LG C5 OLED TV deals: Why now is actually the best time to buy

LG C5 OLED TV deals: Why now is actually the best time to buy

You've probably been staring at that old LED TV for years, waiting for the "perfect" moment to jump into the OLED world. Most people think they have to wait for Black Friday to get a decent price on high-end glass. Honestly? That's a mistake. If you're looking for LG C5 OLED TV deals, we are currently sitting in the absolute "Goldilocks zone" for pricing.

The Super Bowl is coming up fast in February 2026, and retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Costco are panicking to clear out 2025 stock. This is the seasonal sweet spot. You get the Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI processor and that gorgeous 144Hz refresh rate without paying the "early adopter tax" that hit everyone last April.

What's the real deal on LG C5 pricing right now?

I checked the listings this morning, January 14, 2026. The price cuts are getting aggressive. For context, the 65-inch C5 launched at a steep $2,699. Right now? You can find it for **$1,596 at Amazon**. That’s an $1,100 haircut.

It's a similar story across the whole lineup:

📖 Related: Apple Lightning Cable to USB C: Why It Is Still Kicking and Which One You Actually Need

  • The 55-inch C5 has plummeted from $1,999 down to roughly **$1,196**.
  • If you're looking for a massive 77-inch screen, the MSRP was $3,699, but current deals have it sitting at **$2,299**.
  • Even the "tiny" 42-inch and 48-inch models, which are basically the gold standard for PC gaming monitors now, are seeing $300 to $400 discounts.

Why the sudden drop? CES 2026 just wrapped up in Las Vegas. LG just showed off the C6, and while it looks cool, it’s mostly just incremental tweaks. Retailers know that as soon as the C6 hits shelves in March or April, nobody will want to pay premium prices for the "old" C5. Their loss is your gain.

Is the C5 actually better than the C4?

Basically, yes. But it’s not a "throw your old TV out the window" kind of upgrade.

The biggest change is the brightness. The C5 hits about 1,170 nits at peak brightness. Compare that to the older C4, which struggled to break 1,000 nits. It sounds like a nerd stat, but you'll notice it if your living room has a lot of windows. That extra headroom helps the HDR "pop" without looking washed out.

👉 See also: iPhone 16 Pro Natural Titanium: What the Reviewers Missed About This Finish

The gaming edge

If you’re a gamer, the C5 is a beast. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate. If you have a high-end PC or you’re planning on picking up a PS5 Pro, that extra fluidity is nice. You also get four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports. No more swapping cables between your Xbox and your soundbar.

The "AI" stuff (Is it actually useful?)

LG went heavy on the "AI" branding this year with the Alpha 9 Gen 8 chip. Some of it is fluff. But the AI Voice Recognition is kinda slick—it recognizes who is talking and automatically switches to their Netflix or YouTube profile. It saves you three seconds of clicking, which is the kind of lazy luxury I personally live for.

The big dilemma: Wait for the C6 or buy the C5 deal?

Look, technology moves fast. There will always be a brighter, thinner, "smarter" TV next year. But here is the reality of the 2026 TV market: the jump from the C5 to the C6 is tiny.

✨ Don't miss: Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics: Why the Cockpit is Becoming a Giant Smartphone

The C5 already has the webOS 25 platform, and LG's "Re:New" program guarantees software updates for five years. Buying a C5 today doesn't mean you're getting "old" software. You’re getting the same interface that will be on the new models, just at a 40% discount.

Wait. There is one catch. If you want MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology—the stuff that makes OLEDs insanely bright—you still won't find it on the C5. LG keeps that for the "G" series (like the G5 or G6). If you have a room that is basically a sunroom, you might want to look at LG G5 deals instead, though you’ll pay a heavy premium for that wall-mount design and extra brightness.

How to spot a fake deal

Not every "sale" is actually a bargain. I’ve seen some retailers "discount" the C5 from an inflated price to make it look like a steal.

  • Check the MSRP: A 65-inch C5 is a good deal if it’s under $1,700. If it's $1,900, keep walking.
  • The Costco Perk: If you have a membership, check Costco first. They often bundle a 5-year Allstate warranty for free. On a high-end OLED, that peace of mind is worth at least $100.
  • The "B5" Trap: Be careful when searching. You’ll see the LG B5 OLED for much cheaper (around $1,199 for a 65-inch). It’s a great TV, but it has a weaker processor and only two HDMI 2.1 ports. If you’re a heavy gamer, stick with the C5.

Actionable steps for your upgrade

If you’re ready to pull the trigger on an LG C5, don't just click the first link you see. Follow this checklist to make sure you aren't leaving money on the table:

  1. Measure your stand: The C5 uses a center pedestal stand, which is great for narrow furniture, but it doesn't leave much vertical room for a thick soundbar. Measure your current setup before the box arrives.
  2. Price match at Best Buy: If you find a lower price on Amazon but want to pick it up today, Best Buy will almost always match it on the spot.
  3. Check for "Open-Box": Since we are in the post-holiday return window, you can often find "Excellent" condition open-box C5s for under $1,000 at local tech hubs.
  4. Buy the cables: Your old HDMI cables from 2018 won't handle 4K at 144Hz. Grab a couple of Ultra High Speed HDMI (2.1) cables so you aren't disappointed on setup day.
  5. Look for the bundle: LG often runs a promotion where you get $200 off an LG soundbar (like the SC9S) when you buy the C5. Since the built-in speakers are just "okay," the bundle is usually the way to go.

The bottom line is that the LG C5 OLED TV is the "sweet spot" of the 2025/2026 transition. It's premium enough to feel like a massive upgrade but currently priced like a mid-range set. Snag one before the Super Bowl inventory runs dry and the prices creep back up for the spring "new release" season.