The best OLED TV sets itself apart from the LCDs and LEDs of the world with a picture quality like no other. Its self-lighting pixels mean it can deliver true blacks, more accurate colours, and a higher contrast ratio, making for a perfect pairing with HDR. The technology pretty much defines displays in 2023, making it the current go-to for anyone looking to upgrade their television.
With every brand from Panasonic to Philips, Sony, Vuzio, and TLC making their own OLED, it can be difficult to pick out the best TV for you. Not all panels are created equal, with Samsung bringing Quantum Dot into the mix, making for slightly superior QD-OLEDs. Even LG is focusing on its own concoction to upstage the competition.
Fortunately, we've curated a list of our top picks, covering a range of different budgets and home theatre needs to bring you the best OLED experience. Whether you're upgrading your gaming setup with a high refresh rate and getting the best PS5 TV or Xbox, or you're kitting out your living room with something stunning, our guide has you covered.
Best OLED televisions
click to enlarge1. LG C2
Best OLED TV
The LG C2 is one of the best 4K OLED TVs currently available, especially as it comes in a range of sizes to suit different needs and spaces.
It offers stunning picture quality with its OLED panels and Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro technology, which improves the detail of 5,000 blocks across the screen. It also features HDR support and four HDMI 2.1 ports, all supporting 4K/120Hz, making it an excellent choice for gamers and a shoo-in for one of the best gaming TVs around.
In addition, it has full smart TV support, including apps such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. The TV also includes various HDR formats, including HDR, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Vision, helping to ensure incredible picture quality. In terms of audio, the TV, once again, supports Dolby Atmos, providing top-notch sound quality to rival some of the best soundbars on the market.
All in all, the LG C2 is a premium 4K OLED TV that offers exceptional picture quality, smart TV capabilities, and excellent audio. It's not cheap, but if you are looking for the best possible viewing experience, the LG C2 is definitely worth considering.
click to enlarge2. Samsung S95B
Best OLED TV for gaming
The Samsung S95B is a top-end OLED TV that looks like an excellent pick to upgrade almost any setup. You only get two sizes, either 55 or 65 inches. However, don't let this put you off as it offers some impressive technology, stunning pictures, and incredible audio, making it a very well-rounded choice.
The TV supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG to enhance colours and deliver exceptional contrast. It also comes with four HDMI ports, all of which support 4K/120Hz, with one being an eARC port, in case you want to connect a soundbar.
For gamers, the Samsung S95B OLED TV is a particularly great choice, as it supports FreeSync Premium, Variable Refresh Rates, and Auto Low Latency Mode - all of which can help reduce screen tearing and stuttering.
We can't deny that this Samsung TV is immense with its exceptional picture quality, audio, and gaming capabilities. It may only come in two sizes, but its competitive price, along with its amazing features, make it a worthy consideration for those seeking a premium viewing experience.
click to enlarge3. Panasonic TX-55LZ980B
Best budget OLED TV
Next up is a TV we've noted down as being a budget option. It's not as inexpensive as some of the best cheap TVs on the market, but the Panasonic TX-55LZ980B is our least expensive entry, making it the most budget of the five. Although cheaper than the rest, it can still deliver everything you want from an OLED display.
It boasts four HDMI inputs, two of which are HDMI 2.0 ports, while the other two are HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K/120 and HDMI eARC. Additionally, it has three USB ports, built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and supports popular streaming services such as Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+. This means you can catch up on your favourite TV shows without having to use the likes of a Fire Stick or a console.
Display-wise, the OLED panels help deliver stunning picture quality with vivid colours and a full 4K resolution. The TV's sleek design makes it an excellent centrepiece for any room, and its 3D surround sound capabilities are impressive considering its relatively low price point.
Behind all this is an HCX Pro AI Processor, which rapidly evaluates the image, and adjusts colour precision, contrast, and sharpness, resulting in an improved picture. Ultimately, this TV offers excellent value for its price and should outperform some more expensive models on the market.
click to enlarge4. Philips OLED807
Best mid-range OLED TV
The Phillips OLED807 is an excellent OLED TV available in sizes ranging from 48 up to 77 inches. On top of the OLED panels, you get 4K capabilities, HDR10+, and a whole host of other amazing features to help it stand out from the competition.
Firstly, it boasts an upgraded processor with ambient intelligence, which automatically adjusts the TV's settings based on the ambient lighting conditions, similar to Dolby Vision IQ, but works with all signal types.
For gamers, this TV offers VRR, 120Hz support, and HDMI eARC, which means you can experience console gaming on par with some of the best gaming monitors on the market. It also runs on Android TV 11, providing access to various smart TV apps, including Freeview Play for handling all TV channels and catch-up content in one place.
Ultimately, this Philips TV is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to upgrade their viewing experience without breaking the bank on a premium display.
click to enlarge5. Sony Bravia XR A95K
Best premium OLED TV
The Sony Bravia XR A95K comes in two sizes: a 55-inch model and a 65-inch model. Both come with premium price tags, but the TV is stacked with features that help justify the price.
First and foremost, it comes with four HDMI 2.1 ports for 120Hz visuals and features VRR to help ensure a smooth gaming experience. It also comes with an Auto Low Latency Mode to improve the responsiveness and speed of your movements in-game.
Furthermore, you get what's known as XR HDR Remaster technology that automatically detects each object on-screen, analyses its colour, and then adjusts the contrast for an even more realistic picture. On top of this, it comes with Auto HDR Tone Mapping to optimise the colours and contrast on the fly.
Overall, the Sony Bravia XR A95K OLED is a top-of-the-line TV that incorporates cutting-edge technology to give it an edge over its competitors. So, if you can budget for it, make sure you check it out for your own setup.
Frequently asked questions about OLED TVs
What features should you look for when choosing an OLED TV?
When choosing an OLED TV, there are several features you should consider, with the first being quality. OLED TVs are known for their excellent picture, with deep blacks, vibrant colours, and stunning contrast. Therefore, it's important to pick a TV with a high resolution and HDR support to get the most out of the OLED panel.
You'll also need to consider the screen sizes. The screens we've picked out range from 42 all the way up to 83 inches. Therefore, it's worth considering the size of the room where you'll be placing the TV, as well as the distance you'll be sitting from the screen to ensure it fits.
Smart features are something you should also bare in mind. Many OLED TVs come with built-in additions, such as streaming apps, voice control, and screen mirroring. Make sure the TV you choose has the features you need and is compatible with your other devices.
This leads us to connectivity. Consider the number and type of ports available on the TV, crucially the HDMI, USB, and Ethernet ports. Make sure the TV has enough ports to connect all your devices, such as gaming consoles, streaming devices, and soundbars.
Adding to the list of factors to consider is price. OLED TVs tend to be quite expensive, so make sure you consider your budget and look for a TV that offers the features you want at a price you can afford.
Finally, make note of any additional features a TV might have, such as a curved screen or 3D capability. Consider whether these features are important to you and whether they justify what would usually be an additional cost.
What's the difference between OLED, QLED, and LED?
OLED, QLED, and LED are all types of display technologies, each with its unique characteristics and advantages.
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, and it is a technology that uses tiny light-emitting diodes to create images on a screen. LED TVs are perhaps the most common type of television on the market and are usually cheaper. However, they're not without flaws, with one of the major drawbacks being the need to backlight the screen and the lack of detail in dark areas, according to LG.
Next is QLED, which stands for Quantum Light Emitting Diode. Unlike LED screens, QLED TVs use quantum dots to produce images. QLED TVs are known for their bright, vibrant colours thanks to the quantum dots emitting their own differently coloured light.
Finally, and most important for this list, is OLED, which stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. OLED TVs differ from the rest as they remove the need for backlighting, thus reducing depth, and can be switched off completely for true blacks.
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