LG C6 vs. LG C5: I compared two generations of OLED TVs, and it was pretty darn close


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If you’ve been looking to upgrade your living room or home theater with a high-end OLED TV, LG is one of the top brands you can choose. With the release of the new C6 OLED, the brand continues to prove why it deserves to be number one, but is the yearly refresh worth spending the extra money?

Also: The best OLED TVs you can buy

On the surface, the C5 and C6 don’t seem all that different, with similar smart features and tech specs. But the main differences lie in the improved Alpha processor and support for robust AI programs like Copilot. I’ve broken down each upgrade and hardware refresh to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs and your budget. 

Specifications

LG C5

LG C6

Display type

OLED

OLED

Display size

42 to 83 inches

42 to 83 inches

Refresh rate

Up to 144Hz

Up to 165Hz

HDR Dolby Vision Dolby Vision
Audio Dolby Atmos Dolby Atmos
VRR support Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
Voice controls Alexa, Apple Homekit, Hey Google Alexa, Apple Homekit, Hey Google
Price Starting at $900 Starting at $1,400

You should buy the LG C5 OLED TV if…

LG C5

Adam Breeden/ZDNET

1. You love a good deal

With the LG C5 being a generation behind, it’s much more likely to see sales and discounts than its successor, the C6. If you keep a sharp eye on deals pages at your favorite retailers, you can sometimes snag the C5 for as much as 50% off during big sale events. Saving on your new OLED TV means you’ll have extra cash to round out your home theater with custom audio, game consoles, or even lighting effects. 

2. You want a high-end OLED for streaming and gaming

The LG C5 still gives you plenty of reasons to pick one up if you’re looking to upgrade your home theater or gaming space. With a variety of screen sizes to choose from, you’ll be able to find a screen to fit any space, from living rooms to offices. With a base refresh rate of 120Hz, you’ll get smooth motion for sports, video games, and streaming. 

Also: LG C5 OLED TV review

And with support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, you can boost the refresh rate to 144Hz to eliminate motion blur. You’ll also get Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos for enhanced picture quality and virtual surround sound.

3. You want less AI integration

Firmware updates will enable the LG C5 to support the LG AI concierge feature. But if you’re like me and want to keep AI as far away from your home theater as possible, you can toggle features on and off. And being an older model, the LG C5 won’t have the processing power to support more robust AI programs like Copilot and Gemini. 

You should buy the LG C6 OLED TV if…

LG C6 OLED

LG

1. You want a better processor

The biggest update to the LG C6 is the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 CPU. It gets a beefy boost for better power efficiency, faster, more accurate picture and sound rendering, and support for the new AI chatbot and customization features. The new AI Picture and Sound Pro and AI Brightness Control features let you have a “set and forget” TV that automatically adjusts picture and sound settings, tailor-made for your space. 

2. You want a higher refresh rate

The improved Alpha 11 processor not only makes the LG C6 more powerful, but it also makes the TV faster. With support for VRR technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, you’ll be able to push the refresh rate up to 165Hz, making it a great option for live sports, console and PC gaming, and streaming fast-paced movies and shows. 

Watch: LG pushes OLED TV technology even brighter in 2026

The base refresh rate of 120Hz is quickly becoming the standard for 4K TVs and delivers smooth, clean motion across all media.

3. You want more AI integration

All 2026 LG TVs will feature a built-in AI concierge to provide personalized search options and media recommendations, but the LG C6 will also support Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. With both AI programs, you’ll be able to do everything from adjusting picture settings to streamlining your workflow. 

And you’ll be able to seamlessly integrate your new TV into your AI-based smart home network without having to rebuild your preferences or readjust settings.

Writer’s choice

While the LG C6 is an excellent OLED TV, its predecessor, the C5, still manages to eke out the win with less intrusive AI features and more frequent discounts. With the C5 being a generation behind, retailers are trying to clear stock to make way for the 2026 TV lineup, which means you might be able to snag a premium-grade OLED TV at a hefty markdown if you keep a sharp eye on sales.





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Michelin is a French multinational company that many consumers consider to be one of the most satisfying major tire brands. This firm makes several tire models that offer comfort, performance, all-terrain prowess, and everything in between — including cutting-edge products like the $42,000-per-set Michelin Pilot Sport PAX that it developed specifically for the Bugatti Veyron. Aside from its own tires, Michelin also owns other tire brands that you might be familiar with, including BFGoodrich, Achilles, and Corsa.

While tires are what Michelin is known for, the company has put its name to more than the rubber that wraps around your car’s rims. In fact, the company sells several other products that aren’t tires. So, we’re listing a few Michelin-branded items that you can buy online and in retail stores. While they might not all be made of rubber or even related to vehicles, these tools and accessories can come in handy when keeping your car — and even yourself — in good shape.

Michelin tire inflator

Since Michelin is primarily known for its tires, it makes sense for the company to sell a Michelin-branded tire inflator as well. That way, if you get a flat on one of the Michelin tires on your car or want to regularly top up your car’s tire pressure to maintain optimum performance, you can use a Michelin-branded pump to fill up your tires. The company actually sells several types of inflators on its Amazon page, but it only offers a single motorized unit — the Michelin Micro Tyre Inflator, which is available on Amazon for $98.99.

This little device is only slightly wider than an iPhone 17 and weighs about 400 grams, or 14 ounces. This means it’s easy to store in your car and to move to whichever tire needs topping up. More importantly, it takes power from a 12-volt socket, allowing you to run it using your car’s battery. It also has a USB port for charging your phone (or any other USB device) in case of an emergency.

Some users say that the device is slow, taking about 12 minutes to bring a tire from 10 to 32 PSI, but that’s not unexpected given its small size. Still, it should be good enough for regular weekly maintenance if you know your car’s proper tire pressure, or in case of an emergency. Its biggest downside is that you need a power source to run it, but having a dead battery and a flat tire simultaneously is likely a rare occurrence in many modern cars.

Michelin mini fridge

Taking a road trip during the summer can get you thirsty, and there’s no better way to quench that thirst than by drinking a cool can of soda (or your beverage of choice). If you want to ensure that you’ll always have a cold drink ready while you’re driving on the freeway, Michelin’s mini fridge will help you with that. This nifty little refrigerator is available on Amazon for just $99.99 and can be connected to either 110V AC or 12V DC power, ensuring that it will work on both your desk and in your car.

The mini fridge measures 6.9 x 9.45 x 10 inches (17.5 x 24 x 25.4 cm), meaning it can easily fit on a garage shelf or office desk. It should also be small enough to put on the floor of your car. Despite that relatively small size, it’s large enough to fit six 350-ml cans or four 500-ml bottles, and it will keep these items at a chilly 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. It also has an LED light on the door, so it can double as a night light if necessary.

Aside from keeping your drinks (and other food items) below room temperature, it also has a few other creature comforts. These include a removable shelf and door basket for flexibility and easy cleaning, as well as a retractable carry handle and a self-locking door to make transportation easier.

Michelin car floor mats

Heavy-duty car floor mats are often made from rubber for durability and water resistance, and since Michelin is in the business of rubber, it makes sense for the company to offer exactly that. So, if you want to protect your vehicle’s floor from dirt, dust, and mud, the company can help you with its Michelin all-weather car floor mats. This four-piece package is available on Amazon for $49.99 and comes in either black or tan.

The surface of these floor mats is specially designed to trap debris, snow, and water, preventing them from ruining the carpet on your vehicle. The mats have a cleat backing that grips your car’s floor and prevents them from slipping. The front row mats also come with what Michelin calls a Gripclip Retention System, allowing them to clip into your vehicle’s safety clips and adding even more reassurance that they won’t accidentally slip while you’re driving and pose a hazard to your safety.

These mats are universal and will work in most vehicles. However, they’re also easy to customize: If you find them a bit too large for the footwell of your tiny hatchback, you can use a pair of scissors to trim the edges for a perfect fit.

Michelin Stealth Ultra wiper blades

While Michelin’s Stealth Ultra wiper blades aren’t generally considered among the best windshield wipers, they appear to be a pretty good choice given their four-star rating on Amazon. These wipers cost $49.99 and are available in various size combinations for all sorts of cars. This ensures that no matter what vehicle you’re driving, you can probably find a set that will fit your needs.

These Michelin wipers are curved to conform to the shape of your windscreen for a clean, streak-free wipe. The company’s Amazon listing claims that these are designed to “withstand rain, wind, snow, mud, dust, or any other debris that might hamper your windshield’s visibility.” While you might think that windshield wipers are pretty simple items, and that you can just purchase any generic wipers off the internet, you must remember that they’re essential so that you have the best visibility possible during inclement weather. So, for your safety, consider investing in a set from a reputable brand like Michelin.

Michelin work boots

Michelin is known for making rubber tires to put on your car’s “feet,” but did you know it also makes shoes for the driver’s feet? The company makes sports & outdoor footwear, as well as shoes for work and safety. For this example, we have the Michelin HydroEdge Steel Toe waterproof work boot, listed for $210 on Amazon and at Georgia Boot. This shoe is available in U.S. sizes from 7.5 up to 14, ensuring that no matter what size you wear, you can get a Michelin work boot for yourself.

As the name suggests, this pair of shoes has steel toes to protect your feet from accidental impacts and is fully waterproof to help keep your feet dry, even in supposedly severe conditions. It also meets ASTM F2413 standards for electrical protection, meaning it has fully insulating soles to protect you from electrical hazards at work. Michelin also added what it calls an Advanced Rear Suspension system to its heel, ensuring proper shock absorption when you walk.





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