LG C5 OLED TV Product Review: Is It Worth It?

Fri Dec 12 2025

Electronics

If you’re in the market for an OLED TV that combines stunning picture quality, responsive gaming performance, and smart, modern features, the LG C5 might be on your radar. Available in a broad range of sizes, the C5 offers flexibility whether you're furnishing a compact living room, a dedicated gaming setup, or a home theater.

In this review, we’ll dig into what makes this TV stand out, how it performs across different use cases, and whether it's a worthwhile investment for you.

What Is the LG C5 OLED TV?

The LG C5 is part of LG’s OLED evo series, designed to deliver deep blacks, vivid color, and modern smart functionality, all powered by LG’s next-gen α9 AI Processor Gen8. The C5 supports 4K resolution, HDR formats like Dolby Vision, and is optimized for gaming with a 144 Hz refresh rate and full HDMI 2.1 support.

It’s also a fairly light and slim TV, the 42" model weighs under 22.5 lbs without its stand. The C5 runs on webOS 25, giving you a robust library of streaming apps, voice assistant integration, and LG’s “AI Concierge” features.

Product Highlights: LG C5 Sizes

Here are the key C5 models across sizes, all sharing core strengths, with some size-specific considerations:

LG OLED evo C5 42″: Compact, lightweight, and ideal for desks, small apartments, or secondary rooms.
LG OLED evo C5 48″: Slightly larger, but still manageable; great for mixed use like work and gaming.
LG OLED evo C5 55″: A balanced size for living rooms; delivers a cinematic feel without overwhelming the space.
LG OLED evo C5 65″: Excellent for home theaters; size brings immersion + makes the most of OLED contrast.
LG OLED evo C5 77″: Large-scale viewing experience; ideal for spacious rooms and serious movie watching.
LG OLED evo C5 83″: Flagship-sized screen; delivers a truly cinematic presence for movies and gaming.

Key Features & Performance

Picture Quality & Processing

The α9 AI Processor Gen8 enhances everything you watch using AI Super Upscaling and dynamic tone mapping.
Thanks to OLED evo technology, you get “Perfect Black” and “Perfect Color” — self-lit pixels deliver infinite contrast.
HDR support includes Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, ensuring compatibility with most modern content.

Gaming Performance

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) up to 144 Hz lets you game smoothly without visual tearing.
Four HDMI 2.1 ports support high-bandwidth gaming devices, next-gen consoles, PC, and more
It also supports G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and HGIG, making it a gamer’s favorite.
Response time is impressively fast, less than 0.1ms according to specs.

Smart & AI Features

Runs webOS 25, giving access to a wide range of apps, voice control via Alexa/Google, and LG Channels
AI Concierge learns your viewing habits and recommends content. Also powers a picture/audio wizard for personalized settings.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 4 HDMI, 3 USB, plus features like Apple AirPlay 2 and Matter support for smart home integration.

Audio

Built-in 2.0 channel speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
Sound is decent but not exceptional; many users will likely pair it with a soundbar for a richer audio experience. For more insights on soundbars, explore our “Everything You Need to Know About Soundbars” and “Finding the Best Soundbar for Your TV” articles.

Design & Build

Ultra-slim bezel design makes the panel visually minimal.
Wall-mountable: smaller models use VESA 300×200; the 83″ model uses 400×400.
Magic Remote is included and works with smart features like voice recognition.

Is the LG C5 Worth It?

Short answer: Yes, especially for movie lovers, gamers, and anyone who values contrast and color quality.

Here’s who the C5 is especially good for:

Gamers looking for a responsive, high-refresh-rate screen
Home theater fans who want deep blacks and accurate HDR
People upgrading from smaller TVs who want a range of size options

It’s less ideal for:

Very bright rooms where peak brightness may feel underwhelming
Hi-fi audio purists who want premium built-in sound without a soundbar
Over-the-air broadcast viewers who rely on newer ATSC standards

Buying Tips & Recommendations

Match size to your space wisely: Use the smaller models (42″ or 48″) for workspaces or bedrooms; go big (65″-83″) for a true cinema feel.
Pair with a sound system: Boost the audio experience with a quality soundbar — the C5’s internal speakers are serviceable but not powerful.
Game optimized: Use a next-gen console or PC that supports 120Hz+ to maximize the benefits of HDMI 2.1 & VRR.
Use Filmmaker Mode: For the most accurate picture, use Filmmaker Mode or adjust contrast and color manually.
Keep firmware updated: Regularly updating firmware leads to improvements in brightness and performance with software updates.

Experience the LG C5 OLED at Silica Today

The LG C5 OLED is a compelling, versatile TV that delivers high performance across gaming, movies, and everyday viewing. Its deep blacks, fast refresh rate, and smart features make it a smart buy for many users, especially considering the wide size range and next-gen processing power. While it's not without limitations (like brightness and onboard sound), for most buyers, those are trade-offs worth making. If you're looking for a balanced OLED that offers cutting-edge specs without going all-in on a flagship model, the LG C5 is absolutely worth considering.

At Silica, we offer a wide selection of top brands, expert advice, and professional installation services to help you find the right solutions for your home.

We also offer financing options to help you access the right products that fit your needs and budget. Visit one of our stores today in Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and Watertown, WI to experience the latest advancements in electronics, including televisions, home theatre solutions, audio products, projectors, and more.

FAQs: LG C5 OLED TV Product Review: Is It Worth It?

Can I use the C5 for PC gaming?

Yes, with its 144 Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and HDMI 2.1 ports, it's well-suited for high-end PC gaming.

Is 42″ too small for a cinema experience?

Not necessarily. In smaller rooms or for a dual-purpose TV (like work and play), the 42″ version is ideal, while bigger sizes are better for immersive viewing.

Does the C5 support Dolby Atmos?

Yes, it includes Dolby Atmos support, though for fuller audio, pairing it with a soundbar is recommended.

Is the LG C5 future-proof?

It’s quite forward-looking: HDMI 2.1, 144 Hz refresh rate, and advanced processing help it remain relevant for gaming and streaming for years to come.