The LG C5 OLED TV is one of Tom’s Guide’s favorite televisions ever made, and right now it is the only model from last year to hold a perfect five-star rating. As the new LG C6 arrives, inventory is thinning fast—and prices are dropping to reflect the shift.
Key Takeaways
- LG C5 OLED received five-star ratings from Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and What Hi-Fi
- Available in six sizes from 42 inches to 83 inches with brightness upgrades over the C4
- Supports 4K at 120Hz or 144Hz gaming on all four HDMI 2.1 ports with FreeSync Premium
- 42-inch model dropped to $999 at Amazon, down from $1,396.99
- Stock clearing as LG C6 launches—deals are time-limited
Why the LG C5 OLED TV Stands Out
The LG C5 OLED TV sits in the middle of LG’s 2025 OLED lineup, positioned between the budget-friendly B5 and the flagship G5. This positioning matters because it means you get serious performance without paying flagship prices. Tom’s Guide showered this model with praise for its sensational performance, class-leading features, and approachable pricing. What Hi-Fi called it a TV that delivers a rich, punchy, and crisp image that is easy to enjoy.
The core appeal is straightforward: perfect black levels and pixel-level contrast from self-illuminating OLED pixels, combined with the Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen8 for intelligent image processing. Unlike the higher-end G5, the C5 uses a traditional WOLED panel rather than the newer Primary RGB Tandem OLED technology, but this trade-off keeps the price reasonable while maintaining the picture quality most viewers actually notice. The TV handles Dolby Vision HDR content with depth and clarity, making it equally suitable for dark room viewing, sports broadcasts, movies, and gaming.
LG C5 OLED TV Gaming and Brightness Gains
For gamers, the LG C5 OLED TV delivers genuine advantages over its predecessor. It supports 4K at 120Hz or 144Hz on all four HDMI 2.1 ports, paired with variable refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium for smooth, tear-free gameplay. The C5 is noticeably brighter than the LG C4 in both HDR and SDR content, with better color volume and image processing that make highlights pop without crushing blacks. This brightness boost makes a real difference for rooms with ambient light, though it still cannot match Mini-LED rivals in peak luminance.
The Game Optimizer Mode streamlines settings for competitive play, and the webOS interface includes AI capabilities for upscaling and content optimization. After six months of testing, reviewers observed no burn-in, which addresses a lingering concern for OLED skeptics.
LG C5 OLED TV Versus Alternatives
The LG C5 OLED TV occupies a strategic middle ground. Step down to the LG B5 OLED and you lose brightness, color volume, and 144Hz gaming support—though the 48-inch B5 model is now available at just $599.99, making it a genuine budget alternative. Step up to the G5 and you pay significantly more for the Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel and maximum light output, which matters only if you have a bright room or demand absolute peak performance. The C5 is the sweet spot for most buyers: it crushes the B5 on picture quality and gaming features while keeping your wallet substantially lighter than G5 pricing.
The LG C5 OLED TV is also Amazon’s best-selling OLED display, with the 42-inch model leading the pack. This is not a niche product—it is a mainstream favorite.
Pricing and the Urgency to Buy
The clock is ticking on LG C5 OLED TV deals. The 42-inch model has dropped to $999 at Amazon, a savings of $397.99 from its original $1,396.99 price. The 65-inch version is marked down to $1,299.99, representing a cut of roughly $1,400 from the original $2,699.99. Best Buy ran a Presidents’ Day sale with 48% off, and while specific prices vary by retailer, the trend is clear: inventory is moving and discounts are shrinking as the C6 takes shelf space.
These are not temporary flash sales—they reflect the reality that LG needs to clear C5 stock before the new model completely dominates shelves. If you have been considering an OLED upgrade, waiting another month could mean missing these prices entirely.
What About Burn-In and Longevity?
OLED burn-in remains the question many buyers ask. The LG C5 OLED TV uses traditional WOLED technology with self-illuminating pixels, which does carry a theoretical burn-in risk if you display static images for extended periods. However, six months of testing showed zero burn-in, and LG’s webOS includes pixel-shift and screen-saver features to mitigate the risk. For normal viewing—movies, sports, gaming with varied content—burn-in is not a practical concern.
Is the LG C5 OLED TV worth buying right now?
Yes. It is the only TV to earn five stars in the past year, the deals are substantial, and stock is disappearing. If you watch movies, sports, or play games, this TV delivers exceptional performance at a price that will not return once the C6 dominates inventory.
What sizes does the LG C5 OLED TV come in?
The LG C5 OLED TV is available in six sizes: 42 inches, 48 inches, 55 inches, 65 inches, 77 inches, and 83 inches. The 42-inch and 65-inch models currently offer the deepest discounts.
How does the LG C5 compare to the LG C4?
The LG C5 OLED TV is brighter and more colorful than the C4, with better HDR performance and improved image processing. If you own a C4, upgrading is optional unless you need the extra brightness or 144Hz gaming support. For new buyers choosing between the two, the C5 is the better value at current clearance prices.
The LG C5 OLED TV is a rare product: a top-tier television that earned universal five-star praise and is now available at a genuine discount as its successor arrives. This window will not stay open long. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade, that moment is now.
Where to Buy
65-inch C5 is just $1,299 at Amazon | LG 65" C5 4K OLED TV:
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: Tom's Guide
