The best OLED TVs of 2025: Expert tested
An OLED TV offers some of the best picture quality you can buy, with millions of self-lit pixels capable of incredibly sharp contrast and detailing as well as bolder, more lifelike colors over their Mini-LED and QLED counterparts. Sony and LG had the market cornered for the longest time, until Samsung released their own line of OLED TVs at more affordable prices.
Many new OLED TVs have also upped the ante on TV audio quality, with Samsung offering object tracking sound while LG and Sony utilize Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound for more immersive experiences. They’re also great choices for gamers with 120Hz refresh rates and support for VRR technology like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync.
What is the best OLED TV right now?
I chose the Samsung S90D as the best OLED TV because it comes in a wide range of screen sizes to fit a variety of spaces, and it features object tracking sound alongside some of the best picture quality you can buy. It’s also great for gaming with a 120Hz refresh rate and support for cloud gaming. You you’re looking for a big-screen option or something more budget-friendly, you can keep reading below to find out more about the rest of our picks for the best OLED TVs you can buy.
Also: The best TVs you can buy
The best OLED TVs of 2025
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The Samsung S95D is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get the best of the best when it comes to an OLED TV. Not only is it capable of crisp contrast and more lifelike colors, but it also features a 144Hz refresh rate that makes motion blur virtually nonexistent. And console gamers will love its support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR to prevent annoying screen tearing.
You can share media from your Android and iOS devices via Samsung SmartThings and Apple AirPlay. And with a suite of preloaded popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, you can start streaming your favorite shows and movies right out of the box. The S95D is equipped with both Alexa and Samsung Bixby voice controls built in as well as support for Google Assistant for hands-free commands.
Samsung S95D tech specs: Screen size: 55 – 77 inches | HDR: OLED HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung Bixby
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The LG G4 is a premium-grade OLED with screen sizes topping out at an impressive 83-inch option that’s well-worth the equally premium price tag. Along with signature OLED picture quality, 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.
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 more. The G4 OLED has both Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls built-in and support for Apple HomeKit, so you can use Siri to help search for movies and shows, launch apps, and control your smart home theater.
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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The Sony Bravia 8 has some impressive out-of-the-box audio to go along with its top-tier picture quality. Rather than speakers, the Bravia 8 uses Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology which places tiny actuators at strategic points behind the screen to produce sound that follows the on-screen action. It also 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 to help prevent screen tearing and help decrease input lag for better reaction times. And if you’ve cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider to move exclusively to streaming, 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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Whether you have one or multiple game consoles, the LG C4 is the perfect OLED TV if you’re looking for a dedicated gaming screen or an option that can pull double-duty as your main TV as well. Not only does it have full 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, it supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR for stable frame rates in both 4K and 1080p.
The LG C4 OLED is available in screen sizes as small as 42 inches all the way up to 83 inches for a truly cinematic experience of your favorite games. The smaller screen sizes are popular choices for gamers who frequently switch between PC and console titles.
LG C4 tech specs: Screen size: 42 – 83 inches | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
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If the high prices of most OLED TVs have made you hesitate buying one, the Samsung S85D offers the same picture quality and smart features at a more affordable price. The 55-inch model starts at around $1,300 and is frequently on sale for $1,000 or even less if you manage to catch a good deal. The OLED panel is Pantone Validated so you’ll get exceptionally accurate and lifelike colors while the HDR10+ support helps sharpen details.
The built-in speakers work with both Dolby Atmos and Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound Lite technology for virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action. The S85D also has an active voice amplifier mode to help boost dialogue in movies and shows, so you never miss a line. And with a suite of preloaded popular apps like Netflix and Disney+, you can start streaming your favorite shows and movies right out of the box.
Samsung S85D 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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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 |
|
Samsung S95D |
$2,400 |
OLED HDR+, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound Lite |
55 – 77 inches |
|
LG G4 |
$5,300 |
Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos |
55 – 83 inches |
|
Sony Bravia 8 |
$1,600 |
Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos |
55 – 77 inches |
|
LG C4 |
$1,500 |
Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos |
42 – 83 inches |
|
Samsung S85D |
$950 |
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… |
|
Samsung S95D |
A well-rounded OLED TV with excellent picture quality paired with Dolby Atmos and object-tracking sound for a more immersive experience while streaming movies, music, and shows or console gaming. |
|
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. |
|
LG C4 |
An OLED TV for gaming. The LG C4 has a 120Hz refresh rate and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync VRR. |
|
Samsung S85D |
A more budget-friendly OLED TV. The Samsung S85D is one of the brand’s entry-level options, letting 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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