The OLED vs LED monitor debate is real. These competing flat-panel display technologies both have unique qualities, and some potential drawbacks. So, how do you choose which one will best suit your needs? While OLED may seem like the best bet for all, you’ll want to first get a clear idea of what you’re going to use the monitor for.
Keep reading to uncover the key differences between OLED and LED flat-panel displays. Or, supercharge your creative workflow with the ViewSonic ColorPro VP16-OLED portable monitor.
If you research computer monitor technology or explore the monitors currently available on the market, the OLED vs LED monitor question will pop up sooner than later.
Despite sounding similar, OLED and LED monitors utilize fundamentally different technology to emit light so users can see images on their screens. Both OLED and LED have their advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand what each technology offers and when one might be more suitable than the other.
This read will provide an in-depth exploration of OLED vs LED monitor technology, outlining how they work, the ways in which OLED and LED monitors differ from one another, and more. We will also provide information on who can benefit the most from each technology and why.
Understanding LED Monitor Technology
Currently, LED monitor technology remains the most popular option, having proven its reliability over many years. As the name suggests, LED monitors utilize light-emitting diodes to provide backlighting, which illuminates a liquid-crystal display (LCD), to create an on-screen picture.
Understanding the difference between LED and LCD displays can be confusing. Many people think they’re competing technologies, but that’s not the case. LED refers to the display’s backlighting, while LCD refers to the liquid crystals that control the light. In fact, all LED monitors use LCD panels with LED backlighting, which is why they’re sometimes called LED/LCD displays.
LED screens do have some advantages over OLED. For one, they’re less prone to issues like screen burn or image retention, where traces of a previous image linger on the screen. And thanks to their backlighting, LED screens can achieve higher brightness levels than OLED displays. They’re also generally more affordable, and while the contrast of LED displays aren’t as strong as OLED, mini-LED technology has made strides in closing this gap.
What is OLED Technology?
At first glance, OLED and LED/LCD monitors may sound similar, but they operate in fundamentally different ways. The key difference lies in how each technology produces light.
LED/LCD monitors use a backlight made up of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate an LCD panel. The LCD layer then controls how much light reaches each pixel to create the image. Since the backlight is always on, the entire screen is lit, which limits the ability to achieve true blacks and deep contrast.
OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, takes a more advanced approach. Instead of relying on a backlight, each pixel generates its own light through an electroluminescent layer. This allows for individual pixel control, meaning pixels can turn completely off when needed. The result? Flawless blacks, higher contrast, and colors that feel richer and more lifelike.
This fundamental difference is why OLED is known as “emissive” technology — each pixel emits its own light. By contrast, LED/LCD displays are “transmissive” because light passes through an LCD layer to form the image. While the names sound alike, OLED and LED technology are worlds apart in how they deliver picture quality, with OLED offering unmatched depth, color, and clarity.
The Benefits of OLED Technology
With a basic understanding of what OLED monitor technology is, let’s explore some of its most prominent benefits and learn how an OLED monitor might be a better bet than an LED/LCD display for both work and home use.
Deeper Blacks
One of the most striking differences between OLED and LED displays is how they handle the color black. OLED monitors light each pixel individually, and since pixels can be completely turned off, you get true, deep blacks and crisp contrast with brighter colors.
LED monitors, on the other hand, rely on backlighting, which means they can’t block out light completely. As a result, blacks often appear as dark gray, and in some cases, you might notice a “halo” effect — like when white text moves across a black background.
Improved Viewing Angles
Despite recent improvements to LED/LCD displays, generally, OLED monitors offer superior viewing angles. Their lack of backlighting and the thinness of the display panels means you get crystal-clear, accurate visuals from almost any angle — no awkward neck tilting required.
With LED/LCD monitors, you often have to position yourself directly in front of the screen to get the best picture. If you’re working with a dual monitor setup, that can get frustrating fast — being stuck between two screens with limited viewing angles isn’t exactly ideal.
Easy Transportation
Another major, yet often overlooked, benefit of OLED monitors is their physical design. Unlike the crystalline components found in LED/LCD displays, OLEDs use thin, lightweight organic layers. This makes them significantly slimmer and lighter, which comes with some pretty big advantages.
This means that OLED monitors are likely to weigh less than an equivalent-sized LED monitor, making it easier to transport, carry, and mount. At the same time, the materials used within OLED monitors are also more flexible, which so they are less likely to suffer lasting damage while in transit.
Given these upgraded physical properties, it’s not surprising that OLED displays are increasingly popular on portable monitors. The enhanced color performance makes these models perfect for all photographers and video makers who need to proof their shots on the field.
Less Blue Light Emissions
Another benefit associated with OLED’s ability to completely dim pixels is the lower levels of blue light emitted by these monitors. In some cases, OLED monitors can emit half as much blue light compared to LED/LCD panels.
Why does this matter? Blue light is high-energy and can strain your eyes after long hours in front of a screen. It’s a leading cause of digital eye strain, and over time, it can contribute to headaches, eye fatigue, and even disrupt your sleep. With OLED’s reduced blue light emissions, you get a more comfortable viewing experience — and your eyes will thank you for it.
Reduced Power Consumption
OLED monitors have a smart energy-saving edge. Since each pixel can be controlled individually, they can turn off completely when not in use. This leads to lower power consumption compared to LED monitors running at high brightness. In places like offices and schools where multiple monitors are in constant use, this energy efficiency can make a noticeable difference.
On top of that, OLED technology is a greener choice right from the production stage. Unlike LED/LCD displays, OLED manufacturing doesn’t rely on nitrogen trifluoride — a greenhouse gas linked to climate impact. So, whether it’s about saving energy while in use or reducing environmental impact during production, OLED offers a more eco-friendly approach.
Faster Response Times
Another big win for OLED technology is its lightning-fast response time, thanks to lower input lag. Simply put, there’s less delay between your mouse or keyboard action and what you see on the screen. This makes everything feel smoother and more responsive.
Fast response times are crucial, especially when it comes to reducing input lag and motion blur — something LED/LCD monitors tend to struggle with more than OLED. If you’ve ever noticed a slight delay or a trail of blur behind fast-moving objects on screen, that’s exactly where OLED pulls ahead.
Monitor Panel Types: A Comparison
A comparison between an OLED vs LED monitor would not be complete without learning about other monitor panel types that exist. Here’s what they are, how they work, and what they have to offer:
In-Plane Switching Panels (IPS)
IPS panels (In-Plane Switching) are known for their vibrant color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them a go-to choice for creatives and professionals. Thanks to the way liquid crystal molecules shift within the display, IPS panels deliver sharp, clear visuals from multiple angles — no need to sit dead-center for a great view.
That said, IPS panels do have a potential downside: slower response times compared to OLED and Twisted Nematic (TN) panels. For most everyday tasks, this isn’t a big deal. But if you’re into fast-paced gaming or need ultra-responsive inputs, OLED or TN panels might be the better option.
Twisted Nematic Panels (TN)
Twisted Nematic (TN) panels are the oldest LED/LCD technology and they have some significant disadvantages. For instance, viewing angles are extremely limited, meaning that unless you are directly in front of your monitor, the image may look distorted or incomplete.
However, they remain popular with certain users because they provide extremely fast response times, making them excellent for competitive gaming. On top of this, TN panels perform very well in terms of pure brightness, though their color accuracy is not as good as alternative panel technologies.
Vertical Alignment Panels (VA)
Vertical Alignment (VA) panels were developed as an upgrade to TN panels, addressing some of their biggest shortcomings. One of the most noticeable improvements is color accuracy, with VA panels delivering richer, more vibrant colors. They also offer significantly better viewing angles, so you don’t have to be directly in front of the screen to get a clear picture.
Their contrast ratios are also superior to TN panels, although they still fall short of the deep blacks and ultra-high contrast you get with OLED monitors. That said, VA panels aren’t perfect. They tend to be more expensive than TN panels and have slower response times, which might be a dealbreaker for some gamers and fast-action enthusiasts. For those prioritizing speed over color and contrast, TN panels might still be the go-to choice.
Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED)
OLED displays stand out in this comparison because they don’t rely on backlights. Instead, each pixel on the screen lights up or turns off individually, which is why OLED monitors deliver such impressive picture quality. This design also makes them thinner, more energy-efficient, and capable of providing wider viewing angles.
One of the biggest perks of OLED is its unmatched color accuracy — especially when it comes to pure blacks. Since individual pixels can switch off completely, you get true blacks instead of the “almost black” you might see on LED/LCD displays. This level of precision is a game-changer for creatives, gamers, and anyone who values visual clarity.
That said, OLED monitors do come with a higher price tag. Compared to LED/LCD monitors of a similar size and build, OLEDs tend to cost more. But for those who prioritize top-tier image quality and sleek, modern design, the investment can be well worth it.
OLED vs LED Monitor Technology: Which is Right for You?
Now with an understanding of how OLED and LED monitor technology works, let’s explore which type is ideal for you depending on the scenario.
Photographers, Designers, Content Creators
If you work in a field like photography, graphic design, or content creation where color accuracy really matters, an OLED monitor is likely to be the best option available. As we’ve mentioned before, the individual illumination of pixels can deliver greater contrast and color accuracy, which is crucial to creating works of art.
Unlike LED/LCD displays, OLED technology controls each pixel individually. This helps eliminate issues like the dreaded “halo” effect. Plus, OLED’s superior viewing angles make it ideal for dual-monitor daisy chain setups, ensuring you get a clear, consistent view from any position. And with portable OLED monitors now available, you can bring that same level of color precision with you on shoots or remote projects.
Video Game and Esports Players
Although personal preference and budget are factors here, PC gamers and esports players often opt for LED monitors with either TN or IPS panels. Despite TN monitors offering fairly limited viewing angles and average color presentation, the advantages include very low response times, extremely rapid refresh rates, and low input lag, all of which can help gamers, especially at the elite level, where marginal differences can affect performance.
In most cases, IPS panels will provide lower refresh rates than TN, so they’re not always ideal for competitive gaming. However, these panels are popular for casual gaming thanks to their superior color accuracy compared to TN panels. IPS monitors also offer fairly good response times, and the viewing angles are superior to TN, which is great for local multiplayer gaming.
Casual Home Use and Office-Style Work
If you’re looking for a solid all-around option for casual or home use, IPS and VA panels are hard to beat — especially when you factor in price and performance. IPS panels are known for their great color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for everything from streaming shows to everyday browsing. VA panels, on the other hand, offer strong contrast and decent color production, but their slower response times make them less suited for fast-paced gaming. Still, they’re a more budget-friendly option compared to OLED monitors.
When it comes to work use, the “best choice” really depends on the type of work you’re doing. For general office tasks like spreadsheets and documents, IPS panels are a reliable all-rounder, and VA panels can handle simple office needs just fine. But if your work involves design, color-critical tasks, or energy efficiency is a priority, OLED monitors might be the better option. Just keep in mind, OLEDs typically come with a higher price tag, so it’s worth weighing up the cost against the specific needs of your workflow.
Final Thoughts
The OLED vs LED monitor comparison focuses on two competing forms of flat-panel display technology. In many ways, OLED has emerged as the gold standard of display technology, combining energy efficiency, superior viewing angles, and excellent color accuracy, even if the more expensive pricing is a potential downside.
Nevertheless, LED/LCD displays still have their benefits, including superior brightness and a lower price point. In general, the decision over whether to purchase an OLED or LED monitor will depend on factors like your budget, the tasks you are going to be using the monitor for, and the level of color accuracy you’ll need.
If you liked this article, you might also enjoy reading about the Color Management Checklist for Digital Artists. Alternatively, check out which ColorPro monitor is the best fit for you.