Best OLED TVs of 2026: WIRED picks LG, Samsung and Sony models

What WIRED recommends

WIRED has published its roundup of the best OLED TVs of 2026, naming the Samsung S95H as its top overall pick. The publication says the S95H offers the brightest, clearest and most colourful OLED picture it has tested this year, helped by an AI picture optimizer that brightens dark content without manual adjustments.

The list also includes the LG B6 as a budget choice at $1,300, the Sony Bravia 8 II for PlayStation 5 gaming, and the 2025 LG G5 as a premium alternative that is now discounted while WIRED continues testing its successor, the LG G6. A Roku Pro Series OLED at $1,200 rounds out the recommendations for viewers who prefer Roku's operating system.

Why OLED still leads on picture quality

OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode, a display technology in which each pixel produces its own light and can be switched off completely. According to WIRED, this gives OLED televisions an advantage over LCD-based designs, including the newer RGB televisions that use separate red, green and blue lights, because dark scenes show more shadow detail.

The publication notes that it tested RGB and OLED models side by side during 2026 and found OLED still generally ahead, particularly in films with dark scenes such as The Batman. However, WIRED expects RGB television technology to improve quickly and suggests it could match or beat OLED by next year.

Details on the top picks

The Samsung S95H has a redesigned frame with a silver bezel that gives it a picture-frame look, replacing the all-black S95F. Samsung has also removed the need for its One Connect breakout box, placing the HDMI ports on the television itself. WIRED praises the remote but finds the Tizen operating system less intuitive.

The LG B6 is described as a strong performer for its price, with easy setup through the LG ThinQ app and a 120-Hz refresh rate that suits gaming. WIRED cautions that darker scenes may need picture setting adjustments. The Sony Bravia 8 II also runs at 120 Hz and works closely with the PS5, automatically enabling HDR tone mapping and a low-latency gaming mode. WIRED notes it has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, where most premium models now offer four, and that bright rooms remain a challenge for OLED panels in general.

The premium alternative and buying advice

Although it has been replaced by the LG G6, the 2025 LG G5 remains a favourite at WIRED because of its deep blacks, fast processor and gaming features, including a 165-Hz refresh rate. It supports Dolby Atmos sound built into the television, though the publication still recommends adding a soundbar. The G5 is sold in sizes up to a 97-inch model priced at $25,000.

For buyers unsure what to choose, WIRED suggests matching screen size to the room and viewing distance, with 65 inches described as the standard for larger living rooms. It also warns that larger OLED sets cost considerably more and can be difficult to move and install. Prices quoted in the guide refer to 65-inch models unless stated otherwise.