The LG OLED M5 might just be the most elegant television LG has ever made. With its ultra-slim design, stunning 4K picture quality, and the unique Zero Connect Box that sends both video and sound wirelessly, this OLED feels like it belongs in the future. But how well does it perform in real-world conditions? Does the wireless connection affect image or audio quality? We spent time testing the LG OLED65M5, the smallest model in the series, to find out.
Design and Concept
Think of the LG M5 as a more minimalist, lifestyle-focused version of the LG Gallery G5 — one of the best OLED TVs of 2025. It’s built to hang on your wall like a piece of art, without any visible cables. In fact, the M5 doesn’t even have physical ports on the panel itself. Everything is handled through the Zero Connect Box, a separate hub that transmits content wirelessly to the screen.
he LG 65OLEDM5 TV can be considered a lifestyle version of the Gallery OLED G5, one of the best TVs of 2025.
The OLED M5 comes in 65-, 77-, 83-, and 97-inch versions, with the 65-inch model we tested priced at around $3,000. The 77-inch version sits near $5,000, the 83-inch around $6,700, and the flagship 97-inch M5 is expected to cost roughly $32,000 when it launches in the U.S.
The TV’s body is barely 2 cm thick and mounts flush to the wall with LG’s Gallery Bracket — making it look more like a digital painting than a screen. All your HDMI, USB, and antenna connections go into the Zero Connect Box, which can sit up to six meters away, even hidden under a sofa or cabinet.
LG uses proprietary 16 GHz data transmission technology designed to ensure lossless data transfer. Testing the Zero Connect Box in various locations throughout the room confirmed its effectiveness.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The LG OLED M5 runs the latest version of webOS 25, with full support for all major streaming apps and voice assistants. The new Magic Remote has been redesigned for better ergonomics, though some longtime LG fans might miss the old numeric keypad and dedicated color buttons.
Like the wall-mounted version of the LG M4 OLED, the M5 does not come with a stand. The LG G5 and M5 ‘s housings are virtually identical. The only difference with the M5 is the lack of connectivity ports, unlike its predecessor, the LG M4.
A dedicated AI button now gives you personalized recommendations, search tools, and voice assistance. The TV’s built-in microphone can also be muted via a hardware switch on the Connect Box.
One small disappointment is the removal of the dual TV tuner — meaning you can no longer record one channel while watching another. The M5 includes only a single tuner, reflecting LG’s focus on streaming rather than traditional broadcasting.
LG M5 Back panel
Picture Quality
Let’s get one thing straight — the M5’s picture quality is spectacular. Using LG’s α11 AI Processor 4K Gen 2 and the same panel technology found in the Gallery G5, it produces reference-level images with deep blacks, rich contrast, and dazzling HDR performance.
Thanks to the new RGB Tandem OLED panel structure, colors look even more vivid and precise. Brightness peaks at around 2,550 nits in HDR, which actually outperforms the G5’s 2,470 nits. The M5 also covers a wider color gamut and achieves near-perfect white balance in SDR mode.
The manufacturer calls the LG OLED M5 “OLED Evo AI.” This refers to intelligent connectivity. “AI” stands for “artificial intelligence.” Naturally, all of this is integrated into the latest version of LG’s webOS operating system, which impresses with a wide range of apps and excellent usability.
HDR performance is equally impressive — subtle highlights in bright scenes (like reflections, explosions, or sunlight) are handled beautifully, without clipping or noise. Whether you’re streaming Dolby Vision movies on Netflix or watching 4K Blu-rays, the picture quality remains flawless and natural.
Filmmaker Mode continues to be a favorite for cinephiles, offering an accurate, cinematic tone curve right out of the box. Motion handling has also improved — LG’s TruMotion and AI Picture Pro features smooth out judder and maintain detail during fast scenes without introducing the dreaded “soap opera effect.”
Most impressively, the wireless transmission system shows no visible lag, compression artifacts, or signal loss. The image remains perfectly sharp even when the Connect Box is hidden several meters away.
Sound Quality
Despite its ultra-thin design, the M5’s built-in 4.2-channel audio system (4 x 10W + 2 x 10W subwoofers) delivers surprisingly full-bodied sound. Dialogue is clear, and Dolby Atmos effects are spacious and immersive.
Still, this isn’t a substitute for a proper soundbar or surround system. LG dropped DTS audio support, which means external systems are recommended for true audiophiles. Pair it with an LG Soundbar or a WiSA-compatible system to unleash the full potential of its audio performance.
Gaming and Performance
Gamers will appreciate that the M5 includes HDMI 2.1 with full support for 4K at 144 Hz, VRR, ALLM, QMS, and QFT. Input lag hovers around 15 ms, making it one of the fastest OLEDs available.
However, the Zero Connect Box includes only three HDMI 2.1 ports, compared to four on the G5. It’s a minor limitation but one worth noting if you plan to connect multiple consoles and devices.
The M5’s gaming configuration is excellent: the HDMI 2.1 ports support up to 144 fps in Ultra HD and HDR when used with a gaming PC. However, it does have a deduction compared to the G5 and C5, as the Zero Connect Box only has three HDMI ports instead of the usual four.
Wireless stability remains outstanding. The Zero Connect system operates at 16 GHz, maintaining full signal strength up to about six meters, even through light obstacles.
Specs Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Type | OLED Evo 4K (WRGB) |
| Processor | α11 AI Processor 4K Gen 2 |
| Resolution | 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD) |
| HDR Formats | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (144 Hz for gaming) |
| Brightness | Up to 2,550 nits (HDR) |
| Audio System | 4.2CH, 60W total, Dolby Atmos |
| OS | webOS 25 |
| Connectivity | 3x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB, Optical, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Gaming | FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible, Game Optimizer |
| Sizes | 65”, 77”, 83”, 97” |
| Price (approx.) | $2,999 – $31,999 USD |
Conclusion
The LG OLED M5 is a milestone in TV innovation — combining the razor-sharp picture of the OLED G5 with a truly wireless connection that feels almost magical. You get all the cinematic richness of LG’s best OLED panel, no visible cables, and a minimalist aesthetic that’s second to none.
It’s not perfect — fewer HDMI ports, no dual tuner, and the removal of some old-school remote features may annoy traditionalists. But for anyone who values design purity, premium image quality, and next-gen convenience, the LG OLED M5 is arguably the most forward-thinking TV of 2025.
