Display technology continues to push the boundaries and today, we’re looking at one of the latest advancements in this space. Enter OLED monitors, the latest innovation that brings a cutting-edge visual experience to your desktop. With superior contrast, vibrant colours, and lightning-fast response times, OLED monitors go well beyond traditional LCD or LED monitors and are rapidly stealing the show. If you’re on the hunt for a new monitor, opting for an OLED could mean leveling up your gameplay, productivity, and content like never before.
Jump to:
- Why Choose OLED
- Best Curved Monitor
- Best 27-inch Monitor
- Best Ultrawide Monitor
- Best 4K Monitor
- Best Portable Monitor
- Other Considerations
Let’s explore why an OLED monitor might be the perfect upgrade + our top OLED monitor recommendations for 2024!
Why Choose an OLED Monitor?
These monitors come at a premium price, so you might be wondering, why OLED? It all boils down to the technology itself. Traditional LCD monitors rely on a backlight that shines through coloured filters to create the image you see. This can lead to inconsistencies: blacks appear grayish, colors lose vibrancy at off-angles, and response times can be sluggish.
OLED monitors take a different approach. Each pixel in an OLED panel acts as its own miniature light source, illuminating independently. This eliminates the need for a backlight, resulting in perfect blacks (since a turned-off pixel emits no light), incredibly wide viewing angles with consistent colour, and near-instantaneous response times for ultra smooth and responsive performance.
In short, OLED delivers a sharper, more vivid, and responsive picture that elevates everything you do on your computer. Gamers will love the near-instantaneous response times; graphic designers and video editors will appreciate the superior colour accuracy and deep blacks; and everyday users will enjoy being captivated by richer colours and wider viewing angles. We touch on other considerations (such as potential disadvantages) on OLED monitors here.
Best OLED Monitors
Best Curved Monitor - Alienware QD-OLED AW3423DW
Leverage the captivating benefit of a curved display and immerse yourself deeper into action with the glorious Alienware 34" QD-OLED AW3423DW. This monitor boasts a stunning 34-inch 1440p QD-OLED display, packing a powerful one-two punch of superior picture quality and immersive 1800R curved design. It features a high refresh rate of 175Hz, ensuring silky-smooth visuals free of tearing and stuttering – perfect for competitive gamers where every millisecond counts.
The QD-OLED panel itself delivers phenomenal contrast with true blacks, vibrant colours thanks to Quantum Dot technology, and excellent colour accuracy across a wide viewing angle. This translates to top-notch visuals, allowing you to spot enemies lurking in the shadows in-game and appreciate the beauty of detailed environments. So, if you're seeking a monitor that delivers top-notch performance, stunning visuals, and an immersive experience - without being overkill for some systems - the Alienware 34" QD-OLED AW3423DW is a curved marvel worth considering.
Screen Size: 34" - Resolution: 3440x1440 - Refresh Rate: 175Hz - Response Time: 0.1ms - Sync Type: Nvidia G-Sync - Curved: Yes (1800R) - Colour Gamut: 149% sRGB, 99.3% DCI-P3
Best 27-inch Monitor - ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDM
Not everyone needs a large screen and a 27-inch monitor is the perfect medium. If this is your sweet spot, we recommend the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDM 27” QHD OLED Monitor. This features a gorgeous 27-inch 1440p OLED panel that delivers inky blacks, incredibly vivid colours, and a lightning-fast 0.03ms grey-to-grey response time. This translates to blur-free visuals and incredibly-fast responsiveness, perfect for gamers who demand a smooth, competitive edge.
Additionally, this monitor boasts a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut and Delta E less than 2 for superb colour accuracy, ensuring games look exactly as the developers intended. Factor in a buttery-smooth 240Hz refresh rate for tear-free gameplay and you have a recipe for victory. This monitor caters to serious gamers who prioritise performance without sacrificing image quality, making it a fantastic choice for competitive players and anyone who wants to experience their favourite games at the highest level.
Screen Size: 26.5" - Resolution: 2560x1440 - Refresh Rate: 240Hz - Response Time: 0.03ms - Sync Type: AMD FreeSync + Nvidia G-Sync - Curved: No - Colour Gamut: 135% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3
Best Ultrawide Monitor - Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
If you’re after something that’ll blow you away across the board, check out the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, our pick for the Best Ultrawide Monitor. This behemoth boasts a staggering 49-inch curved OLED display, creating a truly panoramic viewing experience that will engulf you in your games, work, and entertainment. The OLED technology shines here, delivering true blacks for incredible contrast, a 99% DCI-P3 colour gamut for vibrant colours, and a rapid 0.03ms response time along with a 240Hz refresh rate for supremely fast visuals.
This monitor is a feast for the eyes, ideal for users who crave the most immersive experience possible. The G9 isn't just for gamers. The massive display and superb colour accuracy make it a dream machine for creative professionals like video editors and graphic designers who demand exceptional detail and colour fidelity, as well as extensive screen real estate. If you have the desk space and crave the ultimate in immersive visuals, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is a sight to behold.
Screen Size: 49" - Resolution: 5120x1440 - Refresh Rate: 240Hz - Response Time: 0.03ms - Sync Type: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro - Curved: Yes (1800R) - Colour Gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Best 4K Monitor - LG UltraGear 32GS95UE
For gamers, content creators, and users seeking the pinnacle of 4K OLED immersion, the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE reigns supreme. This 32-inch powerhouse boasts a stunning 4K OLED display with a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate. The OLED magic delivers the deepest blacks for exceptional contrast, a wide 99% DCI-P3 color gamut for lifelike colors, and near-instantaneous response times for flawless visuals. This combination caters to even the most demanding content creators – video editors can work with precise detail on high-resolution footage, while graphic designers will appreciate the true-to-life representation.
Gamers won't be left out either; the 240Hz refresh rate ensures butter-smooth gameplay for even the most fast-paced titles (though you’ll want to make sure your PC can keep up with these specs). Where the 32GS95UE truly shines is in its ability to elevate the viewing experience. Movies and shows come alive with incredible depth and detail, while immersive games transport you to breathtaking worlds. If you prioritize exceptional image quality, a large viewing area, and a smooth, responsive experience, the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE is the ultimate 4K OLED display.
Screen Size: 32" - Resolution: 3840x2160 - Refresh Rate: 240Hz - Response Time: 0.03ms - Sync Type: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro + Nvidia G-Sync - Curved: No - Colour Gamut: 98.5% DCI-P3
Best Portable Monitor - ASUS ZenScreen MQ16AH
If you’re always on the go and want to have stunning visuals with you, take a look at our pick for the Best Portable OLED Monitor - the ASUS ZenScreen MQ16AH. This 15.6-inch monitor strikes the perfect balance of portability and picture quality. The OLED technology delivers exceptional contrast with deep blacks, vibrant colours, 100% DCI-P3 colour accuracy, and wide viewing angles – perfect for showcasing presentations or enjoying entertainment on the move.
Weighing in at just 1.08 pounds, it easily slips into your backpack without adding bulk. Plus, the built-in kickstand allows for effortless setup on any surface. This monitor caters to professionals like photographers who need accurate colour representation while on location, or mobile gamers seeking a high-quality second screen for enhanced immersion. With its sleek design, lightweight build, and stunning OLED visuals, the ASUS ZenScreen MQ16AH is the perfect companion for the mobile creative, professional, or gamer.
Screen Size: 15.6" - Resolution: 1920x1080 - Refresh Rate: 60Hz - Response Time: 1ms - Sync Type: N/A - Colour Gamut: 100% DCI-P3
Other Considerations
We touched on the advantages of OLEDs earlier in the article, but it’s also important to consider the drawbacks. One aspect to consider with OLED technology is the potential for burn-in. This happens when static images are displayed on the screen for extended periods, causing a faint ghost image to linger even after the original image is gone. This was more of a concern with earlier OLED displays, however, as modern panels have features that do a pretty good job of mitigating this issue.
Secondly, let’s talk about the price factor. There's no denying that OLED monitors currently carry a premium price tag compared to their LCD counterparts. However, consider this an investment in a superior viewing experience. OLED technology delivers unmatched contrast, vibrant colours, and lightning-fast responsiveness. Additionally, OLED panels boast a potentially longer lifespan than traditional LCDs, especially when factoring in potential backlight issues that can plague LCD monitors over time.
OLED monitors offer superior contrast, vibrant colours, and lightning-fast response times, making it an optimal choice for die-hard gamers, creative professionals, or those who prioritise stunning visuals. Want to check out some more options before deciding? Check out our entire range of OLED Monitors!