QLED vs OLED TV: which should you choose?

In the world of television technology, the battle between QLED and OLED is a hot topic. Both technologies offer unique benefits, and deciding between the two can be a challenge for consumers. At leading e-commerce retailer Appliances Online, we aim to provide customers with the information needed to make informed decisions. In this blog post we will compare QLED and OLED TVs, to help you decide which technology will better suit your needs.

What Is QLED?

QLED stands for Quantum-dot Light Emitting Diode. It’s an evolution of traditional LED-LCD technology, enhanced with a layer of quantum dots - microscopic particles that emit precise colours when exposed to light. QLED TVs use a backlight to illuminate the screen, and the quantum dots help produce brighter, more vibrant images with improved colour volume. This makes QLED TVs especially well-suited to bright rooms or daylight viewing.

In a nutshell : QLED = LED TV + Quantum Dots → Brighter and more colourful visuals.

Shop QLED TVs

What Is OLED?

OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. Unlike QLED, OLED panels don’t need a backlight. Each pixel in an OLED screen emits its own light and can turn on or off individually. This allows OLED TVs to produce perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and incredibly lifelike visuals.

OLED screens are also thinner, more flexible, and deliver consistent image quality from any angle, making them ideal for cinematic viewing and immersive gaming.

In a nutshell : OLED = Self-lit pixels → Unmatched contrast and true black levels.

Shop OLED TVs
QLED vs OLED Key Difference

QLED relies on a backlight and excels in brightness and colour, while OLED uses self-lighting pixels to deliver deeper blacks and wider viewing angles.

Understanding OLED and QLED technologies

OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diodes, is a technology that uses organic materials to emit light when an electric current is applied. This technology allows each pixel to produce its own light, resulting in superior contrast and black levels.

QLED, on the other hand, stands for Quantum Light Emitting Diodes. This technology uses quantum dots to enhance performance in key picture quality areas. QLED TVs are essentially LED TVs but with an added layer of quantum dots to boost brightness and colour.

Popular Products

Contrasting QLED and OLED

  • Picture quality
    OLED TVs are known for their exceptional contrast ratios and ability to display true blacks, which is a result of their ability to control light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. QLED TVs, however, excel in brightness and colour volume, providing vibrant and dynamic images.
  • Lifespan
    QLED TVs generally have a longer lifespan than OLED TVs. The organic materials used in OLED TVs can degrade over time, leading to issues like burn-in, where static images are permanently burned into the screen. QLED TVs, being LED-based, do not suffer from this issue.
  • Viewing angle
    OLED TVs offer a superior viewing angle compared to QLED TVs. With an OLED, the picture quality remains consistent no matter where you're sitting. QLED TVs can experience colour and contrast loss when viewed from an angle.
  • Price
    QLED TVs are generally more affordable than OLED TVs. However, the price gap between these two technologies has been narrowing over the years.

Popular Products

QLED vs OLED: Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feature

OLED

QLED

Technology Type

Organic, self-emitting pixels

LED with Quantum Dot overlay

Black Levels

Perfect blacks, pixels switch off completely

Deep blacks but backlight can cause light bleed

Brightness

Good, but slightly lower in bright rooms

Excellent brightness - ideal for sunny rooms

Colour Accuracy

Natural tones, great for film lovers

Vivid, punchy colours with wide HDR support

Viewing Angle

Wide, consistent from all angles

Narrower - colours may shift off-centre

Burn-in Risk

Possible with static content

No burn-in risk

Lifespan

Slightly shorter due to organic materials

Longer overall lifespan

Price Range

Premium-priced (narrowing gap)

More budget-friendly across sizes

Ideal For

Dark rooms, cinematic content, gamers

Bright spaces, sports, general everyday use

So, Which Technology Wins?

The answer to this depends on your viewing preferences and budget. If you prioritise contrast and true blacks, and don't mind the higher price, an OLED TV might be the best choice for you. If you're looking for a TV with high brightness, vibrant colours, and a more budget-friendly price tag, a QLED TV could be your winner.

Whichever TV You Choose, We’ll Set It Up for Free

Still deciding between OLED or QLED? Whichever screen suits your space and style, we’ll make sure setting it up isn’t a headache. Appliances Online offers Free TV Connection with every TV purchase - we’ll deliver it, attach the stand, plug it in, and ensure it’s working perfectly before we leave. We’ll even take away your old TV and all the packaging. Learn more about our free TV connection service and enjoy your upgrade, stress-free.

Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery reaches 95% of Australia's population, and if it’s in stock you’ll usually receive your new QLED or OLED TV the day after ordering (Mon-Fri). We also offer paid Same Day Delivery in metro NSW, Qld and Vic on weekday orders placed by 12pm. We’ll even take your old entertainment system away to be recycled, at no charge (if it’s already disconnected). If you have any questions, call us 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom right of your screen.

What is a QLED TV?

A QLED TV uses quantum dots layered over an LED backlight to enhance brightness and colour performance. It delivers vivid, high-brightness images — ideal for well-lit rooms and sports viewing.

What is an OLED TV?

OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. Each pixel emits its own light, allowing OLED TVs to achieve perfect black levels, wide viewing angles, and superior contrast — making them great for movie lovers and gamers.

What is the difference between QLED and OLED TVs?

The key difference is how light is produced. OLED TVs have self-illuminating pixels, while QLED TVs use a backlight with quantum dots. OLED excels in black levels and contrast, while QLED shines in brightness and colour vibrancy.

Is OLED better than LED or QLED?

OLED is considered better for cinematic quality and contrast, but it can be more expensive and isn’t as bright as QLED. QLED and LED TVs often offer more affordable, durable options for everyday use.

Is OLED TV worth it?

Yes - especially if you prioritise movie watching, gaming, and picture quality. OLED TVs provide true blacks, immersive visuals, and stunning contrast, though they come at a premium.

Are QLED TVs any good?

Absolutely. QLED TVs are bright, colourful, and generally more affordable than OLED. They’re especially good for sports, general TV watching, and daytime viewing.

Which type of TV lasts longer - QLED or OLED?

QLED TVs typically have a longer lifespan. OLED screens use organic materials that may degrade over time, especially with static images, whereas QLED screens are less prone to burn-in and age-related issues.

What’s the latest TV screen technology?

OLED and QLED remain the leading options, but newer developments like QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) are emerging. These combine the contrast of OLED with the colour performance of QLED - offering the best of both worlds.