Head to head
LG C6 42-inch vs LG C5 42-inch
LG's 2026 and 2025 42-inch OLEDs share a stand, a weight, and four HDMI 2.1 ports. The C6 adds 165Hz and a newer processor for about $150 more. Here's when it's worth it.
LG's 42-inch C-series is in our lineup twice: the 2026 C6 at $999.99, sold by Amazon, and the 2025 C5 at $849.95 from a third-party seller on October 7. They share the stand, the weight, the VESA pattern, and four HDMI 2.1 ports. The C6 adds 165Hz (the C5 tops out at 144Hz), a newer processor and webOS, and an updated subpixel layout that RTINGS calls a bit better for text.
This is an editorial comparison from manufacturer specs and published reviews, not our own testing. RTINGS and What Hi-Fi tested the 42-inch C5; the C6 reviews we cite tested the 65-inch, plus RTINGS' monitor review of the 48-inch. The video below is RTINGS on the C5 42.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. “Check price” buttons on this page are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you; they never change the verdict.
Option A
LG C6 42-inch OLED
- 42" 4K OLED
- 165Hz
- 4 ports
- ~$999.99
The desk TV most people should buy: a 42-inch 4K OLED with four HDMI 2.1 inputs and 165Hz, for about $1,000.
- Gaming
- 5 out of 5
- Desk fit
- 5 out of 5
- Work
- 4 out of 5
Editorial fit scores, 1–5, from published reviews and specs — not lab measurements.
Affiliate link to Amazon. Price approx., seen Oct 2026.
Read the breakdown: LG C6 42-inch OLED
Option B
LG C5 42-inch OLED
- 42" 4K OLED
- 144Hz
- 4 ports
- ~$849.95
Last year's 42-inch C-series for about $150 less: 144Hz, four full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs, and Dolby Vision.
- Desk fit
- 5 out of 5
- Gaming
- 4 out of 5
- Work
- 4 out of 5
Editorial fit scores, 1–5, from published reviews and specs — not lab measurements.
Affiliate link to Amazon. Price approx., seen Oct 2026.
Read the breakdown: LG C5 42-inch OLEDSpec sheet
Side by side
| Feature | C6 42 | C5 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. Amazon price (Oct 2026) | ~$999.99 | ~$849.95Edge |
| Amazon seller (Oct 7) | Amazon.comEdge | BrandsMartUSA (third party) |
| List price | $1,399.99 | $1,399.99 |
| Refresh rate | Up to 165Hz from a PCEdge | Up to 144Hz from a PC |
| Subpixel layout | Updated layout RTINGS calls a bit better for textEdge | RWBG; RTINGS calls text slightly blurry |
| Processor / platform | α11 Gen3, webOS 26Edge | α9 Gen8, webOS 25 |
| Brightness Booster | No (42-inch) | No (42-inch) |
| HDMI | 4x HDMI 2.1, 4K 120Hz with VRR | 4x HDMI 2.1, full 48Gbps (What Hi-Fi) |
| HDR formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Stand and VESA | Two feet, 6.7 in deep; VESA 300 x 200 | Two feet, 6.7 in deep; VESA 300 x 200 |
| Reviewed at 42 inches | Not yet; RTINGS says the 42-inch isn't as bright as bigger C6 sizes | Yes: RTINGS (as a monitor) and What Hi-Fi (2025 award)Edge |
Manufacturer specs and published reviews; prices are approximate Amazon prices seen October 7, 2026. “Edge” marks the side we think comes out ahead on that row.
Fit scores
How they fit, scored
| Scenario | LG C6 42-inch OLED | LG C5 42-inch OLED |
|---|---|---|
| Console + PC gaming | 5 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Work / desktop use | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| HDR games and movies | 4 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Desk fit | 5 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
| Value | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Editorial fit scores, 1–5 — not lab measurements. Higher score per row highlighted.
Choose the C6 42 if…
- You game on a PC and want 165Hz
- You want Amazon as the seller, and the current model
- You'll keep it for years: newer processor and webOS
- The price gap is under about $100
Choose the C5 42 if…
- You play mostly on consoles, which top out at 120Hz anyway
- You want a 42-inch OLED for under $900
- You're happy buying from a third-party seller on Amazon
- You'd rather put the savings toward speakers
Our verdict
LG C6 42-inch OLED
The C6 42, unless the C5 is at least about $150 cheaper. The C6 is the current model, sold by Amazon, with 165Hz and a subpixel layout RTINGS finds a bit better for text. The C5 is still an award-winning 42-inch OLED, and for a console-first desk that $150 is better spent on speakers.
Watch
On video
Video by RTINGS Computer on YouTube. Their views are their own.
Frequently asked questions
Is the C6 brighter than the C5 at 42 inches?
Neither 42-inch gets LG's Brightness Booster. RTINGS measured the C5 42 at about 240 to 250 nits in PC mode; no outlet has published measurements of the C6 42 yet, so we wouldn't buy the C6 for brightness alone.
Do both support Dolby Vision gaming on Xbox?
Yes. LG lists Dolby Vision on both, What Hi-Fi confirms Dolby Vision game mode on the 42-inch C5, and reviewers confirmed Dolby Vision gaming at 4K 120Hz on the 65-inch C6.
Why is the C5 sold by a third party?
On October 7, LG.com listed the 42-inch C5 as out of stock, and Amazon's buy box went to BrandsMartUSA rather than Amazon itself. That's common for last year's model as stock runs down; check the seller and return policy before you buy.
Disclosure: Independent editorial comparison based on published reviews and manufacturer specs, not our own lab measurements. Prices are approximate Amazon prices seen October 7, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.