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QLED vs. OLED TVs - What's the Difference?

Jimmy Graham

By Jimmy Graham
Published June 12, 2023

Shopping for a new smart TV today can be confusing with all of the different models available. Two of the leading types of TVs are QLED and OLED. They sound alike but each have their own benefits. In the QLED vs. OLED matchup, we’ll show you which one is right for your viewing needs.

A Q L E D TV mounted on a living room wall above an accent table.

What is a QLED TV?

A Samsung Q L E D smart tv.

The name for QLED comes from Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode. The science behind QLEDs is based upon LED TVs. However an added layer of miniscule semiconductors named quantum dots enable these sets to produce a broader range of precise colors and hues.

With the LED as a backlight, light passes through the dots all the way to the liquid crystal (LCD) layer to bring you the end image. This allows for up to a billion shades of color to be represented with exact lighting.

What is an OLED TV?

An L G O L E D smart tv.

OLED is the acronym for Organic Light Emitting Diode. This technology is basically different than LCD, the main type of TVs produced today. OLED display pixels generate their own light, meaning they do not need the LCD screen to present the picture. Every OLED pixel has red/green/blue micro pixels that will produce and enhance image colors.

What Are the Differences Between QLED and OLED?

A signpost with O L E D, L E D, and Q L E D.

Both QLED and OLED televisions can produce excellent screen pictures. However there are some differences in the technology of each one that should be considered when thinking about a smart TV purchase.

Contrast and Black Levels

Contrast for a TV refers to the white levels or how bright the whitest parts of your images are. If the contrast is too high, bright scenes will lose details. A contrast level that is too low will make the picture look flat. Black levels are what we commonly know as the brightness. OLED TVs can provide better contrast by turning off any unused pixels, leading to a sharper picture, especially night scenes or ones shot in low light. QLED TVs will always let some light pass through, which can show bright sections that appear to bloom and have grayed-out black levels.

Brightness

It may sound completely opposite, but brightness refers to adjustments to the darker parts of the image. It can lighten the dark colors and whiten the light colors of the complete image you see. QLED TVs can become brighter than OLED TVs, making them preferable for rooms that are brightly lit or have a lot of sunshine through windows.

Color Reproduction and Resolution

Both QLED and OLED TVs can deliver superior color reproduction. QLED may have the edge for its ability to create a broader spectrum of colors. Both are also available in 4K and 8K resolutions, providing an almost life-like screen image.

Response Rate

Response time is how fast the pixel color changes on the screen. Both TVs are pretty equal in their speedy response time and low lag speeds, making them desirable to both gamers and action movie lovers. Refresh rates refer to the number of times the display can redraw the screen image and is measured in hertz (Hz). A 60 Hz TV would refresh an incredible 60 times per second. OLED TVs can have a marginally smaller refresh rate, which gaming enthusiasts prefer. Also, a TV with a high refresh rate and high response time can blur fast-moving images on the screen. High refresh and low response is the preferred ratio.

Durability

When thinking about overall durability and long life, the QLED is thought to be the better choice. OLED TVs may lose some brightness and color resolution over the years, whereas QLED will not.

Which TV Should I Buy?

A man standing in front of a variety of TVs trying to decide which one to buy.

Both QLED and OLED TVs will make a fine addition to your home or home theater. Both can deliver a high resolution image for gamers and movie enthusiasts alike. OLED has excellent color reproduction and better black levels. QLED offers better brightness, which can be an asset in bright and sunny viewing rooms. QLED is also available in more sizes, both big and small, and is considered to be the longer-lasting of the two. OLED is more expensive that QLED, especially in larger size formats. For most homes, the QLED will be an excellent choice.

Don’t Forget Your TV Accessories

A woman using an Amazon Alexa voice remote to find programs on her TV.

Once you’ve made your TV choice, you’ll need some accessories to make your entertainment experience the best it can be. First off, you may need a TV wall mount to provide the best viewing angle. There are cables and connectors for hooking all your equipment together, and cord covers to hide the wiring. Stream movies, binge TV series and cheer sporting events with a media streamer. And for true theater sound, try adding a sound bar or home theater system.