The theoretical phase noise performance of a tuned-input tuned-output (TITO) oscillator is analyzed with a rigorous approach, which yields a compact closed-form phase noise equation that is dependent only on the value of the circuit components and current consumption of the oscillator. A straightforward comparison with the more commonly used differential LC-tank oscillator shows that the latter is in fact superior to the TITO oscillator, at least if the oscillator behavior is not too distant from the ideal behavior considered in the analysis. Phase noise simulations match admirably the theoretical results.