OLED monitors more popular than ever says analyst firm, which makes sense as one of the few good deals left in PC gaming

I’ve only recently upgraded to an OLED monitor, but let me tell ya, I wish I’d done it sooner. This thing is gorgeous. Though it’s only recently we’ve seen prices really plummet for these excellent panels, which might go some way to explaining why sales are through the roof right now.

According to analyst firm TrendForce, shipments for OLED panels have increased 26.1% in the past three months. Comparing to last year’s figures, they’re up 98%. And the firm chalks that up to gaming, specifically, noting that adoption is strong for 27-inch QHD monitors, which sit at the top of the increasingly large pile of panels for popularity.

TrendForce says these “results underscore the rapid penetration of OLED technology in the gaming and premium display markets.”

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In the first three months of the year, TrendForce reckoned shipments for OLED panels increased 78% year on year. This suggests OLED monitor shipments are still on the rise through 2026.

The analyst firm lists the biggest companies in the space by market share, as it stands today: Asus at the top, then Samsung, MSI, AOC, LGE, and the rest. Samsung slipped due to a “gradual withdrawal” from the Chinese market, while MSI made some waves. Panel supply is said to be improving, too, with new brands entering the market as a result.

Though it’s worth noting that most OLED panels for gaming monitors are made by Samsung and LG, even if rebadged under another company’s name. We have seen some new developments in recent weeks regarding OLED panels from Chinese goliath TCL making their way into MSI’s professional lineup; however, for gaming, we’re mostly all in on those Korean-made panels.

Nevertheless, OLED monitors are becoming way more accessible for PC gamers as the technology develops and new products make it to market. Once upon a time, most OLED gaming monitors would demand upwards of $600–$1000. Yet our best budget OLED, the Alienware AW2726DM, has an MSRP of $350. That’s brand new. Sure, it’s an older panel tech than the very latest panel as found in our top pick, the MSI MPG 322UR X24, but an OLED looks fantastic either way.

We’ve said it a whole lot lately, but monitors are one of the few good deals left in PC gaming. You can thank the memory crisis for everything else sucking. That pox hasn’t touched the monitor market. Prices are still coming down, the technology is still rapidly developing, and OLED monitor deals are still to be found.

Our James checks for deals every week and he’s spotted this Samsung Odyssey G50SF for $350 over at Amazon. There’s also this AOC Agon Pro for $350. Both 27-inch, 1440p monitors as was suggested to be the most popular by TrendForce. Though even the 4K-capable MSI MAG 321UP is down to $700 over at Newegg.

It’s just nice to see a healthy market that’s actually serving to the benefit of us regular consumers right now. Demand is high, supply is sufficient, and there’s loads of competition; which all feels like a bit of a rarity right now.