The best OLED TVs
There is something for everyone: the smallest OLED for the bedroom, the glowing test winner from Stiftung Warentest, a price hit under 1,000 euros and a QD OLED flagship from Japan. We introduce you to the best OLED TVs that are currently available for purchase.
When it comes to OLED TVs, people often talk about the “premier class” – but is that justified? Yes, because the extreme contrast and the fast switching times of the self-illuminating pixels (“Organic Light Emitting Diode”) will still be the measure of all things in 2022. Prices have continued to fall, the selection of screen diagonals has grown.
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42 inch: LG 4K OLED evo TV C2 (OLED42C27LA)
Until now, OLED TVs have been quite large (>48 inches), but that is now changing. The first OLED models with a screen diagonal of just 42 inches (107 cm) have been available since mid-2022. Of the LG OLED42C27LA (view at MediaMarkt) is currently the smallest OLED television in the world.
The dimensions with the stand are 93.2 × 57.7 × 17.0 cm (width × height × depth) – the LG 4K OLED evo TV C2 is a hot candidate for tight spaces (bedrooms, holiday apartments, shared rooms in Munich) and is also well suited for correspondingly shorter viewing distances of around 2.5 to 3 meters. The Stiftung Warentest achieved an overall rating of 1.8 (“good”) for the picture quality there was even a sub-grade of 1.5 (“very good”).
The numerous connections (e.g 4 × HDMI 2.1 and 3 × USB), G-Sync compatibility and that 120 hertz panel also make the LG interesting for gamers. even one headphone jack (3.5 mm jack) is available – some larger models don’t have that to offer.
The new operating system is coming webOS 22 for use, which compared to its predecessor (webOS 6.0) introduces some improvements in the area of customization: Up to 6 user profiles can be created, which receive recommendations tailored to them. What applies to almost all flat screens also applies to the LG 4K OLED evo TV C2: You should not expect too much from the sound quality of the integrated speakers. We recommend pairing the 42-inch model with a small soundbar, such as the Sonos Ray (see Sonos).
55 inch: LG 4K OLED evo TV C2 (OLED55C27LA)
Our second recommendation is also a model from the South Korean manufacturer LG. Of the LG OLED55C27LA (view at Amazon) was released in 2022, just like its smaller brother, and scores with the same advantages (many connections, fast panel). However, the 55-inch TV lacks a headphone jack.
It is an awake one Test winner TV: The OLED55C27LA from LG is at the top of the Stiftung Warentest list of the best (as of July 2022), with an overall rating of 1.6 (“good”).
A little tip with a view to the 2022 World Cup: The OLED55C27LA model can be rented from Grover for around EUR 86.90 per month for a 6-month rental period (to the Grover offer).
55 inch: Medion Life X15564 OLED
An OLED television for 999.95 euros (RRP) – that’s not an unattainable dream, but is available from the Aldi supplier Medion. Of the Medion Life X15564 OLED (look at Medion) has a 55-inch diagonal, which is probably the most popular screen size at the moment. If it’s OLED, then other manufacturers in this size class will charge more than 1,200 euros or significantly more. The Medion television is a pronounced favorable representative its genus.
Before you buy, you should check where the manufacturer had to save and whether this affects your own requirements. At least 3 HDMI connections are installed, but only with HDMI 2.0 – this means that only 4K signals up to 60 Hertz can be processed. The current console generation (PS5, Xbox Series X) theoretically delivers up to 120 Hertz. Hardcore gamers will not be happy with the Medion Life X15564 OLED, for occasional gambling but the TV is quite suitable. You have to do without voice control (e.g. Amazon Alexa) and certain apps like Disney+. At least Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are installed.
The brightness of the Medion OLED (manufacturer information: 500cd/m²) cannot compete with more expensive competitors. But this price breaker also has a fundamental advantage to offer: black is real black – OLED.
65 inch: Sony Bravia A95K (XR-65A95K)
At a press event in spring 2022, I was able to gather personal impressions of the Japanese company’s new lineup. The OLED flagship already convinced me at first sight: The Sony Bravia XR-65A95K (view at MediaMarkt) has one superior image quality, which makes the viewer forget to blink. Even that Sound is relatively goodSony relies on “Acoustic Surface Audio＋” here, a technology in which the screen itself acts as a speaker – an additional soundbar is not absolutely necessary.
My astonishment, which occurred within a few seconds, was not a misjudgment. It coincides with the test reports that have since appeared in the international press: 5 out of 5 stars from Digitaltrends, as well as the highest rating from WhatHifi. As panel technology comes QD OLED (Quantum Dot technology) from Samsung is used, which promises optimal color reproduction and contrast properties.
The rest of the equipment corresponds to the premium price range: HDMI 2.1, 120 Hertz, variable refresh rate, low latency mode for game consoles, even Apple Airplay is supported. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of the Bravia XR-65A95K is its high price – but that is put into perspective when considering the Sony as the heart of a sumptuously equipped home cinema. That’s the role this television is made for.
The best OLED TVs: this is how we picked the recommendations
I have included my own experiences and research in specialist journals in this summary. Current OLED televisions will be presented, which have received special praise from the press and customers and are therefore recommended for purchase. Sources used: LG Newsroom, hifi.de, Stiftung Warentest (July 2022), digital trends, WhatHifi
General information about buying a TV can be found in our detailed guide:
If the main purpose of a TV is to play games, then take a look at the GIGA buying guide for gaming TVs:
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