Fast OLED gaming monitors are a relatively new entrant in the gaming monitor market, introduced in late 2022. Some of the best OLED gaming monitors can now render games at 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rates with perfect blacks and vibrant colors. But what OLED gaming monitors shine in this new category?
Our guide to the best OLED monitors answers this question and more. Below, we detail our top picks and include essential buying tips to help you confidently buy the right OLED gaming monitor the first time.
Table of Contents
Best OLED gaming monitors
- Top pick: Alienware AW3423DW
- Alternate top pick: Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
- 27-inch pick: LG 27GR95QE-B
- Big screen pick: LG 45GR95QE-B
- 4K pick: Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ
Pro tip
We reviewed 780 data points across 60 specs categories for 13 OLED gaming monitors to understand how each model compares and to narrow down to our shortlist picks. We then reviewed each pick on our list in person, paying particular attention to gameplay smoothness in fast-paced titles, blur reduction, image quality, build quality, and ergonomics.
- Impressive and immersive experience
- Stunning QD-OLED display
- High refresh rate
- Curved monitors aren't for everyone
- Limited console compatibility
At a glance
- Size: 34 inch
- Resolution: 1440p
- Refresh rate: 175Hz
- Response time: 0.10 milliseconds
- Panel type: QD-OLED
- Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (4)
- Variable refresh rate: G-Sync, Freesync
The Alienware AW3423DW is the best OLED gaming monitor we’ve seen up close. Playing games and consuming media on this QD-OLED panel is unmatched by most OLED gaming monitors. The high contrast ratio, wide DCI-P3 color coverage, brightness, and DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification combine to produce the most impressive image we’ve seen.
The AW3423DW also has exceptional motion handling and clarity in fast-paced games with a 175Hz native refresh rate and 0.10 millisecond response time, making it one of the best FPS monitors for smooth gameplay and blur-reduction.
You’ll also get native G-Sync Ultimate support, NVIDIA’s highest tier of variable refresh rate technology that reduces screen tearing.
Some gamers may not be interested in an ultrawide, curved gaming monitor, but that opinion will change when seeing this OLED gaming monitor up close and personal. The 1800R curve is balanced and subtle, and the wide screen is great for immersion in games with ultrawide support and productivity.
While OLED burn-in is a topic discussed among TV and monitor enthusiasts, and it is a viable concern, most gamers don’t need to worry if their monitor isn’t displaying static images for long periods. Alienware offers an extended three-year warranty against burn-in for the edge-case issue.
- Stunning QD-OLED display
- Excellent motion handling and smooth gameplay
- Great port options, including HDMI 2.1 and USB-C
- Micro HDMI and Mini DisplayPort ports may require adapters
At a glance
- Size: 34 inch
- Resolution: 1440p
- Refresh rate: 175Hz
- Response time: 0.03 milliseconds
- Panel type: QD-OLED
- Ports: Micro HDMI 2.1 (1), Mini DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-C up to 65w power delivery (2)
- Variable refresh rate: G-Sync, Freesync
Consider buying the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 if you like everything about the Alienware AW3423DW but want more console compatibility. The two QD-OLED displays use the same LG panel, so the blacks are perfect, and the colors are vibrant.
But the Samsung model includes mini HDMI 2.1 ports, which are needed to run PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles at 4K resolution and 120 FPS. Consider you may also need an adapter to fit the mini HDMI port.
While this Samsung OLED gaming monitor can’t render 4K, downscaled console gameplay looks fantastic, and some gamers may value the future-proofing granted with HDMI 2.1 ports.
Gameplay is also exceptionally smooth and practically blur-free with the 175Hz refresh rate and lightning-fast 0.03 millisecond pixel response time.
The variable refresh rate technology and the warranty against burn-in otherwise separate the two impressive gaming monitors. The Samsung doesn’t have native G-Sync support, though it is G-Sync compatible (read: sufficient for tear-free gaming for most gamers), and there is no warranty against burn-in.
Some users have also reported that the Samsung model has slightly better brightness performance and better HDR, which may be enough to justify the higher price.
- High resolution and refresh rate
- Beautiful OLED display
- Ultra-fast response time
- Limited USB-A ports
At a glance
- Size: 27 inch
- Resolution: 1440p
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 0.10 milliseconds
- Panel type: OLED
- Ports: HDMI 2.1 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (2)
- Variable refresh rate: G-Sync, Freesync
The LG 27GR95WE-B is the best 27-inch OLED gaming monitor, beating out the impressive Asus Swift OLED PG27AQDM (read more about why in the honorable mentions sections). LG can also hang its hat on the fact that it was the first to market with a 240Hz refresh rate, 1440p OLED panel.
27-inch gaming monitors are the most popular among gamers based on their improved immersion over 25-inch displays, but better pricing than bigger displays.
As we’ve noted in many posts before, 1440p resolution panels with a 240Hz refresh rate are the sweet spots for gaming performance for the price. That theme holds with the LG 27GR95QE-B. While doling out roughly $1,000 for a display isn’t cheap, the price is low compared to many OLED displays.
This specs lineup explains why you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better 27-inch OLED gaming monitor for the price. Fast-paced gameplay is buttery smooth due to the high refresh rate, and the blur reduction is impressive with the 0.10 millisecond response time.
Some users have noted concerns over the brightness, but we didn’t encounter these issues when reviewing this OLED gaming monitor and adjusting a few quick settings.
- Stunning immersion
- High refresh rate and high resolution
- Includes HDMI 2.1 ports
- Not suitable for small desks
- Limited USB-A ports
At a glance
- Size:Â 45 inch
- Resolution: 1440p
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Response time: 0.10 milliseconds
- Panel type: OLED
- Ports: HDMI 2.1 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (2)
- Variable refresh rate: G-Sync, Freesync
The LG 45GR95QE-B is a beast of a monitor with its 45-inch size and 800R curve that results in a total depth of 36.3cm (14.29 in.) with the stand included. While the size isn’t suitable if you have a small desk, it’s hard to overlook the color performance and how the size of the display amplifies the immersion.
Consider this OLED gaming monitor if you demand the gaming and color performance that the LG 27GR95QE-B offers but you want more of it. These two OLED gaming monitors have the same specs across the board, and you’ll just get a far bigger display with the 45GR95QE-B version.
- Stunning immersion
- High refresh rate and high resolution
- Includes HDMI 2.1 ports
- Not suitable for small desks
- Poor ergonomics
- Limited console compatibility
At a glance
- Size: 48 inch
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh rate: 138Hz
- Response time: 0.03 milliseconds
- Panel type: OLED
- Ports: HDMI 2.0 (2), DisplayPort 1.4 (1), USB-A (2)
- Variable refresh rate: G-Sync, Freesync
Let’s be honest. The Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ is a TV repurposed and rebranded as a gaming monitor with a bumped-up refresh rate. But we’re not mad about that—quite the opposite.
Compared to other OLED gaming panels, the PG48UQ has a leg up for some gamers and is the best 4K OLED gaming monitor. This OLED gaming monitor offers a 4K resolution, beating out most of the OLED market that maxes out at 1440p. Including HDMI 2.1 ports makes this an excellent fit for console gamers who want to game at 4K and 120 FPS.
With a fast response time and high refresh rate, this 48-inch OLED gaming monitor performs exceptionally well across gaming genres, especially with the blur reduction resulting from the ultra-fast response time.
But consider that some gamers may prefer the gameplay smoothness of a 240Hz refresh rate in select genres, such as when quick-scoping an enemy in a first-person shooter. Also, the PG48UQ needs better ergonomics with little tilt adjustment and no height, swivel, or pivot functionality.
Comparing the best OLED monitors
Below we highlight the side-by-side gaming performance of each OLED gaming monitor and include additional details on the image quality, display design, and ergonomics. We include this information to simplify comparing our best OLED monitor picks.
Gaming performance
| Model | Refresh Rate | Response Time | G-Sync | FreeSync |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alienware AW3423DW | 175Hz | 0.10 ms | G-Sync Ultimate | FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 | 175Hz | 0.03 ms | G-Sync compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro |
| LG 27GR95QE-B | 240Hz | 0.10 ms | G-Sync compatible | FreeSync Premium |
| LG 45GR95QE-B | 240Hz | 0.10 ms | G-Sync compatible | FreeSync Premium |
| Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ | 138Hz | 0.10 ms | G-Sync compatible | FreeSync |
Our shortlist OLED gaming monitor picks have outstanding performance in different gaming genres. But some models outshine the competition, particularly regarding their gameplay smoothness.
The LG 27GR95QE-B and the LG 45GR95QE-B are the only OLED gaming monitors on our list that hit the sweet spot we think most competitive gamers should aim for with 240Hz refresh rates. This high refresh rate is critical in fast-paced games, like battle royale titles, where smooth gameplay helps you click heads more accurately and perhaps faster than your enemy.
But if you’re not a competitive gamer, the 175Hz refresh rate of the Alienware AW3423DW and Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is still buttery-smooth and offers competitive advantages over gamers playing on lower refresh rate gaming monitors.
Regarding response times, all our picks pack in insanely fast pixel response times of 0.03 milliseconds or 0.10 milliseconds. For context, most of the best gaming monitors with popular IPS panels have 1.0 millisecond response times. The low response times (and accompanying blur reduction) are why OLED panels are perfect for fast-paced games.
Pro tip
Most gamers won’t notice the screen-tearing difference between a gaming monitor with NVIDIA’s native G-Sync Ultimate feature versus including G-Sync compatibility. We think it’s best to check the box that G-Sync and FreeSync are included in any form, not which version of NVIDIA or AMDs technology is included.
All our OLED gaming monitor picks include G-Sync and FreeSync refresh rate technology, reducing screen tearing. Some OLED monitors include native NVIDIA and AMD variable refresh rate technologies.
Image quality
| OLED Monitor | Resolution | Contrast Ratio | Peak Brightness | DCI-P3 Coverage | sRGB Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alienware AW3423DW | 1440p | 1000000:1 | 1000 nits | 99.30% | 149.00% |
| Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 | 1440p | 1000000:1 | 1000 nits | 99.50% | 99.30% |
| LG 27GR95QE-B | 1440p | 1500000:1 | 800 nits | 98.50% | Unknown |
| LG 45GR95QE-B | 1440p | 1500000:1 | 800 nits | 98.50% | Unknown |
| Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ | 4K | 1500000:1 | 900 nits | 98.00% | 133.00% |
Before jumping into comparing image quality, context is essential. Comparing the image quality of OLED panels is like trying to figure out the NBA GOAT. Nobody can score like Jordan. Lebron is the best full-court player. Bill Russell has the most championships. One thing no one can debate is that each is the GOAT in some form and all are light years ahead of the competition.
It’s the same story with OLED gaming monitors and their image quality. OLED panels are the GOATs regarding image quality. All OLED panels render perfect blacks and vibrant colors and trounce anything an IPS, VA, or TN panel can produce.
That said, without pixel-peeping too much and regurgitating specs, let’s discuss which OLED gaming monitors are the best based on firsthand experiences with each display.
Little separates the two front-runners, the Alienware AW3423DW and Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 regarding overall image quality. This color performance makes sense since both models use the same outsourced OLED panel. When compared side-by-side, the displays on these two gaming monitors are noticeably brighter and more vibrant than our other picks when compared side-by-side. These are the most visually stunning OLED gaming monitors.
As discussed before, some early users reported underwhelming brightness performance with the LG 27GR95QE-B. But we tested the brightness and found no issues after tinkering with the in-monitor settings.
Display
| Model | Panel Type | Curved | Display Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alienware AW3423DW | QD-OLED | Yes, 1800R | 90.85% |
| Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 | QD-OLED | Yes, 1800R | 91.20% |
| LG 27GR95QE-B | OLED | No | 94.84% |
| LG 45GR95QE-B | OLED | Yes, 800R | Unknown |
| Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ | OLED | No | 91.89% |
One reason why the Alienware AW3423DW and Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 have the best image quality is related to their QD-OLED displays. QD-OLED monitors produce richer colors and better luminance than OLED monitors, resulting in a more stunning image.
Beyond panel types, all OLED and QD-OLED gaming monitors have thin designs and bezels. The svelte design is most apparent with the LG 27GR95QE-B, which has an astounding 94.84% display area with its bezels nearly disappearing.
Gamers considering an OLED gaming monitor must also determine if they want a curved or flat display. The Alienware AW3423DW and Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 have the same 1800R curvature, meaning the curve has a 1.8m radius. This design is subtle enough and balanced that it doesn’t take much to get used to.
On the other hand, the LG 45GR95QE-B isn’t for everyone. The 800R curve on such a large panel is needed, albeit something to get used to. We don’t recommend this OLED gaming monitor if you have a small desk against a wall due to its width and the dimensional depth that’ll position the display uncomfortably close. But if that’s not an issue and you’ve got the budget, it’s hard to ignore how jaw-dropping the display is in-person, plus how good it is for productivity with so much screen real estate.
The Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ is a solid alternative for a large, flat-screen OLED monitor. The depth with the stand is 26.6 cm (10.47 in.). In comparison, the LG model is far deeper measuring from the back of the stand to the forward location of the curved edges.
Ergonomics
| Model | Height Adjust | Tilt (back, fwd) | Swivel (left, right) | Pivot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alienware AW3423DW | 110mm | 21°, 5° | 20°, 20° | None |
| Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 | 120mm | 20°, 2.5° | None | None |
| LG 27GR95QE-B | 110mm | 15°, 5° | 10°, 10° | 90° (counterclockwise) |
| LG 45GR95QE-B | 110mm | 15°, 5° | 10°, 10° | None |
| Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ | None | 5°, 4° | None | None |
The LG 27GR95QE-B has the best ergonomics, mostly due to its smaller size. The LG has a wide range of height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot functionalities to find the perfect position on any setup.
But moving up the size spectrum, ergonomics decline. We’ve not encountered an ultrawide gaming monitor 34’ or bigger with pivot functionality. Ultrawides also tend to have a limited swivel range, including most of our picks. But a heavy-duty monitor arm can solve those limitations.
The biggest OLED gaming monitors, such as the Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ, have little tilt functionality.
OLED gaming monitor buying tips
Refresh rate
The sweet spot for competitive gaming monitors is 1440p panels with 240Hz refresh rates. Frames win games, so we suggest aiming for as high a refresh rate as possible within your budget. But consider that only a handful of OLED gaming monitors are currently capable of 240Hz refresh rates, and many gamers aren’t interested in esports-level gameplay.
The market opens up with several fast OLED gaming monitors with 120Hz, 138Hz, and 175Hz refresh rates, all sufficient for most gamers.
Response time
OLED gaming monitors have lighting-fast response times compared to traditional IPS gaming panels. A fast IPS panel registers a 1.0 millisecond response time, whereas all the picks on our list have 0.10 millisecond response times or lower. The result is outstanding motion handling and blur reduction in fast-moving scenes.
Resolution
We suggest a 1440p OLED gaming monitor for the majority of gamers. The only way to get a higher resolution OLED display in early 2023 is to jump up in screen size to a 42-inch or 48-inch gaming monitor with a refresh rate of around 120Hz.
OLED vs. QD-OLED
QD-OLED displays outperform OLED displays regarding color vibrance and brightness, the latter being one downside to OLED panels.
While only a few QD-OLED options are available in early 2023, we recommend going with QD-OLED if it’s within your budget.
But context is essential. OLED panel displays are also stunning, producing perfect blacks and vibrant colors, particularly when compared to IPS displays, which many gamers covet and may be upgrading from.
Ports
Review the port selection when buying the best OLED gaming monitor for your needs. All OLED gaming monitors on this list and in the honorable mentions section include at least HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports, sufficient for high-resolution gaming at high refresh rates.
Console gamers should consider buying an OLED gaming monitor with HDMI 2.1 ports to maximize 4K gaming at 120 FPS.
Some OLED gaming monitors include USB-C connectivity with power delivery, great for hooking up an external monitor to a USB-C laptop.
Your current gaming setup
There’s no sense in driving a Ferrari in the slow lane, so consider whether your current gaming setup is capable of what your OLED gaming monitor can achieve.
Demanding titles require a sufficiently-equipped gaming PC to render enough frames to match your OLED monitor’s refresh rate at 1440p or 4K resolutions.
A fast gaming keyboard and the best gaming mouse can improve your end-to-end latency for lag-free gaming, complementing your OLED gaming monitor’s high refresh rate and low pixel response time.
Honorable mentions
The Alienware AW3423DWF has the same panel as the Alienware AW3423DW and is almost the same monitor. The AW3423DWF has a lower refresh rate, one less HDMI 2.0 port, and one more DisplayPort 1.4 port. If the different port lineup fits your needs and you’re okay with the lower refresh rate, save a few bucks and buy the AW3423DWF.
The Asus Swift OLED PG27AQDM is a good OLED gaming monitor if you want a 27-inch panel. We prefer the LG 27GR95QE-B since it has HDMI 2.1 ports instead of HDMI 2.0 ports. The Asus model has slightly better tilt and swivel ergonomics. Determining which is best depends on brand preference and whether the HDMI ports or ergonomics matter.
The AORUS FO48U is a massive 48-inch gaming monitor that competes with our pick, the Asus Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ. The Aorus model is largely the same and impressive but has a lower refresh rate, slower response time, and fewer USB-A ports.
The BenQ Mobiuz EX480UZ is similar in that this 48-inch gaming monitor has a lower refresh rate than our 48-inch pick and an oddly higher price that may not be justified.
The Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ is the same as our pick, the Asus ROG Swift PG48UQ, but has a smaller 42-inch screen.
The Corsair Xeneon 45WQHD240 has a unique feature that lets you bend the display from flat to an 800R curve. This OLED monitor goes toe-to-toe with the LG 45GR95QE-B with the same refresh rate, response time, and resolution, but the Corsair model is more expensive. We recommend buying the LG to save money or buying the Corsair if the bendable screen is crucial to you.
The MSI Meg 342C is set to launch in spring 2023 and looks impressive in early reviews, particularly compared to the Alienware AW3423DW. The main differentiator is the MSI model offers HDMI 2.1 ports, whereas the Alienware model includes HDMI 2.0 ports. We anticipate the MSI model being a strong contender for this list once MSI begins selling the product.
