The Sony BRAVIA 8 II and the LG C5 are closely matched OLEDs in lab testing, but at 65 inches the Sony costs about twice as much. Here's where each one wins, and who should pay for the Sony.
The short answer
For most people, the LG C5 (about $1,260 at 65"). It's brighter, keeps blacks deeper with the lights on, and is the better gaming TV, for about half the price.
Choose the Sony BRAVIA 8 II (about $2,500 at 65", $2,000 at 55") if glare is a problem in your room or you want the most vibrant color and Sony's processing.
Side-by-side
| Sony BRAVIA 8 II | LG C5 |
|---|
| Panel | QD-OLED | WOLED |
| Sizes | 55", 65" | 42" to 83" |
| Max refresh rate | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 ports | 2 | 4 |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Screen finish | Glossy, strong reflection handling | Glossy |
| Smart platform | Google TV | LG webOS |
| 65" price | ~$2,500 | ~$1,260 |
In RTINGS' lab testing these two OLEDs are fairly closely matched, and each wins in different ways. The big difference is price. At 65 inches, the LG C5 costs about half as much as the Sony.
Where the Sony BRAVIA 8 II wins
- Reflection handling. This is the Sony's biggest advantage. It handles reflections much better, so glare from windows and lamps is far less distracting during the day.
- Color. Its QD-OLED panel produces brighter, more vibrant colors than the C5's WOLED panel.
- Processing. Sony's upscaling and smoothing are among the best you can buy, which helps DVDs, 1080p Blu-rays, cable, and low-bitrate streams look cleaner.
- PS5 extras. Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode set up a PS5 automatically.
Where the LG C5 wins
- Peak brightness. The C5 gets brighter, so highlights have more punch.
- Blacks in a lit room. Its blacks stay deep and inky with the lights on. The Sony's anti-reflection treatment comes at a cost: its blacks look grayer in a bright room.
- Gaming. It's the better gaming TV, with 4K at up to 144Hz, G-SYNC support, and four HDMI 2.1 ports versus the Sony's two.
- Price and sizes. It costs about half as much at 65 inches, and comes in sizes from 42 to 83 inches. The BRAVIA 8 II comes only in 55 and 65 inches.
Which should you buy?
Best value for most people~$1,260 (65")
LG C5 OLED (65")
RTINGS: closely matched with the BRAVIA 8 II · 2025 model
For most people, the C5 is the smarter buy. It matches the Sony's picture closely, is brighter, keeps its blacks deeper with the lights on, and is the better gaming TV, all for about half the price. Spend the difference on a good surround sound system.
Worth knowing: its glossy screen shows more glare than the Sony's from a window or lamp opposite the TV, and its colors aren't as vivid.
Check price on Amazon
Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.
Best for glare and vivid color~$2,000 (55") · ~$2,500 (65")
Sony BRAVIA 8 II OLED
RTINGS: excellent for mixed usage · QD-OLED · 2025 model
Choose the Sony if reflections in your room drive you crazy, you want the most vibrant color, or you watch a lot of DVDs, Blu-rays, and cable, where Sony's processing shines. It's also the best Sony TV you can buy new on Amazon right now. See our best Sony TVs.
Worth knowing: it isn't bright enough in SDR for a very bright room, it tops out at 120Hz with only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and it's expensive. RTINGS found the LG G5 (about $1,600 at 65") is better overall, so compare our LG C5 vs G5 before you buy.
Check 55" price on Amazon
Check 65" price on Amazon
Prices change often — verify current pricing on Amazon.
What about the LG C6?
The C5's 2026 successor, the LG C6, is RTINGS' current upper mid-range pick and our best 77-inch TV for most people. It's a little better but costs more right now, so the discounted C5 is the better value while it's in stock. Sony hasn't replaced the BRAVIA 8 II yet. Not sure an OLED is right for your room? Read OLED vs QLED vs Mini LED.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony BRAVIA 8 II better than the LG C5?
They're closely matched in RTINGS' testing. The Sony handles reflections much better and has more vibrant color. The LG C5 is brighter, keeps blacks deeper in a lit room, and is better for gaming. Since the C5 costs about half as much at 65 inches, it's the better buy for most people.
Which is better for gaming, the Sony BRAVIA 8 II or LG C5?
The LG C5. It supports 4K at up to 144Hz and G-SYNC, and all four of its HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1. The BRAVIA 8 II tops out at 120Hz and has two HDMI 2.1 ports, though it adds Sony's PS5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping.
Does the Sony BRAVIA 8 II have a matte screen?
No. It has a glossy screen, but RTINGS found it does a great job of reducing the intensity of direct reflections, much better than the LG C5. The trade-off is that its blacks look grayer in a bright room.
What sizes does the Sony BRAVIA 8 II come in?
Only 55 and 65 inches (K-55XR80M2 and K-65XR80M2). The LG C5 comes in 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches.