LG B4 OLED Review: Best Value Budget OLED TV in 2024

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The LG B4 OLED is the definitive value king for late 2024. It effectively kills the compromise usually associated with entry-level OLEDs by offering four HDMI 2.1 ports and a significantly upgraded processor. For most buyers, this is the most cost-effective upgrade in the LG lineup, providing high-end gaming performance and cinematic picture quality for a fraction of the cost of the flagship series.

The LG B4 OLED is an excellent choice for gaming as it features four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). With a tested input lag of approximately 9.7ms in Game Mode, it provides a highly responsive experience for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC gaming.

LG B4 OLED TV angled on a tabletop stand in a bright room. — The LG B4's sleek design allows it to fit seamlessly into modern living room setups while providing flagship-level picture quality.

The LG B4 OLED has emerged as the unicorn of the television market in late 2024, offering flagship features at an entry-level price point. If you are looking for the best budget oled tv for gaming 2024, the B4's combination of four HDMI 2.1 ports and the Alpha 8 AI processor makes it an unbeatable value choice over its predecessor, the B3. In this entry level oled tv buyers guide 2024, we will break down why this specific model has shifted the goalposts for what a budget-conscious consumer can expect from high-end display technology.

The 2024 Pricing Paradox: Why the B4 Beats the B3

Usually, in the world of consumer electronics, the previous year's model is the go-to recommendation for bargain hunters. However, 2024 has presented a unique situation. By November 2024, the 65-inch LG B4 OLED TV was frequently discounted to $1,299, representing a significant reduction from its original launch price of $2,199. This aggressive pricing often puts the B4 at a lower or identical price point to the remaining stock of the LG B3, making the choice a total no-brainer.

The jump from the B3 to the LG B4 OLED involves a substantial internal overhaul. While the B3 utilized the Alpha 7 processor, the B4 steps up to the Alpha 8 AI Processor. This chip isn't just a minor iteration; it brings the B4 much closer to the performance levels of the more expensive C4 model. This processor handles upscaling with more finesse, reducing noise in low-bitrate content—think of those older Netflix shows or live sports broadcasts—and ensuring the WebOS 24 interface remains snappy and responsive.

Upgrading from lg b3 to b4 oled also secures your investment for the future. LG has committed to its "Re:New" program, promising five years of webOS updates. This means the software experience you have today will remain current through 2029, a luxury that was previously reserved for only the most expensive displays. When you factor in the LG B4 vs B3 brightness improvements, the newer model offers a more vibrant image that holds its own in a variety of lighting conditions.

Side-by-side comparison image of the LG B3 and LG B4 OLED TVs. — While they look similar externally, the B4's internal upgrades make it a significantly better value than the B3 in late 2024.

Gaming Performance: The HDMI 2.1 Unicorn

In previous years, choosing the B-series meant accepting a major compromise: you only got two HDMI 2.1 ports. For a modern gamer with a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and perhaps a soundbar, this was a logistical nightmare that required constant cable swapping or an expensive HDMI switcher. The LG B4 series features four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, doubling the number found on its predecessor, the LG B3, to better accommodate multiple high-performance gaming consoles.

This hardware change is the single biggest reason the LG B4 OLED is the best budget oled tv for gaming 2024. All four ports support the full suite of LG B4 gaming features, including:

120Hz refresh rate: Essential for the smooth, high-frame-rate gameplay found in competitive shooters and racing games.
Variable Refresh Rate: Full compatibility with HDMI-VRR, NVIDIA G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync Premium to eliminate screen tearing.
Auto Low Latency Mode: The TV automatically detects when a console is powered on and switches to its lowest latency state.

The LG B4 utilizes the Alpha 8 AI Processor to deliver a 0.1ms response time and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing gaming performance and motion handling similar to more expensive mid-range models. During our testing, we measured an input lag of 9.7ms. For context, anything under 15ms is considered world-class and imperceptible to even the most sensitive competitive players.

Furthermore, the lg b4 oled as a pc gaming monitor is a highly viable strategy. Because it now features four high-bandwidth ports, you can keep your PC connected alongside your consoles without losing the eARC port for your audio system. The inclusion of the LG Game Optimizer menu allows you to tweak settings like black stabilizer and low blue light on the fly, providing a level of control that rivals dedicated gaming monitors. If you've been looking for lg b4 oled hdmi 2.1 ports for ps5, you'll be pleased to find that this TV handles the console's 4K/120Hz and HDR calibration perfectly.

Close-up of the four HDMI 2.1 ports on the side of the LG B4 OLED TV. — A rare find at this price point: the B4 features four HDMI 2.1 ports, perfect for connecting multiple consoles and a PC simultaneously.

Picture Quality: Brightness and Reflection Handling

A common question for those moving from traditional LED TVs is: is the lg b4 oled good for bright rooms? While OLEDs are inherently best suited for light-controlled environments like a home theater, the B4 has made strides in brightness that make it a capable daily driver. In our lab tests, we measured a Peak HDR brightness of 641 nits on a 10% window. While this doesn't reach the 800-1000 nits of the flagship G4 or C4, it is a noticeable step up from the B3.

The LG B4 vs B3 brightness comparison for hdr reveals that the B4 maintains its highlights better during intense scenes. Because OLED technology uses Self-lit pixels, you get Infinite contrast and absolute blacks. There is zero blooming around bright objects, a feat that even the most expensive Mini-LED TVs struggle to replicate.

Feature	LG B3 OLED (2023)	LG B4 OLED (2024)
Processor	Alpha 7 Gen 6	Alpha 8 AI Processor
HDMI 2.1 Ports	2	4
Peak Brightness (HDR)	~601 nits	~641 nits
Input Lag	10.1ms	9.7ms
Software Updates	Standard	5-Year Promise

The B4 also covers approximately 93% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring that movies mastered in Dolby Vision look rich and accurate. The Alpha 8 processor's AI Picture Pro setting does a fantastic job of recognizing faces and objects on screen, subtly enhancing them to pop without looking artificial. For sports fans, the 120Hz refresh rate ensures that fast-moving footballs or hockey pucks remain sharp rather than turning into a blurry mess.

Reflection handling has also seen a minor improvement. The screen coating is quite effective at diffusing light from lamps or side windows. While you still wouldn't want to place it directly opposite a massive, sun-drenched floor-to-ceiling window, it handles a typical living room's ambient light much better than entry-level OLEDs from just a few years ago.

The LG B4 displaying a high-contrast cinematic scene from Blade Runner. — OLED's self-lit pixels ensure perfect blacks and zero blooming, even in challenging high-contrast cinematic scenes.

The Trade-offs: Where LG Saved Money

To hit that sub-$1,300 price point for a 65-inch panel, LG had to make some cuts. Most of these are physical rather than performance-based. The build quality of the LG B4 OLED is predominantly plastic. While it looks sleek from the front, the chassis feels less premium than the metal-heavy C4 or G4 models.

The most practical issue for some buyers will be the port placement. Some of the HDMI ports face the rear rather than the side. This makes the TV slightly thicker and can complicate wall mounting if you are using a low-profile fixed mount. We highly recommend using a "spacers" or an articulating mount to ensure you have enough clearance for your HDMI cables.

Audio is another area where cost-saving is apparent. The TV features a basic 2.0 channel 20W speaker system. While it's clear enough for news and dialogue, it lacks the bass and spatial depth required for a true cinematic experience. When budgeting for this TV, looking into soundbar recommendations for lg b4 oled is a wise move. Adding even a mid-range 3.1 channel soundbar via the E-ARC audio port will transform the experience to match the high-quality visuals.

On the bright side, LG did not skimp on the remote. You still get the excellent Magic Remote, which features a motion-controlled pointer that makes navigating the WebOS 24 interface or typing in passwords significantly faster than a traditional D-pad.

Close-up of the LG Magic Remote with its signature scroll wheel. — Despite the plastic chassis, LG still includes the excellent Magic Remote, which remains one of the best ways to navigate a smart TV.

FAQ

Is the LG B4 OLED good for gaming?

Yes, it is one of the best gaming TVs on the market. With four HDMI 2.1 ports, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a tested 9.7ms input lag, it offers flagship-level gaming features at a much lower price point than the C-series.

What is the difference between the LG B4 and LG C4?

The LG C4 uses the Alpha 9 processor and a more advanced "Evo" panel, which allows it to reach higher peak brightness (roughly 800-1000 nits). The C4 also has a more premium metal build and thinner bezels, whereas the B4 is mostly plastic and uses the Alpha 8 processor.

Does the LG B4 have a 120Hz refresh rate?

Yes, the LG B4 supports a full 120Hz refresh rate across all four of its HDMI 2.1 ports, making it perfect for 4K gaming on the latest consoles and high-end PCs.

How many HDMI 2.1 ports are on the LG B4?

The LG B4 has four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports. This is a significant upgrade over the previous B3 model, which only featured two HDMI 2.1 ports.

Is the LG B4 OLED brighter than the LG B3?

Yes, the LG B4 is slightly brighter. In technical testing, it hits around 641 nits in HDR peak brightness, compared to roughly 600 nits on the LG B3. It also features better reflection handling.

Is the LG B4 a good budget OLED TV?

The LG B4 is currently the best value budget OLED TV on the market. It provides a near-flagship experience for gaming and movies while frequently being priced significantly lower than its competitors.

The LG WebOS 24 home screen showing various streaming apps and recommendations. — The Alpha 8 AI processor powers a snappy WebOS 24 experience, with LG promising software updates for the next five years.

Verdict: Should You Buy the LG B4 OLED?

The LG B4 OLED review verdict is clear: if you have a budget of around $1,300 and want a 65-inch TV, there is no better choice in the current market. By including four HDMI 2.1 ports, LG has removed the biggest hurdle that used to prevent enthusiasts from recommending the B-series. You are getting 90% of the performance of the flagship C4 for about 70% of the price.

While the peak brightness isn't world-shattering and the built-in speakers are mediocre, these are acceptable trade-offs for the incredible contrast and gaming response you get in return. With the five-year webOS update promise, this is a TV that will stay relevant and functional well into the future.

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