TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) – Shopping for a new TV can feel like decoding a foreign language, especially when you’re faced with acronyms like LED, QLED and OLED plastered across every screen. But understanding these differences can help you get the best value, especially during sales events like Prime Day, where some of the deepest discounts can be found on higher-end models.

LED: The Baseline Standard
Most affordable TVs on the market today use LED (light-emitting diode) technology. These screens are essentially LCD panels with an LED backlight, which illuminates the pixels from behind or the edges. LED TVs offer solid brightness and color but tend to fall short on contrast and black levels.

Best for: Budget shoppers, bright rooms
Popular brands: Samsung, LG, Hisense, Vizio

QLED: A Brighter Upgrade
QLED, or Quantum Dot LED, is an enhancement of traditional LED. Developed by Samsung and now used by brands like TCL and Hisense, QLED TVs use a layer of quantum dots that boost color brightness and volume. They’re excellent for well-lit spaces and can produce vivid visuals without jumping to OLED-level prices.

Best for: Bright rooms, sports, and vibrant content
Popular brands: Samsung QLED, TCL Q-Class, Hisense ULED, iFFALCON

OLED: Premium Picture, Deeper Blacks
OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TVs don’t use a backlight at all. Each pixel produces its own light, allowing for perfect black levels, ultra-thin designs, and stunning contrast. OLED TVs are favorites for home theaters and cinematic experiences—but they often come at a premium price.

Best for: Dark rooms, movie lovers, cinematic quality
Popular brands: LG OLED, Sony Bravia XR OLED, Panasonic

What I Have in My Living Room
Right now, I’m using the 65-inch iFFALCON QLED Mural TV (model 65F75) as my main living room display, and honestly, it punches way above its price. I’ve owned Samsung and INNOCN displays before, so I’m no stranger to premium panels. But this one surprised me.

The ultra-slim profile sits nearly flush to the wall, giving it that “frame TV” aesthetic without the luxury markup. It runs Google TV with hands-free voice control, and the QLED panel supports Dolby Vision and Atmos, so you’re getting rich color and decent sound right out of the box. When idle, it displays AI-generated art that actually looks good—no tacky screensavers here.

It’s become the focal point of the room without screaming for attention. Clean, capable, and budget-friendly.

Bottom Line
The right TV depends on your space, viewing habits, and budget. LED still delivers for casual viewers, QLED brings a visual pop for everyday entertainment, and OLED offers a premium experience for cinephiles. And with Prime Day deals slashing prices across all categories, now might be the perfect time to upgrade.