The term “best OLED TV” carries significant prestige. OLED televisions represent the highest standard in picture quality, exceptional motion handling, and superior upscaling capabilities. With unmatched black levels and flawless contrast, these TVs provide a cinematic viewing experience. Remarkably, they are not priced significantly higher than conventional LED-LCD or QLED models.
Many enthusiasts regard OLED TVs as the optimal choice for home theater systems. The title of the best OLED TV tends to shift annually. In some years, LG OLED models, like the LG C3 OLED, have taken the lead, while in others, Samsung has claimed the top spot with models such as the Samsung S95D OLED. Sony OLEDs have also made their mark in this competitive landscape.
Currently, the LG G4 OLED is recognized as the leading OLED TV on the market. It features LG Display’s cutting-edge Meta OLED panels paired with an AI processor, resulting in vibrant, colorful 4K images that are impressively sharp. Meanwhile, the Samsung S95C stands as a strong contender, offering excellent performance for its price point.
LG G4 OLED
The title of the top OLED TV often shifts among LG, Samsung, and Sony. However, in 2024, LG claims this distinction with the LG G4 OLED. While Samsung and Sony are advancing QD-OLED technology in their premium models, the LG G4 OLED features an enhanced version of WOLED, incorporating 2nd-generation Micro Lens Array technology.
Although the terminology may be complex, the essence is that this new panel achieves superior brightness compared to previous LG OLEDs. Additionally, it presents a minimal risk of burn-in over time. In laboratory evaluations, the LG G4 OLED achieved peak brightness levels approaching 1,500 nits while preserving color fidelity.
This performance significantly surpasses that of other OLED TVs. Coupled with a low input lag of 9.2ms in Game Mode, it creates an exceptional OLED experience that excels in both cinematic presentations and gaming. Our hands-on assessments have unequivocally demonstrated that this is the premier OLED TV on the market today.
Samsung S95C OLED
When discussing the top OLED TVs of 2024, Samsung’s OLED TV deserves mention. Many of these models feature a quantum dot OLED panel created by Samsung Display, providing outstanding contrast and an extensive color range. This type of television is sure to impress with its vivid colors and exceptionally bright highlights.
However, there are two reasons it does not claim the top position. Firstly, this Samsung OLED model is not new for 2024, as it was released in 2023. Secondly, LG’s MLA technology achieves comparable brightness levels to Samsung’s QD-OLED while also supporting Dolby Vision and offering a more advanced webOS smart platform.
These are relatively minor considerations, and only someone with extensive experience might view them as significant issues. For consumers who do not prioritize Dolby Vision—perhaps because they do not subscribe to high-end Netflix or own a 4K Blu-ray player—the Samsung S95C can be seen as a more affordable alternative to the LG G4 OLED, with similar specifications.
LG C3 OLED
For many years, OLED technology was often associated with high costs, making it seem out of reach for many consumers. However, the landscape has changed, and OLED TVs are now competitively priced compared to mid-range Mini-LED options. The LG C3 OLED exemplifies this shift, with its 42-inch and 48-inch models priced under $1,000, while also standing strong against competitors in the 55-inch and 65-inch categories.
The range of available sizes and price options makes the C3 an appealing choice for those hesitant to invest heavily in an OLED. It allows potential buyers to explore a more affordable model before deciding to upgrade from their existing 65-inch television.
Importantly, despite some minor variations in peak brightness, the specifications across all models are largely consistent. Each model features a native 120Hz refresh rate and includes four fully equipped HDMI 2.1 ports. In our evaluations, the LG C3 achieved approximately 820 nits of peak brightness and covered an impressive 98.98% of the UHDA-P3 color spectrum.
While it may not surpass top contenders like the Samsung S95C or the LG G4, the LG C3 OLED still offers an excellent display at a significantly lower price point.
Panasonic Z95A
The Panasonic Z95A is truly an impressive television. Making its return to the US market, Panasonic has achieved remarkable success with this high-performance model, which utilizes the META gen 2 MLA panel from LG Display. Featuring a refresh rate of 144Hz and a suite of advanced gaming capabilities, it stands out as a formidable option for gamers.
Moreover, it excels not only as a top-tier gaming TV but also as a robust HDR and SDR display, enhancing the viewing experience for everything from blockbuster films to anime. With a low Delta-E of 2.3334, it is particularly well-suited for vibrant content. Its peak brightness of 1,625 nits during standard use effectively reduces glare while maintaining a well-balanced image.
Supporting multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, it is perfectly equipped for high dynamic range content. In HDR mode, it reaches an impressive brightness of 2012 nits, the highest recorded for any OLED TV we have evaluated. All these features position the Z95A as a noteworthy newcomer in the market, justifying its premium price tag of over $3,000, which is considerably higher than the previously mentioned models.
LG C4 OLED
It can be challenging to distinguish between new and older OLED TV models unless you closely monitor their releases. The LG C4 OLED is the latest model for 2024, having been launched in April of this year.
As a new release, it comes at a higher price point compared to last year’s C3 OLED. However, laboratory evaluations indicate that the C4 achieves a peak brightness of 1,049 nits, surpassing the C3’s 820 nits. For viewers primarily enjoying HDR content from platforms like Disney Plus, Netflix, and Amazon, the additional investment is justified.
For those still consuming HD/SDR content via a cable box, opting for the LG C3 OLED could be a more budget-friendly choice. While cinephiles will certainly value the enhancements of the C4, gamers will find exceptional value in this model, as it incorporates top-tier gaming features from the flagship G4 OLED at a more accessible price.
The C4 boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, and includes the LG Game Bar. Its performance is impressive enough to serve as a monitor for gaming PCs.