Best OLED TV 2026: Our Top Picks After Hands-On Testing
We tested every major OLED from LG, Samsung, and Sony. Here are the best for movies, gaming, and home theater.
Our Top OLED Picks
Table of Contents
Our Top OLED TV Picks for 2026
LG G4 OLED (OLED65G4)
65" | 4K | 144Hz | Dolby Vision IQ
$2,599
65-inch MSRP
The LG G4 represents the pinnacle of OLED technology in 2026. With MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology, it's approximately 40% brighter than non-MLA OLEDs while maintaining perfect blacks. The a11 AI processor delivers exceptional upscaling and motion handling.
Why We Love It
- + Brightest OLED available (MLA tech)
- + Perfect blacks, infinite contrast
- + Exceptional HDR performance
- + 4x HDMI 2.1, perfect for gaming
- + Flush wall mount included
Consider If
- - Budget is limited (C4 is better value)
- - Very bright sunlit room (consider QLED)
- - Need larger than 83" (not available)
$2,499.00
LG C4 OLED (OLED65C4)
65" | 4K | 144Hz | Dolby Vision IQ
$1,599
65-inch MSRP
The LG C4 delivers 90% of the G4's performance at 60% of the price. It shares the same a11 processor and gaming features, just without MLA brightness boost. For most viewing conditions, you won't notice the difference - making it our top value pick.
Why We Love It
- + Same processor as G4 (a11 AI)
- + Perfect blacks, infinite contrast
- + 4x HDMI 2.1 for gaming
- + $1,000 less than G4
- + Available in 42" to 83"
Consider If
- - Bright room viewing (G4 is brighter)
- - Want flush wall mount (not included)
- - HDR enthusiast (G4 has more punch)
Samsung S95D QD-OLED
65" | 4K | 144Hz | Dolby Atmos
$2,499
65-inch MSRP
Samsung's QD-OLED technology delivers the most vibrant colors of any OLED thanks to quantum dots. The S95D has the fastest response time we've measured (~0.1ms), making it the ultimate choice for competitive gamers. The anti-glare coating is also the best in class.
Why We Love It
- + Fastest response time (~0.1ms)
- + Most vibrant colors (QD-OLED)
- + Best anti-glare coating
- + Excellent HDR brightness
- + Low input lag (~8ms)
Consider If
- - Need Dolby Vision (not supported)
- - Want smaller than 55"
- - Prefer LG's webOS interface
$2,387.95
Sony A95L QD-OLED
65" | 4K | 120Hz | Google TV
$2,799
65-inch MSRP
The Sony A95L is our choice for cinephiles. Sony's Cognitive Processor XR delivers the most natural, film-like image of any TV we've tested. Upscaling of older content is unmatched, and motion handling is the smoothest in the business. If movies are your priority, this is the one.
Why We Love It
- + Best picture processing (XR)
- + Superior upscaling of SD/HD content
- + Most film-like motion
- + Netflix Calibrated Mode
- + Acoustic Surface Audio+
Consider If
- - Primary use is gaming (LG/Samsung better)
- - Budget conscious (most expensive)
- - Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports
OLED TV Specs Comparison
| Specification | LG G4 | LG C4 | Samsung S95D | Sony A95L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (65") | $2,599 | $1,599 | $2,499 | $2,799 |
| Panel Type | WOLED + MLA | WOLED | QD-OLED | QD-OLED |
| Peak Brightness (HDR) | ~1,500 nits | ~900 nits | ~1,300 nits | ~1,400 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | 144Hz | 120Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 Ports | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Input Lag (Game Mode) | ~9ms | ~9ms | ~8ms | ~17ms |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Available Sizes | 55", 65", 77", 83" | 42", 48", 55", 65", 77", 83" | 55", 65", 77" | 55", 65", 77" |
| Best For | Overall Quality | Value | Gaming | Movies |
OLED TV Buying Guide
OLED vs QD-OLED vs QLED
- OLED (LG): Self-emitting pixels, perfect blacks, good all-around. Uses white OLED with color filters.
- QD-OLED (Samsung/Sony): Uses quantum dots for wider color gamut and better brightness. More vibrant colors, slightly better in bright rooms.
- QLED: Still LCD with LED backlight + quantum dots. Brighter overall but no perfect blacks. Better for very bright rooms or giant sizes (85"+).
What Size OLED Should You Buy?
55" OLED
Viewing distance: 6-8 ft
Best for: Bedrooms, offices, small living rooms
65" OLED (Most Popular)
Viewing distance: 8-10 ft
Best for: Most living rooms, best value per inch
77"+ OLED
Viewing distance: 10-14 ft
Best for: Dedicated home theaters, large rooms
Burn-In: Should You Worry?
Modern OLEDs (2024+) have significantly reduced burn-in risk through:
- + Automatic pixel refreshers that run when TV is off
- + Logo dimming that reduces static element brightness
- + Improved organic materials with longer lifespan
- + Screen savers and pixel shifting
Bottom line: With varied content viewing, burn-in is unlikely. Avoid leaving news channels with static tickers or the same game HUD for many hours daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which OLED TV has the best picture quality in 2026?
Is OLED worth it over QLED?
Do OLED TVs still have burn-in issues?
Which OLED TV is best for gaming?
Should I wait for 2027 OLEDs?
Final Verdict: Which OLED Should You Buy?
Our Recommendation
For most buyers, the LG C4 OLED is the best choice. It delivers 90% of flagship performance at a much better price point. You get the same processor, same gaming features, and nearly identical picture quality to the G4 for $1,000 less.
Only step up to the G4 if you have a bright room where you need maximum HDR brightness, or to the Sony A95L if movies are your primary use case and you want the absolute best processing.