The best OLED TVs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed (original) (raw)

OLED TVs are among the most popular options for most shoppers, and with good reason. They offer some of the best picture quality you can buy, they can have stellar audio quality, and the prices are better than ever.

Sony and LG have cornered this market for the longest time, but other companies now offer LED TVs at more affordable prices. Samsung uses object tracking sound while LG and Sony utilize Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound for more immersive experiences. OLEDs are also great choices for gamers with 120Hz refresh rates and support for VRR technology like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync.

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What is the best OLED TV right now?

The LG G5 is the best OLED TV of 2025, and I'm not alone in this opinion. The set was officially the best at CES 2025, and it's received high praise from just multiple tech writers. ZDNET's own Kerry Wan, Managing Editor of Reviews, called it "the TV to beat for the rest of the year" and noted its stellar brightness, color volume, and contrast.

If you're looking for a big-screen option or something more budget-friendly, keep reading to find out more about the rest of our picks for the best OLED TVs.

Also: The best TVs you can buy

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

If you want the best of the best, the answer isn't too hard. LG's G5 improves significantly on last year's model, which itself was a winner. This was named the best TV at CES 2025 and has racked up accolades ever since.

This TV performs at a very high level in every measurable category. Any content looks beautiful, the sound packs a punch, and the set itself is super sleek. ZDNET's Kerry Wan saw the TV in person and said the G5 OLED was noticeably brighter -- LG says it's 40% brighter than the G4 -- and more vivid than competitors' models.

It's also stellar for gaming with support for Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium plus a 165Hz VRR.

If there's a downside, it's the price. The 65" version comes in at 3,300,butthisTVisworthit.Ifyou′relookingforevenlargermodels,thepricereachesastaggering3,300, but this TV is worth it. If you're looking for even larger models, the price reaches a staggering 3,300,butthisTVisworthit.Ifyou′relookingforevenlargermodels,thepricereachesastaggering25,000 for the 97" set.

LG G5 tech specs: Screen size: 55 - 97 inches | HDR: Dolby Vision / HDR10 / HLG | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 165Hz

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June Wan/ZDNET

The LG G4 is a premium OLED with a range of screen sizes topping out at an impressive 83 inches. While it carries a big price tag, it's worth it. Jason Hiner, ZDNET's Editor in Chief, said this TV had "some of the best color and contrast" he'd ever seen and praised the picture processing. ZDNET readers thought the same, as this TV claimed the number one spot for the top TVs bought this year so far.

The G4 OLED supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion during fast-paced action scenes and sports broadcasts as well as Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced detailing.

Also: Best 85-inch TVs you can buy

The built-in speakers work with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound for 3D audio without the need for extra audio equipment. With support for both AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, you can share media from your iOS and Android devices for easier viewing of videos, photos, and other media. The G4 OLED has both Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls built-in and support for Apple HomeKit. This means you can now use Siri to help search for movies and shows, launch apps, and control your smart home theater.

This isn't a budget set by any means, but with the G5 on the market, a recent price drop did bring the 65-inch model down to $2,400. Amazon offers refurbished sets for even less.

LG G4 tech specs: Screen size: Up to 83 inches | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant

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Sony/ZDNet

The Sony Bravia 8 has some impressive out-of-the-box audio to complement its top-tier picture quality. Rather than speakers, the Bravia 8 uses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology. If you're not familiar, this feature places tiny actuators behind the screen to produce sound that follows the on-screen action. This makes the whole screen a picture and helps create near-perfect audio and video syncing. The 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision HDR support help smooth motion and clean up details so even fast-paced scenes look crisp and clean.

If you're a console gamer, the Sony Bravia 8 supports a proprietary variable refresh rate tech exclusively for the PlayStation 5. This helps prevent screen tearing and decrease input lag for better reaction times. If you've cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider, you'll get support for over 10,000 apps including a preinstalled suite of popular choices like Apple TV, Netflix, and Disney+.

Sony Bravia 8 tech specs: Screen size: 55 - 77 inches | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Acoustic Surface Audio+ | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Voice controls: Google Assistant, Alexa

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Samsung

LG's C4 and Samsung's S90D are two of the best gaming TVs this year, but Samsung narrowly gets the edge. It has a 144 Hz variable refresh rate across all four inputs, HDR10+ support, but no Dolby Vision, Motion Xcelerator for virtually no lag or blur, and Low-Frame-Compensation. The Gaming Hub lets you stream your favorite games right from your TV with no console required, but if you are using a console, there are enough inputs to connect multiple devices and audio peripherals

Samsung S90D tech specs: Screen size: 42 - 83 inches | HDR: OLED HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite | Refresh rate: 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit

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Jason Hiner/ZDNET

If the high prices of most OLED TVs have made you hesitant to buy one, the Samsung S90C offers the same picture quality and smart features at a more affordable price. The 65-inch model is just over $1,000, and less if you can catch it on sale. It has all the amazing color depth and quality Samsung's QD-OLED TVs are known for, and the HDR is seriously impressive.

This set doesn't have Samsung's OneConnect Box, which makes the TV thinner and offers a tidy way of only having to send one wire up to the TV if you're mounting it on a wall, but if you're willing to sacrifice that, you can get a great TV for a solid deal. This TV is several years old now, but it's still a fantastic value option.

Samsung S90C tech specs: Screen size: 55, 65, 83 inches | HDR: HDR10+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Voice controls: Amazon, Bixby, Google Assistant

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What are the tariffs in the U.S.?

The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We're Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy

Televisions, many of which are manufactured in these nations, may experience price increases of up to 20%, making them less affordable for consumers. Manufacturers contemplate relocating assembly operations to countries with tariff exemptions, but such moves involve logistical challenges and substantial costs. Companies like Samsung, which produces a significant portion of their TVs in Mexico, anticipate being less affected than competitors relying heavily on Chinese manufacturing.

Overall, consumers should brace for higher prices and potential shifts in product availability within the home entertainment market.

Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.

Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech - but not for long

I chose the Samsung S90D as the best OLED TV for its range of screen sizes, object tracking sound, and excellent picture quality. It also has a 120Hz native refresh rate and both Alexa and Samsung Bixby voice controls built in for hands-free use right out of the box.

Best OLED TV	Price	HDR/Audio	Screen size
LG G5	$3,000	OLED HDR+, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound Lite	55 - 97 inches
LG G4	$2,400	Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos	55 - 83 inches
Sony Bravia 8	$1,600	Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos	55 - 77 inches
Samsung S90D	$1,337	Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos	42 - 83 inches
Samsung S90C	$1,300	OLED HDR, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound Lite	55 - 83 inches

While all OLED models are somewhat pricey, it's still important to finalize your budget. That way, you won't accidentally overspend, and you'll get the best value for your money. Choose a model that not only fits your budget but also offers enough features and a big enough screen size to justify its price.

Buy this OLED TV...	If you need...
LG G5	The flat-out best OLED you can buy today. It has an incredible picture that's significantly better than any other option.
LG G4	A big-screen OLED TV. The LG G4 is available in an 83-inch model, making it one of the largest you can buy.
Sony Bravia 8	An OLED TV with excellent audio. The Bravia 8 uses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology to give you object-tracking sound and better audio/video syncing.
Samsung S90D	An OLED TV that's perfect for gaming. It has a high refresh rate, plenty of inputs, game-specific settings, and more.
Samsung S90C	A more budget-friendly OLED TV. The Samsung S90C lets you upgrade your home theater without having to spend a fortune.

Whether you're looking to buy your first OLED TV or upgrade your current home theater setup, here are a few things to keep in mind while you shop:

Price: OLED TVs are more expensive than their QLED or LED counterparts, but prices are dropping. There are still options for customers looking to save a bit of money while upgrading their home theater. I did my best to include a variety of OLED models at different price points to fit a wide range of budgets.
Connectivity: These days, all TVs have plenty of HDMI ports, but your TV should be able to easily connect with all of your game consoles and playback devices, such as cable or satellite boxes, Blu-ray and DVD players, and home audio equipment. Make sure the set you're choosing has enough inputs for all of your devices.
HDR: An OLED TV can provide an almost unparalleled viewing experience because the panels are built with self-lit pixels in order to create true blacks and sharper contrast. I've ensured that each model on this list also supports a variety of HDR codecs to enhance detailing and color for even better picture quality.
Audio: A great picture doesn't mean much if your TV's audio isn't up to snuff. Each OLED TV on this list has been confirmed to support soundbars and other home audio equipment, as well as virtual surround sound codecs like Dolby Atmos.
Location: Where your TV will be placed matters. If your living room has a lot of natural light and your TV doesn't handle that environment well, it won't look good. Find a set that works well in your specific environment.

While researching and testing each of the OLED TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:

Brand integrity: A reliable customer service department is vital when dealing with returns, exchanges, and refunds as well as troubleshooting any issues you may have with your new TV. Each model on this list was chosen from a reputable brand with a verified customer service department.
Smart features: It's become standard for a TV to have Wi-Fi connectivity as well as preloaded streaming apps for entertainment right out of the box. Each OLED TV on this list has been verified to support popular streaming apps like Spotify, Netflix, and Disney+.
Screen sizes: Not every space is created equal, so it's important to choose an OLED TV that will fit into your living room, bedroom, or home theater space. Each model on this list is available in multiple screen sizes to fit a variety of spaces.

Read more about how we test TVs at ZDNET.

An OLED TV is a model that uses specialized, organic substrates and individually lit LEDs to create stark contrast, brighter and richer colors, as well as crisper details than what you can get with an LED or QLED television. The technology is best appreciated by movie and TV buffs who want to experience Hollywood classics and the latest blockbusters as their creators intended. OLED TVs are also ideal for console gamers looking to embrace native 4K graphics.

An OLED TV is absolutely worth it if picture quality is at the top of your "must-have" feature list when shopping for a new TV. An OLED panel can create incredibly vibrant colors and crisp details that breathe new life into classic media and show off the technical skills used to create new movies and shows. Even if you aren't a movie buff, you can still get a ton of value out of an OLED TV, since they have a longer lifespan than other models. Also, an OLED TV can sort of future-proof your living room or home theater, since it will take a while for LED and QLED TV models to catch up to the quality you can get from an OLED version.

The technology behind OLED TVs is still new and more complicated than what you'd find in an LED panel. This makes it more expensive to produce, so higher manufacturing costs get passed down as high retail prices to consumers. Thankfully, companies like LG and Sony are finding more streamlined and cost-effective ways to produce OLED panels, making them a bit more affordable than before. However, they are still much more expensive than their LED and QLED counterparts.

More OLED TVs to consider

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