The best LG OLED and LCD TVs

The G2 OLED has the same Gallery design as its G1 predecessor, with its rear panel designed to be uniformly flat for wall-mounting. What’s new are the changes made to the OLED EX panel and OLED Evo software that allow it to reach a brighter performance with HDR content.

We measured the HDR performance on a 10% window to be just over 1000 nits, which at the time put OLED65G2 as the brightest LG OLED that we’ve tested, though the new G3 model can hit around 1400 nits with its MLA panel technology.

But it’s not all about brightness for picture quality. Detail levels match the OLED65C2, boasting a sharp image at its 65-inch screen size and a colourful performance with both SDR and HDR content. It’s a TV you’ll want to watch lots of Dolby Vision content on, as films such as The Batman look fantastic on this TV with rich and deep blacks and highlights that add both intensity and depth to the image.

LG’s motion processing has improved across LG’s 2022 TV line-up, much smooth and less distracting than previous years with a performance that’s encroaching on the likes of Sony and Panasonic. When it comes to picture quality, this is among the best you can get from LG’s 4K OLEDs.

For gaming HDMI 2.1 is supported across all HDMI inputs, with ALLM, VRR and 4K/120Hz available, while cloud gaming options have been boosted with additions such as Nvidia GeForce NOW and Utomik. We measured input lag to be 12.9ms, exactly the same result we got from the C2 model and with HDMI VRR you can experience lag at even lower levels.

Where the G2 OLED is weakest with its audio delivery. It sounds restrained in its Dolby Atmos mode, and we found it sounded better with non-Dolby Atmos soundtracks which benefitted from more detail and dynamism. As such, a soundbar purchase is recommended, especially if you’re looking to use this LG OLED within a home cinema setup as it cannot passthrough DTS soundtracks. Prices have come down with the G2 available for less than £2000 at a number of stores.

Reviewer: Kob Monney
Full Review: LG OLED65G2

The OLED65C2 improves on the C1 in practically every way. It takes advantage of LG’s OLED Evo panel technology taken from the 2021 G1 series to offer an improved HDR performance.

We found it enhanced the overall picture quality experience with more brightness that brought the best of the TV’s picture when combined with OLED’s inky blacks and the C2 processor’s vibrant colour performance. Like the G1, similar extensive gaming performance made its way over with VRR and ALLM support for a smoother, more responsive experience. Alongside the powers of HDMI 2.1 and 4K at 120Hz, this TV makes gaming an absolute doozy.

The C2 also features Dolby Vision IQ with its Precision Detail feature that increases the detail level and sharpness in an image, arguably making it a better performer with HDR content than Sony’s A80J. Its certainly the best picture quality we’ve seen from a C-series OLED.

The design has changed with a smaller plinth increasing the options of where you can place it. In addition it also weighs less, and cables can now be trailed behind the screen in a more direct fashion, which will be helpful if you’re adding any accessories to enhance your setup such as a soundbar.

When it comes to speakers, the OLED65C2 features some crisp and clear audio, complete with spacious Dolby Atmos for extra immersion. Despite this, we found the audio lacked a bit of heft and power, so like most TVs we’d suggest you consider a separate dedicated audio unit.

The OLED65C3 is now available and while it boasts a few upgrades, the performance isn’t a big leap over the C2. In that context, we’d recommend the OLED65C2 as the better purchase, especially as it’s much more affordable than it was at launch.

Reviewer: Kob Monney
Full Review: LG OLED65C2

The OLED42C2 is a pint-sized OLED screen from LG available for less than £1,000. If you don’t have space for a big OLED screen then the 42C2 model is the TV you ought to consider.

It’s also worth considering in a gaming sense too, as its size makes it a good option for bedroom gaming settings. It supports ALLM, VRR and 4K/120Hz across all the HDMI inputs, which makes it an easier choice as to which HDMI port to plug your console in if you have multiple consoles.

We also measured latency at 12.9ms, which is suitably fast enough to offer a slick performance and with HDMI VRR, Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro supported, lag can be brought down to even lower levels for seamless gaming response.

The OLED42C2 also bears support for Dolby Vision Gaming, which is currently more of use to Xbox Series gamers, as it helps to improve the HDR performance of compatible games, as well as offering a high performance with 4K/120Hz frame rates (where supported) and improved sense of contrast.

We rate this TV very highly as a gaming monitor but it also has a broad range of features for the avid TV and film fan. WebOS supports all the major video streaming apps, while Freeview Play adds the the UK catch-up and on-demand apps to fill out the selection.

The 4K picture is impressively naturalistic, whether we were watching films or playing games, showcasing a good range of colours, as well as excellent levels of sharpness and detail. We measured brightness at around the 750 nit mark, high enough to give a good representation of HDR content and when it comes to upscaling lower quality content the OLED42C2 its pixel density helps smooth over jagged edges and blurriness with 480p content.

When it comes to its audio performance the 42C2 is decent effort but we’d recommend adding a small soundbar to help give it a lift. Bass is punchily described and there’s good levels of detail and sharpness, though with non-Dolby Atmos content we’d opt for the Standard or Cinema modes as the TV can sound sibilant in its AI Sound Pro mode.

Reviewer: Kob Monney
Full Review: LG OLED42C2

8K OLEDs are as rare as a hen’s tooth, with LG the only TV brand that currently makes screens at that resolution. If you are onboard the 8K train, have deep enough pockets and love the design of LG’s Signature range of products, then the OLED77Z2 is here to fulfil your wishes.

As we hinted at it’s not cheap with an asking price at $9999 / £11,999. At this 77-inch size, watching films and TV is an epic viewing experience. The screen size is, in our opinion, the only way the Z2 is better than OLED65G2 or OLED65C2 we’ve tested as picture quality doesn’t feel a big step from those 4K OLEDs.

Peak brightness is around the same as the LG C2 OLED while sharpness and detail levels are better conveyed on the smaller 65-inch G2 model. Upscaling of lower quality sources doesn’t look like it’s been boosted to 8K as a result, but given the sparsity of genuine 8K content then it’s best to settle for good quality 4K content.

In terms of smarts you’ll find much the same level of features as on the other LG TVs featured on this page, with a wide range of apps to enjoy, plenty of connectivity options and a Gaming Shelf that promotes cloud gaming apps such as Nvidia GeForce NOW.

Speaking of gaming, the OLED77Z2 is well covered with the aforementioned cloud gaming apps, support for Dolby Vision gaming (with Xbox Series consoles) as well as 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz, VRR and ALLM supported across all HDMI inputs. We measured input lag at 13.5ms, which is not as fast as the 4K OLEDs but if you’re gaming with a console that supports HDMI VRR, you can expect the levels of latency to drop to very low levels.

The one are we’ve felt disappointed by LG’s OLED has been in the sound department but the Z2 is one of the best we’ve heard from a recent LG TV. It’s sound system is clearer, sharper and produces a solid stereo image that’s especially noticeable when we were playing games such as Gran Turismo 7 on the PS5. Bass is punchy rather than weighty but for a flatscreen TV this is a decent effort, though again you should lay aside some cash to partner the TV with an external sound system.

If 4K simply isn’t enough and you’re after the best picture quality available, the LG 75QNED99 is a stellar choice.

It has an 8K resolution, which is 4x the pixel count of a 4K panel, and whilst there isn’t much in the way of native 8K content at the moment, the motivation for purchasing an 8K TV is down to its powerful upscaling of existing content. We found it worked a treat with the 75QNED99 offering some excellent clarity.

Alongside 8K comes the power of Mini LED backlight technology. This provides more dimming zones for unparalleled contrast from an LCD screen and more precise brightness. It’s not be on par with an OLED screen, but the QNED’s Mini LED screen provides vibrant and rich colours thanks to LG’s NanoCell technology.

There are some handy quality of life features too with regards to the Magic remote which has undergone a redesign. WebOS provides a comprehensive experience for finding content and is useful when searching for a wide variety of media. In addition voice control is effective and LG’s interface recommends content based on your viewing habits which is particularly handy.

Even with HDMI 2.1 support the 75QNED99 isn’t as suited for gamers with no form of variable refresh rate support in sight. There’s no denying this is an expensive display, so it’s only suited for those with money to spare. Nevertheless, LG’s first 8K QNED TV puts the brand’s LCD TVs on the map like never before.

Reviewer: John Archer
Full Review: LG 75QNED99