LG's B series is its entry-level OLED and the C series is the step up, and with 2025 and 2026 models on sale side by side, there are four to choose from. Based on RTINGS' testing, here's what the extra money buys and which one to get.
Buy the LG C5 (~$1,260 at 65"). It's much brighter than either B-series model, runs at up to 144Hz, and on Amazon it usually costs about the same as or less than the newer B6.
If you want a 2026 model, the LG C6 (~$1,400) is considerably better than the B6. The B5 is only worth it on a deep discount at LG.com; it isn't sold new on Amazon.
LG sells its OLED TVs in tiers: the B series is the entry-level OLED, the C series is the mid-range, and the G series is the flagship. Every year brings a new number, so the 2025 models are the B5 and C5, and the 2026 models are the B6 and C6. That gives you four realistic choices, and because older models drop in price, last year's C series often costs less than this year's B series.
| LG B5 (2025) | LG C5 (2025) | LG B6 (2026) | LG C6 (2026) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier | Entry OLED | Mid-range OLED | Entry OLED | Mid-range OLED |
| Max refresh rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | 120Hz | 165Hz |
| Brightness | Lower | Higher | Lower | Highest |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VRR (G-Sync, FreeSync) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Where to buy | LG.com (not on Amazon) | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
| 65" price | See LG.com | ~$1,260 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,400 |
Both are 2025 OLEDs with perfect blacks, wide viewing angles, Dolby Vision, and excellent gaming features. The C5 is the better TV in every way that shows on screen:
Verdict: get the C5. The B5 only makes sense if LG.com has it on a deep discount and you watch mostly in a dark room. The B5 isn't sold new on Amazon, so check LG's site for current pricing.
RTINGS calls the C6 considerably better than the B6, and the main reason is brightness again. The C6 gets much brighter in both SDR and HDR, and it runs at up to 165Hz versus the B6's 120Hz. The B6 still has OLED's perfect blacks, Dolby Vision, and an accurate picture out of the box, but it isn't bright enough for a very bright room.
A few size details matter on the C6. The 77- and 83-inch models are actually the C6H, which uses a brighter panel. The 42-inch C6 lacks the brightness boost of the larger sizes, and the 48-inch uses a different panel than the 55- and 65-inch models.
Verdict: if you're buying a 2026 model, the C6 is worth the extra money over the B6.
Mostly, no. RTINGS found the B6 nearly identical to the B5: the B5 is slightly brighter with full-screen content, while the B6 has a panel that renders PC text a little more cleanly. The C6 is only a minor upgrade over the C5, and RTINGS' advice is that most people should buy a discounted C5 instead.
The most important finding: the C5 is much better than the B6, and on Amazon it usually costs about the same or less. That makes last year's C5 the best LG OLED value right now.
The smart buy. Brighter than either B-series model, with Dolby Vision, four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K at up to 144Hz with VRR, and very low input lag. It's discounted now that the C6 is out, which puts it at or below the price of the B6.
Worth knowing: its glossy screen shows reflections from lamps and windows facing it. As a 2025 model, stock will thin out over time.
Check price on Amazon Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.The newest and brightest of the four, with 4K at up to 165Hz, Dolby Vision, and four HDMI 2.1 ports. It's our OLED pick in our best TVs for PS5 and best TVs for Xbox Series X. Buy it if you want the latest model or the C5 is sold out in your size.
Worth knowing: it's only a small step up from the C5, and it costs more.
Check price on Amazon Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.A good OLED for a dark living room or bedroom: perfect blacks, Dolby Vision, VRR, and an accurate picture with no calibration needed. It only makes sense when it's clearly cheaper than the C5, so watch for sales.
Worth knowing: it isn't bright enough for a sunny room, and it tops out at 120Hz.
Check price on Amazon Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.The cheapest way into an LG OLED when LG runs a sale. It has the same perfect blacks, Dolby Vision, and VRR as the others, and it's nearly identical to the B6 in RTINGS' testing.
Worth knowing: it's the dimmest of the four. Unless it's well below the C5's price, the C5 is the better buy.
Check price at LGThinking about stepping up instead? Our LG C5 vs. G5 comparison covers LG's brighter flagship, and LG C5 vs. Samsung S90F compares the C5 with its closest rival. For every size, see our best OLED TVs.