You must consider an OLED monitor if exceptional color accuracy is vital to your work. These monitors allow individual pixels to turn off, resulting in the most natural representation of the color black. As a result, viewers get an almost infinite contrast ratio that results in vivid color representations which other display technologies can’t match.
Image Credit: Oledspace
LED, LCD, OLED Monitors, and more
Monitor manufacturers, and consumers, are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the right display technology.
While Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) are similar, they have various sub-type. You would be familiar with terms like In-Plane Switching (IPS), Vertical Alignment (VA), and Twisted Nematic (TN) if you have recently browsed through or used the Display Type filter on your preferred eCommerce website.
These are the most commonly available panel types that regulate the amount of light they allow to pass through. Such monitors use a single backlight, and it’s the job of the monitor’s engine to manipulate individual pixels to generate the image. The backlight never goes off, and you’ll notice that dark images often bleed some light, compromising the overall picture quality.
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This is where manufacturers sensed an opportunity for improvement. Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED) are tiny diodes that emit their light and create images. The monitor’s engine can turn on or off individual pixels. When they are off, the viewer sees a True Black without any light bleed, resulting in superior contrast ratios that are unmatched by any other display technology.
OLED Monitors: What must you consider?
There are several more reasons to consider getting an OLED monitor other than what we have already stated. Firstly, they provide a better viewing image quality to IPS screens, which are widely regarded as the best. Secondly, OLED monitors consume less power because individual pixels are turned off completely.
Next, the backlighting mechanism is replaced with self-lighting diodes, making these monitors thinner and occupying lesser space at your workstation. Finally, the technology is ideal for large-screen displays as there are far more convenient to manufacture.
But there are downsides as well. Chief among them is that LED/LCDs offer brighter screens; as a result, they offer noticeably better color saturation. For movie and gaming buffs, there are better options than OLED screens if you plan to consume a lot of HDR content.
OLED screens are prone to burn-in. While true, this is mainly limited to the advertising application of OLED displays that use plenty of static images. For typical daily-use applications, you won’t need to worry about image burn-ins, making this issue irrelevant.
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However, a far more relevant problem is that of pricing. OLED panels are expensive, and you won’t find an affordable monitor despite your best efforts. But it’s 2023, and if reports are to be believed, LG may soon be launching a budget-friendly OLED monitor. Needless to say, we’ll keep you posted.
Alternatives to OLED Monitors
Display manufacturers offer several alternatives to OLED monitors. Older technologies like IPS, VA, and TN panels are common, but recent technologies like Mini-LED, Samsung’s Quantum Dot (QLED), and LG’s Nano-IPS technologies also produce fantastic results.
More importantly, the display technology market is a highly competitive space, with newer (and better) technologies emerging every few years. Presently, all eyes are on the QD-OLED screens that, as the name suggests, combine Quantum Dot (QD) and OLED technologies to produce eye-catching images.
It would be unfair to say which, among these, is the best display technology on the market. Obviously, it’s a function of several factors, including personal preference. But you must get an OLED monitor if you are in the market for a good monitor that offers lifelike images, vivid colors, and an exceptional contrast ratio.
Comparison of the Best OLED Monitors
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | LG UltraGear 27GR95QE | Size: 27-inch Resolution: 2560x1440 Refresh Rate: 240Hz HDR: HDR10 VRR: NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Ports: 2x HDMI v.2.1 1x DisplayPort v.1.4 2x USB-A 3.0 1x USB-B 3.0 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x SPDIF Out Release Date: Dec 29, 2022 | Buy on Amazon |
 | LG 48GQ900-B Ultragear | Size: 48-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 120Hz HDR: HDR10 VRR: NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Ports: 3x HDMI v.2.1 1x DisplayPort v.1.4 2x USB-A 3.0 1x USB-B 3.0 1x SPDIF 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack Release Date: Jun 3, 2022 | Buy on Amazon |
 | AORUS FO48U | Size: 48-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 120Hz HDR: HDR10 VRR: AMD FreeSync Premium Ports: 3x HDMI v.2.1 1x DisplayPort v.1.4 1x USB-C 2x USB-A 3.0 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack Release Date: Jun 23, 2021 | Buy on Amazon |
 | ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ | Size: 42-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 138Hz HDR: HDR10 VRR: NVIDIA G-Sync Ports: 4x HDMI v.2.1 (2) and HDMI v.2.0 (2) 1x DisplayPort v.1.4 1x USB-B 3.0 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 1x SPDIF 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack Release Date: Aug 25, 2022 | Buy on Amazon |
 | ASUS ProArt PA32DC | Size: 42-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: HDR10 VRR: None Ports: 2x HDMI v.2.0 1x DisplayPort v.1.4 1x USB-C 3.2 (65W Power Delivery) 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack Release Date: Aug 17, 2022 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Alienware AW3423DW | Size: 34-inch Resolution: 3440x1440 Refresh Rate: 175Hz HDR: DisplayHDR 400 TrueBlack VRR: NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate Ports: 2x HDMI v.2.0 1x DisplayPort v.1.4 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 1x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 1x Audio line-out 1x Headphone-out port Release Date: Mar 16, 2022 | Buy on Amazon |
 | ASUS ProArt PQ22UC | Size: 21.6-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: HDR10 VRR: None Ports: 1x Micro HDMI 2x USB-C Release Date: Sep 12, 2019 | Buy on Amazon |
 | LG 32EP950-B Ultrafine | Size: 32-inch Resolution: 3840x2160 Refresh Rate: 60Hz HDR: DisplayHDR 400 TrueBlack VRR: None Ports: 1x HDMI v.2.0 2x DisplayPort v.1.4 1x USB-B 3.0 1x USB-C 3.0 3x USB-A 3.0 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack Release Date: Jun 22, 2021 | Buy on Amazon |
1. LG UltraGear 27GR95QE – Our Choice
The LG UltraGear 27GR95QE has something on offer for everyone. Whether you are a professional or a gamer, the 27GR95QE will help improve productivity or provide an immersive gaming experience.
The monitor has a 27-inch screen that is perfect whether you have a desktop workstation or a modest gaming rig. Its OLED panel delivers 98.5% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and combined with a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, it has fantastic image quality.
There is plenty for gamers to look forward to with the 1440p resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and VRR technologies, which ensure a distortion-free gaming experience. And like all gaming monitors from LG, the 27GR95QE includes Black Stabilizer, Crosshair, and Dynamic Action Sync technologies that give competitive gamers an edge over their opponents.
The monitor is ideal for professionals as it’s the right size for a personal workstation, and it’s convenient to use in a multi-monitor setup. Moreover, it offers all the essential ergonomic movements so that you get the perfect viewing angle. So you can stay productive for long hours without straining your back and neck.
With all the essential features and a brilliant OLED display, one would expect LG to price the UltraGear 27GR95QE exorbitantly. Surprisingly, that isn’t the case, and it is one of the cheaper OLED monitors on this list and the market.
- The 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GtG response time prevent image tearing.
- The 27-inch screen is perfect for a multi-monitor setup.
- The high contrast ratio and wide color gamut provide exceptional image quality.
- Support for NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium is great for high-performance gaming.
- Price
- No integrated speakers
- No Thunderbolt or USB-C ports for Power Delivery.
2. LG UltraGear 48GQ900-B – Premium Monitor for Gaming
The LG UltraGear 48GQ900-B, the Aorus FO48U, and the ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ are similar when you compare them on paper. They all offer 48-inch (except the Asus) OLED screens with 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate that you can overclock to 138Hz. While these are essential parameters, this is where the similarity ends.
The LG UltraGear 48GQ900-B is a large-screen gaming monitor that offers a 1.07 billion color that covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Its 1.5M:1 contrast ratio ensures that the colors appear vivid, making your gaming scenes appear lifelike.
Gamers will also love the super responsive screen with a 0.1ms GtG response time that prevents image distortion during high-speed action sequences. With support for NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, the 48GQ900-B is an incredible gaming monitor. And that’s not all; like the 27GR95QE, this monitor also features Black Stabilizer, Crosshair, Dynamic Action Sync, and an FPS counter to give you that gaming edge.
- Compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium for excellent gaming visuals.
- The 99% DCI-P3 color gamut and 1.5M:1 contrast ratio deliver vivid colors.
- The 0.1ms response time prevents ghosting during high-speed scenes.
- In-built RGB lighting adds to the gaming vibe.
- It has HDMI v.2.1 ports for connecting the latest gaming consoles.
- You won’t get the perfect viewing angle without ergonomic adjustments.
- Pricey
3. AORUS FO48U – Monitor with KVM Switch
The Aorus FO48U differentiates itself from the rest by including a KVM switch, allowing you to connect and control your PC and laptop via a single keyboard and mouse.
Of course, the 48-inch 4K display is a big attraction for gaming enthusiasts, especially when you also get a 120Hz refresh rate, 1ms GtG response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium. What’s more, Aorus’s Black Equalizer, Aim Stabilizer Sync, and Dashboard feature come in handy when gaming competitively.
The downside is that, like the LG 48GQ900-B, this monitor doesn’t have an ergonomic stand, and getting the perfect viewing angle is that much more difficult. But the high-resolution OLED display uses 10-bit colors that cover 98% of the DCI-P3 and 130% of the sRGB color space, enhancing your gaming experience with realistic-looking graphics.
Lastly, the FO48U is at the affordable end of the OLED monitor price spectrum. Though still not cheap, the monitor provides unmatched value for money.
- The wide color gamut helps deliver lifelike colors.
- It includes a KVM switch for efficient multitasking.
- In-built speakers provide good sound quality.
- TUV Rheinland-certified screens for flicker-free and low blue-light emissions.
- It is feature packed for competitive gaming needs.
- You won’t get the perfect viewing angle without ergonomic adjustments.
- Poor brightness levels make the image appear dull.
4. ASUS ROG Swift PG42UQ – Most Expansion Ports
The Asus ROG Swift PQ42UQ is a color-accurate monitor with a Delta E<2 rating, making it among the few to provide such realistic colors. More importantly, it is perfect for avid gamers with multiple gaming consoles and computers, as it has four HDMI ports. An equal mix of HDMI v.2.0 and HDMI v.2.1 ports allow you to connect all your gaming gear, and switching between devices is made easy using the remote control included with the monitor.
The 42-inch 4K monitor has a 138Hz refresh rate and a 0.1ms GtG response time, ensuring an immersive and distorting-free gaming experience. The monitor is also compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync and ALLM (auto low-latency mode), making it super responsive and ensuring no noticeable image blur while you enjoy your game.
But the PG42UQ’s most significant upside of using this monitor is the number of expansion ports. In addition to the HDMI port, four USB-A port, and even a SPDIF port over the commonly available USB-B upstream port and 3.5mm combo audio jack.
- The wide color gamut that covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space helps generate realistic images.
- The high refresh rate and low response time prevent image distortions in fast-paced games.
- It has plenty of connectivity ports to connect all your gaming gear.
- In-built speakers provide good sound quality.
- Limited ergonomic adjustments prevent you from getting the perfect viewing angle.
5. ASUS ProArt PA32DC – Precise Color Accuracy
The Asus ProArt PA32DC is the perfect monitor for graphics designers and content creators. It is the perfect tool for anyone who works with visual elements, as the 32-inch 4K screen is Calman Ready and professionally calibrated. Interestingly, Asus includes a built-in colorimeter allowing one to calibrate the screen using Asus’s ProArt Calibration Software.
The monitor has excellent color accuracy right out of the box. It has a Delta E<1 rating and a wide color gamut that covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space. Asus includes a monitor hood in the package along with the PA32DC, as they understand how vital color accuracy is for creative professionals.
The package also includes a color calibration report which creative professionals will find helpful. And with an ergonomic stand, you’ll work long hours without straining your back or neck.
- It has excellent color accuracy and a Delta E<1 rating.
- The 10-bit color provides 99% DCI-P3 colors.
- The ergonomic stand gives you a perfect viewing angle that prevents back and neck strain.
- It has excellent built quality, made for professional use.
- The 60Hz refresh rate is too low for video content editing and consumption.
- No VRR technologies are supported.
6. Alienware AW3423DW – Curved Ultrawide 3440x1440p OLED
The Alienware AW3423DW isn’t a thoroughbred OLED monitor. It combines two incredible display technologies, Quantum Dot and OLED, to offer greater brightness levels that elevate the viewing experience of a typical OLED screen. And because it is an Alienware product, you get plenty of gaming tech for immersive gaming.
The monitor has a 34-inch panel display with a 1800R curvature and 3440x1440p resolution. The AW3423DW has a 175Hz refresh rate and a 0.1ms GtG response time, so you won’t experience any image distortions while gaming. And with support for NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate, you can relish fast-paced racing games that are ultra-responsive, giving you a slight edge while you enjoy your game time.
Apart from gaming, the monitor is an excellent option for budding content creators. The AW3423DW’s color gamut covers 99.3% of the DCI-P3 and 149% of the sRGB color spaces. It has a peak brightness of 1000nits, but you won’t have to worry about straining your eyes as the AW3423DW is TUV Rheinland-certified for low blue-light emission.
- The QD-OLED display provides an unmatched viewing experience.
- The curved ultrawide screen enhances the gaming experience.
- Support for NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate ensures no image tearing or distortions.
- The ergonomic stand ensures a perfect viewing angle that helps prevent physical strain.
- Poor gray representation compromises the picture quality of darker images and scenes.
7. ASUS ProArt PQ22UC – Portable
The ProArt PQ22UC is a great monitor whether you use it as a desktop or a portable device. It is lightweight and slim and comes with a carrying case that protects it from the wear and tear of everyday travel.
The 21.6-inch screen offers 4K resolution and a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. Thus, you’ll experience superior clarity and a wide range of colors for excellent image quality. Further, with the color accuracy of Delta E<2, the colors appear lifelike and enhance the image by giving them a realistic appeal.
Portable devices are rarely meant for high performance, and the ProArt PQ22UC is genuinely an exception. But it is an outright leader as far as portable monitors are concerned, and even more so when you want an OLED screen. Its support for multiple HDR formats, high-contrast ratio, and compact design make it the perfect portable monitor without compromising image quality.
- USB-C ports make them compatible with most modern Ultrabooks.
- The 4K screen provides excellent clarity.
- Picture-by-picture mode for efficient multitasking.
- The wide color gamut and color-accurate screen display excellent image quality.
- The 21.6-inch screen makes it bulkier than most laptops.
8. LG 32EP950-B Ultrafine – For Professionals
The LG 32EP950-B Ultrafine is a professional-grade monitor that lays great emphasis on color accuracy and performance. It has a wide color gamut that covers 99% of the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color spaces.
The 32-inch 4K OLED panel displays sharp images with extremely high contrast ratios. The monitor is also VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certified, making it near perfect for consuming HDR content when you want to take a break.
It isn’t the best option for gaming as it has a limited refresh rate and doesn’t support VRR technologies. But if you use a laptop with Alt Mode USB-C, you’ll love this monitor as it supports DisplayPort via USB-C along with 90W Power Delivery. What’s more, LG integrates a USB hub, allowing you to improve productivity by connecting all your peripheral devices conveniently.
- Good color performance helps generate realistic images.
- The high-resolution display and DisplayHDR 400 provide an excellent viewing experience.
- The 90W Power Delivery will charge most laptops.
- The ergonomic stand ensures a perfect viewing angle that helps prevent physical strain.
- Very Expensive
- No VRR technologies and only a 60Hz refresh rate despite the high price.
Best OLED Monitors – Frequently Asked Questions
Who should buy OLED monitors?
OLED monitors and excellent display units that are suitable for any use case. But they are expensive, and not everyone can afford such high-priced displays.
Nevertheless, if cost isn’t a concern, anyone who wants a fantastic visual experience must look at OLED monitors as an option.
Gamers will love OLED monitors for their high refresh rate and super-low response times. These monitors control the lighting of individual pixels, resulting in low response times as low as 0.03ms GtG. That’s instantaneous and plays a significant part in eliminating ghosting.
Professionals, more importantly, creative professionals, derive greater utility from the high contrast ratio that ensures a far more realistic image representation than LED/LCD screens. These monitors also have tremendous color accuracy, a must-have for creative professionals working in the graphics industry.
Finally, daily needs and home use cases also warrant an OLED screen, especially if you often stream content from the internet in HDR formats. More recent monitors are equipped to handle HDR content and do a brilliant job of doing it.
Are there use cases where I shouldn’t use an OLED monitor?
OLED screens suffer from a problem called Burn-ins. You’ll notice that an OLED screen retains a part of the image even when powered off. In extreme cases, this permanently damages your screen and distorts anything you want to do on the monitor.
However, just because OLED screens are susceptible to this problem, it doesn’t mean that every use case can cause it. Burn-ins happen if you display a static image on the screen for prolonged periods. Hence, it would be best to avoid the below-mentioned use cases.
- Advertising media that uses static images.
- Desktop screens without animated screensavers or auto-sleep modes.
- Prolonged computer usage where items like the taskbar don’t change.
What’s the difference between an OLED TV and OLED Monitor? Can I use an OLED TV as a Monitor?
Apart from the size and form factor, there is little difference between the two. In fact, OLED monitors like the LG 48GQ900-B Ultragear, Aorus FO48U, and Asus ROG Strix PG42UQ resemble TV units, and some even come with remote controls.
Mostly, the difference is the size of the display screen. TVs are more prominent, and accommodating one at your workstation is not always convenient. But if you feel comfortable with the size and are adept at tweaking the working conditions, you should consider using an OLED TV and a monitor, as it will help you save a considerable amount of money by not purchasing two devices.
Why are OLED Monitors so expensive?
There are essentially two reasons for OLED monitors being so expensive. Firstly, OLED monitors are still in the beginning stages of their life, meaning they are relatively new and what you are paying for is what most experts call the “early adoption tax.”
Secondly, because there aren’t too many OLED monitors on the market, it is an indication that monitor manufacturers haven’t really seen the economies of scale set in yet. As consumers embrace OLED monitors and the demand for the same increases, and that’s a given, manufacturers will introduce more budget-friendly devices. After all, several budget OLED laptops include a lot more than just an OLED screen many of them are cheaper than these standalone monitors.
