes that we have carefully selected to assess various characteristics of the display, including colors, contrast, black levels, and more.
Deep black levels and contrast are important when evaluating an OLED’s picture quality because they should be superior to those of many other TVs on the market because of the screen’s ability to dim individual pixels as opposed to LCD TVs’ local dimming, which is frequently based on zones and the backlight’s performance. We’ll also compare the color’s punchiness and vibrancy to textures and details, focusing on accuracy and sharpness in particular.
We’ll also evaluate a TV’s upscaling using lower-resolution sources like broadcast and DVD, to determine how well the TV’s processor can improve low-res images to be displayed on a larger, 4K screen. We also take into account the viewing angle from off-center seats during these testing, which should preserve strong contrast levels and good picture quality even from the most uncomfortable viewing postures because of the OLED panel’s ability to self-dim.
Following these subjective assessments, we use specialized tools to conduct objective testing and document the findings. These tools include a colorimeter, a test pattern generator, and Portrait Displays’ Calman calibration software. We measure brightness, color and grayscale accuracy, gamut, and other parameters.
We often check the TV’s brightness first. We measure the TV’s peak brightness on windows using various sized white window patterns. We measure 10% to see the maximum brightness we can expect from the TV itself, and 100% to test full screen brightness, which shows how the TV can handle consistent levels of brightness across the whole screen (important when watching sports). The full screen brightness of a TV also provides an indication of its ability to handle reflections.
OLED TVs are generally recognized for having less brightness than QLED and mini-LED TVs. In contrast to previous LCD panels, we can anticipate higher peak brightness levels with the introduction of OLED EX panels and micro-lens-array (MLA) technology in recent years, but lower full screen brightness. When assessing brightness, we do so in light-controlled environments to ensure that results are unaffected by ambient or other light sources.
In order to evaluate color reproduction accuracy in showing various source materials and the largest color gamut it can display on screen, we also examine color reproduction in both SDR and HDR. We also examine a TV’s ability to reliably display grayscale, which transitions from black to white. We anticipate that color accuracy and grayscale on OLED TVs will be among the finest on the market.
These days, gaming is a big part of TVs, so we make care to test a TV’s gaming performance by looking at its response speed, visuals, and latency—all things that OLED TVs are frequently well at. We also search for features like VRR, 4K 120Hz, Game Mode, which allows you to optimize a TV’s settings for gaming, and more. Utilizing a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI input lag tester, we quantify response time in order to determine the amount of latency introduced by a TV’s processor.
Although we always try to maintain consistency in our testing, it’s vital to remember that different writers have different setups and testing conditions. Nonetheless, we do ensure that the same testing standards are used to each of our writers and that the apparatus is sufficiently comparable to provide results with an identical degree of accuracy.
Also Consider
We still have a few fresh OLED TV reviews in the works as we approach the second half of 2024, particularly for the LG G4 and LG B4. The company’s flagship model for 2024, the G4, has an advanced MLA (Micro Lens Array) OLED panel with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Additionally, LG’s entry-level OLED, the B4, has gaming and picture processing capabilities that are usually associated with higher-end TVs.
The premium XR processor from Sony is used in the company’s new Bravia 8 OLED TV to enhance picture quality. Additionally, Acoustic Surface Audio+ puts speakers underneath the TV’s display surface to produce better integrated sound. As its flagship OLED TV, the Sony A95L, a 2023 model, is still available in the Sony portfolio.
Panasonic and Philips will also release new OLED TVs in the second half of 2024; however, these will not be sold in North America. While the Z90A will be available in a 42-inch size with an external speaker, the Panasonic Z95A will have a next-generation MLA OLED screen that is comparable to that of the LG G4, as well as compatibility for gaming at 144Hz and streaming via the Amazon Fire TV smart platform. Furthermore, the Philips OLED+959 and OLED+909 will have 5.1.2ch and 3.1ch sound systems, 144Hz gaming, and high-brightness MLA OLED displays, respectively.
