OLED TVs Still Deliver the Best Picture, but New Rivals Are Closing In

OLED televisions continue to offer the best picture quality for movie lovers, according to WIRED's latest roundup, but they face growing competition from RGB and art TVs that are becoming more prominent in stores.

The core advantage of OLED, as WIRED explains, is that each pixel emits its own light and can be turned off completely. That leads to deeper blacks and more realistic dark scenes compared with LCD-based sets, including LED and the newer Micro RGB models. WIRED's testing backs this up: in dark scenes from films like The Batman, OLED sets displayed more shadow detail than RGB alternatives.

However, WIRED notes that RGB TVs are improving quickly, and the reviewer expects they could match or surpass OLED within a year. Some brands, such as Hisense and TCL, have dropped OLED from their 2026 lineups entirely, focusing instead on RGB and mini-LED. Art TVs, which mimic framed paintings on the wall, are also taking up more shelf space.

Among the OLED models WIRED tested, the Samsung S95H stood out as the best overall. Its picture was described as brighter and more colorful than others, and an AI picture optimizer automatically improved visibility in dark scenes without manual adjustment. The S95H also has a redesigned look with a silver bezel and moves its HDMI ports onto the TV itself, eliminating the need for a separate breakout box.

For budget-conscious buyers, the LG B6 at $1,300 performed well in most tests. While its picture quality is not on par with pricier models like the LG C6 or G6, WIRED found it delivered surprisingly cinematic images for the price. Its 120-Hz refresh rate also makes it suitable for gaming.

The Sony Bravia 8 II is recommended primarily for gamers, especially those with a PlayStation 5, thanks to automatic features like HDR tone mapping and low-latency mode. It also offers excellent off-angle viewing and runs Google TV, though it has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, fewer than many premium sets.

WIRED also highlighted the 2025 LG G5, now available at a discount since being replaced by the G6. It offers rich blacks, a fast processor, and a 165-Hz refresh rate for gaming, with Dolby Atmos support built in. The reviewer found its picture quality impressive, particularly in Tron: Ares.

For those curious about OLED but on a tighter budget, the Roku Pro Series OLED at $1,200 is an option, though it is not as bright or colorful as the LG B6. The Sony Bravia 6 OLED, launched in 2025 and often discounted, provides an alternative with Google TV and deeper blacks than the B6.

WIRED's testing also covered alternatives to OLED. The Samsung Frame Pro art TV impressed with its matte, anti-glare finish that makes it look like a painting, while the LG Micro RGB Evo offers extensive picture customization. For a completely different setup, the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max ultra-short-throw projector can rival OLED in color and black depth, according to the review.

Overall, WIRED's assessment is that OLED still leads for picture quality, but the gap is narrowing as RGB technology advances and prices for OLED continue to fall. The outlet is currently testing the LG C6 and G6, which are expected to be strong contenders based on past performance.