What Hi-Fi’s latest five-star OLED TV picks reveal a crowded month of exceptional hardware, with LG’s new C6 emerging as an unexpected standout despite modest initial specifications. The publication’s monthly roundup showcases products that earned perfect five-star ratings from reviewers testing a flood of new arrivals in home cinema and hi-fi equipment.
Key Takeaways
- LG C6 described as a ‘revelation’ despite being the least exciting model in LG’s 2026 OLED range
- Five-star picks include projectors, powered speakers, and floorstanding speakers across multiple price points
- ProAc K3 floorstanders deliver ‘charming performance’ focused on music clarity
- Onkyo GX-30ARC compact powered speakers excel with quality audio sources over Bluetooth
- LG C4 and C5 models continue to see aggressive pricing with cashback offers
Why LG’s C6 OLED defies low expectations
The LG C6 uses a standard OLED panel rather than the Primary RGB Tandem OLED found in larger siblings, yet testing revealed it as a genuine revelation. What Hi-Fi’s reviewers found the 65-inch model represents a meaningful upgrade over the LG C5 in nearly every performance metric, despite initial specification concerns suggesting it might be the least compelling member of LG’s 2026 lineup. The C-series has established a strong track record with prior five-star wins for both the C4 and C5 models in multiple sizes.
This positioning matters because it proves that flagship OLED architecture alone does not determine real-world picture quality. The C6’s engineering delivers performance that belies its mid-range position within the year’s OLED portfolio. For buyers weighing the C6 against Sony’s flagship OLED or Panasonic’s Primary RGB Tandem OLED alternatives, the LG offers compelling value without sacrificing the core OLED advantages that matter most in darkened viewing rooms.
Five-star projectors and powered speakers reshape home cinema
Beyond the LG C6, What Hi-Fi’s roundup celebrates a projector that delivers proper home cinema performance, praised for stellar app support and excellent picture quality despite middling built-in sound. This recognition matters because projectors occupy a different niche than flat-panel TVs—they excel in dedicated dark rooms where image size and immersion override brightness concerns. The five-star verdict suggests this model bridges the gap between budget projectors and premium cinema solutions.
The Onkyo GX-30ARC powered speakers earned five-star status as compact, versatile, and affordable options that showcase considerable talents when paired with quality audio sources. Reviewers noted these speakers perform best when connected via wired inputs rather than Bluetooth, a distinction that guides purchasing decisions for listeners prioritizing sound quality over wireless convenience. The ProAc K3 floorstanders, meanwhile, deliver a charming performance that centers music expression and detail, appealing to listeners who value musicality over brute power.
OLED TV deals and the 2026 model year landscape
LG’s older OLED models continue to see aggressive pricing as retailers clear inventory ahead of 2026 launches. The LG C4 and C5 have reached their lowest-ever prices through early Black Friday deals and cashback promotions, with some C5 configurations receiving over £1,400 in cashback support. This pricing pressure creates genuine dilemmas for buyers: should you grab a discounted C5, or wait for C6 availability and pricing to stabilize?
The answer depends on your tolerance for latest specs versus proven performance. The C5 remains a five-star performer with a longer sales history and wider retailer support. The C6, as a 2026 newcomer, offers refinement and future-proofing but faces typical new-model pricing. What Hi-Fi’s five-star verdict for the C6 suggests the upgrade justifies patience if you can wait for street prices to normalize.
What five-star status actually means in 2026
A five-star rating from What Hi-Fi signals that a product has cleared an exceptionally high bar—it performs at or near the best in its category, delivers genuine value relative to alternatives, and avoids significant compromises. The publication’s monthly roundup, by concentrating multiple five-star products in a single feature, underscores how competitive the 2026 home cinema and hi-fi market has become. Manufacturers are shipping more capable gear at more accessible price points than ever before.
This abundance creates opportunity but also decision fatigue. A reader seeing five-star picks for the LG C6, a projector, ProAc speakers, and Onkyo powered speakers might reasonably ask: which category should I invest in first? The answer hinges on your room, your listening habits, and your existing gear. The LG C6 suits living rooms where TV is the primary focus. The projector suits dedicated dark rooms. The speakers suit listeners prioritizing audio quality in smaller spaces or as part of existing systems.
Is the LG C6 worth buying over the C5?
The LG C6 delivers meaningful performance improvements over the C5 despite using a standard OLED panel instead of Primary RGB Tandem OLED. If you own a C5 already, the upgrade is not urgent. If you are buying new, the C6’s five-star verdict and position as LG’s most popular 2026 OLED model suggest it will command better long-term support and resale value.
What makes the Onkyo GX-30ARC different from other powered speakers?
The Onkyo GX-30ARC excels as a compact, versatile, and affordable powered speaker solution that performs best with quality wired sources rather than Bluetooth. Its five-star rating reflects exceptional value—it delivers considerable sonic talent without requiring a separate amplifier or preamp, making it ideal for small rooms, offices, or secondary listening spaces.
Should I buy a projector or stick with an OLED TV?
Projectors and OLED TVs serve different purposes. The five-star projector in What Hi-Fi’s roundup suits dedicated dark rooms where image size and immersion matter most, while OLED TVs like the LG C6 work in mixed-lighting living rooms and deliver superior brightness and contrast. Choose a projector if you have a dark dedicated space; choose an OLED TV if you watch in typical living rooms.
What Hi-Fi’s five-star picks reflect a market where OLED TVs, premium projectors, and quality speakers have all matured to exceptional levels. The LG C6’s surprising strength, the projector’s proper home cinema credentials, and the speaker systems’ sonic achievements prove that 2026 is delivering genuine excellence across multiple price tiers. For buyers ready to upgrade, these five-star verdicts offer a trustworthy roadmap through an otherwise overwhelming selection of new hardware.
Where to Buy
Check Amazon | No price information | £2,199 | No price information | No price information
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: What Hi-Fi?
