The LG OLED65C5 isn’t a reinvention — it’s a refinement. Building on the success of last year’s C4, the C5 subtly enhances what was already a stellar OLED TV. With boosted brightness, improved processing power, and smarter AI-driven features, the C5 cements its place as one of 2025’s top-tier 4K TVs without pushing into G Series price territory.
Think of it as a perfectly balanced wine: not too expensive, not too niche — just consistently satisfying. Let’s break down why the C5 might be your ideal home theater companion this year.
Design & Build: Sleek Minimalism with a Premium Feel
From the front, the LG C5 is all elegance. Its razor-thin OLED panel is framed in sleek metal, perched atop a stylish, central stand that’s as sturdy as it is attractive. Even the rear panel flaunts a premium slate finish, making wall-mounting feel almost like hiding a piece of art.
The 2025 version of webOS looks familiar but now includes an AI shortcut button for quick access to recommended apps and settings. You’ll find dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and others, plus LG Channels — the brand’s free streaming service offering both live and on-demand content.
LG OLED65C5
Sound: Decent on Its Own, Better with Backup
Let’s be clear: the C5 doesn’t blow you away with its built-in audio. The 2.2-channel system is functional but limited. Dialogue can sound a bit sharp, even with AI Sound Pro doing its best to widen the soundstage.
However, the addition of Wow Orchestra — which syncs the TV’s speakers with LG soundbars — adds richness for those willing to invest in an audio upgrade. Dolby Atmos passthrough via eARC also allows for a more immersive home cinema setup.
Picture Quality: OLED Brilliance at Its Best
If there’s one word to describe the C5’s image: stunning. LG’s OLED tech continues to deliver unmatched black levels, and this year’s model turns up the HDR performance with up to 1,400 nits peak brightness in Vivid mode — a significant leap from the C4.
It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (but still no HDR10+), and handles near-black detail with finesse, making dark scenes more layered and natural. The latest Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor also sharpens upscaling and image clarity, particularly in lower-resolution content.
Picture modes include everything from Filmmaker Mode (now with an ambient light sensor for smart adjustments) to AI-based Personalized Picture Mode, which learns your viewing preferences and adapts accordingly.
Whether you’re watching cinematic epics or everyday content, this TV shines — especially in Standard and Cinema modes.
LG OLED65C5
Gaming: A Paradise for Console and PC Players
Gamers will love the C5. With full HDMI 2.1 support, 4K at 120Hz, 144Hz PC gaming compatibility, VRR, ALLM, and native support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, it’s designed for low-latency, smooth visuals.
LG’s Game Optimizer and Dashboard are back, giving quick access to performance metrics like VRR status, input lag, and black stabilizer settings. Input lag clocks in at a competitive 13ms, making it a solid choice for both casual and competitive gamers.
LG OLED65C5
What’s New Compared to the C4?
While the C5 doesn’t get LG’s cutting-edge Tandem OLED panel (reserved for the G5), it does benefit from an updated Brightness Booster algorithm and that all-important Alpha 9 Gen 8 processor.
This generation also introduces better AI personalization, including voice recognition that can switch user profiles based on who’s speaking. There’s even a Microsoft-powered chatbot for support, though it’s a bit hit-and-miss in execution.
The webOS 25 experience is more fluid and tailored, although some AI features feel like they’re still in beta testing.
Connectivity & Specs at a Glance
- HDMI: 4 x HDMI 2.1 (with eARC on HDMI 2)
- USB: 3 x USB 2.0
- Audio Out: Optical, 3.5mm
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet
- Tuner: DVB-T2/C/S2, Analog (PAL, NTSC, SECAM)
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 40Hz–120Hz (144Hz for PC)
- Processor: Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI Processor
- Operating System: webOS 25
- Audio System: 2.2 channel, 40W total power, Dolby Atmos support
- Voice Assistants: Google Assistant, Alexa
Pricing (as of March 2025)
- 42″ OLED42C5: $1,400
- 48″ OLED48C5: $1,600
- 55″ OLED55C5: $2,000
- 65″ OLED65C5: $2,700
- 77″ OLED77C5: $3,700
- 83″ OLED83C5: $5,400
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the LG OLED C5?
If you’re looking for one of the best OLED TVs of 2025 that balances performance, price, and features — the LG OLED C5 is a strong contender. It doesn’t rewrite the OLED playbook, but it doesn’t have to. With its gorgeous image quality, refined design, and gamer-friendly specs, it’s a versatile display that works just as well for movie lovers as it does for gaming enthusiasts.
