OLED vs QLED TVs: Which is right for you?
If you are looking for a new television, you have likely come across the terms “OLED” and “QLED”. OLED and QLED TVs both promise stunning visuals and advanced features, but they cater to different preferences and needs.
Here, we take you through the key differences between OLED and QLED TVs, helping you decide which is best for your viewing habits, room setup, and budget.
- What are OLED and QLED TVs?
- Picture quality comparison
- Performance for Gamers
- Energy efficiency
- Cost comparison
- Summary: Choosing between QLED and OLED TVs
- Top models available at Crampton and Moore
- Frequently asked questions
Discover the core technologies behind these advanced TVs and how they shape your viewing experience.
Compare key factors like black levels, brightness, colour accuracy, and viewing angles to find your perfect match.
Explore how each TV type handles response times, input lag, and gaming durability.
Understand how OLED and QLED TVs compare in terms of energy consumption.
Find out how OLED and QLED TVs stack up in terms of price and long-term value.
Read our expert tips on choosing the best option for you.
Discover the best OLED and QLED models we offer, tailored to your preferences and budget.
Get answers to common questions about OLED and QLED TVs to help you make an informed decision.
What are OLED and QLED TVs?
Before diving into specifics, it’s important to understand the fundamental technologies behind these TVs:
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
Each pixel in an OLED display emits its own light, allowing for deeper blacks and infinite contrast ratios. Renowned for exceptional colour accuracy and wide viewing angles, OLED TVs deliver an immersive and natural viewing experience.
Read our guide What is an OLED TV? to find out more.
QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode)
QLED technology uses a quantum dot layer to enhance brightness and colour vibrancy, creating vivid and impactful visuals. Unlike OLED, QLED TVs rely on an LED backlight, offering brighter images but less precise blacks.
Both OLED and QLED represent the forefront of TV innovation, each with unique strengths tailored to different viewing environments and preferences.
View our range of high-quality QLED TVs here.
Picture quality comparison
When it comes to picture quality, both OLED and QLED TVs excel in different areas:
Black levels and contrast:
- OLED: The self-emissive pixels allow for true blacks and unmatched contrast, which is ideal for dark scenes.
- QLED: While capable of excellent contrast, QLED TVs may experience slight blooming in high-contrast scenes due to their backlight technology.
Winner: OLED for unbeatable black levels and contrast.
Brightness:
- OLED: Limited peak brightness makes OLEDs perfect for dimly lit rooms but less effective in bright environments. They are perfect for viewers with a home theatre.
- QLED: Superior brightness levels make QLED TVs a better choice for well-lit spaces.
Winner: QLED for brighter, vivid displays.
Colour accuracy:
- OLED: Offers natural and accurate colour reproduction, providing lifelike visuals.
- QLED: Quantum dots enhance colour vibrancy, delivering striking and bold hues.
Winner: Choose OLED for natural colours and QLED for vibrant tones.
Viewing angles:
- OLED: Maintains consistent picture quality from nearly any angle, perfect for group viewing.
- QLED: Newer models have improved viewing angles but still lag slightly behind OLED.
Winner: OLED for its consistent quality across a range of angles.
Are you choosing a new OLED TV? Shop our full range of OLED TVs here.
Read our guide What is an OLED TV? to find out more.
Performance for gamers
Gamers have specific needs, and both OLED and QLED TVs cater to them in different ways:
Response time:
- OLED: Lightning-fast pixel response ensures smooth motion and reduced blur. Ideal for action-packed games.
- QLED: While slightly slower, QLED TVs still provide excellent motion handling.
Winner: OLED for its near-instantaneous response times.
Input lag:
- Both OLED and QLED models feature low input lag in gaming modes, ensuring responsive gameplay.
Winner: Both technologies deliver excellent input lag performance.
Burn-in risks:
- OLED: Static content risks image retention or burn-in over time, although modern advancements have minimised this issue.
- QLED: No risk of burn-in, making it more durable for extended gaming sessions.
Winner: QLED for better durability during extended gameplay.
View our full range of QLED TVs here.
Shop the Samsung QE85QN95DA 85" Flagship Neo QLED 4K HDR Smart TV.
Energy efficiency
Long-term considerations like energy efficiency can influence your choice:
Energy Consumption:
- OLED: Consumes less energy in darker scenes but more in brighter ones.
- QLED: Offers more consistent energy use but generally consumes more power than OLED.
Winner: OLED for better energy efficiency in most scenarios.
Cost comparison
Affordability plays a key role in choosing the right TV:
- OLED TVs: Higher initial costs due to advanced technology but offer premium performance and unparalleled picture quality.
- QLED TVs: A broader range of pricing makes QLEDs more accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Winner: QLED for its more budget-friendly options. Explore our QLED TVs here.
Our tips: Choosing between an OLED and QLED TV
Choosing between OLED and QLED depends on your needs. OLED offers unmatched contrast and natural colours, making it perfect for darker rooms. Its wide viewing angles secure it as a premium TV, providing an immersive viewing experience. Its faster response times are ideal for gamers, though there’s a slight risk of burn-in with static content. However, if you choose a modern, quality TV, this risk is extremely minimal.
QLED, on the other hand, shines in bright spaces, providing vibrant colours, superior brightness, and durability for extended gaming sessions. OLED is more energy efficient in darker scenes but comes at a premium price, whereas QLED offers more budget-friendly options and consistent energy use. For ultimate picture quality, response times and a cinematic experience, choose OLED. For affordability and a TV that shines in brighter or sunlit rooms, QLED is the way to go.
Recommended models available at Crampton and Moore
Explore some of the best TVs from the OLED and QLED models available from Crampton and Moore:
Recommended OLED TV models for the best cinematic experience
Recommended QLED TVs
Why choose Crampton and Moore?
At Crampton and Moore, we combine decades of expertise with a passion for premium home entertainment to help you find the perfect TV. As authorised retailers of leading brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG, we offer an extensive range of OLED and QLED TVs, competitive pricing, and expert advice tailored to your needs.
With excellent customer service, flexible finance options, and fast delivery, shopping with us ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. Whether you're upgrading your setup or buying your first premium TV, Crampton and Moore is the trusted choice for quality and value.
View our range of premium TVs here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between OLED and QLED?
The main difference between the models is that OLED uses self-emissive pixels for perfect blacks, while QLED relies on a backlight for brighter, more vibrant images.
Which is better for watching movies, OLED or QLED?
OLED’s perfect contrast and natural colours make it ideal for movies, but QLED’s brightness suits well-lit rooms. If you have a dark home theatre room or are looking for a cinematic experience, we recommend an OLED TV.
Are OLED TVs worth the higher price?
If you prioritise picture quality and immersive viewing, OLED TVs are a worthwhile investment.
Do QLED TVs have burn-in issues?
No, QLED TVs are immune to burn-in, making them more durable when viewing static content for extended periods.
Which is better for bright rooms?
QLED TVs’ superior brightness makes them the better option for brightly lit spaces.
Can OLED or QLED TVs be wall-mounted?
Yes, both OLED and QLED TVs are designed to be wall-mounted for a sleek and modern setup.