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The 5 best OLED TVs for high contrast and rich colors

A side-by-side composite graphic for best OLED TVs with an LG G4 OLED on the left and a Samsung S95D OLED on the right.
LG and Samsung make some of the best OLED TVs. Steven Cohen/Business Insider
Updated

I test TVs for a living, so I review all kinds of display types. While there's a lot to like about top LED and QLED models, OLED displays impress me the most. They're pricey, but the best OLED TVs deliver better black levels, higher contrast, and wider viewing angles than other types of TVs. If picture performance is your priority, there's no substitute for an OLED.

To help you find the right model for your needs, I've used my expertise to curate a list of the five best OLED TVs available. My top pick for most people is the Samsung S90D, which offers a wide range of vivid colors at an appealing midrange price. But if you're willing to pay more, the premium Sony A95L offers the best image quality I've seen on any OLED display.

Below, you can find all my picks for the best OLED TVs, with options for different budgets and uses.

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 anti-glare screen: Samsung S95D 4K TV - See at Amazon

Best extra-large model: LG G4 4K TV - See at Amazon


Best overall

samsung 65 inch s90d 4k oled tv
Samsung 65-inch S90D OLED 4K TV

The S90D is our favorite TV overall. Its QD-OLED panel delivers a high-contrast image with vivid colors, wide viewing angles, and impressive brightness for this class.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent peak brightness for a midrange OLED
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High color volume with quantum dot technology
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Wide viewing angles so picture doesn't degrade when sitting off center
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Smart TV interface is OK but not the best
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Issue with update notifications
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Dolby Vision isn't supported

The Samsung S90D is the best OLED TV for most people. In fact, it's my pick for the best TV 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.

Like all OLED TVs, the S90D has perfect black levels that disappear into a dark room, wide viewing angles, and an infinite contrast ratio. However, this model stands out from similarly priced competitors thanks to its use of quantum dot color technology.

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. That's a decent step up from the 1,000-nit max of this model's predecessor, the S90C, and most competing midrange OLEDs from LG and Sony. 

A Samsung S90D 4K TV on a media console with an image of a mountain range with a rainbow on the screen.
The S90D is the most affordable OLED on the market with quantum dot color technology. Steven Cohen/Business Insider

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 performance 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 small 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 most 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

65-inch A95L OLED 4K TV
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.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. One of the brightest OLEDs on the market
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Sony's processing offers top image accuracy
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Comes with a webcam for video calls and gesture controls
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than similar OLEDs
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only has two 4K/120Hz HDMI ports
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No 144Hz mode for PC gaming

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 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. 

A front view of a Sony A95L 4K OLED TV on a TV stand displaying the Google TV home page with an image from "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters" on the screen.
The A95L is the best premium OLED there is, but it's more expensive than competing LG and Samsung models. Steven Cohen/Business Insider

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 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. But keep in mind, this model isn't sold in 83 inches. For high-end image quality at that size, we recommend the LG G4 instead.

Best on a budget

LG B4 OLED TV
LG 65-inch B4 OLED 4K TV

The B4 is LG's entry-level OLED TV. Though it can't get as bright as pricier models, it still offers an infinite contrast which makes it a great budget OLED for watching movies in a dark room.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. One of the most affordable OLED models
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pixel-level contrast with deep black levels
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Dolby Vision support
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. LG's pricier OLED models have superior image processing
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Dimmer than competing mid- and high-end OLEDs
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lacks 144Hz mode for PC gaming

OLED TVs aren't known for being 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.

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 sometimes discounted for less money. Since the S85D doesn't use quantum dots, its picture quality is nearly identical to the B4's. However, I give a slight edge to the B4 since it supports Dolby Vision, which has a bigger impact on HDR quality on dimmer OLED models like this.

Check out our guide to all the best budget TVs.

Best anti-glare screen

samsung 65 inch s95d 4k oled tv
Samsung 65-inch S95D 4K OLED TV

Samsung's S95D 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.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. The brightest OLED we've tested
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Matte screen significantly reduces glare and reflections
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 144Hz refresh rate for smooth PC gaming
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Slim design with One Connect Box
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't support Dolby Vision
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Glare-free coating elevates black levels in bright rooms
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricey compared to 2023 counterpart

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 finish instead of a glossy one. 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. It's an especially great option for people who like to watch sports during the day.

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 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. 

An angled view of a Samsung S95D OLED TV with the Tizen interface on screen.
The S95D has an anti-glare screen that eliminates mirror-like reflections in a bright room. Steven Cohen/Business Insider

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 S90D, it has a uniformly thin design and a One Connect Box to house all its video ports. 

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.

Visit our guide to the top sports TVs.

Best extra-large model

LG 83-inch G4 OLED TV
LG 83-inch G4 OLED 4K TV

The G4 is the most impressive 83-inch 4K TV we've seen. It uses an advanced panel with MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology to deliver higher brightness than any other OLED this size.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. The brightest 83-inch OLED on the market
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pixel-level contrast with perfect black levels
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Wide viewing angles
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Flush wall-mount design
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very expensive
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lacks quantum dots for high color volume
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't include a stand

LG's G4 is an excellent OLED TV no matter what size you buy, but its 83- and 97-inch models are particularly noteworthy for anyone who wants an extra-large premium display. Sony and Samsung cap their flagship A95L and S95D OLEDs at 77 inches, so the G4 is the best-looking OLED you can get in sizes above that.

Like smaller versions of the G4, the 83-inch model uses LG's MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology to enable a big boost in brightness. This feature allows the G4 to offer more impactful HDR images with more intense highlights (like explosions) than you'd get on any other 83-inch OLED. I measured a peak of around 1,550 nits on the 65-inch G4, and the 83-inch size should offer comparable performance.

An 83-inch LG G4 OLED TV on a media stand.
No other 83-inch TVs can match the LG G4's image quality. (Stand pictured is not included.) Steven Cohen/Business Insider

Unfortunately, MLA technology isn't used on the larger 97-inch G4, so it can't get as bright. However, 97-inch OLEDs are extremely rare. No other brands currently sell OLED models that big, so the G4 is still your best bet at that size. Just be prepared to spend a lot. The 97-inch G4 costs a whopping $20,000 and stock is limited. But if you can afford it, it offers the most impressive image quality you can get in a 97- or 100-inch TV.

Both the 83- and 97-inch G4 use LG's "Gallery" design, which lets the display hang flush on your wall. But keep in mind that these G4 sizes don't include a pedestal stand. If you don't want to wall-mount the TV, you'll have to buy a stand separately. Check out our guide to the best TV stands for recommendations.

If you want a smaller high-end OLED, I give an edge in overall picture performance to Sony's A95L, but in the extra-large 83- and 97-inch class, the G4 is unmatched.

Read our LG G4 4K TV review.

Other OLED TVs we considered

A Panasonic Z95 OLED TV on a console.
The Z95 is Panasonic's high-end OLED for the US market. Les Shu/Business Insider

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 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, sitting 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 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

A white test pattern displayed on LG's G2 and C2 OLED TVs - LG G2 and C2 4K TV first look
Test patterns like the one pictured above help us measure an OLED's peak brightness. Steven Cohen/Business Insider

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. 

We try to live with each OLED TV we review as we would if we owned it as our personal display. This way, we can see if any quirks or glitches pop up during general day-to-day use. We also evaluate smart TV features and navigation to ensure there are no major issues.

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

An angled view of a Samsung S90D OLED TV on a media console.
OLED TVs deliver wide viewing angles, so you get a great picture even if you sit to the side of the screen. Steven Cohen/Business Insider

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:

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

A Samsung S95F OLED TV on display at CES 2025 with Central Park on its screen.
Samsung's S95F is the brand's upcoming flagship OLED model for 2025. Les Shu/Business Insider

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. 

When will 2025 OLED TV models hit stores?

LG, Samsung, and Panasonic revealed new OLED TV models at CES in January 2025, but pricing and exact release dates haven't been announced yet. Typically, new TV models roll out to retailers in the spring, so we expect these new OLED models to be available beginning in March. Likewise, spring is when Sony often details its latest OLED displays.

However, it's important to keep in mind that 2024 OLED models will remain available to buy throughout much of the year and will likely be a lot cheaper than their 2025 counterparts. We'll continue to recommend older OLED TVs as long as they remain available and provide the best value. We'll also be reviewing new 2025 OLED models as they get released.

For more details on upcoming OLED TV models, check out our roundup of the top TVs from CES 2025 and our breakdown of 2025 TV trends.

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:

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].

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