LG C6 vs. LG C5: I compared two generations of OLED TVs, and it was pretty darn close

## Summary
Also: The best OLED TVs you can buy On the surface, the C5 and C6 don't seem all that different, with similar smart features and tech specs. Specifications LG C5 LG C6 Display type OLED OLED Display size 42 to 83 inches 42 to 83 inches Refresh rate Up to 144Hz Up to 165Hz HDR Dolby Vision Dolby Vision Audio Dolby Atmos Dolby Atmos VRR support Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Voice controls Alexa, Apple Homekit, Hey Google Alexa, Apple Homekit, Hey Google Price Starting at $900 Starting at $1,400 You should buy the LG C5 OLED TV if... Also: LG C5 OLED TV review And with support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, you can boost the refresh rate to 144Hz to eliminate motion blur. With support for VRR technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, you'll be able to push the refresh rate up to 165Hz, making it a great option for live sports, console and PC gaming, and streaming fast-paced movies and shows.

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LG C6 vs. LG C5: I compared two generations of OLED TVs, and it was pretty darn close
The LG C6 is a refreshed version of the brand's flagship OLED TV, but is it worth upgrading over the C5?
Written by
Taylor Clemons,
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
April 7, 2026 at 11:55 a.m. PT
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If you've been looking to upgrade your living room or home theater with a high-end OLED TV, LG is one of the top brands you can choose. With the release of the new
C6 OLED
, the brand continues to prove why it deserves to be number one, but is the yearly refresh worth spending the extra money?
Also:
The best OLED TVs you can buy
On the surface, the
C5
and C6 don't seem all that different, with similar smart features and tech specs. But the main differences lie in the improved Alpha processor and support for robust AI programs like Copilot. I've broken down each upgrade and hardware refresh to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs and your budget.
Specifications
LG C5
LG C6
Display type
OLED
OLED
Display size
42 to 83 inches
42 to 83 inches
Refresh rate
Up to 144Hz
Up to 165Hz
HDR
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision
Audio
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos
VRR support
Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
Voice controls
Alexa, Apple Homekit, Hey Google
Alexa, Apple Homekit, Hey Google
Price
Starting at $900
Starting at $1,400
You should buy the LG C5 OLED TV if...
Adam Breeden/ZDNET
Buy the LG C5 OLED
View now at LG
1. You love a good deal
With the LG C5 being a generation behind, it's much more likely to see sales and discounts than its successor, the C6. If you keep a sharp eye on deals pages at your favorite retailers, you can sometimes snag the C5 for as much as 50% off during big sale events. Saving on your new OLED TV means you'll have extra cash to round out your home theater with custom audio, game consoles, or even lighting effects.
2. You want a high-end OLED for streaming and gaming
The LG C5 still gives you plenty of reasons to pick one up if you're looking to upgrade your home theater or gaming space. With a variety of screen sizes to choose from, you'll be able to find a screen to fit any space, from living rooms to offices. With a base refresh rate of 120Hz, you'll get smooth motion for sports, video games, and streaming.
Also:
LG C5 OLED TV review
And with support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, you can boost the refresh rate to 144Hz to eliminate motion blur. You'll also get Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos for enhanced picture quality and virtual surround sound.
3. You want less AI integration
Firmware updates will enable the LG C5 to support the LG AI concierge feature. But if you're like me and want to keep AI as far away from your home theater as possible, you can toggle features on and off. And being an older model, the LG C5 won't have the processing power to support more robust AI programs like Copilot and Gemini.
You should buy the LG C6 OLED TV if...
LG
Buy the LG C6
View now at LG
1. You want a better processor
The biggest update to the LG C6 is the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 CPU. It gets a beefy boost for better power efficiency, faster, more accurate picture and sound rendering, and support for the new AI chatbot and customization features. The new AI Picture an

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- But the main differences lie in the improved Alpha processor and support for robust AI programs like Copilot.
- And being an older model, the LG C5 won't have the processing power to support more robust AI programs like Copilot and Gemini.
- Writer's choice While the LG C6 is an excellent OLED TV, its predecessor, the C5, still manages to eke out the win with less intrusive AI features and more frequent discounts.

### Areas for Consideration
N/A

### Implications
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- This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay.
- If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers oled, home, zdnet topics. Notable strengths include discussion of oled. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 1358.