OLED monitors can indeed suffer from burn-in over time. Burn-in occurs when static images are displayed on the screen for extended periods, causing uneven wear on the pixels. This can lead to ghostly, permanent impressions of those images remaining on the display even when the content changes. Preventing burn-in involves varying the content displayed on the screen regularly to avoid prolonged exposure to static elements. Some practical strategies include using screen savers, regularly changing desktop wallpapers, and setting the monitor to turn off during periods of inactivity. Additionally, many OLED displays come with built-in features such as pixel-shifting and screen refresh cycles, which help mitigate the risk of burn-in by subtly altering pixel usage patterns and rejuvenating the screen. Ensuring that brightness levels are kept at a reasonable level can also reduce the risk, as higher brightness settings can accelerate pixel wear. Overall, with mindful usage and taking advantage of built-in preventive measures, the risk of OLED burn-in can be minimized significantly.
Best OLED Monitors of February 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Alienware AW3423DWF Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor - 34-inch Quantum Dot OLED 0.1Ms 165Hz 21:9 Curved Display, 99.3% DCI-P3 Color Gamut, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro - Black
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INFINITELY IMMERSIVE: Quantum Dot Display Technology enables a slim panel design and delivers a superior color performance with a higher peak luminance and greater color gamut range vs WOLED (White OLED) by taking the impressive qualities of OLED (such as true blacks & infinite contrast ratio) and enhances color performance by directly converting blue light into the primary colors of red and green through a Quantum Dot pixel layer.
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STUTTER-FREE SPEED: Experience ultra-low latency gameplay, support for HDR and cinematic color, plus smooth, tear-free gaming thanks to AMD FreeSync Premium Pro Technology and VESA AdaptiveSync Display certification.
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IMPECCABLE DESIGN: The jaw-dropping new design features a sleek QD-OLED curved 1800R panel integrated into the iconic new Legend 2.0 ID, plus customizable RGB AlienFX lighting, 360° ventilation for better heat dissipation, improved cable management and a new centralized OSD 5-Axis joystick to make adjusting your settings easier. The height adjustable stand with height markers and the tilt, swivel, and slant capabilities allow for easy viewing adjustment.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
SAMSUNG 27” Odyssey QD-OLED G6 (G61SD) QHD 240Hz 0.03ms FreeSyncTM Premium Pro Gaming Monitor with Sleek Metal Design, 3 Year Warranty, US, LS27DG610SNXZA, 2024
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STUNNING VISUALS AND BRIGHTER HIGHLIGHTS: Samsung QD-OLED delivers superior brightness and a wide color gamut to every scene, ensuring vivid detail and brilliant imagery.
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OUTMANEUVER OPPONENTS WITH SUPREME SPEED: Dodge, counter and engage faster than the rest. QD-OLED technology delivers near-instant reaction time with 0.03ms response time (GtG).¹
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IMMERSE IN SMOOTH ACTION WITHOUT DISRUPTION: Hyper action made seamless. Support of Variable refresh rate (VRR) with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro keeps the GPU and panel synced up to eliminate choppiness, screen-lag, and image tears.²
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DYNAMIC COOLING SYSTEM: For the first time in the world, Pulsating Heat Pipe was applied in the monitor to prevent burn-in. Dynamic Cooling System helps cool 5 times better than the older graphite sheet method, reducing temperature at the core.²
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THERMAL MODULATION SYSTEM: Algorithms predict surface temperature and automatically control brightness accordingly to reduce heat.³
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LOGO AND TASKBAR DETECTION: The brightness on static images, like logos and taskbars, is automatically reduced to prevent burn-in.⁴
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SCREEN SAVER: The screen dims itself after 10 minutes of inactivity and comes back to regular brightness with any input.²
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
LG 27GS95QE 27-inch Ultragear OLED Gaming Monitor QHD 240Hz 0.03ms DisplayHDR True Black 400 AMD FreeSync Premium Pro NVIDIA G-Sync HDMI 2.1 DisplayPort Tilt/Height/Swivel Stand Black
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240Hz Refresh Rate - Gear up for smooth gameplay with an ultra-fast 240Hz OLED display. The faster speed lets you respond quickly to opponents and stay a step ahead of the competition.
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0.03ms Response Time - Enjoy smoother scenes with less lag or ghosting thanks to LG UltraGear OLED's nearly instantaneous 0.03ms (GtG) response time.
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VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 - VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified means this monitor meets industry standards for brightness as well as deep, rich black color expression. The benefit for gaming and streaming content, is impeccable image detail in dark scenes for a stunning visual experience.
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OLED 1,500,000:1 Contrast Ratio - Don’t compromise quality for speed—the LG UltraGear OLED screen delivers a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio for a deep, detailed quality picture and a lifelike gaming experience.
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Gamer-Centric Design - Lose yourself in the game with a virtually borderless, ultra-thin design that optimizes space within your battlestation. Easily make height, tilt and swivel adjustments to the display to be able to see and play exactly to your specs.
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NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible - Officially validated by NVIDIA as G-SYNC Compatible. That translates to faster, smoother gaming that's been tested to reduce screen tearing and stutter. Never miss a frame of the action as you clinch your victories.
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
ASUS ROG Swift 32” 4K OLED Gaming Monitor (PG32UCDM) - UHD (3840 x 2160), QD-OLED, 240Hz, 0.03ms, G-SYNC Compatible, Custom Heatsink, Graphene Film, 99% DCI-P3, True 10-bit, 90W USB-C
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32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) QD-OLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms (GTG) response time for immersive gaming
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Highly efficient custom heatsink, advanced airflow design, and graphene film for better heat management to reduce the risk of burn-in
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VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance, 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit, and Delta E < 2 color difference for astonishing HDR performance
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
ASUS ROG Strix 27” 1440P OLED Gaming Monitor (XG27ACDNG) - QD-OLED, QHD (2560 x 1440), 360Hz, 0.03ms, Custom Heatsink, OLED Care+, G-SYNC Compatible, 99% DCI-P3, DisplayWidget, AI Gaming, 3yr warranty
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26.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) QD-OLED gaming monitor with 360 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms response time for immersive gaming
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Highly efficient custom heatsink, advanced airflow design, and ASUS OLED Care+ functions to reduce the risk of burn-in
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ROG-exclusive OLED Anti-flicker technology helps reduce the flicker during refresh-rate fluctuations
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VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance, 99% DCI-P3 gamut, true 10-bit, and Delta E < 2 color difference for astonishing HDR performance
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DisplayWidget Center software allows users to easily access OLED Care functions and adjust monitor settings using a mouse
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Extensive connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC), HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 90W Power Delivery
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
MSI MPG 341CQPX QD-OLED 34-inch Curved OLED Gaming Monitor, 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD), 0.03ms Response time, 240Hz, True Black HDR 400, HDMI, DP Port, USB Type C, Tilt, Height Adjustable
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QD-OLED Display - MSI's renowned QD tech, combined with the latest OLED panel technology, these displays exhibit the best picture quality and incredible high contrast when gaming
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240Hz High Refresh Rate - Experience smooth gaming with a blazing fast refresh rate, that gives you the upper hand in fast-moving games.
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Fastest Ever - Response time is much faster and smoother than conventional LCD displays. The MAG 341CQP QD-OLED’s response time is 0.03 ms GtG exceeds the most mainstream refresh rates requirements
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OLED Care 2.0 - MSI has developed a more advanced version to provide several care services and significantly reduce the chances of OLED screen aging.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
ASUS ROG Strix 27” 1440P OLED Gaming Monitor (XG27AQDMG) - QHD, Glossy OLED, 240Hz, 0.03ms, Custom Heatsink, Anti-Flicker,Uniform Brightness, G-SYNC Compatible, 99% DCI-P3, DisplayWidget,
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26.5-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) glossy WOLED gaming monitor with 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms response time for immersive gaming
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Highly efficient custom heatsink, advanced airflow design, and ASUS OLED Care functions to reduce the risk of burn-in
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ROG-exclusive OLED Anti-flicker technology helps reduce the flicker during refresh-rate fluctuations
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
GIGABYTE - AORUS FO27Q2 (SA) - 27" QD-OLED Gaming Monitor - QHD 2560x1440-240Hz - 0.03ms GTG - AMD FreeSync Premium Pro - Type C KVM - HDMI, DP, Type C - Height Adjustable - Black
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Resolution & Panel: 27" QHD 2560x1440 QD-OLED Gaming Monitor
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Refresh Rate & Response: 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms GTG response time
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Color Accuracy: 99% DCI-P3, 10bit
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Special Features: Type C KVM, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, VESA Certified ClearMR
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13000, HBR3, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
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Connectivity: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x Displayport 1.4, 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB 3.0 Downstream ports, 1x USB 3.2 Upstream port, 1x Earphone Jack, 1x Microphone Jack
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
27 Inch OLED Gaming Monitor, QHD 2560 x 1440, 240Hz, 0.03ms, Type-C 65W, Built-in Speakers, G-SYNC & FreeSync, HDMI2.0, DisplayPort1.4, USB-C 3.0, G27P6
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[NEW LG OLED GAMING PANEL] 27 inch QHD 2560 x 1440 Gaming Monitor OLED Display, four-sides bezel-less and nano-texture glass screen, adopt anti-burn-in technology protect screen, create endless immersive experience.
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[BOOST YOUR GAMPALY] Ultra-fast 240Hz Refresh Rate, 0.03ms (GTG) Response Time, Supports FreeSync Premium & G-Sync Compatible, Blue Light Shift save your eyes, and metal stand with RGB light matches the white monitor, fuel your gaming.
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[TYPE-C PD 65W REVERSE CHARGING] Not only HDMI2.0×2, DP1.4×1, USB3.0×3, G27P6 also has a type-C hub for advancing your gaming, design, working and entertainment experience.
What settings help prevent OLED burn-in?
Preventing OLED burn-in involves adjusting several settings and usage patterns to minimize the risk. Here are some settings and practices that can help:
- Brightness and Contrast:
Lower the overall brightness of the display, as high brightness levels can accelerate burn-in.
Adjust the contrast to a moderate level to reduce strain on specific pixels.
- Screen Saver:
Enable screen savers, especially those that move images around the screen, to prevent static images from being displayed for too long.
- Auto Dimming:
Use the auto-dimming feature to reduce brightness when the display is not actively being watched.
- Pixel/Logo Shift:
Enable the pixel or logo shift feature if available, which moves the entire image slightly over time to prevent static elements from burning in.
- Sleep Timer and Auto-off:
Set the display to turn off automatically after a period of inactivity.
- Refresh/Rejuvenation Features:
Use any built-in pixel refresh or cleaning features regularly. Many OLED TVs have built-in mechanisms to help repair minor burn-in effects.
- Avoid Static Content:
Avoid displaying static elements like news tickers, logos, or game HUDs for extended periods. Try to vary the content displayed on the screen regularly.
- Dark Mode and Themes:
Use dark mode or themes when available, as darker pixels wear out less quickly than bright ones.
- Settings for Specific Use Cases:
When gaming or watching content with static interfaces, use HUD opacity settings to reduce brightness or move HUD elements if possible.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of OLED burn-in and prolong the life of your display.
What software tools help prevent OLED burn-in?
OLED burn-in is a persistent issue, but various software tools and techniques can help mitigate it. Here are some approaches and tools:
- Pixel Shift: Many modern TVs and monitors have a built-in pixel shift feature that slightly moves the image at regular intervals. This reduces the risk of burn-in by ensuring that static images don't remain in the same position for too long.
- Screen Savers: Utilizing dynamic screen savers that avoid static content can help prevent burn-in when the display is not in active use.
- Auto-Dimming: Some OLED displays come with auto-dimming technology that reduces brightness after a certain period of inactivity. Lower brightness can reduce the risk of burn-in.
- Operating System Features:
Windows 10/11: Offers settings to automatically turn off the display after a certain period and has dynamic wallpapers.
macOS: Includes options like dark mode, auto-hide menus, and dynamic desktops to reduce burn-in risk.
Linux: Various desktop environments support custom screensavers and settings to minimize static content display.
- Third-Party Software:
JScreenFix: While primarily for fixing stuck pixels, it can sometimes help reduce image retention effects.
Screen savers and dynamic wallpaper apps: Apps like DisplayFusion or Wallpaper Engine provide dynamic content to avoid static images.
- TV and Monitor Manufacturer Features: Many manufacturers include specific settings or screensavers designed to prevent burn-in, such as automatic logo dimming or specific image retention reduction settings.
Regularly updating your device's firmware and software is also recommended, as manufacturers often release updates to improve display longevity and prevent burn-in issues.
How to perform a pixel refresh cycle?
Performing a pixel refresh cycle can vary depending on the specific device or technology you are using, such as OLED TVs, monitors, or smartphones. However, the general process involves allowing the device to recalibrate or refresh its pixels to maintain display quality and prevent screen burn-in. Here’s a general guide on how to perform a pixel refresh cycle for OLED displays, which commonly support such a feature:
For OLED TVs:
- Check the Manual:
Refer to your TV's user manual. Most OLED TVs have a specific procedure for initiating a pixel refresh cycle. Look for sections related to pixel refresh, maintenance, or screen care.
- Access TV Settings:
Turn on your TV and access the settings menu using the remote control.
- Navigate to Picture Settings:
Find the "Picture" settings or a similar option, which may contain sub-options like "OLED Panel Settings" or "Pixel Care."
- Locate Pixel Refresh:
Look for an option named "Pixel Refresh," "Pixel Cleaner," or similar. Select it to learn about or initiate the cycle.
- Run Pixel Refresh:
Follow the on-screen instructions to start the pixel refresh cycle. Ensure that you do not turn off the TV or unplug it during this process. The cycle can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete.
- Automatic Pixel Refresh:
Some TVs perform automatic pixel refresh cycles when turned off into standby mode after a certain number of viewing hours. Ensure this feature is enabled if your TV supports it.
For OLED Monitors and Displays:
- Software Utility:
Some manufacturers provide software utilities for performing pixel refresh. Check the manufacturer's website or installed utilities on your computer.
- Manual Option:
Access the monitor’s on-screen menu using the built-in buttons and locate an option for maintenance, where pixel refresh might be included.
- Initiate the Cycle:
If available, follow the procedure as per the on-screen instructions or the utility tool. As with TVs, do not interrupt the process once initiated.
For Smartphones:
Most smartphones do not provide a direct user-accessible feature for pixel refresh, but manufacturers may perform background calibration. To mitigate burn-in manually, follow these tips:
- Screen Timeout:
Set a shorter screen timeout duration to prevent static images from persisting.
- Auto-Brightness:
Enable automatic brightness adjustment to reduce constant pixel intensity.
- Dark Mode:
Use dark mode to minimize the use of bright pixels.
- Screen Saver:
Enable a dynamic screen saver when the device is docked or charging.
General Tips:
- Regular Use:
Engage in regular use cycles; moving images and varied content naturally help maintain pixel health.
- Avoid Static Content:
Minimize showing static images or content for extended periods.
By following these general procedures, you can help maintain the health and longevity of your display's pixels. Always refer to specific product manuals for manufacturer-recommended steps, as these can provide precise instructions tailored to your device model.
