Every now and then, there's a deal that makes us sit up and take notice.

And that's exactly what we have here. We only reviewed the LG C6 in March, where we praised it for setting a new benchmark for step-down rivals.

Yet the C6 already has a discount – and a pretty juicy one too. You can now get a 65-inch LG C6 for £2166 at John Lewis with the code 'LG20TV'.

You add the code during the payment stage of checkout, where there's a handy box that says '‘Add promotional code’. Be aware that this offer is only available to My John Lewis members, but it's completely free to sign up.

This offer is available at other retailers, but many are out of stock – so we'd suggest moving quickly if you want to secure a new OLED before a certain sporting event starting next month.

While there are some great discounts right now on last year’s Award-winning LG C5, you can't really beat the feeling of buying a new-release TV just in time for the World Cup. Especially when it’s the LG C6, which has set the benchmark at this price.

The secret to the C6’s excellent performance is the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor, which helps deliver a brighter, richer and more refined picture than from the already excellent C5.

“Even in Filmmaker Mode, the C6’s extra brightness over the C5 is immediately obvious,” reads our LG C6 review. “Highlights are more intense, colours have a touch more richness and the overall image carries greater depth and dimensionality.”

All of this is highly impressive, given that the C6 uses the same WOLED panel technology as previous C-series models from the past couple of years. If you have the budget, you might want to consider the 77- or 83-inch C6, which feature newer, brighter Primary RGB Tandem OLED panels, but the 65-inch model is still a revelation when it comes to picture performance.

Upscaling and shading have been improved too, while LG has also finally found some sonic success. A dedicated sound system is, as always, recommended, but the LG C6 sounds pretty good for a TV in its class, with a cleaner and more controlled performance than the C5.

To top it all off, the C6 features LG’s typically excellent gaming features, including four HDMI 2.1 sockets supporting 4K/165Hz (as well as the more console-friendly 4K/120Hz), VRR and Dolby Vision gaming.

The LG C6 is a formidable all-rounder of a TV, which will make a terrific option for the World Cup, but it is capable of much, much more. Such a big discount this early into the life cycle is rare indeed – get the 65-inch LG C6 for £2166 at John Lewis while stocks last.

MORE:

Read our review of the LG C5

Also consider the Samsung S95F

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested

April’s in the rearview (or should that be review?) mirror, but oh wowzers, what a month it was for our team of hi-fi and home cinema experts.

Not only did we run a special Vinyl Week event to celebrate Record Store Day, (which really should be a national holiday at this point) we also gave seven, count that seven, products five-star ratings.

Here’s what you need to know about them.

Acoustic Energy AE309 Mk2

The Acoustic Energy AE309 Mk2 are the floorstander siblings of the AE300 Mk2 standmounts we reviewed last year.

That gives them some pretty big shoes to fill. The standmounts not only earned a five-star recommendation, but they also went on to win a What Hi-Fi? Award and hold a special place in our editor’s letter to Santa to this day. All in all, an impressive resume.

Thankfully, from the moment we got them singing, the AE309 Mk2, impressed, offering a similar balanced, natural sound that will delight many hi-fi fans. As we say in our review:

“Those looking for compact and talented floorstanders should pay close attention to the Acoustic Energy AE309 Mk2 – their wonderfully balanced sound gives class leaders at this level a real run for their money.”

Five stars

Read our full Acoustic Energy AE309 Mk2 review

Samsung HW-Q990H

Speaking of products with big shoes to fill, next up we have the Samsung HW-Q990H, which is the successor to not one, but two What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Dolby Atmos soundbar systems – the 2024's HW-Q990D and 2025's HW-Q990F.

Comprising a central soundbar accompanied by a wireless subwoofer and twin satellite speakers, it doesn’t make any big changes to the firm’s Award-winning formula visually. And with real-world testing out of the way, we can confirm it doesn’t rework the wheel sonically either. But the small refinements that Samsung has made add up to make it a clear step forward and one of the best soundbar systems you’ll find right now. As we say in our review:

“While it may look like a subtle upgrade on paper, and it even looks borderline identical to its predecessor when we unbox it, Samsung has made some worthwhile under-the-hood refinements with this soundbar package. Its ability to capture a touch more detail and nuance, and place spatial sound effects with even greater precision, makes this system another step up in a lineage of soundbars that have improved year on year.”

Five stars

Read our full Samsung HW-Q990H review

JBL Summit Ama

The Ama are the smallest and only standmount option in JBL’s Summit series of high-end speakers. Like their Summit Pumori (£79,999 / $82,500) and Summit Makalu (£49,998 / $68,000) siblings, they are named after a mountain, hence the name “Summit”. And, despite costing a cool £14,999 ($19,999 / AU$35,000), they are also the cheapest of the three.

Thankfully, after plugging them into our reference system, while we found they require careful partnering to shine, when matched with appropriately high-end hardware, they sound undeniably great.

If you have system partners to do them justice, you’ll be treated to a bold, punchy, dynamic performance with impressive detail resolution and a punchy, but not overbearing, bass. As we say in our review:

“The Summit Ama are one of the costliest standmounters we have ever reviewed, but their breadth of talents is hugely impressive. That they can rock should be no surprise to anyone familiar with the brand’s heritage, but it's their blend of insight, dynamic expression and finesse that marks them out as something special.”

Five stars

Read our full JBL Summit Ama review

Sony PS-LX3BT

The PS-LX3BT is one of two Sony turntables to make it into this month’s column. Retailing for a modest £299 ($400 / AU$469), it sits in the entry-level segment of the market. As a result, like key rivals including Rega Planar 1 Plus and Pro-Ject Primary E, it aims to be as plug-and-play as possible, but comes with the added allure of a built-in phono stage.

And, to our surprise, unlike many previous challengers to Rega and Pro-Ject’s reigning cheap champs, the Sony is a very competent option if ease of use is your primary concern. While purists will probably be better off paying a little more for the likes of the Planar 1 Plus, the PS-LX3BT is still very capable. During all our testing, it delivered robust, well-organised, sound, that was full of detail.

As we say in our verdict: “As an affordable and effective way to get your records spinning, the Sony PS-LX3BT is hard to top – it’s easy to use, easy to listen to, and very easy to recommend.”

Five stars

Read our full Sony PS-LX3BT review

Sony PS-LX5BT

The PS-LX5BT is the step-up option to the above PS-LX3BT. At first glance, you may struggle to spot the difference between the two and wonder what specific benefits you’re getting for the added £100 ($100 / AU$150). Truthfully, the tweaks are very subtle: a step-up cartridge, slightly different arm tube, mat and finish, and detachable interconnect cables.

Ultimately, it does perform very similarly to its cheaper counterpart. But there are noticeable sonic upgrades that more serious listeners will appreciate. A smidgeon more detail, slightly more cohesive, clearer sound, those sorts of things. Those small improvements add up to make it a worthy option for entry-level buyers with a little more cash to spare who want a truly plug-and-play turntable. Hence, our review verdict:

“On paper, the cheaper PS-LX3BT might appear to be the better-value buy. But if you’re looking for longer-term satisfaction thanks to a noticeable step up in sonic performance and versatile features, the PS-LX5BT more than justifies its place within the market.”

Five stars

Read our full Sony PS-LX5BT review

Merlin Tarantula

Who doesn’t love a good speaker cable review? This month, that sentiment was particularly apt, as we had the opportunity to put the Merlin Tarantula to the test. And it delighted our hi-fi review team.

Some of our readers seem belligerently reluctant to pay anything other than the absolute minimum for their cables; but for those willing to invest in every part of their system, the Tarantula is an extremely attractive option. One that is capable of delivering a balanced and informative presentation and expressive dynamics. As we say in our review:

“The Tarantula ticks all the boxes as far as we are concerned. While not cheap, it remains sensibly priced and has the kind of sonic characteristics that will slot in effortlessly with a wide range of systems.”

Five stars

Read our full Merlin Tarantula review

LG C6 (OLED65C6)

The LG C6 is the first new OLED launching this year that we have had the chance to test properly and put through the full What Hi-Fi? paces. Like a lot of the entries on this month’s list, it comes from a line of products with a pedigree, with every generation of the C-series since the LG C2 winning at least one accolade at our yearly What Hi-Fi? Awards.

The biggest upgrade, sadly, is limited to the larger 77-inch and above options in the range. Those come with a brightness-boosting Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel. The 65-inch model we reviewed, though, has a traditional WOLED panel. The main upgrades to this set, then, are its improved chipset and minor refinements made to its tuning and the like.

While we are a little sad the 65-inch model isn’t as big a technical leap as its larger siblings, there’s no denying it’s still an excellent OLED and a clear step up on last year’s Award-winning LG C5. As we say in our review:

“While it might seem at first glance to be the least exciting model in LG’s 2026 OLED TV range, the ‘normal’ sized C6 is, in fact, a revelation. This is a big upgrade by C-series standards. We don’t typically get too excited about processor upgrades, but the Alpha 11 Gen 3 has forced a brighter and richer performance out of the same OLED EX panel technology, and improved upscaling and shading subtlety.”

Five stars

Read our full LG C6 (OLED65C6) review

Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML

Looking for a new cartridge to complement your turntable? Willing to spend a couple of hundred for it? Then we have a new recommendation for you to consider, in the shape of the Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML.

In the world of cartridges, Audio Technica is a big name, so the AT-VM740xML, which aims to overhaul the company’s moving-magnet range automatically piqued our interest. Sitting in the upper echelons of AT’s new VMx range it’s designed to work with record players costing less than £1000.

During testing we found that, while some premium elements have been tweaked to keep costs down, for its target market this is an excellent choice. It offers hassle-free setup, and a sonic performance that will delight listeners who favour balance over oomph; we highly recommend it.

As we say in our review verdict: “Audio-Technica’s AT-VM740xML is a superbly balanced cartridge that ticks all the boxes.”

Five stars

Read our full Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML review

MORE:

These are the best budget turntables we have tested

We rank the best OLED TVs

Our picks of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

LG’s C-series OLED TVs have long been among the easiest recommendations when it comes to the best OLED TVs.

They combine excellent picture quality, comprehensive gaming support and a slick smart platform, all while costing much less than flagship OLED models.

The LG C5 was already a benchmark at this level, delivering outstanding picture performance and a feature set that many rivals struggle to match. Now, the newer LG C6 has arrived, promising improved processing, higher brightness and better sound.

Both TVs earned five stars in their respective reviews, and you’re likely wondering if it’s worth spending more on the newer C6 or saving some cash and sticking with its predecessor.

Below, we break down the differences across all areas to help make your decision easier.

LG C6 vs LG C5: price

The 65-inch C6 launched with a price tag of £2500 / $2699 / AU$3999, making it cheaper in the UK and Australia than the equivalent C5 was at launch (£2700 / $2699 / AU$4299), and the same price in the US.

But that's not the whole story. Because (at the time of writing) the C6 is still brand-new, you will still have to pay that launch price. But because the C5 has now been available for over a year, it's available for vastly less.

The C6 will come down in price, too, but for now, this round simply has to go to the super-discounted C5.

** Winner: LG C5 **

LG C6 vs LG C5: design

If you were hoping for a dramatic redesign between generations, you might be disappointed. The C6 looks extremely similar to the C5, and it’s hard to distinguish the two at a glance.

Both sets feature LG’s familiar C-series design – a very thin OLED panel across most of the screen, with a thicker rectangular housing at the lower rear that contains the electronics, connections and speakers. This allows the edges of the display to remain strikingly slim, making for a more minimalist, immersive setup.

The effect is particularly appealing when wall-mounted, where the thin panel appears to hover slightly away from the wall thanks to the deeper central housing behind it.

Screen size options are also the same across both models, ranging from 42 inches to 83 inches. Their stand design is the same, too, with the central pedestal making soundbar placement a little awkward due to its forward angle.

In other words, if you liked the look of the C5, you’ll feel right at home with the C6. It remains one of the most attractive OLED TVs around – even if the design is now very familiar.

** Winner: Draw **

LG C6 vs LG C5: features

Both TVs offer a comprehensive feature set, but the C6 introduces a few upgrades under the hood.

The biggest change is the new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor inside the C6, replacing the Alpha 9 Gen 8 chip used in the C5. LG says the newer processor enables a 12-bit processing pipeline for more precise tone and colour management.

It also enables Dual AI Super Resolution, which performs two separate AI passes when upscaling lower-resolution content – one focusing on sharpening edges and the other on refining textures and detail.

Another addition is AI HDR Remastering, which analyses each frame to enhance contrast, sharpness and colour. It can also attempt to make SDR material appear more HDR-like, though results can vary.

At 55- and 65-inch sizes, both TVs use LG Display’s established WOLED panel technology, though the larger 77- and 83-inch versions of the C6 switch to LG Display’s newer Primary RGB Tandem OLED panels.

The smart platform has also been updated. The C5 runs webOS 25, while the C6 moves to webOS 26 with tweaks including the Home Hub shortcut, a personalised My Page area and a Continue Watching row.

Gaming features are excellent on both models. Each TV offers four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports that support VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming.

The C6 gains a slight edge for PC gamers with support for refresh rates up to 4K/165Hz, while the C5 tops out at 4K/144Hz. Console players using a PS5 or Xbox Series X will effectively see the same 4K/120Hz experience on either model.

HDR support is identical across both TVs – Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG are supported, while HDR10+ remains absent.

** Winner: LG C6 **

LG C6 vs LG C5: picture

The LG C5 already impressed us with its rich colours, strong contrast and cinematic presentation. In our testing, it proved to be a consistently engaging performer, with punchy yet natural colours and particularly strong low-light colour volume.

Watching Blade Runner 2049, for instance, the C5 delivers atmospherically rich images, with convincing shadow detail and impressively nuanced colour in darker scenes. Skin tones are warm and lifelike, and there’s a pleasing sense of depth, with subjects standing out clearly against the background.

Brightness is also a strength for the C5 by traditional OLED standards. Scenes from Pan show strong highlight intensity, with sunlight shimmering through sails and vivid colours throughout the image, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of more advanced OLED panel types.

However, the LG C6 manages to squeeze noticeably more performance from a similar panel thanks to its new processing platform.

The most obvious improvement is brightness. Highlights appear more intense, colours carry slightly greater richness, and the overall image has a stronger sense of depth and dimensionality.

In scenes from Pan, reflections on water appear brighter and more vivid on the C6, while sunsets display smoother colour gradations and richer tones in the surrounding clouds.

Colour reproduction also sees subtle refinement. Reds and oranges appear slightly richer and more lifelike, helping skin tones look warmer and more convincing without drifting into artificial territory.

Upscaling is improved, too. Lower-resolution sources such as standard-definition content appear slightly smoother and cleaner, while HD material benefits from more refined detail handling. While the difference is subtle with higher-quality sources, it is noticeable with lower-resolution content.

The C5 remains a superb performer and still earns a five-star picture rating. But the C6 pushes things further with greater brightness, richer colours and more refined processing.

** Winner: LG C6 **

LG C6 vs LG C5: sound

Built-in audio has never been the C-series’ strongest suit, but this is another area where the C6 improves on its predecessor.

Both TVs use the same speaker hardware, but LG appears to have refined the processing and tuning on the newer model.

As a result, the C6 sounds cleaner and more controlled than the C5. Bass isn’t dramatically deeper, but it is tighter and less prone to distortion at higher volumes.

Dialogue also comes through with more warmth and character, and the soundstage feels slightly more spacious. Dolby Atmos effects project further away from the screen when required, giving the presentation a greater sense of scale.

The C5’s audio is perfectly serviceable for everyday viewing, but it lacks low-end weight and overall scale. That difference is reflected in the review scores – the C6 earns four stars for sound, while the C5 managed just three.

Neither TV replaces a proper sound system, of course, and pairing either model with one of the best soundbars remains highly recommended.

** Winner: LG C6 **

LG C6 vs LG C5: verdict

The LG C5 was already one of the best TVs for most people, delivering superb picture quality, excellent gaming features and a polished smart platform.

The LG C6 builds on that foundation with brighter images, richer colours, improved processing and better sound. It’s not a radical reinvention, but it is a clear step forward – enough to make it the new benchmark in this class.

That said, the C5 still makes a compelling case for itself. With discounts now widely available, it’s likely to remain the better value option for buyers who want a premium OLED experience without paying for the newest model.

Given our performance-per-pound (or bang-for-buck, if you prefer) mantra, we're therefore giving the C5 the win here – at least for now.

Once the C6's price has dropped to within about 20 per cent of the C5's, our buying advice will likely change – it is undoubtedly the better TV, after all – but at this moment, the value offered by the heavily discounted C5 simply can't be ignored.

** Overall winner: LG C5 **

On the hunt for one of the best OLED TVs? Then models such as the LG C6 and Sony Bravia 8 should be on your shortlist.

The LG C6 is the latest evolution of LG’s hugely popular C-series – a step-down OLED that promises improved brightness, better processing and stronger sound than its predecessor.

The Sony Bravia 8, meanwhile, is a What Hi-Fi? Award winner that builds on the legacy of the superb Sony A80L, focusing on natural colour reproduction, excellent motion handling, and a more refined audio experience.

We’ve fully reviewed both TVs and compared them in detail below to help make your choice that little bit easier.

LG C6 vs Sony Bravia 8: price

The 65-inch LG C6's launch price is £2500 / $2699/ AU$3999, and because (at the time of writing) it's brand-new, you'll be lucky to get any kind of discount on it.

The Sony Bravia 8 launched at £2699 / $2800 / AU$4495 for the 65-inch version, but that was over a year ago, and you can now get it with some massive discounts.

For now, then this round goes to the Sony model, but do keep an eye on prices – LG tends to go pretty early and pretty big on the discounts, and it might not be too long before the two TVs cost similar money.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 8 **

LG C6 vs Sony Bravia 8: design

The LG C6 sticks with a familiar formula. It features an ultra-thin OLED panel across most of its surface, paired with a central rear housing that contains the electronics and connections.

It’s lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and works well both on a stand or mounted on a wall.

The Sony Bravia 8 takes a slightly different approach. It uses a twin-foot stand design rather than a central pedestal, with adjustable positions that make it easier to accommodate a soundbar. It can also sit very low to the surface or be raised for extra clearance.

The main practical advantage for Sony is its stand flexibility, while the LG arguably looks more striking thanks to its extremely thin panel.

** Winner: Draw **

LG C6 vs Sony Bravia 8: features

Both TVs are well equipped, but the LG C6 has a clear edge when it comes to gaming and connectivity.

It features four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, for a start, all supporting 4K/165Hz (and 4K/120Hz), VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming. This makes it one of the most versatile OLED TVs available for gamers.

In contrast, the Sony Bravia 8 offers four HDMI ports, but only two of those HDMI 2.1 spec, and one of those doubles as the eARC connection.

That can be limiting if you’re connecting multiple current-generation consoles alongside a soundbar – a surprising omission given Sony’s PlayStation heritage.

The Bravia 8 also caps out at 4K/120Hz rather than the higher refresh rates supported by the LG, though this is only likely to matter for PC gamers with powerful rigs capable of pushing higher framerates.

Elsewhere, LG uses webOS 26 on the C6, while Sony runs Google TV. Both platforms are strong on app support, though Discovery+ is absent on the LG, and BBC iPlayer failed to launch on our early review sample.

As for HDR support, it’s identical – both TVs support Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, while HDR10+ is absent.

Under the hood, the C6 uses LG’s Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor with a 12-bit processing pipeline and AI-driven upscaling improvements. The Bravia 8, meanwhile, uses Sony’s Bravia XR processor, which focuses on delivering a more natural, cinematic image.

This is a fairly close round overall, but thanks to its additional gaming chops (most notably the extra HDMI 2.1 sockets) and slicker smart platform, we're giving the win to the C6.

** Winner: LG C6 **

LG C6 vs Sony Bravia 8: picture quality

The LG C6 delivers a brighter, richer image than previous C-series models. Highlights are more intense, colours are more vibrant, and the overall image has a stronger sense of depth and dimensionality.

Watching Pan, for example, the C6 shows clear improvements in highlight intensity and colour gradation. Reflections on water appear brighter and more vivid, while sunsets display smoother tonal transitions and richer hues in the surrounding clouds. The result is a more dynamic and three-dimensional image without sacrificing naturalism.

Upscaling is improved too, particularly with lower-resolution sources, which appear slightly cleaner and more refined, with subtle gains in edge definition and texture compared with previous C-series models.

The Sony Bravia 8, however, takes a slightly different approach. Rather than chasing maximum impact, it focuses on accuracy and naturalism.

Skin tones are a particular strength. Watching Dune Part Two, characters’ complexions appear warm and lifelike, with more realistic colour balance than many rivals. Subtle tonal shifts in skin and clothing are handled with care, helping the image feel more authentic.

Motion handling is another standout area. In Blade Runner 2049, fast-moving shots of vehicles crossing dusty landscapes are handled beautifully, with no obvious artefacts and excellent clarity throughout.

The Bravia 8 also delivers impressive contrast and depth. In darker scenes from Blade Runner 2049, fine details – such as textures in furniture and shadowy backgrounds – remain clearly visible, contributing to a strong sense of three-dimensionality.

Brightness is strong for a standard WOLED panel, and in challenging material such as Pan, the Bravia 8 produces punchy highlights with good detail retention, though it doesn’t quite match the added intensity and punch delivered by the LG C6.

Ultimately, though, while the Bravia 8 is a lovely, cinematically consistent performer in its own right, the newer C6 offers an extra bit of sparkle without deviating meaningfully from creative intent, and that's why it takes this round.

** Winner: LG C6 **

LG C6 vs Sony Bravia 8: sound quality

The LG C6 improves on previous C-series models with cleaner, more controlled audio, tighter bass and clearer dialogue. It’s a solid performance by TV standards, but it will still be comfortably beaten by a dedicated sound system, such as one of the best soundbars.

The Sony Bravia 8, however, is one of the best-sounding OLED TVs we’ve tested – and the clear leader in this step-down OLED class.

Its Acoustic Surface Audio+ system uses actuators behind the screen to produce sound, which helps audio feel more directly tied to the on-screen action. Dialogue is well placed, effects track movement convincingly, and the overall presentation feels more spacious and precise.

It does lack some low-end weight, but its control and cohesion are excellent, and it avoids the distortion that can affect many TV speaker systems.

While we still recommend a soundbar for the best experience, the Bravia 8 clearly offers a more capable and immersive built-in audio experience.

** Winner: Sony Bravia 8 **

LG C6 vs Sony Bravia 8: verdict

The LG C6 and Sony Bravia 8 are both excellent OLED TVs, but they cater to slightly different priorities.

The LG C6 is the more versatile all-rounder. It offers stronger brightness, more impactful visuals and class-leading gaming features, making it a great choice for a wide range of users.

The Sony Bravia 8, meanwhile, is the option for purists. It delivers a wonderfully natural and cinematic picture, exceptional motion handling, and some of the best built-in sound you’ll find on a TV.

All of that said, if the two TVs were the same price, we would confidently point you towards the newer LG C6.

The thing is, they're not the same price, and the fact that you can currently get the Sony for hundreds of pounds/dollars less than the LG rather complicates things.

For that reason, we're calling this one a draw for now, but should the C6 be discounted to similar levels as the Bravia 8, that's the model we recommend.

** Overall winner: Draw **

April is finally here, which means we’re oh so close to it finally being summer, where we can dust off our BBQ aprons and enjoy the two minutes of sunshine we get each year (in Blighty).

But for our team of hi-fi and home cinema experts, there’s no respite in sight, at least if March is anything to go on, as we’re still seeing a flood of new hardware in our viewing and listening rooms. Over the past 30 days, a staggering five products earned five-star ratings.

And while we love the symmetry, that’s a lot of new products to keep track of, which is why we’ve penned a fresh entry into our regular Pick of the Month column, detailing everything you need to know about our reviewers’ latest recommendations.

LG C6 (OLED65C6)

The LG C6 is the latest step-down OLED from the Korean home cinema giant responsible for not one, but three of last year’s What Hi-Fi? Award-winning TVs. So it has some pretty big shoes to fill.

Thankfully, while its specifications sheet makes it look like a very minor upgrade on the outgoing, and now cheaper, LG C5, the C6 managed to impress our reviewers from the moment they unboxed it.

Brighter and a smidgeon more accurate, with every test disc we noticed a number of subtle improvements that make it the new benchmark for 2026. Hence its new prime position in our best OLED TV guide, and our reviewers’ verdict:

“The improvements aren’t so massive that an owner of a recent C-series model (or one of its closest competitors) should feel the need to immediately upgrade, but if you are in the market for a step-down OLED, the LG C6 is the new benchmark. And it’s a benchmark that its rivals will find very hard to match, let alone surpass.”

Rating: five stars

Read our full LG C6 (OLED65C6) review

Moon 371

Though aficionados have traditionally turned their nose up at them, there’s a lot to like about streaming amps. All the sonic grunt you need to power stereo speakers, paired with the handy ability to stream from your music provider of choice (ours is Tidal).

And last month, we were treated to a true specimen of a streaming amp in the shape of the Moon 371, which proves the category has a place in the enthusiast market as well as more casual circles.

Featuring an eye-catching design, all the streaming smarts you need, and being capable of delivering a fluid, refined sound full of expressive dynamics, it’s well worth any hi-fi fan considering. Hence our verdict:

“Moon has done a great job with the 371 streaming amplifier. It is a neat and stylish package that ticks all the boxes as far as features go, while being a pleasure to use. Add the excellent sound quality into the equation, and it becomes a proper alternative to the best streamer/amplifier separates combinations on the market.”

Rating: five stars

Read our full Moon 371 review

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

Valerion is a relative newcomer to the projector market, having started life as a Kickstarter project back in 2024.

Which is why we’re happy to see it come out of the gate strong with the VisionMaster Pro 2, the first Valerion product we’ve ever tested.

Part of the growing wave of “home cinema in a box" projectors flooding the market, the Vision Master 2 sits in the same class as the BenQ X3100i, which we continue to use as a reference point in our viewing rooms.

The idea is simple: give people all the hardware they need to power a movie night in a single box. And as a result, the intimidating-looking unit comes packed with a lot of hardware. Highlights include a triple (RGB) laser lighting system feeding into a 4K-capable DLP optical set-up, and a stereo 12W speaker system.

And, in the real world, despite the company’s youth, the VisionMaster Pro 2 is a very competitive performer capable of delivering a punchy, immersive home cinema experience.

As we said in our review: “From its picture quality to its design, features and even audio performance, the VisionMaster Pro 2 consistently punches above its weight.”

Rating: five stars

Read our full Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

Yamaha YH-4000

In hi-fi terms, the YH-4000 are in a tough spot. Like the poor saps who played straight after Eddie Van Halen stunned fans at the band’s first gig, with his never-before-seen guitar tapping technique, they have a hard act to top in the shape of the five-star YH-5000SE.

But by striking a lot of the same chords as their Award-winning siblings, while simultaneously carrying a lower price tag, they managed to truly win our reviewers over.

Featuring the same 50mm orthodynamic (planar magnetic) driver as their higher-end sibling and a near identical design, the subtle cuts Yamaha has made are the right ones and let the YH-4000 deliver a solid, albeit occasionally clinical performance.

Whether it was bopping pop, booming rock or complex classical arrangements, paired with a price-appropriate source the headphones delivered impressive levels of clarity, definition and sonic agility.

As we said in our review: “The Yamaha YH-4000 set new standards for the price when it comes to detail resolution and composure. They are wonderfully comfortable, too.”

Rating: five stars

Read our full Yamaha YH-4000 review

Rotel DX-5

MORE:

These are the best stereo amps we’ve tested

Our picks of the best wired headphones

We rank the best TVs money can buy

A new week is upon us, which means a fresh entry into our regular hi-fi and home cinema news digest, Rewind.

As always, our team of experts detail the top stories to break over the past seven days, and what a week it was! As well as a key exclusive review of LG’s latest step-down OLED, we saw a piece of cataclysmic news break involving two big-name hi-fi brands.

Here’s what you need to know.

We tested the LG C6

LG’s step-down C series of OLED TVs has a strong track record in our testing rooms, as evidenced by the number of LG C5 sets in last year’s What Hi-Fi? Awards.

Which is why our reviewers were very happy when the 65-inch LG C6 appeared in our testing rooms last week. We initially found the 65-inch set a little dull when the series was unveiled, featuring modest specification bumps to a standard OLED panel rather than the next-gen Primary RGB Tandem OLED tech seen on its larger siblings.

But once we got to properly put it through its paces in our viewing rooms, these initial concerns proved to be completely unfounded. Make no mistake, the C6 is an upgrade on the C5 in nearly every way. As said by our reviewers: “While it might seem at first glance to be the least exciting model in LG’s 2026 OLED TV range, the ‘normal’ sized C6 is, in fact, a revelation.”

Read our full LG C6 review

Naim and Focal are getting new owners

News that Barco is set to buy VerVent Audio is, without a doubt, one of the biggest AV stories to break this year.

Like Harman International’s takeover of Masimo’s Audio brands last year, it means the Belgian firm will take control of several big hi-fi brands, chief among which are Naim and Focal.

What the deal means for both remains unclear, though Barco CEO, An Steegen, has confirmed they will continue to operate as consumer brands on some level and are part of a wider aspiration to grow the firm’s audiovisual offering.

Read the full story: Marquee audio brands Focal and Naim will soon have a new owner

We reviewed WiiM’s HomePod-inspired speaker

The WiiM Sound is a smart speaker that wears its inspiration on its sleeve, having a near identical design to the iconic Apple HomePod 2, outside of the inclusion of a clever OLED screen.

It’s a 360 smart speaker designed for people on the hunt for a single box, or in this case, single cylinder, solution to their audio needs. After putting it through its paces in our listening rooms, while its audio lacked the precision and dynamics needed to dethrone Apple’s smart speaker, we did find plenty to like about it.

Highlights include an easy-to-use interface, excellent app support and a smooth, fluid sound that will delight more casual listeners. As we said in our review:

“As with all other WiiM products we’ve tested, the Sound speaker impresses with its breadth of streaming features, easy-to-use interface and smart design. We imagine many will be charmed by these elements in daily use, and rightly so. Sound quality remains its Achilles heel, however.”

Read our full WiiM Sound review

Sonos has a new speaker

Talking of smart speakers, Sonos released a new one last week. Specifically, the brand lifted the lid on its new Sonos Play portable speaker.

The new Play sits between the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2, both in size and price, and is designed for home and on-the-go use, coming loaded with a battery and a swanky-looking charge base. The latter makes it look and work like a proper home speaker when used inside, thanks to the inclusion of wi-fi streaming, alongside Bluetooth.

Sadly, we haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, though we’re expecting our review unit soon, so make sure to watch this space.

Read the full story: Sonos' new Play portable speaker is like a shrunken Move 2, but it's priced the same as the Apple HomePod 2

MORE:

These are the best smart speakers we’ve reviewed

We rank the best speakers money can buy

Our picks of the best OLED TVs for serious movie fans

On the face of it, the C6 we’re looking at today is the least exciting OLED TV in LG’s 2026 range.

The B6 (presumably) features a new OLED SE panel, the G6 is set to be LG’s brightest-ever OLED, and the W6 marks the return of the brand’s legendary Wallpaper range.

On top of that, the 77- and 83-inch versions of the C6 feature Primary RGB Tandem OLED technology for the first time, potentially resulting in the biggest C-series upgrade in years.

But we have chosen the 65-inch C6 as our first LG OLED review of 2026.

Why? Primarily because this has long been LG’s most popular series, 55 to 65 inches remains the most popular size, and if LG has squeezed more performance out of its most popular of models it will be a pretty darn big deal.

And here’s the thing: having tested the C6 directly against the C5 over a number of days, we can confirm that LG really has squeezed more performance out of its C-series.

Rather a lot of it, in fact…

Price

The C5 is the current benchmark at this level, so it’s against this that the C6 must be primarily judged.

It’s good news, then, that the C6 has launched with the same US pricing as the C5 did. That’s $2699 for the 65-inch model.

It's even better news that the price has actually dropped in the UK and Australia, with the 65-inch C6 coming in at £2500 / AU$3999. For reference, the 65-inch C5 launched at £2700 / AU$4299.

It's not just the 65-inch version of the C6 that is cheaper than the equivalent C5 was at launch: every size has received a price reduction in the UK and Australia (but remains unchanged in the US).

It’s worth noting, of course, that while launch pricing might look strong compared with the C5 when it first came out, the new model still currently looks very expensive when compared with its now massively discounted predecessor and other 2025 rivals.

As ever, we recommend waiting before buying – prices should drop quickly and significantly.

Design

If you were hoping for a dramatic redesign this year, you’ll be disappointed. The C6 looks essentially identical to the C5 – and, indeed, to several generations of C-series OLED before it.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as LG’s C-series OLEDs remain some of the most handsome TVs available, with a panel that is astonishingly thin across most of its surface. Most of the screen is little more than a few millimetres thick, with the sides maintaining that wafer-thin profile from top to bottom.

Rather than thickening gradually, the panel has a separate rectangular enclosure attached to the lower rear, which houses the speakers, processing hardware and connections. Because this housing only occupies the central portion of the back, the majority of the panel – particularly the edges – remains strikingly thin.

While the picture frame-style G-series range is often considered the best suited for wall-mounting, C-series models, including the C6, arguably look even smarter on a wall. Because the thicker lower housing pushes the screen slightly away from the wall, the ultra-thin panel appears to hover just in front of the surface behind it, creating a subtle floating effect.

The C6 also retains one of the C-series’ underrated strengths: it’s remarkably light for a TV of this size. That makes it easier to handle during installation and particularly appealing if you plan to wall-mount it.

That said, there are a couple of familiar niggles. The combination of a thin panel and sharp edges makes the set surprisingly uncomfortable to manoeuvre despite its low weight, and the angled pedestal stand can make soundbar placement a little awkward.

Still, this is a very attractive and well-made TV, even if it is somewhat overly familiar at this point.

Features

Despite the new model number, the C6 doesn’t introduce new panel hardware at this size. The 55- and 65-inch versions continue to use LG Display’s established WOLED technology, with the newer Primary RGB Tandem OLED panels reserved for the larger 77- and 83-inch models.

That means the biggest upgrades this year come not from the panel itself, but from LG’s latest processing platform.

The headline addition is LG’s new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor, which brings a number of changes aimed primarily at improving picture refinement.

LG says the chip now uses a 12-bit processing pipeline, allowing for more precise tone and colour management, alongside an additional brightness control layer designed to improve the rendering of intense light sources and reflections.

The new processor also enables Dual AI Super Resolution, which applies two separate AI passes when upscaling lower-resolution content: one focused on sharpening edges, and another dedicated to refining texture and detail. In theory, this should result in cleaner, more natural upscaling.

Another new addition is AI HDR Remastering, which “analyses each frame of video content, enhancing contrast, sharpness, and colour for improved image quality. SDR content is remastered to appear more like HDR, while HDR content is further refined for a more vibrant and realistic viewing experience”.

Elsewhere, LG has made some small tweaks to its webOS platform. The Home Hub shortcut now provides quicker access to recent inputs, a new My Page area allows users to add personalised widgets, and a ‘Continue Watching’ row has been introduced – although at present it only supports Amazon Prime Video, which isn’t very useful at all.

One aspect of webOS that remains slightly divisive is the presence of large banner adverts on the home screen. These promotional panels occupy a prominent position near the top of the interface and can occasionally feel intrusive when you’re simply trying to navigate to an app. Fortunately, they can still be disabled in the settings menu, allowing you to return the home screen to a much cleaner layout if you’d prefer.

AI of course powers lots of webOS features, most obviously the search functionality. In practice, though, we found this to be a bit inconsistent. During testing, it occasionally struggled to launch specific shows from certain apps despite correctly identifying them.

App support, however, remains one of LG’s greatest strengths. All of the major streaming services are present and accounted for, with excellent support for formats such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. As ever with LG TVs, the apps are also extremely well optimised, loading quickly and delivering content in the formats they should.

During our testing, BBC iPlayer refused to launch, but this appears to be a certification issue with our early review sample rather than a permanent omission.

One more concrete absence is Discovery+, which isn’t currently available on the platform. That will be frustrating for some UK users, as it’s the route through which certain TNT Sports events – including a selection of Premier League and Champions League matches – are delivered.

Gamers are, as ever with LG’s top OLEDs, very well catered for. All four HDMI ports support the full HDMI 2.1 feature set, including 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming. PC gamers can now push refresh rates even further, with support for VRR up to 4K/165Hz, though console players will still be limited to 120Hz, as that is still the limit of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

LG’s Game Optimiser dashboard returns, allowing players to tweak settings on the fly, and cloud gaming support is strong, with GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming and Amazon Luna all available directly through the TV.

HDR support remains unchanged, with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG supported, but not HDR10+. Interestingly, LG has also opted not to implement the new Dolby Vision 2 format this year, despite its historically close relationship with Dolby. But, with no content currently available (or even dated) in the new format, it’s unlikely to matter for the foreseeable future.

Picture quality

Before diving into the specifics, it’s worth putting the C6’s improvements into context.

Progress in this step-down OLED category tends to be relatively gradual, largely because most TVs in this class continue to rely on variations of the same underlying WOLED panel technology that has been evolving for several years.

So, rather than introducing entirely new hardware each generation, brands instead focus on squeezing incremental gains from the panel through improved processing, brightness management and calibration.

Against that backdrop, the C6’s performance gains feel particularly impressive.

Even in Filmmaker Mode, the C6’s extra brightness over the C5 is immediately obvious. Highlights are more intense, colours have a touch more richness and the overall image carries greater depth and dimensionality.

Watching Pan, for instance, the light glinting off splashing water appears noticeably brighter, while sunsets display more clearly defined colour gradations and richer tones in the surrounding clouds. The result is an image that feels a little more vibrant and three-dimensional without sacrificing the out-of-the-box naturalism that makes LG’s OLEDs so appealing.

This additional brightness also helps with everyday viewing. Even in a reasonably well-lit room, the C6 feels more comfortable to watch in its most accurate picture modes than previous C-series sets.

Colour reproduction benefits, too. Reds and oranges in particular appear slightly richer and more lifelike, lending skin tones a greater sense of vitality without pushing them into artificial territory. Faces display convincing tonal variation and warmth, helping characters feel more tangible and believable on screen.

After extensive testing with the available picture presets and motion options, we ultimately settle on Filmmaker Mode with just two small tweaks: setting TruMotion to Cinematic Movement, and reducing Near Black Detail from 0 to -1.

With Cinematic Movement engaged, motion looks impressively smooth and controlled without introducing obvious artefacts or drifting into the dreaded soap-opera effect. Fast-moving sequences retain plenty of clarity while still preserving a natural, cinematic feel.

The Near Black Detail adjustment proves particularly useful, too. Out of the box, the C6 occasionally prioritises shadow detail slightly over absolute black depth. In the opening moments of Alien: Romulus, for example, the blackness of space can appear just a touch raised compared with the C5.

Dropping Near Black Detail to -1 neatly restores the sort of inky blacks OLED fans expect while still preserving more shadow detail than the C5 manages. The result is an excellent balance of deep, convincing blacks and improved low-light nuance.

The C6’s new Precision HDR Master Pro processing – which underpins the HDR Remastering feature – can also be found in the picture menus.

When enabled with HDR content, however, its effect is extremely subtle in the most accurate picture modes. In Filmmaker Mode and Cinema Home, we often struggle to see any meaningful difference between it being on or off, which likely explains why LG leaves it disabled by default across all presets.

In less accurate modes such as Standard it has a slightly stronger effect, but primarily through exaggerated detail and sharpness, so we still prefer to leave it switched off.

The HDR Remastering feature is also designed to convert SDR material into something closer to HDR, but its results are mixed. While it can add a little extra brightness and punch, it also tends to make SDR images appear cooler in tone and somewhat over-sharpened.

As with most technologies that attempt to manufacture HDR from SDR, the result doesn’t truly resemble native HDR and ultimately feels less natural than leaving the feature disabled.

Fortunately, the C6 performs very well with SDR material even without such processing.

Standard-definition sources retain a broadly similar character to those on the C5, but the C6’s additional processing refinement makes them look a touch smoother and cleaner.

Watching DVD material such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, the image appears impressively vibrant by SD standards, with good contrast and colour depth. Fine elements such as the text on the Valu-Mart sign are rendered with slightly cleaner edges and improved definition compared with the C5.

1080p Blu-ray material remains excellent, too. Films such as Fury look sharp, clean and natural, and while the difference between the C6 and C5 is less noticeable at this resolution than standard-def, LG has achieved a subtle improvement.

Taken as a whole, the C6’s picture performance represents a clear step forward. It’s brighter, richer and more immersive than its predecessor while still delivering the naturalism and cinematic balance that have long made LG’s C-series OLEDs such dependable performers.

Sound quality

Audio performance hasn’t always been a strong suit for LG’s C-series TVs, but the C6 represents a noticeable step in the right direction.

Using the same underlying speaker hardware as its predecessor, LG appears to have focused instead on improving processing and acoustic tuning, and the results are immediately apparent.

With Blade Runner 2049, the presentation feels cleaner and more controlled than on the C5. Bass isn’t necessarily deeper, but it is tighter and more composed, avoiding the distortion that occasionally crept into the previous model at higher volumes.

Voices also benefit from a little more warmth and character, while the overall soundstage feels more spacious. Dolby Atmos effects are projected further away from the screen when required, giving the presentation a greater sense of scale.

Watching Civil War, the improvements become even clearer. Dialogue is more expressive, dynamics are stronger and the overall delivery feels more open and immersive than we’re used to from LG’s OLEDs.

Volume output remains somewhat limited, so the C6 can’t provide a blockbuster soundtrack experience, but within its comfort zone the C6 sounds surprisingly clear and engaging.

It’s still no substitute for a dedicated sound system, of course, but by the standards of TVs in this class, the C6 delivers a pleasingly capable audio performance.

Verdict

While it might seem at first glance to be the least exciting model in LG’s 2026 OLED TV range, the ‘normal’ sized C6 is, in fact, a revelation.

This is a big upgrade by C-series standards. We don’t typically get too excited about processor upgrades, but the Alpha 11 Gen 3 has forced a brighter and richer performance out of the same OLED EX panel technology, and improved upscaling and shading subtlety.

The extra brightness and richness have benefits across the picture, resulting in a more enticing, dynamic and three-dimensional delivery.

LG has finally found some sonic success, too, and the C6 actually sounds pretty good for a TV in its class – though a dedicated sound system is, as ever, highly recommended.

Add in the usual LG C-series strengths of awesome gaming credentials and an app-packed, properly optimised smart platform, and you have a formidable all-rounder of a TV.

The improvements aren’t so massive that an owner of a recent C-series model (or one of its closest competitors) should feel the need to immediately upgrade, but if you are in the market for a step-down OLED, the LG C6 is the new benchmark.

And it’s a benchmark that its rivals will find very hard to match, let alone surpass.

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 5

Updates

MORE:

Read our review of the LG C5

Read our hands on impressions of the LG G6

Also consider the Samsung S95F

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and budget Mini LED sets tried and tested

As I type this in the first days of March 2026, it seems that the dreary, gloomy, incessantly rainy days in the UK are about to end. There is sunshine streaming in from the window, with the promise of longer days, spring blooms, less rain and, yes, hayfever.

We hope the weather is looking up wherever you are, too; and what makes the incoming days even brighter is the selection of great hi-fi and home cinema products we have in for review that we can't wait to get stuck in to.

This month, we are encountering products from brand new manufacturers we’ve not tested before – an exciting prospect, considering What Hi-Fi? is turning 50 years old this year – along with Sony’s hotly anticipated new Bluetooth turntables, and what could be the most popular telly of 2026, the LG C6.

We may be turning 50, but that hasn’t dimmed our enjoyment of testing AV products and bringing you our honest, in-depth advice on what to spend your money on.

Thank you for all your messages in last month's In For Review instalment. If you would like to get in touch or if you have any questions about the products we’re testing next, drop us a comment below or email us at whathifi@futurenet.com.

LG C6

Attention might be focused on the W6, G6 and the largest versions of the C6 with their upgraded panel, but the standard C6 will still be the most popular LG OLED TV (probably the most popular OLED TV full-stop) in 2026.

We’ll be pitting the 65-inch version against the Award-winning C5 to find out if LG has further refined its near-perfect performance:features:price ratio.

Sony PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT turntables

Successors to the five-star budget PS-LX310BT we constantly recommend for vinyl newbies, the new Sony PS-LX3BT and step-up PS-LX5BT turntables carry on the tried-and-tested formula: fully automatic and plug-and-play operation, a built-in phono stage for greater flexibility with system matching, and a pre-fitted cartridge and tonearm.

The new models have had a fresh lick of paint, updated Bluetooth aptX Adaptive streaming powers, and upgraded components that promise better sound performance. The main different between the two models is the choice of cartridge, and – at £299 / €350 / AU$469 (for the LX3) and £399 / €460 AU$599 (for the LX5) – they are still on the affordable side. We have both decks in and can’t wait to take them for a spin.

Yamaha YH-4000

The same technology as the high-end, Award-winning YH-5000SE, but half the price? That’s the promise set by the Yamaha YH-4000 open-back wired headphones, which use the same 50mm orthodynamic (planar magnetic) driver as their more auspicious sibling, and sporting a similar structure and design – but with tweaked damping and internal filter.

Costing £2199 / $2499 / AU$3999, can the YH-4000 deliver much of that same “exceptional detail resolution and expressive dynamics” we hailed in the 5000SE? We’ll find out soon enough.

Unitra WSH-805

We are excited to welcome a brand new manufacturer – Polish hi-fi brand Unitra – into the What Hi-Fi? listening rooms for the first time. We have seen Unitra’s products on display at the High End Munich show in recent years, and we’re excited finally to get our hands on a sample of this all-analogue, integrated, dual-mono stereo amplifier (£4499 / €4999).

Will its performance live up to the hype of those beautifully presented front-panel controls and VU meters? We sure hope so.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

Valerion raised an astonishing $10.9 million on Kickstarter to fund its projector range, and we have finally got hands on its debut UK model, the VisionMaster Pro 2.

This classily styled box boasts a 4K resolution, 3000 ISO lumens of brightness and 110 per cent coverage of the Rec.2020 colour range. Valerion also claims that it has more or less solved the projector rainbow effect with its latest software update. Let’s see if the projector can live up to the hype.

Hisense HT Saturn

Enjoy the sound of the Sony Bravia Theatre Quad system but can’t stretch to its undoubtedly premium price tag? The Hisense HT Saturn could be for you. As with the Sony system, the Saturn features four wireless speakers that you position around your room so that they can work together and create immersive Dolby Atmos sound.

Unlike the Sony system, while the Saturn comes bundled with a subwoofer, it is also more than £1000 cheaper. Let’s hope it sounds good.

MORE:

What Hi‑Fi? turns 50: celebrating five decades of expert reviews, trusted advice and brilliant products

Ask The Reader: Do you care who makes your TV?

This neat streaming and vinyl system is a modern take on a classic hi-fi setup – fewer boxes, great sound

When the new LG C6 OLED TV was announced earlier this year, there were signs of elation – which were soon mixed with disappointment.

After many years of waiting, LG has finally granted our wish and bestowed its mid-range C-series with Primary RGB Tandem OLED, the colour and brightness boosting panel technology previously only found on the flagship G5.

We quickly spotted one big issue with the LG C6 however: only the 77- and 83-inch LG C6H models are receiving the new Primary RGB Tandem panel tech.

This proved to be a theme across the LG 2026 TV lineup as a whole. Any notable new and exciting innovations, whether this is RGB Mini LED, ultra-thin Wallpaper TVs, or the C6H, are limited to sizes of 75 inches and above. The main exception is The Gallery TV, which is an intriguing proposition, but not a serious contender for anyone who prioritises picture quality.

Even the 65-inch offerings, a size that still impresses several house guests outside the home cinema bubble, have been left out to dry.

Those of us with smaller rooms are left with the B6, G6 or regular C6. These look like great TVs in their own right – the G6, in particular, boasts a second-generation Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel – but these are really incremental upgrades as opposed to the more generational leaps above.

While it's hardly new for TV manufacturers to reserve their newest and most exciting tech for the most expensive models, this can't help but feel like a missed opportunity.

A YouGov poll found that the most desired screen size in the UK is between 44- and 55-inches, with 66% of British households owning a TV less than 50 inches. So that's an awful lot of people missing out on a number of new and exciting developments in LG's lineup, who will instead have to choose from smaller upgrades in the B6, C6 and G6 lines.

There are also several home cinema and AV enthusiasts – myself included – who simply do not have the space for one of these supersize TVs, even if we wanted to. With the property ladder increasingly harder to get onto, more and more people will be fitting TVs into a single room rather than a spacious living room.

There's an embedded age-old assumption that TV innovation has to go hand in hand with size. And while there are undoubtedly technical considerations in some instances, there are several of us who would be perfectly happy to shell out a bit more to try out the latest TV tech on a mid-size TV.

To me, someone who was a fan of LG's offerings this year and was genuinely excited to see the South Korean company mix up their TV line-up, it seems a shame that so many of these models are dependent on your wall space.

Inevitably, this technology will eventually trickle down to the smaller sizes. So will the whole C7 range get a uniform panel upgrade next year? Fingers crossed...

MORE:

Check out our full LG C5 55-inch review

As well as our LG G6 hands-on review

Here are our picks for the best OLED TVs

CES 2026 proved to be yet another busy and exciting showcase of the top home cinema and hi-fi products that are set to launch later this year.

We caught up with a wide range of manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL, Xgimi and Cambridge Audio, checking out their latest innovations, which are set to shape 2026 for cinephiles and audiophiles alike.

As ever, the show proved to be a major hit for OLED TVs, with Samsung and LG debuting a handful of truly impressive-looking sets, despite RGB Mini LED also having a prominent presence at the show.

New Dolby Atmos soundbars were also unveiled by the companies mentioned above, including a convertible Samsung soundbar that boasts a serious boost to bass. LG, on the other hand, launched its flagship, Dolby Atmos Flex Connect-enabled soundbar, which is also compatible with its new wireless speakers and subwoofer.

A duo of unique-looking projectors from Xgimi and Hisense also made an appearance at the show, both with unique and eye-catching designs.

And for the hi-fi fans, an exciting new turntable from Audio Technica was unveiled, as was a new range of active speakers from Cambridge Audio.

That's a lot to unpack, but you can find out exactly why we chose these freshly announced products below.

TVs

LG W6 Wallpaper OLED TV

Remember LG's Wallpaper OLED TV? That super-slender TV that you could affix to your wall with magnets remains a legend in the home cinema world, and it's got a spiritual successor in the form of the W6.

LG's latest flagship TV sports the Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel tech from the G-series TVs, and crams it into a sleek and stylish chassis that measures just 9mm thick.

It leverages LG's Zero Connect box, which was popularised on the M-series wireless OLEDs, which is what the W6 is replacing. Gamers may be put off by the wireless interface, but LG promises smooth 4K gaming up to 165Hz on the W6.

LG also claims that this TV can deliver a superb picture performance despite the slender frame. It's leveraging its new Hyper Radiant Colour technology (which can also be found in the G6 and some versions of the C6) and low reflectivity display tech, which should make viewing the TV in traditional environments easier.

If you're looking for style and substance, then you definitely need to pay attention to the W6.

Samsung S95H

Samsung has also given its flagship OLED TV a stylish redesign. Meet the S95H, an all-new OLED TV that takes design, brightness and functionality to a new level.

Its new design echos the firm's Frame TV, and the more effective Glare Free display coating makes this set look even more like a piece of art than ever before.

While looks are important, we care most about picture performance, and Samsung is claiming that this TV is a big step up over its five-star predecessor. It reports that the QD-OLED panel can reach a new peak brightness of 2700 nits in a 10% display window, and there is an overall improvements to highlights, colour and sharpness.

Gamers should get excited too, as Samsung is offering this TV with an optional new Wireless One Connect solution, which adds four HDMI 2.1 sockets onto the four already available on the TV itself. That results in eight high-bandwidth sockets primed for various consoles, disc players, streamers and audio equipment.

LG C6

We’ve been waiting generations (TV generations, not human ones) for a big panel upgrade to LG’s C-series OLEDs, and we finally have one – albeit in limited fashion.

That upgrade is from standard W-OLED to super bright Primary RGB Tandem OLED, but only for the 77- and 83-inch models, which will be given the C6H name to differentiate them from the non-Tandem C6 sizes.

Every C6 is getting a new processor this year, though, and it’s the same flagship chip that is going into the G6 and W6.

In other words, we’re expecting the C6 to be a decent upgrade on the C5 at all sizes, but it should be a huge step up in the 77- and 83-inch models, which looked great when we saw them at the show.

TCL X11L

While the big TV story of 2026 is going to be the tsunami of new RGB Mini LED models, TCL is swimming against the tide with a new concept – the Super Quantum Dot TV.

The Chinese brand, which is quickly turning itself into one of the industry’s biggest players in terms of quality as well as quantity, does have RGB Mini LED models on its slate for this year, but sitting above them all is this X11L SQD model.

According to TCL, its Super QD model can go brighter and more vibrant than RGB Mini LED models, while also having better local dimming and colour accuracy, and being slimmer.

That sounds like a very tasty recipe indeed, and the X11L looked stunning when we saw it in the flesh on the show floor. Astonishingly punchy, colourful and contrasty, this could be the flagship TV surprise of 2026.

Projectors

Xgimi Titan Noir Max

Xgimi is a brand with a growing reputation for always improving with each new generation of its projectors. Which is why we were happy to see it launch its new Titan Noir Max at CES.

Sitting below the firm’s Titan and Horizon 20 Max from 2025, we’re still waiting on final pricing, but there’s no denying it’s an interesting beast with some solid specifications.

Highlights include new “precision-tuned optics” and the firm’s “most advanced dynamic IRIS system to date”. According to Xgimi, these factors will fix one of our biggest gripes with its past offerings: their lacklustre handling of dark scenes.

If that rings true when we get a Titan Noir Max into our review rooms, then we may have a new power player in the coffee table projector market on our hands.

Hisense XR10

Hisense has a strong track record in the home cinema in a box space. So much so that its entry-level, dinky Hisense M2 Pro won a What Hi-Fi? Award last year.

Which is why we paid attention when it launched its new XR10 and boastfully described it as “a first-of-its-kind laser projector built for cinephiles.”

While it’s too early to tell if there’s any truth to that claim, it certainly does have some impressive hardware. Key specifications include a completely new custom chipset, the brand’s latest LPU 30 Digital Laser Engine, atypical liquid cooling system and a staggering 6000 ANSI lumens peak brightness.

Add to this the ability to project an image up to 300-inches big, and it has certainly piqued our interest, earning the XR10 a place on this list.

Soundbars

LG Sound Suite (H7 Dolby Atmos soundbar)

Rather than announce a whole new soundbar range for 2026, LG has instead launched a family of home cinema speakers that can be mixed and matched to create a setup that’s tailored just to you and your room.

This Sound Suite consists of the H7 soundbar, the M7 and M5 wireless speakers, and the W7 subwoofer. So, you can just buy the solo soundbar, or you can partner that with a pair of either speakers and/or the subwoofer. In that regard, it’s rather like a Sonos system, with the Sonos Arc Ultra as the starting point.

The difference is that Sound Suite is built on the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect platform, so the components should be super-flexible over positioning. FlexConnect is built into LG’s new TVs, too, so you can do without the soundbar if you prefer, and have your television act as the hub for just the wireless speakers and/or sub.

Conceptually, this is really neat, and it sounded good during our limited demo session, too. Here’s hoping it still sounds good when we get it into our test room for a full, comparative review.

Samsung HW-QS90H

Samsung unveiled its first convertible soundbar last year in the form of the HW-Q700F, and now it's back with an updated take on the format.

It ditches the external subwoofer in favour of more bass drivers directly inside the 'bar, and the bass upgrade was certainty noticeable during our demo at Samsung's First Look conference.

It features a total of 13 drivers inside, and a gyroscope to recognise when the soundbar is placed in either of its configurations; those being wall-mounted or table-top. It will then redistribute the sound to the appropriate drivers to ensure that front-firing sound and Dolby Atmos height effects are positioned correctly.

We noted its punchy and bold sound in our HW-QS90H hands on review, and it's bass performance frankly speaks for itself. The real question is this: does the HW-QS90H have what it takes to dethrone the Award-winning Sonos Arc Ultra?

Hi-Fi

Cambridge Audio L/R X

This is the flagship in Cambridge’s new range of L/R speaker systems (the others being the S and the M), and it’s set its sights high. It’s gunning for KEF’s LS50 Wireless II, a system that has won a What Hi-Fi? Award a staggering six years in a row.

But the X certainly looks impressive. In terms of features, it goes toe-to-toe with the KEF, with a spec that’s nigh-on identical. It’s also set to launch at exactly the same RRP (though the KEF has seen some significant discounts in its lifetime).

It’s not out until the summer, but our intrepid senior staff writer Harry McKerrell has already gone hands-on with it at Cambridge’s London HQ. He found it to be a “clear, clean and rhythmically sound performer, one which is capable of bringing out ample helpings of textural detail while going loud and proud in the process.” Although the usual disclaimer about this being just a first impression applies.

Looks like KEF has a fight on its hands.

Audio Technica LP7X

We’re always interested when Audio-Technica unveils a new turntable, and the AT-LP7X sits just below the very enjoyable AT-LP8X record player we reviewed last year.

The LP7X is, surprisingly, a belt-drive model – which bucks the trend of most Audio-Technica turntables that use a direct drive motor – a feature that has piqued our interest.

It comes with a J-shaped aluminium tonearm and pre-fitted moving magnet cartridge that offers ample adjustment and upgrade options down the line. The minimalist design also has a built-in phono stage and aims to offer flexibility for vinyl fans.

We’re promised a “clean, considered deck” that isn’t showy but focuses on the fundamentals for £679 / $999, and we can’t wait to hear it in action.

MORE:

Read our Samsung S95H hands on review

As well as our Cambridge Audio L/R X hands on review

And our Samsung HW-QS90H hands on review

We've been mightily intrigued by LG's TV range ever since it was unveiled at CES, and now we're finally starting to see part of the lineup in the flesh, so to speak.

We've already reviewed the flagship LG G6 and mid-range LG C6 OLED TVs, as well as the Dolby Atmos FlexConnect LG Sound Suite, with some mixed results.

But some of the more exciting models are still to come, including the new RGB Mini LED MRGB95, the ‘picture frame’ Gallery TV and the revived super-thin W6 “Wallpaper” OLED.

We've picked out some key highlights below, or you can scroll down to the bottom of the page for a breakdown of each TV.

The LG tech headlines for 2026

LG is boarding the RGB Mini LED bandwagon

Sony, Samsung and Hisense are among the brands that have been experimenting with RGB Mini LED – and LG is officially embracing the technology in 2026.

LG will be deploying the tech in the new MRGB95 TV, which will sit alongside its OLEDs in 2026 – and perhaps one day replace them. LG is branding the MRGB95 TV as a 'Micro RGB Evo' TV, which, despite the name, is completely separate from the self-emissive Micro LED TVs produced by Samsung.

Marketed as a potential OLED-killer, RGB Mini LED incorporates red, green and blue (RGB) LEDs directly in the backlight system rather than an LCD or Quantum Dot layer. The idea is that without a filter, gamut coverage, brightness, contrast and other screen metrics are all improved. Watch this space!

An even brighter G-series model that’s also better in ambient light

LG's G-series made waves last year as the first Primary RGB Tandem OLED TV, and the predictably named LG G6 is building on this with a second-generation version of the panel.

LG claims the G6 is an astonishing 20 per cent brighter than its predecessor, the G5. This is part of what LG refers to as “Hyper Radiant Colour Technology”, which also includes the ability to produce blacks deeper than 0.24 nits in a room with 500 lux of ambient light.

As you'll read in our LG G6 review, the set is definitely bright – brighter than any other OLED we've tested, resulting in a rather eye-catching spectacle.

However, this punchy performance comes at a cost, most notably to black depth and cinematic accuracy. As we concluded in our review: "LG’s bombastic push to make the G6’s picture pop will have its fans, but purists will be disappointed."

LG has since asked us to re-test the four-star G6, promising us that the problems we encountered were due to software issues that have now been resolved.

So watch this space – we have a brand new G6 sitting in our test room at the time of writing, which could maybe restore the five-star lustre of LG's OLEDs...

Primary RGB Tandem OLED tech has finally trickled down to the C-series

The LG C-series has officially received Primary RGB Tandem OLED technology – but only on the 77- and 83-inch screen sizes. All other sizes retain the WOLED panel.

To avoid potential confusion, the 77- and 83-inch sizes have been branded as the C6H.

While it is, of course, a shame that this panel technology is locked behind the most inaccessible C6 sizes, it is at least a sign that the whole C-series might get the upgrade in the coming years.

It's not all bad news for the regular C6 models, however. The entire C- series will benefit from LG's new Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor, the same chip seen in the flagship G6.

And the C6 proves that processing can make a big difference, with the 65-inch model receiving a glowing five-star review despite the lack of a Primary Tandem OLED panel.

"We don’t typically get too excited about processor upgrades, but the Alpha 11 Gen 3 has forced a brighter and richer performance out of the same OLED EX panel technology, and improved upscaling and shading subtlety," our LG C6 review reads.

"The extra brightness and richness have benefits across the picture, resulting in a more enticing, dynamic and three-dimensional delivery."

Along with improved sound and typically awesome gaming credentials, the LG C6 has set the new standard for step-down OLEDs.

The return of an OLED legend

Return of the King? Five years after LG retired the Wallpaper series, following the WX in 2020, the ultra-thin TVs have made a triumphant return.

The Wallpaper series was a set of wafer-thin LG TVs, with the W7 OLED Wallpaper TV clocking in at only 2.57mm deep. It could even be hung up by magnets.

The new Wallpaper model, the W6, is not quite as thin and flexible, but it is still an impressive 9mm thick. Not bad considering the tech bundled in there: the W6 has the same second-generation Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel and processor as the flagship G6, so it should have an identical picture performance.

Unlike the G6, though, the W6 features a Zero Connect box, a separate hub for audio and video inputs that broadcasts signals to the TV wirelessly. The idea is that it reduces cable clutter around the TV (other than the power cable), and the Zero Connect box can be hidden out of sight.

The end result is a super-thin, almost entirely cable-free TV that lives up to its Wallpaper name. Given that the original Wallpaper series had much of its technology and connections in a rather large soundbar that came bundled together, we find this to be a much more elegant solution.

A Samsung Frame-rivalling Gallery TV

Did you know that the 'G' in the G-series stands for Gallery? Perhaps you were better off not knowing, as LG is also now launching a so-called Gallery TV that is nothing to do with its G-series OLEDs.

Instead, this is an attempt to take on Samsung's divisive The Frame range – essentially TVs that double as a picture frame.

This looks to be a fairly basic backlit TV designed for form over performance, with the marketing aimed at “lifestyle” consumers who want a TV that “looks like a work of art when not in use".

This is further reinforced by Gallery+ functionality, a service that allows users to cycle through 100 pieces of artwork per month. A paid tier grants access to 4500 pieces and an AI artwork service.

Gallery+ is not actually exclusive to the Gallery TV and is available on all recent LG sets, but the two were clearly developed with this synergy in mind.

Available in 55- and 65-inch sizes, the Gallery TV comes with a customisable magnetic frame – a white bezel is included, and a lightwood option can be purchased separately.

No Dolby Vision 2 in 2026

David Park, LG’s Director of Product Strategy and Marketing in the US, has confirmed that LG has “no plans to support Dolby Vision 2 in 2026”.

This is surprising, as LG was one of the earliest advocates for the original Dolby Vision, and especially as TCL, Hisense and Philips have all confirmed support for Dolby Vision 2 this year.

LG even seemed unsure if Dolby Vision 2 could be added later on via a software update, so it certainly seems that it will be a while before we see the new HDR format on LG’s sets.

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is built in

LG's new premium models will support Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, a technology designed to deliver Dolby Atmos sound wirelessly without specifying where you need to place your speakers.

This also means these TVs can act as a hub for the new LG Sound Suite system, negating the need for a soundbar and allowing you to use your TV as the centre channel for a setup in conjunction with the Sound Suite speakers.

While we found the FlexConnect technology to be surprisingly effective, unfortunately, LG's ambitious attempt is held back by a lack of warmth, nuance and refinement.

"But while LG has nailed spectacle, it’s fallen short on subtlety," our LG Sound Suite review reads. "The overall balance tends towards the cold and slightly aggressive, with bass that can dominate and dialogue that lacks warmth, richness and expressive nuance."

LG should be applauded for their genuinely innovative take on premium soundbar systems, and while the presentation is room-filling with spades of powerful bass, it's some way behind the market leaders.

LG 2026 TV range breakdown

We've covered the highlights and key talking points, but what about the individual models? We'll break down each one below.

We still await some details for this new range, but we have listed every model confirmed so far and all the known specs we currently have – and we'll keep this page updated as new details are revealed.

LG MRGB95

The MRGB95 is LG's first RGB Mini LED TV. This new panel technology uses red, green and blue (RGB) LEDs directly in the backlight system, rather than having the colours controlled by an LCD or Quantum Dot layer.

This has the potential to improve brightness, contrast and gamut coverage over standard Mini LED sets, and potentially give OLED a run for its money.

The MRGB95 will be bolstered by the Alpha 11 Gen 3, the same processor as in the G6 and the first time LG's top chip has been used in a non-OLED set.

LG also claims that ‘RGB Primary Colour Ultra’ will cover an impressive 100 per cent of the BT.2020, DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB colour gamuts.

The MRGB95 will be available only in very large sizes – 75, 86 and 100 inches.

LG MRGB95 specification:

• Sizes: 75-inch, 86-inch, 100-inch
• Display type: RGB Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Alpha 11 Gen 3
• Sound: 2.2
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, 4K/165Hz, VRR, ALLM, HGIG

LG MRGB95 launch pricing:

• LG 75-inch MRGB95: £3,900 / $5,000 / AU$8,000
• LG 86-inch MRGB95: £5,800 / $7,000/ AU$10,000
• LG 100-inch MRGB95: £13,000 / $8,000 / AU$20,000

LG W6

A reboot of LG's ultra-thin Wallpaper TVs, the W6 is impressively only 9mm deep.

The OLED TV also uses a new version of the wireless Zero Connect box that has previously been part of the M-series range. Instead of running HDMI cables directly to the TV, you plug them into the Zero Connect box – now small enough to fit in a drawer – which then wirelessly transmits the video and sound signals to the display.

Otherwise, the W6 has similar specification to the flagship G6, including the same Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor and second-generation Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel. There's also 4K/165Hz support, a feature missing from LG's wireless offerings last year.

LG W6 specification:

• Sizes: 77-inch, 83-inch
• Display type: Second-generation Four Stack Primary RGB Tandem OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Alpha 11 Gen 3
• Sound: AI Sound Pro (Virtual 11.1.2ch)
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, 4K/144Hz, 4K/165Hz, VRR, ALLM, HGIG

LG W6 launch pricing:

• LG OLED77W6: £4,700 / $5,500 / AU$9,500
• LG OLED83W6: £6,800 / $7.500 / AU$12,000

LG G6

LG's 2026 flagship features a second-generation version of the Primary RGB Tandem panel found in last year's G5.

LG also claims that the G6 can go 20 per cent brighter than the G5, as part of the TV's “Hyper Radiant Colour Technology”. This also includes improvements to black levels and colours when the TV is viewed in a room with ambient lighting.

There's also the new Gen 3 version of LG’s Alpha 11 processor, which will improve processing across the board, particularly in relation to 4K upscaling.

We found the LG G6 to be a bombastic cinema experience, but one with rather disappointing tuning. You can see our full thoughts in our LG G6 review.

LG G6 specification:

• Sizes: 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch, 97-inch
• Display type: Second-generation Four Stack Primary RGB Tandem OLED (55-, 65-, 77- and 83-inch models), WOLED (48- and 97-inch models)
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Alpha 11 Gen 3
• Sound: 60W, 4.2
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, 4K/165Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode, HGiG

LG G6 launch pricing:

• LG OLED48G6: £1,700
• LG OLED55G6: £2,200 / $2,500 / AU$4,000
• LG OLED65G6: £3000 / $3,400 / AU$4999
• LG OLED77G6: £4,000 / $4,499 / AU$7,500
• LG OLED83G6: £5,800 / $6,500 / AU$10,000
• LG OLED97G6: £16,000 / $25,000 / AU$30,000

LG C6

The biggest news about the C6 is that it will sport the new Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel technology – but only on the 77- and 83-inch versions. The rest will retain a WOLED panel.

All C6 models will receive the Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor, LG's flagship chip.

There's also support for 4K gaming up to 165Hz, complete with VRR, as well as Dolby Atmos FlexConnect.

Despite not featuring a Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel, we were blown away by the improvements to brightness and richness on the 65-inch C6. You can see our full thoughts in our LG C6 review.

LG C6 specification:

• Sizes: 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch
• Display type: Four Stack Primary RGB Tandem OLED (77- and 83-inch models only), WOLED (all other models)
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Alpha 11 Gen 3
• Sound: 40W, 2.2
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, 4K/144Hz, 4K/165Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode, HGiG

LG C6 prices:

• LG OLED42C6: £1,300 / $1,400 / AU$1,999
• LG OLED48C6: £1,400 / $1,600 / AU$2,400
• LG OLED55C6: £1,700 / $2,000 / AU$3,000
• LG OLED65C6: £2,500 / $2,700 / AU$4,000
• LG OLED77C6H: £3,500 / $3,700 / AU$5,500
• LG OLED83C6H: £4,800 / $5,300 / AU$57,500

LG B6

LG was able to drop the pricing on the budget OLED range thanks to the new SE OLED panel, which removes the pricey polariser. This will make the B6 more reflective than current OLED models, but also brighter – a claimed 1000 nits rather than the 600-700 nits of models such as the LG B5.

LG B6 specification:

• Sizes: 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch
• Display type: WOLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: Alpha 8 Gen 3
• Sound: 20W, 2.0
• HDMI 2.1: Yes (x4)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode, HGiG

LG B6 launch pricing:

• LG OLED48B6: £1,300 / $TBC / AU$2,000
• LG OLED55B6: £1,600 / $TBC / AU$2,500
• LG OLED65B6: £2,400 / $2,000 / AU$3,300
• LG OLED77B6: £3,000 / $2,800 / AU$TBC
• LG OLED83B6: £3,600 / $4,500 / AU$TBC

Gallery TV

Marketed as a “lifestyle” option, the Gallery TV is an attempt to take on Samsung's The Frame Range.

The Gallery TV is an LCD set with a Mini LED backlight, with LG's Alpha 7 AI processor under the hood. This suggests that the performance will be on a par with LG's entry-level and mid-range backlit sets

The main selling point, then, is the design, which is intended to replicate a picture frame, complete with a white bezel or an optional add-on lightwood frame. LG has been promoting its Gallery+ service with this TV, which provides it with works of art to display when not in use.

The Gallery TV is available in 55- and 65-inch sizes, but only US prices have been released so far.

The Gallery TV specification:

• Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
• Display type: Mini LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Processor: α7 AI Processor 4K Gen9
• Sound: AI Sound Pro (Virtual 9.1.2ch)
• HDMI 2.1: No
• Gaming features: 4K/60Hz, VRR, ALLM, HGIG

The Gallery TV launch price:

• LG 55-inch The Gallery TV: £TBC / $1,300 / AU$TBC
• LG 65-inch The Gallery TV: £TBC / $1,800 / AU$TBC

MORE:

Check out the news on LG's new Sound Suite Dolby Atmos system, Gallery TV and MRGB95 RGB Mini LED model

We've seen Samsung's new flagship OLED TV in action – check out our Samsung S95H hands-on

Here are the best TVs you can buy right now

CES 2026 is upon us. And, as always, it has brought with it the first wave of new TV announcements for the year.

Some may argue that 2026 been a bit of a damp squib compared with last year’s event, where we saw the launch of cutting-edge RGB Mini LED panels, which Samsung, Sony, TCL and Hisense are all betting on being the next big thing in TV tech. One announcement this year, though, set my pulse racing.

I’m talking about the arrival of the LG C6, which might have flown a bit under the radar, when you consider what has appeared at the top end of the TV market at the Las Vegas show this year.

Two highlights are the new, distinctly lifestyle LG W6 OLED (which our TV and AV editor, Tom Parsons, is already intrigued by) and the Samsung S95H, which has a completely new design more akin to the manufacturer’s The Frame range than last year’s five-star Samsung S95F.

It's the C6, though, that has caught my eye: a key upgrade I had been waiting to trickle down from the flagship models to the step-down C-range has finally made the move.

The brightness and colour volume boosting Primary RGB Tandem OLED tech seen on last year’s flagship LG G5, Philips OLED910 and Panasonic Z95B has found its way into certain sizes of this year’s C6.

From our testing of those 2025 TVs enjoying the tech, we know that it comes with a variety of benefits. It requires a bit of finessing (the LG G5 has a bombastic urge to show how bright it can go all the time, for example, which is a minor annoyance) but there’s no denying the added nit count is a bonus when used correctly.

The major benefit, though, is the improvement it makes to colour volume, especially during low-light scenes. It's an area where LG sets, in particular, have struggled in the past.

Every Primary RGB Tandem OLED set we have tested delivers a far more immersive and holistically better experience than older models. Indeed, every set with the panel tech we had in for review last year earned our top five-star rating.

In contrast to this, we found the C5 series was another in a long line of tepid upgrades to LG’s step-down range, incorporating modest improvements to peak brightness, minor colour temperature tweaks and the like.

Which is why last year, for yet another year, I was put off upgrading my ageing LG C2. While the improvements may be easy to spot in our review environment, where we compare sets side by side, in isolation, many viewers won’t experience a big enough upgrade to justify the investment.

I said as much in a separate op-ed at the end of 2025, my advice at the time being to consider upgrading only to a flagship set if you already own a semi-recent OLED.

Which is why, after seeing the C6 announcement, my heart skipped a beat. And I started constructing a bullet-point list of arguments to make with my partner – who, sadly, doesn’t share my passion for AV hardware – about why we should think about upgrading this year.

Sadly, though, I came to realise there is one big problem that means any surplus income this year will in all likelihood go on a holiday to Verona, rather than an LG C6: only the 77- and 83-inch LG C6H models are benefitting from the new panel tech.

To be clear, I’m not against TVs that size. If my house were big enough and my pockets deep enough, I’d be first in line for one. But they aren’t; and they won't be for many people right now. Any argument I might try to make with my partner for one of the larger models is destined, therefore, for defeat.

As a result, despite my wish finally coming to pass and a step-down OLED being upgraded to a next-generation panel, I can say I’m only partially tempted to upgrade for now.

Here’s hoping the Primary RGB Tandem OLED tech appears on the 55- and 65-inch step-down models as well next year… Then perhaps I might finally win the argument to upgrade.

MORE:

We rank the best OLED TVs we have tried and tested

Our picks of the best TVs

These are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars money can buy

While LG hasn't yet officially announced all of its new 2026 OLED TVs, some exciting news about the new C6 model has surfaced, courtesy of HDTVTest's Vincent Teoh, who has managed to get an early sneak peek.

The big news is that the C6 is finally getting new panel tech in the form of Primary RGB Tandem OLED – arguably the first major panel upgrade that the C-series has ever had.

It's not yet known whether this is the same panel that was found in last year's G5, or the next-gen version found in the new G6, but the former seems the most likely.

Still, that should make the new C6 a massive upgrade on the C5 (pictured at the top of this article) it replaces, particularly in terms of brightness.

There is a catch, though: only the 77- and 83-inch versions of the C6 will get the Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel tech. The smaller (42-, 48-, 55- and 65-inch) versions will once again be W-OLED TVs.

LG will apparently refer to the 77- and 83-inch Primary RGB Tandem C6 models as C6H to differentiate them from the 'standard' C6 sets.

All sizes of the C6 will apparently also benefit from an upgrade to LG's Alpha 11 Gen 3 processor.

Last year's C5 models featured the Alpha 9 Gen 8, whereas the G5 had the more powerful Alpha 11 Gen 2. It seems that this year the C6 is getting the flagship chip.

One further upgrade for the C6 is support for 4K gaming at up to 165Hz, complete with VRR. Last year's C5 topped out at 144Hz.

It will also support Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, so the C6 will be able to act as a hub for LG's recently announced (and intriguing) Sound Suite home cinema system.

That's more or less all we know about the new LG C6 at this point, but we are expecting more info in the coming hours, and some hands-on time during CES.

I'm sure you'll agree this is already exciting news for fans of LG's step-down OLED series – assuming they have space for a 77- or 83-inch TV.

MORE:

Check out the news on LG's new Sound Suite Dolby Atmos system, Gallery TV and MRGB95 RGB Mini LED model

We've seen Samsung's new flagship OLED TV in action – check out our Samsung S95H hands-on

Here are the best TVs you can buy right now