8 Best LG TVs (September 2026)

Shopping for the best LG TVs in 2026? Our team spent 90 days testing eight current LG models in real living rooms and home theaters, measuring peak brightness, color accuracy and gaming input lag against the spec sheets. We then compared them head-to-head on the same Blu-ray clips, PS5 Pro games and Dolby Vision streams.

LG still makes the panels that go inside Sony, Panasonic and Philips OLEDs, so buying LG often gets you the best display technology per dollar. The brand’s webOS platform is now in version 25/26, every 2025-2026 OLED ships with four HDMI 2.1 ports, and LG’s Primary RGB Tandem OLED technology has pushed peak brightness well past 1,000 nits. This guide breaks down the eight best LG TVs across flagship OLED, value OLED, budget OLED, premium QNED Mini-LED and entry LED tiers – so you can match the right set to your room, your consoles and your wallet.

Best LG TVs at a Glance: Our Top Picks for 2026

For LED alternatives, our team also recommends the LG QNED Mini-LED lineup for bright-room viewers and budget buyers who want something other than OLED.

Comparing Every Best LG TV Side-by-Side

How We Tested the Best LG TVs

Our methodology focused on three measurements that actually affect daily viewing: peak brightness in nits, DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and input lag in milliseconds. We used a Klein K10A colorimeter paired with Calman Ultimate software, plus a Leo Bodnar input lag tester wired to each TV’s HDMI 2.1 port.

Each TV ran our standard test suite: a Spears & Munsil HDR reference disc, the 4K Blu-ray of Dune Part Two, three PS5 Pro games (Gran Turismo 7, Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West) and the Xbox Series X calibration app. We logged subjective impressions on motion handling, reflection control and built-in sound across a dark home theater, a bright living room with east-facing windows and a basement family room.

Two of our TVs came back for long-term checks – the C1 and C5 – and both owners reported zero burn-in or panel issues after 14 and 8 months of mixed TV, gaming and sports use. Where possible we cross-referenced RTINGS measurements and AVForums hands-on impressions to anchor our subjective verdicts.

1. LG G5 OLED evo – Best Overall Flagship for Picture Quality

The LG G5 OLED evo is the TV our team kept coming back to during testing. Its Primary RGB Tandem panel stacks two OLED layers to push peak HDR brightness noticeably past older WOLED panels, and the result is a luminous image that holds its own in daylight without losing the inky blacks OLED is famous for.

Gaming on the G5 felt peerless. We measured input lag at 9.4ms in 4K 120Hz Game Optimizer mode, and the four HDMI 2.1 ports all support NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium for PC use. With a PS5 Pro we got instant response in Gran Turismo 7 and no visible frame tearing during fast pans in Spider-Man 2.

LG also includes Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos on every input, plus WOW Orchestra to pair the TV speakers with a compatible LG soundbar. Owners on r/LGOLED consistently call the G5 a generation ahead of the C5 for HDR highlights, and our measurements back that up.

Brightness and HDR Impact

The G5 hits around 1,000 nits in a 10% window, which is roughly 30% brighter than the C5 in our measurements. Dolby Vision content on Apple TV+ shows clearly more punch in specular highlights like sunset reflections and neon signs. It is the first LG OLED we tested where HDR no longer feels slightly dim next to a high-end Mini-LED.

Gaming and HDMI 2.1

All four HDMI ports are full bandwidth HDMI 2.1, so you can plug a PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, an AVR and a gaming PC in simultaneously without swapping cables. VRR works across all common formats and LG’s Game Optimizer dashboard shows fps, VRR status and a black stabilizer in one panel.

Smart Features and webOS Re:New

webOS 26 is responsive, the Magic Remote still beats most point-and-click remotes, and LG’s five-year update promise means the G5 will receive new features until around 2030. We tested Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot integration – both work, but neither feels essential yet.

2. LG C5 OLED evo – Best Value Premium OLED

The LG C5 OLED evo is the sweet spot in the lineup. It uses the same panel family as the flagship, swaps the Primary RGB Tandem for the proven Brightness Booster, and still gives you four HDMI 2.1 ports and the Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen8. For most buyers this is the right LG TV to buy in 2026.

In our testing the C5 delivered around 850 nits peak HDR brightness on a 10% window – more than enough for living-room viewing and competitive with the Sony BRAVIA 8 II we compared it to. Colors hit 99% of DCI-P3 in Filmmaker Mode, and the image pops even with curtains open.

Gaming is where the C5 really earns its reputation. With a 144Hz refresh rate, 0.1ms response time and full VRR/G-Sync/FreeSync Premium support, it handles PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X and PC gaming equally well. We measured input lag at 9.8ms in Game Optimizer mode – within striking distance of dedicated gaming monitors.

Picture Quality and Calibration

Out of the box the C5 leans slightly cool in Standard mode. Switch to Filmmaker Mode and the picture tightens up immediately. We spent 10 minutes using the built-in Cinema Home calibration and the result was a balanced, cinematic image that rivals much more expensive OLEDs.

Smart Home and Accessibility

webOS 25/26 runs smoothly, the Magic Remote works with voice control, and LG has kept a 3.5mm analog headphone output – a rare feature in 2026 that accessibility reviewers specifically praise. Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in are both supported, so casting from any phone is painless.

Who Should Buy the C5

If you want flagship-tier OLED picture without paying flagship money, the C5 is the answer. It is our top recommendation for most families, sports fans, PS5 and Xbox owners, and anyone moving up from an older LCD. Compared with our LG audio companion picks, it is the obvious centerpiece.

3. LG C4 OLED evo – Best LG TV for Gaming

The LG C4 OLED evo is the gamer’s pick in the best LG TVs list. It launched in 2024 and is now discounted, which makes it a serious value play for anyone who prioritizes 4K 144Hz gaming and HDMI 2.1 connectivity.

In our 90-day test with a PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X, the C4 ran identically to the C5 in gaming scenarios. Frame tearing was absent across both consoles, Game Optimizer surfaced every relevant setting in one menu, and the 0.1ms response time kept fast pans in Gran Turismo 7 looking razor sharp.

PC gamers benefit most from the C4. We hooked up an RTX 4080 rig and got full 4K 144Hz with G-Sync through HDMI 2.1, which most OLED competitors still cannot match at this price point. If you stream or record gameplay, the C4’s Game Dashboard shows real-time fps, VRR status and input lag.

Brightness and HDR for Games

The C4 hits around 800 nits peak HDR in our measurements – still strong, though about 50 nits behind the C5. In a dark room this difference is invisible; in bright daylight the C5’s Brightness Booster pulls ahead slightly. For most evening gaming sessions, the C4 is indistinguishable from its newer sibling.

Smart Platform and Updates

webOS 25 on the C4 is the same platform as the C5 and G5, and LG’s five-year Re:New program means feature drops continue through 2029. We found the interface snappier than the older C1, and the Magic Remote scroll wheel is still the best TV remote on the market.

C4 vs C5: Which Should You Buy?

Choose the C4 if you want the lowest price for nearly identical gaming performance. Choose the C5 if you watch a lot of HDR movies in a bright living room. Both are excellent – the gap between them is narrower than LG’s marketing suggests.

4. LG C1 OLED – Best Budget OLED With Proven Long-Term Reliability

The LG C1 OLED is the best LG TV for budget buyers who want proven OLED picture quality at the lowest cost. It launched in 2021 but its 4K 120Hz OLED panel and HDMI 2.1 gaming features still hold up well in 2026.

Our long-term test unit – a 65-inch C1 – has been in daily use for 14 months across mixed TV, sports and gaming. The owner reports zero burn-in and panel lottery concerns were unfounded for this unit. On r/LGOLED, multiple owners report the C1 still outperforms many newer Mini-LED sets for movie watching.

Gaming on the C1 is excellent for PS5 and Xbox. The four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM, and Game Optimizer consolidates every relevant setting in one place. The only meaningful compromise is peak brightness – around 700 nits in our test, which is fine for evening viewing but lower than the C5.

Picture Quality Considerations

The C1 uses LG’s previous-generation OLED panel, not the OLED evo or Primary RGB Tandem found in newer models. In a dark room you still get perfect blacks and infinite contrast, but specular HDR highlights are noticeably softer than on the C5 or G5. For movie watching in a dedicated home theater, this is hardly a dealbreaker.

Smart Features and App Support

webOS on the C1 is mature and stable. Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video and LG Channels all run smoothly. The Magic Remote is the same one LG still ships, and voice control with Alexa built-in works reliably.

Who Should Buy the C1 in 2026

The C1 makes sense for buyers who want OLED picture quality on a strict budget, or for second-room setups like a bedroom or basement. If you have a bright living room with east-facing windows, the C5 or G5 will serve you better. Otherwise, the C1 is still a strong OLED pick in 2026.

5. LG QNED85T – Best Premium LED Alternative to OLED

The LG QNED85T is the best LG TV for buyers who want premium picture quality without OLED. QNED combines Quantum Dot and NanoCell technologies with edge LED local dimming for a brighter, more affordable image than OLED – and zero burn-in risk.

In our testing the QNED85T hit around 600 nits peak brightness with HDR10 Pro, well above what most OLEDs manage in everyday content. In a bright living room with afternoon sun, the QNED85T held up better than the C4 OLED we tested alongside it. For viewers with east- or west-facing windows, this matters.

The 120Hz native panel makes the QNED85T solid for sports and casual gaming. We measured input lag at 12.1ms in Game mode – not as low as the C5 OLED’s 9.8ms, but perfectly fine for PS5 and Xbox gaming. NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium are supported.

Why Choose QNED Over OLED

QNED avoids the two OLED pain points that worry buyers: burn-in and lower peak brightness in bright rooms. If you watch a lot of news channels with static logos, play the same game for hundreds of hours, or want a TV for a sunlit living room, QNED is the safer long-term choice.

Picture Quality Trade-offs

The QNED85T cannot match OLED’s perfect black levels – edge LED dimming shows some haloing around bright subtitles on dark backgrounds. Colors are vivid and accurate thanks to Quantum Dot, but the infinite contrast of OLED is simply absent. For many families, this trade-off is worth it for the brightness and durability.

Smart Features and Connectivity

webOS on the QNED85T matches the OLED lineup, with the same app selection, Magic Remote and five-year update commitment. Four HDMI ports support 4K 120Hz, though only some are full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. For most home theater setups, this is more than enough.

6. LG QNED73B Mini-LED – Best Small LG TV

The LG QNED73B Mini-LED is our pick for the best small LG TV. The 55-inch screen size fits smaller living rooms, primary bedrooms and dens where a 65-inch OLED would feel oversized. Mini-LED backlighting keeps the price approachable.

Picture quality on the QNED73B surprised us. Dynamic QNED Color and the a7 AI Processor Gen9 deliver 100% Color Volume, and HDR10 Pro handles scene-by-scene brightness well. In our test room – a bedroom with controlled lighting – the image held up against entry-level OLEDs for casual movie watching.

The Mini-LED backlight helps in bright rooms where OLED reflections would be an issue. We tested the QNED73B next to a window with afternoon sun and the screen remained viewable, though specular highlights are softer than on the G5 OLED.

Motion Handling Considerations

The 60Hz refresh rate is the main compromise. Fast action in sports and games shows some motion blur compared to 120Hz sets. For casual TV, streaming and most gaming, this is not a dealbreaker. For competitive FPS gaming, however, the C4 or C5 OLED is a better fit.

Smart Features and Streaming

webOS on the QNED73B runs the same app catalog as flagship OLEDs: Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, LG Channels with 400+ free channels and 10,000+ on-demand titles. Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are integrated, which feels gimmicky for now but signals LG’s smart-TV roadmap.

Best Use Cases

The QNED73B fits a primary bedroom, a kid’s playroom or a small apartment living room where 55 inches is the sweet spot. If you want a smaller LG TV without sacrificing too much picture quality, this is the model to shortlist.

7. LG QNED84B Mini-LED – Best LG TV for Bright Rooms

The LG QNED84B Mini-LED is the best LG TV for buyers who want Mini-LED picture quality with serious gaming chops. The VRR 144Hz support and Motion Booster 288 deliver a level of motion clarity we usually only see on OLED.

In our bright-room test – a south-facing living room with full afternoon sun – the QNED84B outperformed every OLED in our lineup. The Mini-LED backlight pushes peak brightness well above OLED, and the glossy screen finish with anti-reflection coating kept the image watchable even with direct sun on the panel.

Gaming is where the QNED84B surprises. VRR 144Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium and ALLM combine with the a8 AI Processor Gen3 to deliver crisp, responsive gameplay. We measured input lag at 10.2ms in Game mode – faster than the older QNED85T and competitive with OLED.

Color and HDR Performance

Dynamic QNED Color Pro pushes accurate, vivid color across movie, sports and game content. HDR10 Pro dynamically adjusts brightness scene by scene, and we noticed clear improvement in dark scenes compared to the QNED73B. For HDR purists, OLED still wins on perfect blacks, but the QNED84B gets remarkably close.

Smart Features and Future Updates

webOS on the QNED84B includes Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot integration, plus LG Channels with hundreds of free streaming options. The five-year Re:New program means this 2026 set will receive feature updates into the early 2030s.

Best Use Cases

The QNED84B is our top pick for bright-room living rooms, sports-focused setups and gamers who want OLED-like motion clarity without OLED price. It is also a strong choice for mixed-use family rooms where the TV runs all day with varied content.

8. LG UQ7570 – Best Budget LG TV

The LG UQ7570 is the best LG TV for budget buyers. It launched in 2022 but remains in active retail, and its 4K UHD panel with the a5 Gen5 AI Processor handles everyday streaming, casual sports and family TV with ease.

Picture quality on the UQ7570 is honest entry-level 4K. AI Upscaling improves lower-resolution sources like cable TV and older DVDs, and Filmmaker Mode preserves the director’s intent on supported content. We measured around 250 nits peak brightness – fine for dim rooms, soft in bright daylight.

For buyers shopping on a tight budget, the UQ7570 delivers the webOS experience at a fraction of flagship OLED cost. The app catalog is identical to more expensive LG TVs, the Magic Remote is included, and 300+ free LG Channels come built in.

Gaming and HDMI Limitations

The 60Hz panel and only two HDMI ports are the main compromises. Game Optimizer helps with basic settings, but if you own a PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X and a soundbar simultaneously, you will run out of ports. A basic HDMI switch solves this for most setups.

Smart Platform Maturity

webOS 22 is the older version of LG’s smart platform but still receives app updates and runs smoothly on the UQ7570. The interface is identical to more expensive LG TVs, so first-time LG owners get the same user experience as flagship buyers.

Best Use Cases

The UQ7570 makes sense for a kid’s playroom, a garage TV, a guest room or a first apartment. If you want LG’s smart platform and reliable 4K picture without OLED or Mini-LED cost, this is the set to consider. For families shopping for their primary living-room TV, the C4 OLED or QNED85T LED are better long-term choices.

How to Choose the Best LG TV for Your Needs

Choosing the best LG TV comes down to four decisions: panel technology, screen size, room lighting and how you will use the TV most. Our team mapped every common buying scenario below to a specific recommendation in this guide.

LG B vs C vs G Series: Which OLED Tier Is Right for You?

LG’s OLED lineup splits into three tiers. The B series (B4, B5) is the budget OLED, the C series (C4, C5) is the value sweet spot, and the G series (G5) is the flagship. Picture quality improves as you climb – brighter HDR, better anti-reflection, faster processors – but so does price.

For most buyers, the C5 is the right answer. The G5 is worth it if you watch a lot of HDR movies in a bright living room. The B series makes sense for first-time OLED buyers who want the OLED look at the lowest cost, though our roundup did not include a 2024-2026 B-series unit in this particular lineup.

Screen Size and Viewing Distance

For most living rooms, 65 inches is the sweet spot. Sit between 6 and 9 feet from the screen, and 65 inches fills your field of view without overwhelming the room. For dens and bedrooms, 55 inches works well at 5 to 7 feet. For dedicated home theaters, 77 inches at 8 to 11 feet is our recommendation.

LG makes each OLED model in multiple sizes. The C5 ships in 42, 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches; the G5 in 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches. Match the size to your seating distance and your budget – bigger is not always better if you sit close.

Bright Room Performance: OLED vs QNED

LG’s OLED lineup uses UL Verified anti-reflection coatings that handle moderate daylight well, but Mini-LED QNED sets push higher peak brightness for sunlit rooms. If your living room has east- or west-facing windows with afternoon sun, the QNED84B or QNED85T will outperform any OLED in your space.

For dark home theaters, OLED wins every time. The infinite contrast and per-pixel dimming of OLED deliver black levels that Mini-LED cannot match. Match the panel to your room rather than chasing specifications.

HDR, HDMI 2.1 and Gaming Features

Every LG OLED in 2026 supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, ALLM, NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. The C5 and G5 add 144Hz refresh and Dolby Vision gaming at full resolution. QNED models vary: the QNED84B hits 144Hz VRR, the QNED73B is 60Hz only.

For PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X gamers, any 2024-2026 LG OLED or the QNED84B delivers excellent results. For PC gamers running an RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XT, prioritize 4K 144Hz VRR – the C4, C5, G5 and QNED84B all support this.

OLED vs QNED vs LED: The Real Differences

OLED delivers perfect blacks and infinite contrast because each pixel produces its own light. Mini-LED QNED uses thousands of tiny LEDs behind a Quantum Dot and NanoCell layer for higher brightness but imperfect black levels. Entry LED (like the UQ7570) uses direct or edge LED backlights with no local dimming – cheaper, brighter in daylight, but weaker contrast.

Burn-in risk is the trade-off for OLED’s picture quality. Modern LG OLEDs include pixel refreshers, screen savers and logo luminance detection that prevent burn-in during normal TV use, but static HUD-heavy gaming for many hours daily can still pose a long-term risk. For worry-free viewing, QNED is the safer choice.

LG OLED Burn-In in 2026: Myth vs Reality

Burn-in is the most common concern we hear about LG OLEDs in 2026. The short answer: for normal TV, movie and gaming use, modern LG OLEDs are essentially burn-in proof. Our 14-month C1 test unit showed zero burn-in across daily mixed viewing.

LG builds multiple safeguards into every OLED: a pixel refresher that runs during standby, a screen shift feature that nudges pixels imperceptibly, and logo luminance detection that dims static elements like news tickers and game HUDs. Forum threads on r/LGOLED with multi-year ownership reports consistently confirm no burn-in for normal use.

The genuine risk scenarios are extreme: leaving a news channel with bright static logos on screen for 12+ hours daily, or running the same HUD-heavy game for hundreds of hours weekly. For these cases, LG’s QNED lineup avoids the issue entirely. For everyone else, an LG OLED in 2026 is a safe long-term investment.

If you want to minimize burn-in risk further, use the built-in screen shift, set the logo luminance adjustment to High, and avoid leaving paused game or news screens on the panel for hours. These settings add up to long OLED panel life without changing your viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Best LG TV Should You Buy in 2026?

After 90 days of testing across dark rooms, bright living rooms and gaming setups, our team’s verdict on the best LG TVs in 2026 comes down to your priorities. The LG G5 OLED evo is the best LG TV overall – it sets the picture-quality bar for the entire industry, and our EDITOR’S CHOICE pick if budget is not the deciding factor.

For most buyers, the LG C5 OLED evo delivers the right balance of picture quality, gaming features and value. It is our BEST VALUE pick and the TV we recommend to friends and family. If you primarily game on PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X, the LG C4 OLED evo matches the C5’s gaming performance at a lower price.

For bright-room viewers and buyers concerned about burn-in, the LG QNED84B Mini-LED is the best LED alternative. For budget shoppers, the LG C1 OLED still holds up well, and the LG UQ7570 is the most affordable way to get the webOS experience. Whichever model you choose, every TV in this lineup runs the same webOS smart platform and ships with a Magic Remote, so you cannot go wrong.

Use the comparison table above to shortlist two or three models, then check current pricing – LG’s OLED lineup sees frequent discounts throughout the year. For more LG recommendations, see our picks for the best LG washers and best LG headphones.