You’re standing in the middle of a Best Buy or scrolling through Amazon, and there it is. That ink-black screen. The "infinite contrast." The price tag that makes your stomach do a tiny somersault. Honestly, figuring out the lg oled tv cost in early 2026 feels a bit like trying to predict the stock market. One day the 65-inch C5 is a steal at $1,599, and the next, everyone is buzzing about the "Tandem OLED" tech in the brand-new G6 that hasn't even hit shelves yet.
It’s a weird time for TVs.
If you’re looking to buy right now, you’re basically caught between two worlds. On one side, you have the 2025 models like the B5, C5, and G5, which are currently seeing some of the deepest price cuts we’ve seen in years. On the other, the 2026 lineup—the B6, C6, and that pencil-thin W6 "Wallpaper" TV—was just unveiled at CES a few weeks ago.
The Current State of the Sticker Shock
Let’s get real about the numbers. If you want a decent LG OLED today without selling a kidney, you're looking at the B5 series. It’s the entry-level gateway drug. Right now, a 48-inch B5 is hovering around $699, while the 65-inch version sits at roughly $1,299. That’s incredible value for a panel that still beats almost any LCD on the market.
But most people want the C-series. It’s the "Goldilocks" TV.
Currently, the 65-inch LG C5 cost is about $1,599. That sounds like a lot until you realize it launched closer to $2,600. Prices have cratered because the new 2026 models are looming. If you step up to the flagship G5 series (the one that sits flush against your wall like a piece of art), you're still looking at a premium. A 65-inch G5 will set you back about **$2,599** even on sale.
Why the 2026 Models Might Cost More
You’d think tech always gets cheaper. Usually, it does. But 2026 is throwing a wrench in the gears. There’s a legitimate "RAM crisis" happening in the supply chain. Experts like Ryan Epps have pointed out that the cost of Flash NAND and DRAM—the stuff that makes your TV's "smart" features actually fast—has skyrocketed.
LG is also introducing "Tandem OLED" panels to more of their lineup. This is a big deal. Basically, they’re stacking two layers of OLEDs on top of each other. It makes the TV much brighter and supposedly helps it last longer without that annoying "burn-in" everyone worries about.
But new tech isn't free.
The upcoming LG C6H (the "H" stands for the high-end version of the C-series) is expected to launch at a higher price point than the C5 did. We’re talking potentially $3,800 or more for the 77-inch model when it finally arrives this spring.
Breakdown of Expected 2026 Launch Prices
Since LG hasn't dropped the official MSRPs for every single 2026 unit yet, we have to look at the historical patterns and the current component shortages. Here is the ballpark of what you should save up:
- LG B6 (The Budget Choice): Expect the 55-inch to start around $1,499. It won't have the fancy Tandem panel, but it’ll have the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 AI chip.
- LG C6 (The Mid-Range): The 65-inch will likely debut around $2,699. This is the standard WOLED panel, similar to last year.
- LG C6H (The Overachiever): Only available in 77 and 83 inches. Because it uses the new Tandem RGB tech, don't be surprised if the 77-inch hits $3,999 at launch.
- LG G6 (The Flagship): This is the beast. With a claimed 3,000 nits of brightness, the 65-inch will probably land at $3,399.
- LG W6 (The Wallpaper): If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it. This 9mm-thick wireless wonder is strictly for the "money is no object" crowd. Expect $7,000+.
Is It a Bad Time to Buy?
Kinda. It depends on what you value.
If you're a gamer who needs the absolute latest 165Hz refresh rate for your PS5 or PC, you sort of have to wait for the 2026 G6 or C6. Those sets are pushing boundaries that the 2025 models just can't touch. The new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor is reportedly 5.6 times more powerful when it comes to AI processing. It's supposed to make low-res YouTube videos look like native 4K.
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However, if you just want a gorgeous movie-watching experience, the lg oled tv cost right now on 2025 models is the lowest it will ever be. Once the 2026 stock hits warehouses in March and April, those 2025 C5 and G5 units will vanish fast.
The "Burn-In" Factor and Longevity
There's a hidden cost to OLEDs that people rarely talk about: the replacement cycle.
In 2026, there’s a bit of a "brightness war" happening. Brands like LG and Samsung are pushing these organic panels to their absolute limits to hit those high nit numbers (brightness levels). Some tech analysts are worried that by driving the panels this hard, we might see more failures or "ghosting" after 3 or 4 years instead of the usual 7 or 8.
LG’s solution is the heatsink. If you buy the G6 or the C6H, you get a physical piece of metal behind the panel to soak up heat. The cheaper B6 and standard C6 don't have this. If you plan on keeping your TV for a decade, spending the extra $400 for a model with a heatsink is actually the "cheaper" move in the long run.
How to Hack the LG OLED Price Cycle
If you want the best deal, you have to play the calendar.
- The Super Bowl Slump: Right now (late January) is actually a fantastic time to buy 2025 models. Retailers are desperate to clear space for the 2026 units arriving soon.
- The Spring Launch: When the C6 and G6 launch in March/April, they will be at their most expensive. Never buy an LG OLED in April. You're paying the "early adopter" tax.
- The Prime Day/Black Friday Pivot: If you can wait until November, the 2026 models will likely see their first 20-30% discounts.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you swipe your card, do these three things:
Check your room’s lighting. If you have massive windows and watch TV at noon, the lg oled tv cost for a G5 or G6 is worth it for the extra brightness and the "Reflection Free" coating. If you're in a basement, the B5 is plenty.
Measure for the G-Series. Remember that the G-series (Gallery) usually doesn't come with a stand. It's meant to be wall-mounted. If you need a stand, that's an extra $150-$200 you need to factor into your budget.
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Look for "Open Box" deals at Best Buy right now. Since people are upgrading to the 2026 tech, you can often find a 65-inch C5 for under $1,200 if you’re willing to take a floor model or a return. Just check the "Power On Hours" in the settings menu before you leave the store.
Buying an LG OLED is an investment in your living room. Whether you go for the bargain 2025 prices or the cutting-edge 2026 Tandem panels, just make sure you aren't paying full MSRP in the middle of a launch cycle.