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LG C5 Series OLED evo TV vs LG C2 42" OLED TV

Both are 42-inch 4K OLEDs with 120Hz panels, four HDMI 2.1 ports and Dolby Vision, so the picture foundation is the same. The C5 adds a newer Alpha 9 Gen8 processor, brighter OLED evo panel claims, webOS 25 and up to 144Hz VRR for PC gaming; the C2 is an older, widely owned set with a much larger review base and a strong reliability record. Buy the C5 for the newest processing and gaming headroom; buy the C2 if you want proven OLED performance and a lower-risk track record.

  • Choose the LG C5 if you want the latest processor, webOS 25, 144Hz VRR for PC gaming and the brightest 42-inch OLED LG makes.
  • Choose the LG C2 if you want a proven 42-inch OLED with thousands of owner reviews, G-Sync and FreeSync support, and a slim silver design.

Prices

  • LG C5 Series OLED evo TV: $795.80 at Walmart (checked today)
  • LG C2 42" OLED TV: $762.15 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the LG C2 42" OLED TV is $33.65 cheaper than the LG C5 Series OLED evo TV today
LG
LG 42" C5 Series 4K UHD OLED evo AI Smart webOS 25 TV

LG C5 Series OLED evo TV

LG 42" C5 Series 4K UHD OLED evo AI Smart webOS 25 TV

4.4(46 ratings)
$795.80at WalmartChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Newest Alpha 9 Gen8 processor with AI upscaling
  • OLED evo panel with higher brightness claims
  • 144Hz VRR and 0.1ms response for PC gaming
  • webOS 25 with 300+ free channels and long update support
  • Four HDMI 2.1 ports and near-invisible bezel
Cons
  • Small review base of 46 ratings
  • Owners report cluttered menus, ads and Magic Remote failures
  • Some units developed dead lines within weeks
  • Dialogue hard to hear at maximum volume
  • Costs more than the outgoing C2
LG
LG 42" Class 4K UHD OLED webOS Smart TV with Dolby Vision C2 Series

LG C2 42" OLED TV

LG 42" Class 4K UHD OLED webOS Smart TV with Dolby Vision C2 Series

4.7(2,148 ratings)
$762.15at WalmartChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Large, established owner base with a 4.7 rating
  • Proven OLED picture with infinite contrast and perfect black
  • G-Sync, FreeSync Premium and VRR for consoles and PC
  • Slim silver design with lightweight composite-fiber build
  • Four HDMI 2.1 inputs and Dolby Vision IQ
Cons
  • Older Alpha 9 Gen5 processor
  • 42-inch model is not an OLED evo panel, so less bright
  • Older webOS version with fewer update years ahead
  • No 144Hz PC mode
  • Glossy screen can reflect light in bright rooms

What separates them

LG C5 Series OLED evo TVLG C2 42" OLED TV
ProcessorAlpha 9 Gen8 with AI Super Upscaling and preference-based picture tuningAlpha 9 Gen5 with automatic scene-based adjustment
Panel brightnessOLED evo panel, LG claims boosted brightness for well-lit roomsStandard OLED; LG states the 42-inch C2 is not an evo panel
Gaming refresh120Hz native, VRR up to 144Hz for PC, 0.1ms response120Hz native with VRR, G-Sync and FreeSync Premium
Smart platformwebOS 25 with AI search, 300+ free LG Channels, updates up to 5 yearswebOS 22 with the same core apps and Magic Remote
HDR and soundDolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Atmos, FILMMAKER MODE, 2 speakersDolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Atmos, FILMMAKER MODE
DesignNear-invisible bezel, black finish, art and photo display modeSlim silver bezel, lightweight composite-fiber build
Owner feedback4.4 from 46 ratings; praise for picture and brightness, complaints about menus, remote failures and panel defects4.7 from 2,148 ratings; long track record as a reference OLED
AudioBuilt-in sound is decent but dialogue can be hard to hear; a soundbar helpsBuilt-in sound is adequate; most owners add a soundbar for movies

Price history

$1,049.99$795.80
Oct 29Nov 10
  • LG C5 Series OLED evo TV: lowest $795.80 on Nov 9 at Walmart; $846.68 on Nov 10.
  • LG C2 42" OLED TV: lowest $809.57 on Nov 9 at Newegg; $809.57 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

LG C5 Series OLED evo TV

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Brandsmart USAReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $795.80Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Newegg.comNew

    In stockSold by BrandsMart USA

    $813.68Checked Nov 9
    Visit Newegg.com
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $846.68Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by brandsmartusa

    $851.97Checked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 16 stores and price history →

LG C2 42" OLED TV

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Brandsmart USAReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $762.15Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $809.57Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $846.68Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $1,399.99Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Target

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecLG C5 Series OLED evo TVLG C2 42" OLED TV
colorBlackSilver
Screen size42 in42 in.
Resolution4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160)3840 x 2160
Refresh rate120 Hz120 Hz
Network FunctionalitySmart TV, StreamingSmart TV
Supported Resolutions4K4K
Display TypeOLEDOLED
HDTV Format4K UHD4K UHD
Backlight TechnologyOLEDOLED
Display HighlightsHDRHDR
Anti-GlareYesYes (glossy finish, anti-reflective coating)
Display Aspect Ratio16:916:9
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecLG C5 Series OLED evo TVLG C2 42" OLED TV
Dynamic Contrast RatioInfinite contrastInfinite contrast
Image Contrast RatioNear-infiniteInfinite contrast
Viewing AngleWideWide Viewing Angle
Menu LanguageSpanish, English, French37
Smart TVYesYes
HDMI Ports44
Internet Streaming ServicesNetflix, Disney+Netflix
Network ConnectivityEthernetEthernet, Wi-Fi
Video InterfaceHDMIHDMI

What reviewers say

LG C5 Series OLED evo TV

  • 4.4 / 546 ratings

Owners rate the C5 highly for picture quality, calling blacks deep and colors vibrant in both bright and dark rooms. Gamers praise the smooth motion, low lag and HDMI 2.1 features. Complaints center on the cluttered webOS menu, remote problems and occasional panel defects.

What people mention
  • Picture qualityPraisedOwners call the blacks deep and the colors vibrant, with strong contrast in bright and dark rooms.
  • GamingPraisedLow input lag, smooth motion and HDMI 2.1 with VRR suit console and PC gamers.
  • WebOS menuCriticisedReviewers find the menu cluttered, confusing and full of ads.
  • Panel reliabilityCriticisedA few units developed dead lines after about six weeks.

LG C2 42" OLED TV

  • 4.7 / 52,148 ratings

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the C2's contrast, color and gaming features, and many use the 42-inch model as a desktop monitor. Criticism centers on brightness in bright rooms and on OLED burn-in worries with static content.

What people mention
  • Picture qualityPraisedOwners say the perfect blacks and rich color make dark-room movies look better than any LED TV they have owned.
  • BrightnessCriticisedReviewers note the 42-inch model is dimmer than larger C2 sizes and struggles against strong daylight or reflections.
  • GamingPraisedPlayers praise the four HDMI 2.1 ports, 120 Hz refresh and VRR support for smooth console and PC play.
  • Burn-inMixed
Reviews
  • 65-inch LG C5 OLED TV is now cheaper than entry-level B5 OLED at less than $1,000 - Deal | 65-inch LG C5 OLED TV is now cheaper than entry-l

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming, the C5 or the C2?
The C5. Both have 120Hz panels, four HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, G-Sync and FreeSync, but the C5 adds VRR up to 144Hz for PC and a 0.1ms response claim. The C2 remains a strong console TV.
Is the C5 brighter than the C2?
Yes, on paper. The C5 uses an OLED evo panel with boosted brightness, while LG states the 42-inch C2 is not an evo model. In a bright room the C5 has the edge; in a dark room both look excellent.
Which one lasts longer?
The C2 has the longer track record, with over 2,000 ratings and years of owner reports. The C5 is newer, so its long-term reliability is unproven, and some early owners report panel defects.
Is the C5 worth stepping up to over the C2?
Yes if you game on a PC, want the brightest 42-inch OLED or want the longest webOS update window. If you mainly watch movies and stream, the C2 covers the same core features.
Do either of these need a soundbar?
Both have two speakers with Dolby Atmos decoding, and both are usable on their own. Owners of both report that dialogue can be hard to hear, so a soundbar improves movies.
Which has the better smart TV system?
The C5 runs webOS 25 with AI search, 300+ free LG Channels and updates for up to five years. The C2 runs an older webOS with the same major apps and the Magic Remote.

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PC Interface
HDMI
HDMI
CEC EnabledYesYes (Simplink (HDMI CEC))
Expansion SlotsCommon Interface (CI) slotCI+
ConnectionsHDMIOptical S/PDIF, 1/8" Headphone Jack, HDMI, USB-…
BluetoothYesYes
Screen designFlatFlat
Wi-FiYes802.11ac
VESA-MountYesYes
Wireless & StreamingAirPlay 2WiSA, AirPlay 2
Edge-lit LEDNoNo
Surround Sound FormatsDolby DigitalDolby AC-4, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, PCM
MHLNoNo
HDR TypeHLG, HDR10, Dolby VisionDolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ
AmbilightNoNo
No. of HDMI (pcs)44
3DNoNo
ARCeARCeARC
ALLMYesYes
VRRYesYes
Some owners worry about static logos and HUDs leaving marks, though most report no problems with varied viewing.