OLED monitors are gaining popularity due to their outstanding contrast ratios, pixel-precise dimming, and minimal input lag, which is particularly appealing to gamers. Although LED-driven LCD monitors remain prevalent, OLED technology is leaving its mark, with numerous brands launching new OLED-based products throughout 2023.
Notably, some OLED TVs are doubling as monitor alternatives, and they come equipped with compatible software features like AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.
If you are planning to buy a new monitor, now is a good time to invest in an OLED. Here is a look at some of the best ones that you can buy today.
Alienware 34 QD-OLED
The best OLED gaming monitor
Pros
- QD-OLED contrast is unbeatable
- Fantastic HDR performance
- Excellent color saturation
- Attractive, minimalist design
- Surprisingly affordable
Cons
- SDR brightness is a bit low
- Color accuracy isn’t perfect
Why you should buy this: A premium OLED gaming monitor that justifies its high price point.
Who’s it for: Gamers, developers and content creators who need a bright and color accurate monitor.
Why we chose the Alienware 34 QD-OLED:
The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor is considered to be one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors on the market. The AW3423DW was released in March to rave reviews and sold out almost immediately, even at its relatively steep $1,400 price tag.
It uses the latest QD-OLED technology that combines OLEDs with quantum dots for a richer, more vibrant image with fantastic colors and the same top-notch contrast ratio we know and love from more traditional OLED designs. It also benefits from a curved design and has a fast response time, a high refresh rate, supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate, and has a strong array of ports. It also gets extremely bright for an OLED monitor, hitting a peak brightness of over 1,000 nits.
Ports on the back include two HDMI 2.0, a DisplayPort 1.4, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream with Battery Charging 1.2 support, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 downstream, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 upstream, an audio line-out, and a headphone jack.
This monitor is the complete package and features the best of cutting-edge display technology. While it launched at a high price point, you can now grab this amazing monitor for just $900.
Alienware 34 QD-OLED
The best OLED gaming monitor
LG UltraGear OLED 27 27GR95QE-B
Best 27-inch OLED monitor
Pros
- Vibrant colors and HDR
- Excellent motion clarity
- Fantastic matte finish
- Generous port selection
- Sturdy stand with plenty of adjustments
Cons
- Low SDR brightness
- Some text clarity issues
- Remote is necessary to control the display
Why you should buy this: Hands down the best-performing OLED monitor at its size.
Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a high-end OLED monitor for limited desk space.
Why we chose the LG UltraGear OLED 27:
LG stepped-up its game with the UltraGear OLED 27 this year which is not only the first 27-inch OLED monitor, but also the first one to offer a 240Hz refresh rate. It comes with DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 which means you can make full use of the high refresh rate without any issues. There’s native FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) support and G-SYNC compatibility for a tear-free gaming experience.
Notably, the UltraGear OLED 27 has a matte screen coating that helps in reducing reflections unlike most OLED displays which have a glossy finish. According to LG the monitor can reach peak brightness of 1,000 nits, but that is limited for only 3% of the screen. In our testing we measured a max brightness of 600 nits with HDR enabled, and in SDR, it was just over 250 nits.
The monitor offers excellent vibrance with an impressive contrast ratio of over 250,000:1, and infinite contrast ratio in HDR. Colors look stunning making even ordinary websites appear remarkably vibrant. In terms of color coverage you get 100% sRGB color space, as well as 97% of DCI-P3. Best of all, color accuracy is pretty much on the spot right out of the box, so you don’t really need a lot of calibration. Having a price of almost $1,000, it isn’t really affordable, especially for a display at this size. But if you are looking for the best OLED monitor that isn’t large, then this is your best bet.
LG UltraGear OLED 27 27GR95QE-B
Best 27-inch OLED monitor
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB
Exceptional OLED with built-in smart features
Pros
- Exceptional color and HDR
- Ultrathin
- USB-C power delivery
- Dense settings in the OS
Cons
- More expensive than the competition
- Limited to mini connections
Why you should buy this: As good as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, but with additional smart features.
Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a premium OLED monitor that can also double as a multimedia hub.
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:
Samsung’s new Odyssey G8 OLED is a pretty strong competitor for the Alienware 34 QD-OLED. It features a very similar 34-inch WQHD (3440 x 1440) QD-OLED panel offering a 175Hz refresh rate, and an 1800R curve. The primary difference is that the Samsung monitor does not come with native Nvidia G-Sync whereas the Alienware does.
Like most OLED monitors it looks stunning for any form of media, with perfect black levels. It offers 100% sRGB, 99% coverage of DCI-P3 and 94% coverage of AdobeRGB. In our testing we noticed that at full brightness, the monitor was also very accurate in SDR, offering a color error of only 0.8 (anything under 2 is considered suitable for color work).
The Odyssey G8 also comes with additional smart features. There is Samsung’s Tizen OS built into the monitor, similar to the Samsung Smart Monitor M8. This gives you access to apps like Netflix and YouTube, Samsung’s Game Hub, and more. You also get a remote control, giving you easier access to settings and functionality.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB
Exceptional OLED with built-in smart features
LG UltraGear 48-inch OLED
Best large-format OLED monitor
Pros
- Fantastic OLED quality
- Useful desktop remote
- FreeSync and G-Sync support
- Bright, vibrant bias lighting
Cons
- Doesn’t support dynamic HDR metadata
- Pixel density can be a problem
Why you should buy this: Offers similar experience as an OLED TV, but with benefits of a traditional monitor.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a large monitor that is great for gaming and productivity.
Why we chose the LG UltraGear 48-inch OLED:
The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 monitor was LG’s first OLED monitor, but it was able to build on the pedigree of its excellent OLED TVs to create a truly stellar and very large OLED gaming monitor. The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 features a 47.5-inch panel with a 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution and a 120Hz minimum refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 138Hz for PC gaming.
Other specifications on the 48-inch LG UltraGear include a 10-bit panel, HDR support, anti-glare coating, 1ms gray-to-gray response time, a DCI-P3 color gamut with 98.5% coverage, built-in speakers, and a purple design in the rear that helps it stand out from a sea of grays and blacks. It also features two additional HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and a headphone jack, as well as AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility.
Since its initial launch in the U.K., the LG UltraGear 48GQ900 made its way to the U.S. in the form of a 48GQ900-B model, which has similar specs but a slightly different design. The monitor is available at at all the usual outlets; just make sure you’re getting the right model.
LG UltraGear 48-inch OLED
Best large-format OLED monitor
Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240
Unique bendable ultra-wide OLED gaming monitor
Pros
- Bendable panel
- 240Hz refresh rate and VRR
- Deep blacks
Cons
- Lower pixel density
- Increased input lag at low refresh rates
Why you should buy this: A unique ultrawide OLED that can be converted into a curved monitor.
Who’s it for: Creative professionals, gamers, and content creators who want to experience the best of two worlds.
Why we chose the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45:
Corsair is a well-known name in the computing industry. It expanded its product range by launching monitors in 2023, and its flagship offering is the Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240. It is a one-of-a-kind OLED gaming monitor that comes with a bendable display.
Essentially, you can use it as a regular flat panel or use the two handles on the side to covert it into a curved monitor with an 800R curve. The 45-inch display comes with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, which isn’t the highest, so you can expect slightly lower pixel density compared to other OLED 4K monitors.
It uses an LG OLED panel with a high 240Hz refresh rate with low input lag, although it tends to increase at lower refresh rates. The panel supports FreeSync VRR and G-SYNC compatibility, and it also has HDMI 2.1. You get punchy colors and a deep black with almost no blooming effect around bright objects. You also get a KVM switch and Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture modes, as well as a wide array of I/O ports.
It’s expensive, so if you don’t like the bending gimmick, LG’s UltraGear OLED 45 is a great alternative.
Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240
Unique bendable ultra-wide OLED gaming monitor
LG C2 OLED
Best OLED smart TV
Pros
- Slick new design
- Improved peak brightness
- Excellent black levels
- Solid color accuracy and gamut
- Great for gamers
Cons
- Some peak brightness artifacts
- Complex smart TV system
Why you should buy this: It is one of the best OLED TVs on the market.
Who’s it for: Those who want a high-quality console gaming experience.
Why we chose the LG C2 OLED:
The LG C2 OLED TV is LG’s most popular gaming TV and unsurprisingly draws comparisons with its LG UltraGear 48GQ900. However, this TV cum gaming monitor is also available in 65-inch, 77-inch, and 85-inch sizes, if you can find some way to actually sit in front of such monster displays.
The TV features no front-facing bezels and has a peak white brightness of 820 nits in HDR, while its peak brightness in SDR is 314 nits, and its color gamut coverage is 99% of DCI-P3 color space. That’s some seriously vibrant color and very white whites, which, combined with the classic OLED inky blacks, make this TV seriously beautiful to look at, especially in high-contrast scenes.
The LG C2 TV includes an LG Alpha 9 picture processor and runs an LG webOS, which powers a number of smart assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and LG’s own voice AI. Users can also navigate the TV with LG’s Magic Motion remote.
Input on the LG C2 TV includes four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, giving you plenty of space for gaming PCs and consoles alike. It is also well-equipped for gaming with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync premium variable refresh rate.
LG C2 OLED
Best OLED smart TV
Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH
Best portable OLED monitor
Pros
- Excellent color accuracy
- Light and portable
- Good amount of ports
- Wide viewing angles
Cons
- No mounting capabilities
- Glossy panel
- Not the cheapest
Why you should buy this: A well-made compact OLED monitor that offers excellent color accuracy.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a thin, portable monitor they can carry around.
Why we chose the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH:
Portable monitors, although in a niche category, prove valuable as secondary displays during travel. The Asus ZenScreen OLED stands out as an excellent choice, as it features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel with up to 400 nits of brightness and an impressive contrast ratio of 100,000:1 (with HDR contrast reaching 1,000,000:1). Asus claims a swift 1ms response time (GtG) from the 60Hz panel, while the monitor itself features high-quality plastic construction.
The OLED panel on the portable monitor is capable of producing great colors with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Delta E < 2 color accuracy. It also features an embedded proximity sensor that helps in saving power and preventing image burn-in as it switches the monitor to a power-saving mode when it detects the user has moved away.
There is no mounting hardware or a built-in kickstand, but you do get a magnetic origami-style case that can be used to prop the display in both horizontal or vertical modes. In terms of ports, the monitor features a headphone jack, two USB-C/DisplayPort ports, an additional USB-C port for power, and one mini-HDMI port.
Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH
Best portable OLED monitor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OLED technology?
OLED is short for Organic Light-Emitting Diode which is a type of display technology used in screens commonly seen on TVs, monitors, smartphones, and other devices. OLED screens are made up of individual organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied to them. Unlike traditional LCD screens that require a backlight, OLED screens emit their own light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This allows for deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors, as each pixel can be turned on or off independently. OLED technology also often results in thinner and more flexible displays compared to traditional LCDs.
Are OLED displays expensive?
OLED displays tend to be more expensive compared to traditional LCD displays. This is primarily because the manufacturing process for OLED panels is more intricate and can be costlier. The organic materials used in OLED screens can be sensitive to moisture and oxygen, requiring specialized manufacturing facilities and techniques.
What are the downsides of OLED monitors?
OLED monitors have a potential issue: burn-in. All OLED displays can suffer from burn-in, where static images will slowly fade into the screen over time, becoming a permanent blemish. OLED monitors are particularly prone to this problem due to desktop use, where you often have several parts of the screen occupied by static images. Thankfully, most OLED monitors come with burn-in prevention features like pixel shifting, and some displays such as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, include multi-year warranties with burn-in protection.
What is the difference between OLED and LCD?
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) are two distinct display technologies. LCDs use a backlight to illuminate pixels, with liquid crystals acting as shutters to control light passage. OLEDs, in contrast, utilize organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied, making each pixel self-emitting.
In terms of contrast ratio, LCDs may struggle to achieve true black levels due to the always-on backlight, resulting in a higher black level and lower contrast. OLEDs, however, can achieve perfect black levels, delivering a higher contrast ratio for more vibrant images. Viewing angles on LCDs may experience limitations, while OLED offers superior viewing angles with consistent image quality from nearly any perspective.
There was a time when LCDs offered faster response times than OLEDs, but that is no longer the case. With improvements over time, modern OLED panels are extremely fast, offering up to a 240Hz refresh rate and up to an 0.03ms response time. LCDs also consume more power due to the always-on backlight, whereas OLEDs are more energy-efficient, as each pixel is individually lit, consuming power only where needed.
Regarding life span, LCDs generally have a longer one, while OLEDs may experience degradation of organic compounds over time, potentially leading to a gradual decline in brightness and color accuracy. With that in mind, the choice between LCD and OLED depends on specific use cases, preferences, and budget considerations.
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