Best OLED TV in 2023 – our top picks
Finding the best OLED TV can be a challenge, which is why we’ve researched and selected what we think are the best on the market today.
OLED panels are one of the latest innovations in the TV and monitor scene and are unique in the way that they have self-illuminating pixels that can ‘turn off’ to give unbeatable contrast.
That being said, when OLED TVs come up against the best QLED TVs they can come in short in the brightness department. Since they’re not backlit, OLED TVs may not get as bright as you’d expect and are not always the top choice for well-lit rooms. On the other side of the coin, they are great for low-light environments.
But how expensive are OLED TVs? Well, OLED TVs are the best of the best, so expect to dig deep if you want one. The brands that specialize in these types of TVs are all the leaders in the market – Sony, LG, and Samsung for example.
Our selection here aims to give a good variety of options for different budgets and usages, from TVs that are great for gaming, to older-generation models that still pack a punch.
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best OLED TV
So how did we go about picking the best OLED TVs on the market? Well, firstly our experts researched a variety of brands, and models but also linked back to reviews to make sure we found top-performing options.
We considered performance, display and price to ensure our options suited our reader’s needs but also to make sure you are really getting the top options money can buy.
Best OLED TV in 2023 – our top picks
- Latest version from one of LG's best lineups
- Amazing for gaming
- Thinner bezels than ever before
- VRR support and FreeSync/G-Sync
- Brightness improvement may still not be enough to topple QLED
When it comes to the best OLED TVs, the LG C3 is essentially top of the charts – in fact, it’s arguably one of LG’s best TVs and has received almost universally positive reviews.
As with many others in the C-series, the LG C3 has all the tropes you’d expect from a premium OLED display. You’ve got 120hz, VRR, ALLM, and HDMI 2.1 compatibility for 4K, high fps gaming, in addition to Nvidia G-Sync. G-Sync is a type of adaptive-sync technology that works to reduce screen tearing when the frame rate increases or decreases. It’s especially useful when playing fast-paced games, like first-person shooters or racing games, and is typically found in some of the best gaming monitors.
In fact, the LG C3 is often seen as a good alternative to a gaming monitor, thanks to its slim profile, vivid color, and unbeatable contrast ratio – making it an ideal choice for lower light settings.
On the topic of brightness, OLED TVs aren’t exactly known for delivering the goods in this department, but the LG C3 has made some small but meaningful improvements here. If we’re speaking honestly, unless you’re running some side-by-side tests with some of the best QD-OLED TVS or best QLED TVs in a well-lit room, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference.
Overall, if you’re looking for the ultimate OLED TV in a range of sizes to fit your living space, this is the one to check out first.
- Affordable option
- Great picture quality
- Supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Lacks high-spec gaming features
Many of the best OLED TVs can be good for gaming, but we think if you’re looking for something specifically for next-gen consoles like the PS5, this Sony BRAVIA XR A80L Series is a great way to go.
Again, like with many of the best gaming TVs, you’re getting 120hz, 4K resolution, VRR, and ALLM. What stands out with this TV though is its Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which further optimizes picture quality when gaming on PS5.
In terms of brightness, it’s actually not the brightest OLED TV out there, so if you’re planning on gaming in a well-lit room, you may want to consider our picks for the best TVs for bright rooms instead.
But if you’re PS5 owner and want something that’s practically tailor made for the console, this TV should more than deliver the goods.
- Excellent picture quality
- Smart features
- Sleek design
- Slightly thicker bezels than the C2
If you’re looking for the best budget OLED TV, we think the LG B2 should be well worth your consideration.
First off, OLED TVs are still quite expensive regardless of which one you go for. Much of the time the best way to reduce cost is to simply go for a smaller, older-generation, or renewed set – however even then, you’d be hard-pressed to find one below $800 in many cases.
That being said, the the differences between the B2 and amazingly reviewed C2 are very minor to the naked eye, and really only become visible in rigorous testing. In essence, it’s basically the C2 with some slight variation in finishing, such as marginally thicker bezels, and some minor performance differences most people wouldn’t be able to spot.
Like the C2, it’s yet another TV that packs a 120hz refresh rate, VRR, ALLM, and Nvidia G-Sync – making it great for gaming, but the good thing about the B-series though, is that it comes in slightly cheaper than the C-series, even cheaper if you go for a renewed product.
Overall, it’s an excellent TV that’s well worth checking out if you’re working to budget.
- Super sleek design
- Amazing for gaming
- Updated chipset
- Not quite as bright as LG C3
- Still expensive even over a year on
For pure value for money and bang for your buck, we’d say the LG C2 is still our favorite.
With numerous positive reviews, this TV ticks all the boxes you can think of for gaming, watching movies, and sports. LG has also updated its design and chipset, and there are small but meaningful performance improvements, this TV still packs a serious punch even with the LG C3 being the new kid on the block.
What we loved about this TV is the smaller-sized version, which comes in at just 42 inches. It is by far one of the best 42-inch TVs on the market and would work very well as a gaming monitor too.
The good news with the C2 is that it’s not uncommon to see deals running on this TV, especially around Black Friday – so keep your eyes peeled.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for 120hz, 4K gaming, plus a TV that’ll last for years to come – this is the TV that most people should consider. If you’re a fan of this size of a TV, we’d recommend checking out our other top picks for the best 43-inch TVs and best TVs for bedrooms too.
Features and Consideration
There are several features you should consider when purchasing a new OLED TV.
Firstly, consider the processor. It is responsible for developing the image you see, and the better this is the more stunning the viewing experience will be. Top processors include LG’s Quad Core Processor 4K or Samsung’s Quantum Processor 4K Lite. Opting for a high-quality processor will ensure your images look sharp and crisp.
If you’re an avid gamer you will also want to watch out for gaming-specific features. Look out for high-spec features such as HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K support and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s also a bonus to have G-SYNC and FreeSync support to minimize lag and screen tearing during fast-paced action.
Generally, OLED TVs are more expensive than their LED or QLED counterparts. So expect high prices when shopping for these electronics. If you want to bag yourself the best deal consider purchasing your next screen during a seasonal sales period, such as Black Friday, to bag the biggest savings.
Finally, consider the smart features. Most TVs come with some sort of smart platform allowing you to navigate between steaming apps, and control your TV with smart voice assistants and access to the internet. So bear this in mind when making your decision.
If you are looking to make your next TV purchase, why not check out our other buying guides?
Is OLED TV better than QLED?
At the moment OLED TVs are considered better. But this is all down to personal preference. Some may prefer the detailed and deep shadows that come with OLED TVs. While others may like the bright color quality and the lower price tag that comes with QLED.
Our Verdict
Our top pick for the best OLED TV is the fantastic LG C3. This TV features excellent picture quality thanks to its OLED panels delivering excellent contrast, black levels, colors, and viewing angles.
It is also great for gamers who have either a PS5 or Xbox Series X, thanks to its numerous HDMI 2.1 ports and support for 4K at 120Hz. Add that to VRR, ALLM, and Nvidia G-Sync, and you’ve got everything you need to make your games shine. Coming in a variety of sizes, going as small as 42 inches, we think the LG C3 series has something for everyone, considering you’re happy paying the premium price point.