Best OLED monitors in 2023: gaming, 27-inch, and premium picks
In today’s rapidly evolving display market, OLED monitors stand out as a beacon of superior color accuracy and unmatched contrast ratios. Here you’ll find not only the best OLED monitors for gaming but the best for other tasks too.
From professional video editing to casual web browsing, these monitors are set to revolutionize your viewing experience. We’ve curated a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best OLED monitor tailored to your specific requirements.
Products at a Glance
How do we pick the best OLED monitors?
Our selection process for the best OLED monitors is rooted in a combination of technical specifications, user reviews, and real-world performance tests. We examine factors like resolution, refresh rate, color accuracy, and input connectivity to ensure that each monitor is suited for both professional and recreational purposes.
Moreover, we place a heavy emphasis on user experience. Monitors can have impressive specifications on paper, but they must also stand up to everyday use and not just PC gaming.
We look into factors like the monitor’s ergonomic design, user interface, and additional features like HDR support or adaptive sync technologies.
If you’re looking for more monitor recommendations, then head over to our best gaming monitor guide. As well as our best 4K gaming monitor piece.
Best OLED monitors in 2023: gaming, 27-inch, and premium picks
- Glossy coating enhances viewability
- Blazing fast response time
- Great overall brightness
- 3-year premium warranty
- A tad expensive
- Slightly lower pixel density
- Minor drop in refresh rate
Alienware has been a stalwart name in the gaming world, and its 34-inch AW3423DWF is nothing short of spectacular. Boasting an IPS panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, it gives you a cinematic experience right at your desk. What grabs attention is its ultra-snappy 0.1 ms response time and a buttery smooth 165Hz refresh rate.
This monitor shines with its QD-OLED technology, marrying OLEDs with quantum dots. The result? A display that showcases vibrant, popping colors while preserving the much-loved contrast ratio OLEDs are celebrated for.
For those gamers and creators looking for a monitor that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics or performance, the Alienware 34 is a fabulous choice. It may be on the pricier side, but with the features and performance it brings to the table, it’s an investment that’ll redefine your computing experience.
- Remarkable color vibrancy
- 240Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay
- Practical matte finish
- Brightness peak is limited
- Occasional text clarity hiccups
- Remote control
The UltraGear OLED 27 is a masterstroke by LG, establishing itself as a pioneer in the 27-inch OLED monitor scene. This beast of a display doesn’t just rest on its OLED laurels but pushes the envelope with a staggering 240Hz refresh rate. Kudos to LG for incorporating both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports; thus ensuring no gamer misses out on this high refresh rate glory.
Where this monitor stands out is in its color vibrancy, making everything pop on the screen. The impressive contrast ratio takes your visual experience to another level, especially in HDR mode.
The matte finish is a thoughtful touch, ensuring your visuals aren’t marred by those pesky reflections. And while it’s a huge plus that it can hit peak brightness levels of 1,000 nits, it’s a tad disappointing that this is confined to only 3% of the screen. Still, color coverage stats are drool-worthy, guaranteeing that every hue is true to life.
- Stunning OLED visuals
- Integrated quality speakers
- Ultra-responsive with low input lag
- G-Sync compatibility
- Pricier than some competitors
- A tad heavy on the scale
Dive into the world of premium gaming with the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ. This behemoth flaunts a jaw-dropping 4K resolution, which, when combined with its swift 0.1ms response time and a sturdy 138 Hz refresh rate, makes for a gaming experience so immersive, you’d almost forget the real world.
Where this monitor really shines is in its attention to detail. The brilliant color reproduction takes every frame to cinematic heights. But what took me by surprise were the integrated speakers – and boy, are they good! It’s rare to see monitors putting in effort on the audio front, but ASUS went the extra mile with excellent speakers and a woofer.
This makes the ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ not just a visual treat, but an auditory delight too. And while it might not have the industry-leading refresh rate, the almost non-existent input lag ensures every in-game move is instantly reflected on screen.
- Precise color accuracy
- Ergonomic and adaptable stand
- Generous port selection
- Not optimized for gaming
- Bezels feel a bit dated
- No provision for burn-in protection
This 27-inch beauty boasts a 4K resolution, ensuring every pixel is on point, making intricate designs and minute details pop out. What’s even more impressive is its color accuracy. With spot-on DCI-P3, sRGB, and AdobeRGB calibration, artists and creators can trust what they see on screen.
Its performance aside, what I truly appreciate about the 27E1N8900 is its emphasis on comfort. The Eyesafe certification means long hours in front of the screen won’t wear you down, while the ergonomic stand ensures you get the best viewing angle, no matter your desk setup.
For the professionals and content creators out there who value precision, clarity, and comfort, the Philips 27E1N8900 is your OLED monitor of choice. Yes, it might not be the gamer’s dream, and the bezels could be slimmer, but when it comes to delivering a reliable workspace, it’s on the money.
Features and considerations
The allure of OLED monitors primarily lies in their ability to produce true blacks by turning off individual pixels, resulting in an infinite contrast ratio.
This characteristic ensures that visuals are vibrant, with colors that pop and deeper blacks than what traditional LED/LCD screens can offer. Additionally, OLED monitors boast faster response times, reducing the risk of motion blur and providing a smoother viewing and gaming experience.
Yet, while OLEDs bring a plethora of benefits, potential buyers should also be aware of considerations like burn-in, a phenomenon where static images displayed for extended periods may leave a temporary or permanent imprint on the screen.
Furthermore, lifespan and brightness can sometimes be areas where OLEDs may lag behind their LED counterparts.
FAQs
Are OLED monitors better?
It’s better than LCD in terms of contrast, response time, and color accuracy, making it a premium choice for many users looking to upgrade their gaming setup.
Is OLED burn-in still a problem?
Burn-in is possible with OLED, but not likely with normal use. Most “burn-in” is actually image retention, which goes away after a few minutes. Generally speaking, burn-in is something to be aware of, but not worry about.
Our Verdict
The allure of OLED technology in the world of monitors is undeniable. With unmatched contrast ratios, instantaneous response times, and colors that pop, OLED monitors offer a visual experience that’s a cut above traditional LCD displays.
Whether you’re an avid gamer seeking unparalleled immersion, a professional in need of color accuracy, or someone who simply appreciates top-tier visuals, there’s an OLED display out there designed with you in mind.
As our picks suggest, brands are pushing the envelope, offering innovative features tailored for various users, ensuring that the OLED wave is not just a passing trend but a significant leap in display technology.