LG E9 OLED  TV Review

Reviewed Aug 15, 2019 at 09:44am
Retest Jun 25, 2020 at 10:28am
Tested using Methodology v1.5 

Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before a major update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

LG E9 OLED

Track

0.0
Mixed Usage 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
TV Shows 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Sports 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
Video Games 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
HDR Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
HDR Gaming 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

0.0
PC Monitor 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

Track

 0
 TV Settings
The LG E9 OLED is a remarkable TV. Like all OLED TVs, it has an outstanding picture quality as it can display perfect blacks and perfect black uniformity. It can get fairly bright and has excellent wide viewing angles. Motion handling is remarkable thanks to a nearly-instantaneous response time that leaves hardly any motion blur trail. This, however, creates stutter when watching movies, but the TV can remove it using its motion interpolation. The input lag is extremely low and gamers will find this TV very responsive. Unfortunately, just like all OLED TVs, it has the possibility of developing permanent burn-in that can be caused by cumulative prolonged exposure to static content.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

This is an excellent TV for mixed usage. It has an excellent picture quality thanks to near-perfect inky blacks its OLED panel delivers, so it has an amazing dark room performance. It can get fairly bright and can handle reflections well, suitable for a reasonably bright room, while at the same time it favors wide seating arrangement thanks to its wide viewing angles. The almost instantaneous response time delivers crisp motion and the low input lag makes it very responsive, which is great for gaming.

Pros
  • Near-perfect, uniform blacks.
  • Excellent viewing angles for a wide seating arrangement.
  • Practically instantaneous response time, and remarkably low input lag.
Cons
  • Has the risk of permanent burn-in with static content (see here).
  • Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL) can become distracting at times.
0.0
Movies 

This is a remarkable TV for watching movies. It has an outstanding picture quality with perfect uniform blacks just like all OLED TVs. It displays judder-free movies and has excellent gray uniformity and great upscaling capabilities. Unfortunately, due to the practically instantaneous response time, movies and low frame rate content appear to stutter. Fortunately, this TV offers both BFI and motion interpolation features to help remove stutter.

0.0
TV Shows 

This is an excellent TV to watch TV shows. It can get bright and can handle reflections very well, so you can place it in a bright room without issues. It has excellent viewing angles so you don't have to sit right in front to enjoy an accurate image. It supports motion interpolation up to 120fps for the soap opera effect fans and gives you access to an abundance of apps cover your needs.

0.0
Sports 

This is an excellent TV for watching sports. You can place it in a fairly bright room as it gets bright enough and can handle reflections well. It has a nearly instantaneous response time and fast motion looks crisp with almost no blur. Thanks to its excellent wide viewing angles, all of your friends will enjoy the same accurate picture when watching the big game together. It has excellent gray uniformity with almost no dirty screen effect, so the hockey field looks clean without any dark spots.

0.0
Video Games 

This is an excellent TV for playing video games. It has a remarkably low input lag and offers an Auto Low Latency Mode so you do not have to switch to 'Game' mode each time you want to play a game. Fast motion is very crisp thanks to the extremely fast response time. The TV displays lower resolution content from older consoles almost as good as native 4k. It also offers HDMI-VRR support which, however, is presently available only on Xbox.

0.0
HDR Movies 

This TV is excellent for watching HDR movies in a dark room. It has an excellent picture quality thanks to its near-perfect and uniform blacks, the very good HDR peak brightness, and the wide color gamut. It displays HDR content with vivid colors and bright highlights offering you a remarkable watching experience.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

This TV is excellent for playing HDR games. When in HDR Game mode, it has a very low input lag that makes the TV feel extremely responsive. It has a very fast response time and the image looks crisp even in fast motion. It has perfect blacks, good HDR peak brightness, and a wide color gamut, so it can display HDR games with vivid colors and popping highlights sure to please HDR game enthusiasts.

0.0
PC Monitor 

This is an excellent TV for using it as a PC monitor. It can display proper chroma 4:4:4 so text is crisp, and has a very low input lag so it's very responsive to your actions. The fast response time delivers a crisp image even when it displays very fast motion. Unfortunately, just like all OLED TVs it runs the risk of permanent burn-in and this can be an issue if you use it as a PC monitor for extended periods of time.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Movies
  • 0.0
    TV Shows
  • 0.0
    Sports
  • 0.0
    Video Games
  • 0.0
    HDR Movies
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • 0.0
    PC Monitor
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jun 25, 2020: We incorrectly listed this TV as flicker-free, but it's not.
    2.  Updated May 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
    3.  Updated Feb 21, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4.
    4.  Updated Aug 15, 2019: Review published.

    Check Price

    55"OLED55E9PUA
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    65"OLED65E9PUA
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 55" E9 (OLED55E9PUA), and we expect our results to be valid for the 65" (OLED65E9PUA) model as well.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their LG E9 OLED doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

    Size Short Model Code US Model EU Model Notes
    55" OLED55E9 OLED55E9PUA OLED55E9PLA  
    65" OLED65E9 OLED65E9PUA OLED65E9PLA  

    The E9 we reviewed was manufactured in May 2019.

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top left: Sony A8G (XBR55A8G). Bottom left: LG C9 (OLED55C9). Middle: LG E9 (OLED55E9). Top right: Samsung Q80R (QN55Q80R). Bottom right: Sony A9G (XBR55A9G). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The E9 is an excellent OLED TV and outperforms most TVs except the C9. See our recommendations for the best OLED TVs, the best 4k TVs, and the best smart TVs.

    LG C9 OLED

    Track

    55" 65" 77"

    The LG E9 OLED and the LG C9 OLED have very similar performance. The E9 has slightly better sound. Any other differences can be attributed to panel variance, including the slightly less aggressive ABL found on the E9.

    LG CX OLED

    Track

    48" 55" 65" 77"

    The LG E9 OLED and the LG CX OLED are two similar TVs. The CX has better out-of-the-box color accuracy, while the E9 has better uniformity and viewing angles, but this could be due to panel differences. However, the E9 has a less-aggressive Automatic Brightness Limiter, so there's less variation in brightness between different content.

    Sony A9F OLED

    Track

    55" 65"

    The LG E9 OLED and the Sony A9F OLED have very similar performance. The E9 is a little brighter and has a lower input lag. The LG E9 is advertised as supporting HDMI 2.1 on all four HDMI inputs. and although this doesn't add anything at the moment it makes the TV more future-proof.

    Samsung Q90/Q90R QLED

    Track

    65" 75" 82"

    The LG E9 OLED and the Samsung Q90/Q90R QLED use different panel types, each with their advantages and disadvantages. The E9 is much better in a dark room, thanks to its OLED panel that delivers perfect blacks. The Q90R is significantly brighter and is more suitable for a very bright room. The E9 has better gray uniformity and better viewing angles but it also has a risk of permanent burn-in when exposed to static content, something that doesn't happen with the Q90R.

    Show more 
    How We Test TVs
    How We Test TVs

    We buy and test dozens of TVs yearly, taking an objective, data-driven approach to deliver results you can trust. Our testing process is complex, with hundreds of individual tests that take over a week to complete. Most of our tests use specially designed test patterns that mimic real content, but we also use the same sources you have at home to ensure our results match the real-world experience. We use two main tools for our testing: a Colorimetry Research CR-100 colorimeter and a CR-250 spectroradiometer.

    Test Results

    Older Test Bench: This product has been tested using an older TV test methodology, before a major update. Some of the test results below aren't directly comparable with other TVs. Learn more

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Market Context
    Market Context

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Design
    0.0
    Style
    CurvedLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Stand

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Borders
    BordersLockedLock" (Lock cm)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Thickness
    Max ThicknessLockedLock" (Lock cm)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Build Quality

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast with local dimming
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    LG E9 OLED Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR ABL
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    LG E9 OLED Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift
    LockedLock°

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Color Temp Setting
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Post Calibration
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance Calibration
    LockedLocked
    Color Calibration
    LockedLocked
    Auto-Calibration Function
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    480p Input

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    720p Input

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    1080p Input

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    4k Input

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    8k Input
    Pixels
    TypeLockedOLED
    Sub-Type
    LockedWRGB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedLock%
    DCI P3 uv
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 xy
    LockedLock%
    Rec 2020 uv
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Color Volume
    Normalized DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%
    10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage ITP
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit
    Red (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Green (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Blue (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock
    Gray (Std. Dev.)
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Temporary Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    Permanent Burn-In Risk
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time
    80% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    100% Response Time
    LockedLock ms

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Flicker-Free
    Flicker-Free
    LockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLock Hz

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Optional BFI
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps
    LockedLock Hz
    60 Hz for 60 fps
    LockedLocked
    120 Hz for 120 fps
    LockedLocked
    Min Flicker for 60 fps in Game Mode
    LockedLock Hz

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Motion Interpolation
    Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
    LockedLocked
    Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Stutter
    Frame Hold Time @ 24 fps
    LockedLock ms
    Frame Hold Time @ 60 fps
    LockedLock ms

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    24p Judder
    Judder-Free 24p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60p
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via 60i
    LockedLocked
    Judder-Free 24p via Native Apps
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Variable Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    HDMI Forum VRR
    LockedLocked
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC Compatible
    LockedLocked
    4k VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    4k VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    1080p VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    1080p VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    1440p VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    1440p VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported Connectors
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1080p @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz + 10 bit HDR
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz Outside Game Mode
    LockedLock ms
    4k @ 60 Hz With Interpolation
    LockedLock ms
    8k @ 60 Hz
    LockedN/A
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    1080p with Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLock ms
    1440p with VRR
    LockedLock ms
    4k with VRR
    LockedLock ms
    8k with VRR
    LockedN/A
    Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Supported Resolutions
    ResolutionLocked4k
    1080p @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    1080p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked
    1440p @ 120 Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4
    LockedLocked
    8k @ 30 Hz or 24 Hz
    LockedLocked
    8k @ 60 Hz
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Input Photos

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Total Inputs
    HDMILockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Component InLockedLocked
    Composite InLockedLocked
    Tuner (Cable/Ant)LockedLocked
    EthernetLockedLocked
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    IR InLockedLocked
    SD/SDHCLockedLocked
    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    LockedLocked
    HDR10+
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Vision
    LockedLocked
    HLG
    LockedLocked
    3D
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.0 Full Bandwidth
    LockedLocked
    HDMI 2.1
    LockedLocked
    CECLockedLocked
    HDCP 2.2LockedLocked
    USB 3.0
    LockedLocked
    Variable Analog Audio OutLockedLocked
    Wi-Fi SupportLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Audio Passthrough
    ARC
    LockedLocked
    eARC support
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Atmos via TrueHD via eARC
    LockedLocked
    DTS:X via DTS-HD MA via eARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Dolby Digital via ARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 DTS via ARC
    LockedLocked
    5.1 Dolby Digital via Optical
    LockedLocked
    5.1 DTS via Optical
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Sound Quality
    0.0
    Frequency Response
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Std. Dev. @ 70
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ 80
    LockedLock dB
    Std. Dev. @ Max
    LockedLock dB
    Max
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Dynamic Range Compression
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Distortion
    Weighted THD @ 80
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max
    LockedLock
    IMD @ 80
    LockedLock%
    IMD @ Max
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Smart Features
    0.0
    Interface
    Smart OSLockedLocked
    VersionLockedLocked
    Ease of Use
    LockedLocked
    Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Time Taken to Select YouTube
    LockedLock s
    Time Taken to Change Backlight
    LockedLock s
    Advanced Options
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Ad-Free
    Ads
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out
    LockedLocked
    Suggested Content in Home
    LockedLocked
    Opt-out of Suggested Content
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Apps and Features
    App Selection
    LockedLocked
    App Smoothness
    LockedLocked
    Cast Capable
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive Playback
    LockedLocked
    USB Drive HDR Playback
    LockedLocked
    HDR in Netflix
    LockedLocked
    HDR in YouTube
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Remote
    Size
    LockedLocked
    Voice Control
    LockedLocked
    CEC Menu Control
    LockedLocked
    Other Smart Features
    LockedLocked
    Remote AppLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    TV Controls

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    In The Box

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Misc
    Power ConsumptionLockedLock W
    Power Consumption (Max)LockedLock W
    FirmwareLockedLocked