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

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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

You should buy the LG C5 OLED TV if...

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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

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 and Sound Pro and AI Brightness Control features let you have a "set and forget" TV that automatically adjusts picture and sound settings, tailor-made for your space. 

2. You want a higher refresh rate

The improved Alpha 11 processor not only makes the LG C6 more powerful, but it also makes the TV faster. 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. 

Watch: LG pushes OLED TV technology even brighter in 2026

The base refresh rate of 120Hz is quickly becoming the standard for 4K TVs and delivers smooth, clean motion across all media.

3. You want more AI integration

All 2026 LG TVs will feature a built-in AI concierge to provide personalized search options and media recommendations, but the LG C6 will also support Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. With both AI programs, you'll be able to do everything from adjusting picture settings to streamlining your workflow. 

And you'll be able to seamlessly integrate your new TV into your AI-based smart home network without having to rebuild your preferences or readjust settings.

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. With the C5 being a generation behind, retailers are trying to clear stock to make way for the 2026 TV lineup, which means you might be able to snag a premium-grade OLED TV at a hefty markdown if you keep a sharp eye on sales.