The best OLED TVs for high contrast and rich colors

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I test many TVs every year, and while I review plenty of great LED and QLED displays, OLED models impress me the most. Though pricey, the best OLED TVs deliver better black levels, higher contrast, and wider viewing angles than other panel types. If picture performance is your focus, there's no substitute for an OLED.

But while all OLED displays offer excellent image quality, specific features and brightness capabilities vary. To help you find the right model for your needs, I rounded up the six best OLED TVs available right now. My top pick for most people is the Samsung S90D, which uses quantum dots in some sizes to deliver a wide range of vivid colors. But if you're willing to pay top dollar, the Sony A95L is the most accurate TV I've tested, with a brighter picture and better upscaling. 

Below, you can find all my picks for the best OLED TVs, with options for different budgets. Each display is available in multiple screen sizes, so be sure to select the size you want from each retailer's site.

Our top picks for the best OLED TVs 

Best overall: Samsung S90D 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best high-end display: Sony A95L 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: LG B4 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best midrange model: LG C4 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

The Samsung S90D is the best OLED TV for most people. In fact, it's my pick for the best TV overall across all display types. There are pricier sets with slightly better image performance, but when it comes to overall value, the S90D is tough to beat.

This model replaces last year's S90C OLED 4K TV, and while not a huge upgrade, it costs about the same and offers a bump in brightness. Like all OLED TVs, the S90D has perfect black levels that disappear into a dark room, wide viewing angles, and an infinite contrast ratio. But this model stands out from similarly priced competitors thanks to its use of a color technology called quantum dots.

Quantum dots enable the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch S90D models to produce a brighter image with better color performance than a typical OLED. In my tests, I measured a peak brightness of around 1,240 nits on the 65-inch S90D, a decent step up from the 1,000-nit max of most competing midrange OLEDs from LG and Sony. 

The TV also sustains vivid saturation at high brightness levels better than LG's OLEDs. As a result, 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, I don't consider that a dealbreaker for a TV in this classs. 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 navigation can lag a little, and I ran into some glitches with notifications and apps automatically booting up. These are minor hiccups though, and likely to be corrected with firmware. On the plus side, the interface includes a cool Gaming Hub that lets you use services like Xbox Game Pass to stream games without a console, a feature you won't find on TVs from other brands.

Though there are even brighter OLEDs on the market, when it comes to performance for your money, the S90D is unmatched. 

Check out our guides to the best Samsung TVs and best smart TVs.

Note: The 42-, 48-, and 83-inch S90D models don't use quantum dots, so those sizes can't offer the same color performance as the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models.

Best high-end display

Sony's OLED TVs are known for their industry-leading picture processing, which enables them to deliver the most accurate images on the market. The A95L is the company's flagship model, and it's the best OLED TV for a premium movie-watching experience.  

Like most of Samsung's competing OLEDs, the A95L also uses quantum dots to achieve a brighter, more colorful image than a typical OLED screen. And the A95L is one of the brightest OLEDs I've tested. I measured a max of about 1,500 nits on a 5% test pattern and 1,240 nits on a 10% test pattern. That's about 50% brighter than this model's predecessor, the A95K 4K TV. This leads to more realistic details in specular highlights when watching HDR content graded for peaks over 1,000 nits. The only OLEDs that get brighter are Samsung's S95D, LG's G4, and Panasonic's Z95. 

But unlike Samsung's OLEDs, the A95L supports Dolby Vision, so it can more precisely render HDR images on a scene-by-scene basis. It also uses Sony's proprietary image processing to optimize its picture and upscale lower-quality content better than the competition. This means you'll get a cleaner, smoother image with fewer artifacts. So, while the S95D, G4, and Z95 are brighter, the A95L's overall image quality still has an edge. 

The A95L also features a premium design with a slim panel 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. 

On the downside, the TV only has two HDMI 2.1 ports, which cap out at 120Hz instead of the 144Hz max you get on many competing models in this class. 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 top image quality you can get, the A95L is the best OLED TV to buy.

Best on a budget

OLED TVs aren't known for being particularly budget-friendly, but the LG B4 is one of the most affordable OLEDs available. LG's pricier C- and G-Series TVs can both get brighter and offer better image processing, but the B4 still has all of the contrast, black level, and viewing angle perks that OLEDs are celebrated for.

This model replaces the 2023 B3, which is still available in limited quantities at some stores. Though the B4's improvements are relatively minor, recent price reductions have made it the better buy.

At a max of about 650 to 700 nits, the B4 is a bit dimmer than step-up OLED models. For instance, LG's C4 can hit about 1,000 nits. As a result, extreme highlights (like explosions) won't pop with the same intensity that you'd see on pricier sets and the B4 is less ideal for living rooms that let in a lot of light. However, the TV is still capable of pixel-level contrast and perfect black levels, which gives it an advantage in overall image quality over even the priciest QLED TVs.

Despite being LG's entry-level OLED, the B4 is also well-equipped for gaming. It has HDMI 2.1 support and a 120Hz panel, which means it can support advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate (VRR) and 120 frames-per-second modes on PS5 and Xbox Series X. That said, it can't support a higher 144Hz refresh rate with a PC like LG's C- and G-Series can.

Samsung also sells a competing entry-level OLED, the S85D, which is often discounted for a similar price. Since the S85D doesn't use quantum dots, its picture quality is nearly identical to the B4's, but I give a slight edge to the B4 since it supports Dolby Vision.

Check out our guide to all the best budget TVs.

Best midrange model

LG's C4 isn't the absolute best OLED TV on the market, but it's a great all-around performer and an excellent midrange option for people who favor the LG brand. It's also sold in lots of screen sizes, so shoppers with different space and budget needs have many options to choose from.

The C4 is the 2024 edition of my previous pick in the category, the 2023 C3. The C4 is a bit brighter than its predecessor, and now that its price has come down it's the better value of the two.

Image performance is similar to my top pick, the Samsung S90D. But with a peak of about 1,000 nits, the C4 can't get quite as bright as Samsung's competing OLED. It also lacks quantum dot technology, so bright colors are less vivid on the C4 than they are on the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch versions of Samsung's S90/S95 series and Sony's A95L.

But though the C4's HDR highlights can't pop quite as intensely as a QD-OLED's, overall picture quality is still fantastic. Unlike Samsung OLEDs, the C4 supports the Dolby Vision format, which can provide the TV with more guidance on how to display high-dynamic-range videos properly.

The C4 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 up to 144Hz gaming, which is something last year's C3 was missing.

I still give the edge to my top pick in this guide, the Samsung S90D, as the best OLED for most viewers. But the C4 is a great alternative for anyone who prefers LG's smart TV platform, wants Dolby Vision support, or happens to find it at a great discount.

Best for your wall

LG's G3 is an excellent TV for anyone who wants a high-end OLED that looks particularly great hanging on a wall. Although technically a 2023 model, it delivers image quality that's nearly on par with Sony's A95L and has 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 series.

Thanks to its LG OLED Evo panel, the G3 offers high-end picture performance. It uses MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology to help boost its maximum brightness, and the results are impressive. During my tests, I measured a peak of about 1,470 nits, which puts it 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 OLEDs. Its picture processing isn't quite as accurate as Sony's either, but the differences are subtle.

Though 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. 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. 

If you're willing to spend more money, there's also the newer 2024 LG G4 to consider. Unlike the G3, the 65- and 55-inch G4s do 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 cheaper G3 is still the better buy for wall mounting. Check out my full LG G4 TV review for more details. 

Best anti-glare screen

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. 

Every other OLED on the market is prone to a mirror-like effect when hit with light from certain angles, but the S95D is free from this issue. During my testing in a bright room, I saw no troublesome reflections, making this set a game changer for buyers who want an OLED free from glare. 

However, the S95D's anti-glare screen has a drawback: it hurts black-level performance in bright rooms. So, while you no longer have to deal with distracting 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 setting. 

In addition to its anti-glare screen, the S95D is the brightest OLED I've reviewed, with a peak of around 1,700 nits. This helps the display deliver exceptional HDR performance. That said, Sony's A95L still has an edge in overall image quality thanks to its superior picture processing. 

The S95D has all the other bells and whistles I expect from a flagship Samsung TV, including support for a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth PC gaming. Unlike the cheaper S90 series, it has a uniformly thin design and a One Connect Box to house all its video ports. 

Buyers should note that some stores still sell the 2023 version of this TV, called the S95C, for less money. That model offers a virtually identical design and similar picture quality, but it does not have the S95D's glare-free screen. 

Ultimately, the S95D's matte screen is a divisive feature with clear pros and cons. For most buyers, I 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. 

Read our Samsung S95D 4K TV review and our S95D vs. S95C comparison.

Other OLED TVs we considered

The picks above represent my top recommendations, but there are other OLED models out there that are still worth considering. Here are a couple of other notable OLED TVs, along with details on why they didn't quite make the cut in our guide. 

Samsung S95C OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
The S95C was Samsung's flagship OLED from 2023. It's been replaced by the 2024 S95D, but some retailers still stock the older model. The S95C remains an excellent TV, but the cheaper S90D is a better overall value for buyers who want a QD-OLED. Likewise, the S95C doesn't have the S95D's new matte screen, so it can't combat reflections as well as its successor. 

Read our Samsung S95C OLED TV review.

Sony Bravia 8 OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
The Bravia 8 is Sony's latest midrange OLED for 2024. It sits right below the A95L in its current lineup. We haven't tested the Bravia 8 yet, but its specs put it in a similar performance class as LG's more affordable C-series. Given the current price difference, we give the edge to the LG C4 and Samsung S90D as better options for the money.  

Read our breakdown of 2024 Sony Bravia TVs.

Panasonic Z95 OLED 4K TV - See at Amazon
Panasonic recently re-entered the US TV market with three display models. Its flagship offering is the Z95 OLED. We're aiming to test the Z95 soon, but based on specifications, it appears to offer very similar performance to LG's G3 and G4. Just like those LG models, it uses an MLA OLED panel and does not incorporate quantum dots.

How we test OLED TVs

To test the best OLED TVs, our experts evaluate several factors, including peak brightness, HDR performance, smart TV features, navigation speed, and value. 

To measure the brightness of a TV's panel, we use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter with test patterns on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc. 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 OLED TVs in various lighting conditions to see how each model performs in bright and dark rooms. 

For more details on our review process, check out our page detailing how we test tech products. 

What to look for in an OLED TV

The best OLED TVs all share similar performance capabilities but there are a few factors to consider when selecting a specific model. In particular, you'll want to decide what type of OLED panel is right for your needs, how big you want your screen to be, and how much money you want to spend. Here's some key info to help inform your purchase.

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. 

LG, Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic all sell OLED TV models in the US. 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. 

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 S90D, S95D, and A95L. 

Though LG and Panasonic don't use QD-OLED, they do use another advanced OLED panel tech called MLA (Micro Lens Array) on some of their models. OLEDs with this feature employ a layer of tiny convex lenses to boost their brightness capabilities. The LG G3/G4 and the Panasonic Z95 are the first consumer OLEDs to use MLA tech.

You can learn more about how OLEDs stack up against QLEDs in our full QLED vs. OLED comparison. 

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. Both QD-OLED and standard OLED panels are manufactured at those sizes. 

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. 

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 use QD-OLED panels. 

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:

• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 50-inch TVs

How much should you spend on an OLED TV?

The best OLED TVs don't come cheap. In general, OLED TVs cost more than other display types, with 65-inch models starting at around $1,100 and maxing out at about $3,500. 

Entry-level 65-inch OLEDs under $1,400 aren't as bright as their more expensive counterparts, with most options in this price range peaking at around 700 nits. Models in the $1,600 to $2,000 range, like the Samsung S90D, can hit around 1,200 nits. Meanwhile, flagship OLEDs in the $2,300+ range, like the Samsung S95D, can get as bright as 1,700 nits.  

Unfortunately, it's rare to find OLEDs for under $1,000. However, some OLEDs in smaller sizes, like the 48-inch LG B4, do occasionally go on sale for around $600. An older-generation LG OLED in that size used to dip to around $550 when on sale, but that model is no longer sold. In general, we recommend that budget buyers consider a QLED or LED model instead of an OLED. Check out our guide to the best TVs under $500 for our top picks in that price range.

OLED TV FAQs

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, were also 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. 

Publications like Rtings have done long-term tests with many OLED TV models. 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. 

I've had an LG CX OLED TV in my own home theater setup for over three 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. 

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, particularly one with Dolby Atmos support. 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. 

Check out our various soundbar guides to see our top recommendations:

• Best soundbars
• Best budget soundbars
• Best Dolby Atmos soundbars
• Best soundbars with subwoofers
• Best Bose soundbars

Best overall

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 its 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 has a peak brightness of around 1,000 nits, which is a nice step up from the 800-nit max of other similarly priced OLEDs. 

Even better, the TV can maintain vivid colors across different brightness levels better than LG OLEDs, including the high-end G3. 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.

Smart TV capabilities are also solid but not the smoothest we've seen. There's also a cool Gaming Hub that lets you use services like Xbox Game Pass to stream games without a console. And you can game at up to 144Hz when paired with a computer. 

Though there are better-looking OLED TVs, they cost a lot more than the S90C. When it comes to overall value, the S90C is simply unmatched. 

Read our Samsung S90C OLED 4K TV review.

*The 83-inch S90C does not use quantum dots, so that size is not expected to offer the same color performance as smaller models.

Best high-end

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.  

Like Samsung's OLED TVs, the A95L uses quantum dots to achieve a brighter, more colorful image than a typical OLED screen. And the A95L is the brightest OLED we've ever tested. We measured a max of about 1,500 nits with the TV in its most accurate HDR preset. That's about 500 nits higher than last year's already impressive A95K 4K TV and ever-so-slightly higher than LG's G3. This leads to more realistic contrast and details in specular highlights when watching HDR content that's graded for peaks over 1,000 nits. 

And unlike Samsung's OLEDs, the A95L also supports Dolby Vision, so it can more precisely render HDR images on a scene-by-scene basis. On top of all that, the A95L makes use of Sony's proprietary image processing to optimize its picture and upscale lower-quality content better than most competing TVs. This means you'll get a cleaner, smoother image with fewer artifacts.

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 included as well, and the A95L even comes with a webcam for video calls and gesture controls. 

As far as high-end TVs go, they really don't get any better than the A95L. The difference in picture performance between this model and its less expensive direct competitors, like the LG G3 and Samsung S95C, isn't huge, but if budget isn't a concern and you want the absolute best image quality you can get, the A95L is the OLED TV to buy.

Best budget

The LG B3 is one of the most affordable OLED TVs you can buy. Though it lacks the brighter image and better processing you'd get on 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 manages to pack 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. 

However, if you're willing to sacrifice 120Hz support and go with a smaller screen, there is one other OLED TV that you can snag for even less money. Though no longer part of the company's current lineup, you can still occasionally find LG's even cheaper A2 OLED TV in stock at Best Buy. The 48-inch model is usually $550 to $600, which is fantastic. But keep in mind the A2 has a dimmer image than the B3, and it only has a 60Hz screen.

Best midrange

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 a lot of screen sizes, so buyers with different space and budget needs have plenty of options to choose from.  

Picture quality is on par with most 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 found on OLED TVs with quantum dots, like the Samsung S90C and S95C or the Sony A95L. 

But while HDR highlights might not shine quite as intensely, image performance is still exceptional. And unlike Samsung OLEDs, the C3 supports Dolby Vision to produce the most accurate high dynamic range image the TV is capable of. 

The C3 uses LG's webOS smart TV platform, and the interface works well enough. 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 when paired with a PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC. 

Under most circumstances, we do 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 still a fantastic midrange OLED alternative for anyone who prefers LG's smart TV platform and wants Dolby Vision support.

Best for 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 LG's current flagship model, 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 S95C.

Powered by LG's latest OLED Evo screen, 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 preset, 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 you'd get on the A95L or one of Samsung's 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 when it comes to 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, we think this makes the G3 a great high-end OLED alternative, especially if you're wall-mounting your set.

However, though 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 have to 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. 

Best for gaming

The S95C is one of the best Samsung TVs you can buy, and it carries over everything we love about our top overall pick, the S90C, while pumping up the brightness and slimming down its design. To be clear, the cheaper S90C is an exceptional gaming TV in its own right, but the S95C delivers a slightly more premium experience for buyers willing to pay a bit more. 

Like the S90C, the S95C has a QD-OLED panel that can support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and up to a 144Hz refresh rate when paired with a compatible PC. This enables ultra-smooth gameplay if you have a computer that can run games at 144fps. The TV also supports Samsung's Gaming Hub, which includes apps for cloud services like Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now so you can play high-end games without a console or PC. 

On top of that, the S95C delivers a higher peak brightness than the S90C. In our review, we measured around 1,360 nits versus the S90C's 1,000 nits. This results in punchier highlights while playing HDR games or movies and leads to better bright-room performance if you game in a living room that lets in a lot of ambient light. 

The S95C also has a more elegant design with a uniformly thin screen that houses all its ports in a separate One-Connect box. This could make it easier to plug in your gaming consoles and hide cables since you can move the box out of sight.

We still recommend the cheaper S90C for most gamers since it delivers most of the features you'd get on the S95C for less money. But the S95C earns its spot here as a premium alternative for gamers who want a high-end OLED TV that pairs perfectly with consoles, PCs, and cloud services. 

Read our Samsung S95C 4K TV review.

How we test OLED TVs

When we test the best OLED TVs we evaluate several factors, including peak brightness, high dynamic range (HDR) performance, smart TV features, navigation speed, and value. 

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.

Test patterns can only reveal so much, however, 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, streaming services, and cable TV. 

OLED TV FAQs

When will 2024 OLED TV models be available?

Brands like LG and Samsung revealed their new lineup of 2024 OLED TVs at the CES trade show in January. Pricing and release dates have not been confirmed yet, but we expect new models to start rolling out to stores in late March.

That said, 2023 TV models will still be available throughout the year until stock runs out. Though there are always exceptions, year-to-year performance improvements tend to be subtle for most TVs that get updated iterations. And since 2023 models will likely be cheaper than their new 2024 counterparts, we think 2023 TVs will offer the best value while supplies last. 

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 incredible contrast performance, OLED displays are among the best 4K TVs you can buy.

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. 

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 both use QD-OLED panels in their top TVs, like the S90C, S95C, and A95L. 

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 tech employ a layer of tiny convex lenses to boost their brightness capabilities. The LG G3 is the first consumer OLED to use MLA tech.

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. 

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. 

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 long, burn-in shouldn't be a deciding factor when choosing whether to get an OLED TV. 

What size OLED TVs can you buy?

OLED TVs are available in a variety of screen sizes ranging from 42 inches to 97 inches.

The most commonly available options are 55 and 65 inches. For TV recommendations specific to that size, check out our guides to the best 65-inch TVs and the best 55-inch TVs. High-end OLED models also tend to be available in larger 77-, 83-, and even 97-inch sizes. LG and Sony also sell smaller 48- and 42-inch OLED TVs, but only for select models. 

4K OLED displays smaller than 42 inches are also available, but these sizes are currently limited to PC monitors, like the 32-inch Alienware AW3225QF.