LG B6 vs B5 test results are in: Is LG's newest entry-level OLED TV worth it?

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It's officially NEW TV season , which means a slew of brand-new models are rolling out to stores. As new TVs take their place on the shelves, sets from last year are getting some pretty steep discounts. This can make shopping for a TV rather complicated.

The newest affordable OLED to hit the scene is the LG B6 , the brand's entry-level OLED for 2026. The full scope of the B6 series has yet to be revealed, since some of the sizes aren't yet available. It's also not on sale yet. The LG B5 , meanwhile, is LG's entry-level OLED TV from 2025. It's currently available in more sizes than the B6, and you'll also pay far less for this year-old set.

If you're trying to figure out which LG OLED is worth your hard-earned cash, it's worth taking a look at their performance, specs and features. Here's what you need to know.

LG's latest entry-level OLED is only a marginally better performer than its predecessor, and for most people, saving money on the B5 is the better move (at least until the B6 drops in price). At the time of publishing, the B6 is available in fewer size options than the B5, too.

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The 2025 LG B5 is still one of the best ways to save money on an OLED TV. It's not quite as bright as the newer B6, but their overall performance is close enough that the B5 represents a better deal for most people. Currently, the B5 is available in more size options than its successor.

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LG B6 vs LG B5: Specs compared

In most ways that matter, the B6 and B5 are very similar sets. Both offer the same selection of enhanced HDR formats (including Dolby Vision). Both arrive with similar smart TV software, and they each support HDMI 2.1 across all four primary inputs.

Currently, however, the B6 is readily available at retailers in just three sizes: 65, 77 and 83 inches. LG lists a 48-inch version of the B6 on its website, but you might have a difficult time tracking it down. The B5, on the other hand, is available in 48-, 55-, 65-, 77- and 83-inch variants across a wide range of retailers.

I suspect that both a 48- and a 55-inch version of the B6 will be made available soon. For now, the LG B5 offers a more versatile range of size options.

Winner: LG B5

LG B6 vs LG B5: Design

Pictured above is the back of the LG B6's panel. From this angle, you can get a good look at the TV's pair of wide-set, angular feet. It's a slimmer TV than most LED-based models, (which is unsurprising given the panel technology), but folks who are familiar with LG's higher-end OLED TVs might clock the B6's slightly less-premium feel.

The back of the panel features a visually pleasing visual texture that resembles marble. It's a nice touch, despite the fact that you're unlikely to see it very often.

Next, let's take a look at the overall design of last-year's B5. You'll find that it looks almost identical.

The B5 (pictured above) features a similar set of feet as the B6, but they're more boomerang-shaped than those of the B6.

Each TV's selection of ports are positioned the same across both TVs. They reside primarily n a side-facing cutout along the chassis of the B6 and B5.

Both sets arrive with a similar version of of LG's remote control. It still features the same motion-activated, Wii-like controls you'll find on older versions of the Magic Remote, but the updated design is slimmer and features fewer buttons.

The B6 and B5 are as similar on the outside as they are on the inside. Each set offers roughly the same amount of soundbar clearance, and both are stylishly dressed with an interesting texture on the back.

Due to their design similarities, this category is too close to call. Both the B6 and B5 are well-designed TVs with remote controls that get the job done.

Winner: Draw

LG B6 vs LG B5: Performance

Before we dive into which of these OLEDs is the better-performing TV, let's compare their test results. All of the readings below were taken while each TV was set to LG's Filmmaker mode.

I'll cut right to the chase: These are very, very similar TVs when it comes to overall picture quality.

The B6 is a slightly brighter TV in both SDR and HDR, but I ought to emphasize just how marginal the difference is between HDR highlight brightness at 632 versus 780 nits. Thanks to some nifty picture processing magic, LG is able to squeeze more of an visual impact out of the B6's specular highlights this year, but most viewers are unlikely to notice outside of a direct, side-by-side comparison.

Interestingly, our test results indicate that the B5 offers better color volume than its successor despite the latter's added brightness. Once again, though, I need to stress that the gap is quite small.

Both entry-level OLEDs arrive with fantastic out-of-the-box color accuracy in Filmmaker mode. Similarly, their input lag measurements are tremendously low.

Thanks to the built-in benefits of OLED technology, both the B6 and the B5 are capable of perfect black levels and pixel-level dimming. Conveniently, they also offer wider viewing angles than you'll find on similarly priced, LED-based TVs.

I've seen both of these TVs up close. I've watched a ton of content on both. Thanks to slightly higher brightness and improvements to LG's picture processing year over year, the B6 is the better-performing TV. But it's real close, and you ought to keep that in mind when the time comes to make a decision.

Winner: LG B6

LG B6 vs LG B5: Smart platform and features

These TVs are built around LG's webOS smart platform, and although they're different versions of the software out of the box, they're virtually the same in most of the ways that matter to the average viewer.

Compared to the zippy, easy-to-navigate interface of both Roku and Google TV, webOS doesn't feel as frictionless. However, if all you need is a reliable way to access Netflix, HBO Max and other popular streaming apps, webOS is fine.

As mentioned, both the B6 and B5 come with four HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs, and both sets top out at 4K/120Hz support. In other words, they can take advantage of the highest 4K spec available on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 Pro. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and LG's Game Optimizer mode are accounted for, too.

There are minor differences from one version of webOS to the next, but nothing game-changing.

Winner: Draw

LG B6 vs LG B5: Verdict

If, for some reason, the thought of buying a 2025 model in 2026 leaves a sour taste in your mouth, not much I can say will sway you away from the B6. Its slightly brighter presentation and updated processor are a nice bonus, indeed.

But more sizes options for the B6 are, presumably, still on the way. In addition, the 65-inch LG B6 is $1,899 at Best Buy . That price will surely drop as the year progresses, but right now, it's comin' in hot.

Meanwhile, the 65-inch LG B5 is just $1,199 at Best Buy — a full $700 less than the B6. Is the B6's slightly brighter picture worth $700 to you?

More from Tom's Guide

• LG B6 OLED TV review

• LG B5 OLED TV review

• Does your OLED TV look funny? Here are 5 common issues and how to diagnose them