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The best OLED TVs you can buy: Expert tested
If you're upgrading your home entertainment setup with a new TV, you've probably seen quite a bit about OLED TVs. With a wide, vibrant color range and more lifelike images, an OLED TV is perfect whether you're upgrading for the big game, choosing a centerpiece of your home theater, or setting up the perfect gaming system.
OLED TVs can be more expensive than other TVs on the market because their panels are expensive to produce, but you'll almost certainly find the investment worth the price. While LG and Samsung often lead the way, Sony, Vizio and others offer amazing options as well.
Also: Best TVs of 2024
What is the best OLED TV right now?
My pick for the best OLED TV overall is the Sony A95L for its updated QD-OLED panel, ambient light sensor, and multiple stand options. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Sony A95L as well as my other picks for the best OLED TVs.
The best OLED TVs of 2024
- Updated QD-OLED panel
- Acoustic Surface Audio+
- VRR technology for console gaming
- Expensive, especially at larger screen sizes
- Pre-order only at time of writing
The A95L is the crown-jewel of Sony's TV line-up, and with plenty of good reasons. It has an updated QD-OLED panel as well as a host of premium features, making it one of the best sets you can buy. ZDNET's Rebecca Isaacs got some hands-on experience with the Sony A95L and praised its support for Google Duo and Zoom for video calls to help keep you in touch with family, friends, and coworkers. It supports Dolby Vision for enhanced color and detailing to give you an almost unparalleled viewing experience for movies, online videos, and TV shows.
Perhaps the most innovative feature is Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which turns the entire screen into a speaker for perfect audio and video syncing, plus sound that follows the on-screen action and creates a faux surround sound. Movie buffs will love the IMAX Enhanced and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated modes, which allow you to see your favorite movies and shows as their creators intended. It also works with VRR technology for console gaming to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.
Former ZDNET writer Rebecca Isaacs got up-close and personal with the Sony A95L, calling it the "new crown jewel" of Sony's 2023 line-up. Verified customer reviews at Amazon and Best Buy seem to agree, praising the "stunning" picture quality of the new QD-OLED panel as well as the intuitive setup of the GoogleTV platform.
Sony A95L specs - Screen size: 55-77 inches | Panel type: QD-OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Acoustic Surface Audio+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
- All wireless signal
- Stream in 4K at 120Hz
- Up to 97-inch screen
- Wireless receiver only has 2 HDMI inputs
- Very, very expensive
Want to go big? Here's the best way. The LG OLED evo M Series is quite literally one of the largest OLED TVs in the world with up to a 97-inch screen for a truly cinematic experience at home. Of course, that's provided you have the space as well as the cash to bring it home. The TV uses Dolby Vision IQ HDR for enhanced detailing, color, and contrast as well as Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound for more immersive audio while watching movies, online videos, and TV shows. The M Series is LG's first all-wireless model, using a small relay box to send video signals from your playback devices and game consoles to the TV itself for an ultra-clean look.
Read more: LG's newest OLED TVs will use AI to look and sound better than ever
The wireless receiver is capable of providing video in up to 4K resolution and up to 120Hz for smooth motion no matter what you're watching. However, if affordability is a concern, you should know that the 97-inch model tops out at $30,000. The 77-inch version, which is the smallest available, is a more reasonable $5,000. Verified customer reviews at Best Buy, Amazon, and from LG's own website repeatedly talk about the wireless connectivity using the OneConnect box, which allows for a clean, minimalist setup. They also call out the signature OLED picture quality, even with the larger, 97-inch screen.
LG OLED evo M series specs - Screen size: 77-97 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
- Under $1500
- Dolby Vision ID and Dolby Atmos support
- Preloaded streaming apps
- Support for both Alexa and Hey Google voice controls
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
- No Chromecast support
If you're looking to jump into the world of OLED but some the prices seem scary, you might want to consider the LG B3 55-inch. It retails under $1,500, meaning it's one of the more affordable options you'll see. There's still an excellent picture quality where you get dark blacks plus vivid colors, plus Dolby Vision IQ HDR support for better detailing and color volume. The B3 works with Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound as well as both Alexa and Hey Google if you're in to voice controls.
The B3 comes loaded with a ton of popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video so you can start watching your favorite shows and movies right away. And with the webOS platform, you'll get access to thousands more to turn your TV into the ultimate entertainment hub. Verified customer reviews at both Amazon and Best Buy call out the set's picture quality, ease of use for beginners, as well as the more affordable price of the B3 compared to other OLED models on the market.
LG B3 specs - Screen size: 55 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
- Cloud gaming compatibility
- Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+
- Support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR
- No Dolby Vision support
If you're a gamer looking for a new OLED, the QN90C needs to be where your search ends. The Neo QLED panel provides incredible color accuracy, while the anti-glare coating means you won't miss anything because of glare. The 120Hz refresh isn't the fastest available, but it's plenty high enough to provide smooth motion even in the fastest games.
More: The Samsung QN90C is one of the best OLED TVs for gaming
The best feature for gamers is Samsung's Gaming Hub, which gives access to cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass and lets you do a deep dive into settings like HDR and refresh rate to tune them exactly like you want. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR is available to combat any stuttering that arises, and there are eight different preset picture modes you can choose based on the genre of game you're playing.
Samsung QN90C specs - Screen size: 43-85 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR10 and HDR10+ | Audio: Object Tracking Sound+, Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
- Dolby Vision
- Acoustic Surface Audio+
- Preloaded streaming apps
- Voice controls
- Pricey
- No anti-reflection coating on screen
The Sony A90K was one of my top picks for the best 43-inch TVs, and if you want a smaller screen OLED, it's a fantastic choice. It's available in both 42-inch and 48-inch screen sizes, meaning it's perfect for bedrooms, apartments, or a kid's room. And even with the smaller screen, you'll still get excellent picture quality OLED is known for, a fast 120Hz refresh rate, and support for Dolby Vision HDR, meaning nearly anything you watch will be amazing. You'll also get Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which means sound will literally follow the on-screen action.
The Google TV platform gives you a suite of preloaded apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video so you can start streaming right out of the box. With support for both Alexa and Hey Google, you'll get hands-free voice controls over your new TV and connected devices. Verified customer reviews on Amazon and Sony's website praise the picture quality for its size as well as the rear-facing subwoofer, which provides a surprisingly deep bass rumble for movie and TV soundtracks as well as streaming music. They also call out the fact that the 42 and 48-inch screen sizes are great for both console and PC gamers looking for a decent display that fits in any room.
Sony A90K specs - Screen size: 42 or 48 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Acoustic Surface Audio+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
What is the best OLED TV?
My choice for the best OLED TV is the Sony A95L. It's available in three popular screen sizes, and uses an updated QD-OLED panel to produce a wider color range compared to previous Sony OLED models. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced detailing and contrast as well as Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology to turn the whole screen into a speaker.
This gives you near-perfect audio and video syncing as well as sound that follows the on-screen action. And console gamers will love the fact that the Sony A95L is optimized for play with the PlayStation 5, offering VRR technology to prevent screen tearing and stuttering as well as support for 120Hz refresh rates at 4K resolution.
Best OLED TV | Price* | Screen size | Audio/HDR |
Sony A95L | $3,298 | 55-77 inches | Sony Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Vision |
LG evo M Series | $4,799 | 77-97 inches | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision IQ |
LG B3 | $1,199 | 55-77 inches | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision IQ |
Samsung QNC90 | $1,299 | 43-85 inches | Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound+, HDR10 and HDR10+ |
Sony A90K | $1,299 | 42 or 48 inches | Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Vision |
MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual prices may change depending on available sales, discounts, and manufacturer rebates or coupons.
Which OLED TV is right for you?
While all OLED models are somewhat pricey, it's still important to finalize your budget. That way, you won't accidentally overspend, and you'll get the best value for your money. Choose a model that not only fits your budget, but one that also offers enough features and a big enough screen size to justify its price.
Buy this best OLED TV... | If you need... |
Sony A95L | A well-rounded OLED TV. The Sony A95L is available in popular screen sizes, and provides a top-tier viewing experience for movies and shows. |
LG evo M Series | A large-screen OLED TV. The LG evo M Series is available in screen sizes from 77 to 97 inches for true big-screen viewing. |
LG B3 | An OLED TV under $1500. The 55-inch version of the LG B3 retails for around $1400, making it one of the more affordable options on the market. |
Samsung QNC90 | An OLED TV for console gaming. Samsung's Gaming Hub gives you access to cloud gaming platforms as well as AMD FreeSync VRR technology. |
Sony A90K | A small-screen OLED TV. The Sony A90K is available in either 42- or 48-inch screen sizes, making it perfect for apartments, bedrooms, or dorm rooms. |
Factors to consider when choosing an OLED TV
Whether you're looking to buy your first OLED TV or upgrade your current home theater setup, here are a few things to keep in mind while you shop:
- Price: While OLED TVs are more expensive than their QLED or LED counterparts, there are still options out there for customers looking to save a bit of money while upgrading their home theater. I did my best to include a variety of OLED models at different price points to fit a wide range of budgets.
- Connectivity: Your new TV should be able to connect with all of your game consoles and playback devices like cable or satellite boxes, Blu-Ray and DVD players, and home audio equipment. Each OLED TV on this list features an array of input ports for physical connections as well as support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and/or Chromecast. Additionally, make sure the set you're choosing has enough inputs for all of your devices.
- HDR: An OLED TV can provide an almost unparalleled viewing experience due to the fact that the panels are built with self-lit pixels in order to create true blacks and sharper contrast. I've ensured that each model on this list also supports a variety of HDR codecs for enhancing detailing and color for even better picture quality.
- Audio: A great picture doesn't mean much if your TV's audio isn't up to snuff. Each OLED TV on this list has been confirmed to support soundbars and other home audio equipment as well as virtual surround sound codecs like Dolby Atmos.
- Location: Where your TV will be placed matters. If your living room has a lot of natural light and your TV doesn't handle that environment well, it won't look good. Find a set that works well in your specific environment.
How did we choose these OLED TVs?
While researching and testing each of the OLED TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:
- Brand integrity: A reliable customer service department is vital when dealing with returns, exchanges, and refunds as well as troubleshooting any issues you may have with your new TV. Each model on this list was chosen from a reputable brand with a verified customer service department.
- Smart features: It's become standard for a TV to have Wi-Fi connectivity as well pre-loaded streaming apps for entertainment right out of the box. Each OLED TV on this list has been verified to support popular streaming apps like Spotify, Netflix, and Disney+.
- Screen sizes: Not every space is created equal, so it's important to choose an OLED TV that will fit into your living room, bedroom, or home theater space. Each model on this list is available in multiple screen sizes to fit a variety of spaces.
What is an OLED TV?
An OLED TV is a model that uses specialized, organic substrates and individually lit LEDs to create stark contrast, brighter and richer colors, as well as crisper details than what you can get with an LED or QLED television. The technology is best appreciated by movie and TV buffs who want to experience Hollywood classics and the latest blockbusters as their creators intended. OLED TVs are also ideal for console gamers looking to embrace native 4K graphics.
What is the difference between OLED and QLED TV?
OLED and QLED use different TV technologies, and their main differences include the black levels, color, and contrast. OLED TVs are better at black levels, while QLED TVs are better with brightness and usually cost less than OLED TVs.
More: OLED vs. QLED: Which is better for you?
You can also check out our in-depth looks at the differences between OLED and LED TVs or OLED and Neo QLED TVs.
Is an OLED TV worth it?
An OLED TV is absolutely worth it if picture quality is at the top of your "must-have" feature list when shopping for a new TV. An OLED panel can create incredibly vibrant colors and crisp details that breathe new life into classic media and show off the technical skills used to create new movies and shows. Even if you aren't a movie buff, you can still get a ton of value out of an OLED TV, since they have a longer lifespan than other models. Also, an OLED TV can sort of future-proof your living room or home theater, since it will take a while for LED and QLED TV models to catch up to the quality you can get from an OLED version.
Why are OLED TVs so expensive?
The technology behind OLED TVs is still new and more complicated than what you'd find in an LED panel. This makes it more expensive to produce, so higher manufacturing costs get passed down as high retail prices to consumers. Thankfully, companies like LG and Sony are finding more streamlined and cost-effective ways to produce OLED panels, making them a bit more affordable than before. However, they are still much more expensive than their LED and QLED counterparts.