Buying Guide for the Best Oled Tvs
Shopping for an OLED TV can be exciting, as these televisions are known for their stunning picture quality and vibrant colors. However, to pick the best model for your needs, it’s important to understand the core features that influence your viewing experience. A thoughtful approach will help you zero in on an OLED TV that matches your room, viewing habits, and expectations for smart features and connectivity.Screen SizeScreen size refers to the diagonal measurement of the display, usually expressed in inches. This spec is important because it determines how immersive your viewing experience will be and how well the TV fits into your space. Generally, OLED TVs range from around 42 to 83 inches and beyond. Smaller sizes might be suitable for bedrooms or apartments, while larger screens are great for living rooms or home theaters. To pick the right size, consider the distance from the screen to your seating position—bigger rooms and seats set farther from the TV usually benefit from a larger display, but make sure it fits your furniture layout and doesn’t overwhelm the space.
ResolutionResolution is the number of pixels that make up the picture on the screen, and it directly affects how sharp and detailed the image appears. The two most common resolutions for OLED TVs are 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels) and, in high-end models, 8K (7680 × 4320 pixels). Most viewers find 4K more than sufficient for almost all content. Higher resolutions like 8K are better suited for very large screens or if you often sit very close, but keep in mind that actual content in 8K is still limited. Your choice should be guided by how large your screen is and how close you’ll be sitting.
Refresh RateRefresh rate is the number of times the picture updates per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). This spec is important especially for watching fast-moving content like sports or playing video games, as higher numbers make motion appear smoother. Common refresh rates include 60Hz and 120Hz. If you mainly watch traditional TV content or movies, either should work well, but for gaming or sports fanatics, 120Hz is generally preferable as it provides less motion blur and a smoother experience.
Smart TV PlatformThe smart TV platform is the operating system that powers the television’s interface and app ecosystem. This affects how easy it is to navigate menus and access streaming services or other features. Popular platforms include webOS, Android TV, Tizen, and others—each has its own look and set of available apps. If you have a preference for certain apps or want compatibility with specific home automation systems, take time to check which apps are available and how user-friendly each operating system feels.
HDR SupportHDR stands for High Dynamic Range, a technology that enhances contrasts and colors for more lifelike images. There are several HDR formats, such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, each offering different enhancements. The more formats supported, the more futureproof and versatile your TV will be. If you watch a lot of content from streaming services or Ultra HD Blu-rays, having extensive HDR support improves your viewing experience by delivering richer colors and better contrast, so pay attention to which standards are supported by the TV.
ConnectivityConnectivity covers the physical ports and wireless features your TV offers, such as HDMI, USB, optical audio outputs, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The types and number of these connections are important if you plan to connect soundbars, gaming consoles, streaming devices, or other accessories. Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports for all your devices, and consider the benefit of features like HDMI 2.1 for the latest gaming equipment. Wireless options, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, are important for streaming and pairing wireless audio devices.
Audio FeaturesAudio features refer to the quality of sound the TV can produce, such as the number and type of built-in speakers, support for Dolby Atmos, or sound enhancement technologies. While OLED TVs often have slim designs that limit speaker performance, some models offer impressive built-in audio, while others may benefit from a paired soundbar. If you value strong, immersive sound directly from the TV, look for enhanced audio features; if not, make sure the TV can easily connect to external audio systems.