If you're currently shopping for a new TV, the terms QLED and OLED must have popped up several times. Both terms refer to the two most popular display technologies that the best TVs are designed with today. Popular brands such as Samsung, LG, and Hisense are known for developing TVs with QLED and OLED displays. Given the level of expertise shown by the above manufacturers, it's no surprise that some of the best gaming TVs are QLED and OLED, respectively.
Best QLED TVs in 2024
Explore QLED with our top picks for the best TVs, offering unparalleled picture quality.
Each display technology brings something unique to the table, making it tough to pick the right one for your needs. To avoid making a regrettable decision, you should consider your specific needs, as they'll help compare each display's pros and cons. To help, The Best War Games will not compare the offerings of both displays to determine which is best for long-term use.
QLED VS OLED: Head-To-Head
Both QLED and OLED are two of the most popular display technologies used in TVs and monitors today. Plus, manufacturers such as Samsung and LG use both technologies when designing their TVs and monitors. While QLED is superior in terms of brightness and colors, the OLED display is best for true blacks and great viewing angles. Below is a comparison of two top-rated TVs featuring QLED and OLED displays, with their specifications displayed to help you know which is best for your needs.
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Display card main info widgetSAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90C Series TV
$1100 $1500 Save $400Display card main info widget end- Dimensions
- 9.3"D x 48.3"W x 30.2"H
- Display Technology
- QLED
- Connectivity Technology
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
- What's Included
- User Manual, E-Manual,Power Cable
- Brand
- SAMSUNG
This high-end QLED television from Samsung has the Quantum Matrix feature, which offers excellent color and contrast. The Neo Quantum HDR+ technology adds vivid colors and stronger contrast to content in HDR. For visual content that isn't in 4K, the Neural Quantum Processor can upscale it to display better detail. This AI-powered chip refines every scene, making HD content appear in 4K resolution.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Refresh Rate
- 120 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
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Display card main info widgetLG C3 55 Inch OLED EVO TV
Display card main info widget end- Dimensions
- 48.1 X 29.8 X 9.1"
- Display Technology
- OLED EVO
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet
- What's Included
- 55'' OLED TV, Magic Remote, Stand, Power Cord, Quick Start Guide, Batteries, E-Manual
- Brand
- LG
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
The LG C3 55-inch OLED EVO TV comes with a complete assortment of gaming-related advances, such as VRR support, ALLM, a high refresh rate, and an excellent response time coupled with four HDMI 2.1 ports. It's hard to find a viable alternative to the C3 within its price range when considering the TV's gaming performance.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Resolution
- 4k (3840x2160)
Contrast & Black Levels
Contrast and black levels are two important features that shoppers are encouraged to check out when browsing TVs, as they play a significant role in determining whether they'll get an amazing viewing experience. While contrast refers to the difference between a TV’s maximum and minimum brightness levels, a TV’s black level is how dark the screen can get. Ideally, a TV with a perfect black level will offer a far more enjoyable viewing experience when it comes to movies, TV shows, and horror games. That's because the darker the screen, the greater the depth that the TV will render.
OLED displays stand out from the competition for carrying millions of pixels that can generate colors on their own. This ability means that when the pixels render a black image, they instantly go out. This makes scenes, particularly the ones shot at nighttime, feel more vibrant and realistic. QLED technology is close on the heels of OLED, but for now, it's in second place. Unlike OLED, a QLED display’s pixels can't individually light up or go out. As such, they rely on a backlight to do the trick, though this causes images to feel washed out when the lights are turned off. QLED TV manufacturers are constantly working to make their displays become better than OLED in this regard, but this may take a while.
Brightness
When looking for a new TV or monitor, one needs to have an idea of how bright it can get, especially when there's an inflow of ambient lighting. Since a TV or monitor’s brightness levels are measured in nits, it's just a matter of knowing how many nits your preferred option can produce. Anywhere between 400 and 1,000 nits is fine, though a higher brightness level is good news if you intend to set up the TV or monitor in a bright room.
Interestingly, QLED TVs have always been recognized for offering a considerably higher brightness level than their OLED counterparts. However, that's starting to change as recent OLED TVs are not as dim as their predecessors once were. However, QLED TVs are still ahead, as seen in the case of the Samsung QN90C which can reach up to 2,000 nits of brightness compared to the LG C3 which offers around 800 nits. Although the most expensive OLED TVs can offer more than 1,000 nits, you'd be better off with a QLED TV if brightness is a priority. However, you can settle for an OLED TV if your room doesn't get much light, as its brightness level should do just fine in that instance.
Viewing Angles
A TV’s viewing angles are measured by how well you can enjoy the same image quality when you sit at an angle that doesn't directly face the TV. If the TV’s picture quality stays pristine when you're not sitting in front, then it has great viewing angles. A TV with great viewing angles is important for all situations, especially when there are multiple viewers. Whether it's for a football match or the Season premiere of a much-awaited TV show, you'd want everyone to get a great view no matter where they're seated in the room.
OLED TVs are better at viewing angles compared to QLED TVs, making them the top choice for shoppers who want their picture quality to stay the same even when they're seated in a different position. QLED TVs struggle to replicate the same image quality when viewed from a different angle as the picture seems distorted and faded. This is worse for entry-level QLED TVs.
Burn-in
Screen burn-in happens when certain pixels are used more frequently than others. As such, they degrade and affect your viewing experience by a wide margin. Not allowing your TV to display a static image for a long period is one of the recommended strategies for avoiding screen burn-in. Another risk factor is setting your TV’s brightness levels to the top. It's advised to keep the brightness at a decent level to lower the risk of a burn-in happening.
Regarding OLED and QLED TVs, a screen burn-in is more likely to happen in the former than in the latter. That's because the organic materials in the display’s pixels degrade differently from one another. For clarity, the pixels used to display a static image, such as app menus or channel logos, for a long period will age faster than others. Although screen burn-in is not a major issue for QLED TVs, it doesn't mean they're immune to it. However, TV manufacturers have gotten better at managing screen burn-in, so even newer OLED models are less likely to suffer the issue. However, setting a modest brightness level can help minimize the risk of a burn-in.
Pricing
A TV’s pricing is affected by several factors such as screen size, smart features, gaming capabilities, and most importantly, display technology. You can find QLED TVs at an accessible price point, making them appeal to buyers more than OLED options, especially those who are on a budget. Some of the budget-friendly QLED models include the 4K 120Hz Vizio MQX-Series TV and the Hisense U6HF. The most affordable OLED TV typically starts at around $800 and can reach $3,000 depending on the model you opt for. This makes them quite expensive and appropriate for shoppers who have a generous budget. So, if money is not an obstacle, an OLED TV or monitor is ideal. Stick with a QLED TV if working on a tight budget for the best value.
The Verdict
VIZIO 65-inch Quantum Pro 4K QLED 120Hz Smart TV
- Dimensions
- 2.94"D x 56.92"W x 35.46"H
- Display Technology
- QLED
- Connectivity Technology
- hdmi, usb, bluetooth
- What's Included
- XRT270 Voice Remote, 2 x AAA Batteries, Power Cable, Stand
- Brand
- Vizio
Shoppers looking for a 4K 120Hz TV with the looks and capabilities of a premium TV can stop their search. The 65-inch Vizio Quantum Pro is an excellent TV that brings the finest of picture quality to the table. Enjoy content with wide viewing angles, allowing you to sit anywhere and still get a good look at the screen. The TV is also a reliable companion for console and PC gaming.
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
TV manufacturers have evolved over the years, with more QLED and OLED displays now available for purchase than in the past. Both display technologies are incredible and promise great value for money. However, one must consider their strengths and weaknesses to help make an informed decision. OLED displays are considerably better in black levels and viewing angles, while QLED displays are less likely to experience screen burn-in and are more affordable. As such, QLED TVs are likely to last longer than OLED TVs, though user behavior can greatly affect the display’s lifespan. However, both are excellent options and promise a thrilling experience. To help you make a great choice, consider the room you want to use the TV in. It also pays to have an idea of the total amount you're willing to spend.
Samsung 55-inch Class OLED 4K S95C TV
- Dimensions
- 10.5"D x 48.2"W x 30.4"H
- Display Technology
- OLED
- Connectivity Technology
- bluetooth, usb, hdmi
- What's Included
- User Manual, E-Manual,Power Cable, Remote Control
- Brand
- SAMSUNG
The Samsung QD-OLED S95C looks to build on the strengths of the last-generation S95B, which was one of the best performers in the TV industry in 2022. It can now do 144Hz at 4K, marking a return of the One Connect box to Samsung's premium TV offerings while throwing better brightness into the mix. Its OLED display offers cinema-grade picture quality, with crisp images whether for movies or gaming.
- Refresh Rate
- 120 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
FAQ
Q: What are the disadvantages of QLED and OLED?
While both displays have great qualities, QLED displays have bad viewing angles and OLED displays are at risk of screen burn-in issues.
Q: Which lasts longer QLED and OLED?
Since it's unusual for QLED displays to experience burn-ins, they're expected to last longer than their OLED counterparts.
Q: Are QLED TVs bad for your eyes?
Not at all. By offering a brightness level of up to 2,000 nits which is similar to the outside world's brightness, there's no cause for concern. However, it should be noted that constantly staring at the TV can cause temporary eye strain.