OLED is considered the queen technology for a television thanks to its contrasts. Here are the best OLED TVs in our opinion.
The best OLED TVs
The return of Sony 9/10
Sony XR-65A90J
- A brighter panel and a very good anti-reflective treatment
- Google TV
- Quality sound reproduction
LG OLED55G1
- High brightness
- Exceptional image quality
- The design designed for wall mounting
LG OLED55C1
- Very good image quality
- Advanced gaming functions
- An improved software part
Idroid tests many TVs (OLED or not) and we have already devoted several buying guides to this sector. Today we are going to focus on technology with OLED TVs. Currently, this is the one that generally offers the best image quality, but not without a price. We will talk about it later.
OLED also has a disadvantage: at the same diagonals, it is more expensive than the rest. Simply put, all OLED TVs are premium TVs. The market has long been confined to panels of 55 inches and more, but the situation started to change in 2020 with the arrival of 48 inch OLED TVs at LG. For 2021, however, it is the very large sizes that are in the spotlight.
During CES 2021, LG added an 83-inch to its C1 range, while the 77-inch went from 8000 euros to 5300 euros! A trend that should continue the other diagonals and among other manufacturers. Most of them are in fact sourced from LG for their tiles.
The 2021 ranges are finally available and are now well installed in our selection.
For a selection by size:
- What are the best 4 inch 43K TVs?
- What are the best 4 inch 50K TVs?
- What are the best 4 inch 55K TVs?
- What are the best 4 inch 65K TVs?
- What are the best 4 inch 75K TVs?
- What are the best QLED TVs?
If you are looking for a broader overview of the market, then read our pick of the best TVs.
LG OLED55G1 The best of OLED
9 / 10
Product sheet See the Baker test € 1
- High brightness
- Exceptional image quality
- The design designed for wall mounting
Formerly identical except for the design, LG's C and G ranges are separating in 2021. Unlike the C1, the LG G1 indeed benefits from the manufacturer's brand new generation of EVO panel. The "G" stands for "Gallery" and the TV is indeed designed above all to be hung on the wall, with a completely flat back and a wall bracket provided. If it is possible to put it on more traditional feet, these are optional and charged 100 euros.
Source: LG
It remained to be seen whether the promises of the EVO panel, namely increased brightness, were kept. And the contract is effectively fulfilled with an increase of nearly 15% on this point. LG, however, has yet to achieve the excellent values achieved by Panasonic's top-of-the-range models. Nothing to say about the colors, which are almost perfect. Like the C1, the G1 is very good at gaming, with full HDMI 2.1 compatibility and G-Sync / Freesync support for PC gamers.
The software part is identical to its little sister, with a WebOS 6 pleasant to use. Among our rare regrets, we will note the absence of backlighting of the remote control, frankly disappointing given the price.
Sold 200 euros more than the C1, the LG G1 is for us the best OLED TV of the moment, a must. Find all the information about it in our LG OLED55G1 review.
Where to buy theLG OLED55G1 at the best price?
- Baker € 1 Discover the offer
- Son-Vidéo.com 1 € Discover the offer
- Rakuten Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 1 Discover the offer
- Fnac Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Amazon Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Fnac € 1 Discover the offer
- Darty € 1 Discover the offer
LG OLED55C1 The most balanced
9 / 10
Product sheet See the Baker test € 1
- Very good image quality
- Advanced gaming functions
- An improved software part
The successor to the very good LG CX comes unsurprisingly to take its place in our selection of the best OLED TVs. However, we must admit that the changes compared to last year are minor since it keeps the same slab. From the outside, only a slightly redesigned remote control (but still not backlit ...) can also distinguish them.
LG C1 (2021)
The panel being the same, the few evolutions are to be found internally with the adoption of a new processor named a9 Gen 4 which promises an even better scaling. However, we notice a slight increase in the brightness peak as well as an image that is still just as perfectly calibrated as soon as the box is opened.
We are also entitled to a new version of Web OS with a revised interface to be more refined and offering even more options for players. On this point, we still appreciate the VRR accounting for consoles and Nvidia G-Sync for PCs. We also note the arrival of a native Google Stadia application. The Magic Remote control adopts a more rectangular design and is generally pleasant to use. One wonders, however, why LG still does not decide to backlight it ...
An evolution in small steps, but the LG C1 imposes itself without too many worries as the most balanced OLED TV of the moment. We tell you more in our LG C1 review. For real progress, we will have to wait for the G1 series which represents the top of the range of the brand with a new generation of panel. However, we will wait for a complete test before advising it.
The LG C1 series is obviously available in several diagonals ranging from 48 to 83 inches.
The 48 inch:
Where to buy theLG OLED48C1 at the best price?
- Baker € 1 Discover the offer
- Amazon Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 1 Discover the offer
- Son-Vidéo.com 1 € Discover the offer
- Rakuten Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Fnac € 1 Discover the offer
- Darty € 1 Discover the offer
- Cobra € 1 Discover the offer
The 55 inch:
Where to buy theLG OLED55C1 at the best price?
- Baker € 1 Discover the offer
- Carrefour € 1 Discover the offer
- Amazon Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Rakuten Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 1 Discover the offer
- Son-Vidéo.com 1 € Discover the offer
The 65 inch:
Where to buy theLG OLED65C1 at the best price?
- Baker € 2 Discover the offer
- Son-Vidéo.com 1 € Discover the offer
- Rakuten Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Amazon Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 1 Discover the offer
- Fnac Marketplace € 2 Discover the offer
- Fnac € 2 Discover the offer
- Darty € 2 Discover the offer
- Carrefour € 2 Discover the offer
The 77 inch:
Where to buy theLG OLED77C1 at the best price?
- Baker € 3 Discover the offer
- Son-Vidéo.com 2 € Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 2 Discover the offer
- Amazon Marketplace € 3 Discover the offer
And the 83 inch if you have a really big living room:
Where to buy theLG OLED83C1 at the best price?
- Baker € 5 Discover the offer
- Son-Vidéo.com 4 € Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 4 Discover the offer
- Rakuten Marketplace € 4 Discover the offer
- Fnac Marketplace € 5 Discover the offer
- Amazon Marketplace € 5 Discover the offer
- Fnac € 5 Discover the offer
- Darty € 5 Discover the offer
Sony XR-65A90J The return of Sony
9 / 10
Product sheet See the Baker test € 2
- A brighter panel and a very good anti-reflective treatment
- Google TV
- Quality sound reproduction
With the adoption of LG OLED panels for its most high-end models, Sony has made a noticeable comeback in the small market for very high-end televisions. And this 2021 vintage from their flagship is no exception. The XR-65A90J has the luxury of adopting the same latest generation OLED panel as the LG G1! Unlike the latter, which seeks to be as discreet as possible, the XR-65A90J adopts a much more surprising design, with two fairly massive feet coming to rest on each side of the television. If the build quality is obviously impeccable, the whole is relatively impressive and will not necessarily please everyone. Still, this weakness can be easily circumvented by hanging the screen on the wall.
A fairly thin and very classy television / Source: Sony
We were waiting around the corner for the new generation of LG OLED panels. The Korean indeed promised an improvement in brightness, one of the few weaknesses of OLED screens. And we have to admit that the bet has been held, and the progress is notable, since we have reached a peak in brightness of 1300 cd / m²!
But where Sony stands out is with the quality of the anti-reflective treatment, which is effective enough so that you no longer have to systematically close your curtains. Coupled with increased brightness, this greatly improves readability on a daily basis. Colorimetric side, things are perfect in HDR mode and good in SDR.
Unfortunately, not everything is perfect, especially for gamers. The display delay is higher than the competition and especially the support for HDMI 2.1 is not complete. The VRR in particular is missing, although Sony promises that it will be provided by an update. It's still a little surprising when you know that this function is one of the most practical of the PlayStation 5 from the same manufacturer ...
Acoustic Surface technology, which vibrates the screen to use it as a speaker, is making a comeback here in an improved version. The rendering is very correct for the integrated, but a dedicated solution remains our preference. We still appreciate the presence of Google TV. Google's OS shines with its software offering and a very user-friendly interface.
The XR-65A90J therefore stands out as a very good TV, cut above all for cinema, but its partial support for HDMI 2.1 makes it less versatile than its direct competitors. Too bad especially in view of its price ... Before going to checkout, we can therefore only recommend that you read our review of the Sony XR-65A90J.
The A90J series is available in 55, 65 and 83 inches
The 55 inch:
Where to buy theSony XR-55A90J at the best price?
- Baker € 2 Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 2 Discover the offer
- Fnac € 2 Discover the offer
- Darty € 2 Discover the offer
The 65 inch:
Where to buy theSony XR-65A90J at the best price?
- Baker € 2 Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 2 Discover the offer
- Fnac € 2 Discover the offer
- Darty € 2 Discover the offer
The 83 inch:
Where to buy theSony XR-83A90J at the best price?
- Baker € 6 Discover the offer
- Fnac € 6 Discover the offer
- Darty € 6 Discover the offer
Philips 55OLED936 L'ambiance Ambilight
Product sheet Getting started with Fnac € 1
- OLED with Ambilight supplement
- The impressive LG EVO
- Sound quality
Without being as famous as LG or Samsung, Philips has behind it a loyal community of users who swear by its Ambilight displays. This technology consists of a series of programmable RGB LEDs that project colored light behind the screen. The colors chosen are a direct extension of the displayed image. Not everyone will be hooked, but we have to admit that this greatly improves the immersion felt.
For this 2021 version of its flagship, the manufacturer went to LG and did not skimp on the expense. We find the same EVO panel used on the excellent LG G1. We therefore find the brightness up by 20% compared to last year and the absolute blacks of the OLED. Nothing to say about the perfectly mastered colorimetry either. Usually a poor relation at Philips, gaming has been neat since the display delay time reaches a very respectable 11 ms.
The sound part deposits thanks to a sound bar signed Bowers & Wilkins, to which it will be possible to add subwoofer and satellites for a complete surround effect.
But it is above all the Ambilight, present on 4 sides here, which once again seduces. If it is not revolutionary, the technology represents a real plus. And if you are equipped with Philips Hue bulbs, they can even synchronize with the TV.
Unsurprisingly, the bill turns out to be steep, but this is one of the LG G1's unique competitors. While waiting for our full test, you can read our getting started with the Philips OLED + 986.
Where to buy thePhilips 55OLED936 at the best price?
- Fnac € 1 Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com € 1 Discover the offer
- Darty € 1 Discover the offer
- Amazon Marketplace € 2 Discover the offer
- Rakuten Marketplace € 2 Discover the offer
LG OLED55A1 L'OLED pour tous
Baker product sheet € 1
- Preserved video quality
- Really well thought out WebOS 6
- Have you seen this award?
Do you want OLED, but you don't have a large budget? No worries, LG is here for you. The manufacturer declines its OLED panels on more affordable models with its A1 series which therefore puts us at 55 inches below the 1000 euros mark. To achieve such a price, you have to cut somewhere and it starts with the look. The latter is less neat and the feet a more cheap than those used on the C1.
But most importantly, the image quality is still there. We therefore find panels almost identical to those of the C1, with infinite blacks and colorimetry with small onions. However, there is a slight drop in brightness and a slightly less effective anti-reflective filter. It's not catastrophic, but you will have to plunge your room into darkness to fully enjoy it.
It is on the electronics that LG has cut the most, the processor used is less efficient and this is reflected in the quality of the scaling on Full HD sources. Video games are also a victim of the cost hunt… Forget about HDMI 2.1, VRR and 120 Hz. The OLED55A1 is clearly not intended as a companion to the next gen consoles. However, FreeSync and G-Sync are still around for PC gamers.
While it has to make a number of compromises, especially when it comes to gaming, the LG OLED55A1 is nonetheless an excellent choice for fans of movies and series.
Where to buy theLG OLED55A1 at the best price?
- Baker € 1 Discover the offer
- Rue du Commerce 799 € Discover the offer
- Son-Vidéo.com 849 € Discover the offer
- Amazon Marketplace 889 € Discover the offer
- Ubaldi.com 944 € Discover the offer
- Rakuten Marketplace 967 € Discover the offer
- Fnac Marketplace € 1 Discover the offer
- Electro Dépôt € 1 Discover the offer
- E.Leclerc € 1 Discover the offer
- Fnac € 1 Discover the offer
- Darty € 1 Discover the offer
Understand everything about OLED TVs
What are the advantages of OLED over other screen technologies?
The main advantage of OLED is to offer infinite contrasts. The pixels that make up the image each emitting their own light, when black needs to be displayed they are quite simply turned off. It is therefore a complete black that is displayed. Since we cannot divide by zero, we consider that the contrast is infinite for all intents and purposes.
The other advantage of OLED is its responsiveness. Organic diodes change phase faster, OLED screens are more responsive. This is useful for action scenes, but also for games as the input lag is partly affected by the responsiveness of the screen (but it is not the only factor).
How is it possible to achieve a contrast ratio of 100: 000 with OLED?
The limitation of contrast with conventional LCD screens is linked to the backlight always on. Therefore, dark pixels are those where liquid crystal blocks the transmission of light, however, light still passes through. Displaying true black is therefore not possible. With OLED, if the pixel is supposed to be black, it just instantly turns off.
Are LED TVs OLED TVs? What about QLEDs?
LED TVs are actually LCD TVs that use white LEDs as the backlight source. Unlike OLED, the image is always created by producing light through a liquid crystal diode.
As for QLED screens, they are LCD televisions with an LED backlighting system associated with a quantum dot filter (Quantum Dot in English). This filter is inserted between the backlight and the LCD panel, it allows to obtain rich, vivid and saturated colors.
What are the disadvantages of OLED technology?
OLED has two main disadvantages: the first is its maximum brightness, which is difficult to make organic LEDs emit as much light as with conventional backlighting. However, technology has come a long way, and it is now rare to be bothered by it in everyday life.
The second is the problem of "burn-in". OLED panels tend to mark when they display a fixed image for a long time such as a logo of a TV channel or a game interface for example. In practice, unless you spend 12 hours a day on a news channel or with a video game interface on the screen, you won't have any problems. We are starting to take a step back on technology and the built-in maintenance mechanisms are effective.
How long do OLEDs last? What is their lifespan?
According to some sources on the internet, the lifespan of an OLED panel is limited. The intensity of the blue pixels would decrease, and the colors on the screen would eventually not be accurate after a few years. On recent OLED TVs, this is no longer the case. According to LG, your OLED TV has a lifespan of 30 hours, which translates to 000 hours of TV per day for 3 years.
Is OLED suitable for gaming?
This misconception is based on the early OLED displays that had high display latency. Gamers are looking for a TV with the lowest possible display time. The latest OLED displays don't have a latency issue. They are also among the most advanced TVs. Since 2019, LG TVs support the VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) of HDMI 2.1 and are even capable of displaying 120 Hz in 4K UHD definition. They are also AMD Free Sync and Nvidia G Sync compatible.
