The LG C1 OLED TV has earned praise as one of the best TVs on the market, lauded for its perfect black levels, intense color accuracy, stunning 4K picture quality, and excellent smart platform. However, with a retail price hovering around $1,500 for the 55-inch model, the C1 is decidedly premium-priced and may stretch some buyers‘ budgets a bit too far.
Fortunately, there are several compelling and more affordable alternatives to the LG C1 worth your consideration. In this guide, we‘ll break down five excellent TVs that rival the LG C1 in terms of performance, features, and overall value:
- Best Overall: Samsung QN90A Neo QLED 4K Smart TV
- Runner Up: Sony X90J BRAVIA XR Full Array LED 4K Smart Google TV
- Best Budget Pick: TCL 6-Series Mini LED QLED 4K Smart Google TV
- Best OLED Alternative: Vizio OLED55-H1 55" SmartCast 4K UHD Smart OLED TV
- Best Large Screen: Hisense 75U6H 75-Inch QLED Android 4K Smart TV
When compiling this list, we took into account visual performance metrics like black levels, brightness, color accuracy, motion handling, effective refresh rate, and smart features. We also factored in room versatility, connectivity options, general usability, and overall value for money. Let‘s take a closer look at each recommended LG C1 alternative.
Best Overall: Samsung QN90A Neo QLED 4K Smart TV
If you want a television that can match (or even exceed) the LG C1 in nearly every meaningful way, look no further than the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED 4K Smart TV. Samsung‘s Neo QLED lineup utilizes advanced Mini LED backlight technology paired with quantum dot nanofilters to output truly spectacular 4K images.
The QN90A series produces blacks that are inky deep with outstanding shadow detail. Brightness levels clock in at nearly 1500 nits, making this one of the brightest consumer televisions on the planet. This intense luminosity and rich contrast combine to yield jaw-dropping HDR performance that brings cinematic films and games to life.
Samsung‘s Neo QLEDs also shine when it comes to color reproduction. With 100% color volume and advanced tone mapping courtesy of Samsung‘s Neo Quantum processor, the QN90A dishes out intensely vibrant, accurate colors that pop from the screen. Gamers will also appreciate the television‘s ultra-low input lag and support for major gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
Of course, the QN90A brings all of the great smart features that Samsung TVs are known for, like the intuitive Tizen platform, built-in Alexa/Bixby voice assistants, and comprehensive app support.
In terms of value for performance, the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED 4K Smart TV stands tall as the best overall alternative to the LG C1.
Key Specs:
- Display Technology: Neo QLED (Mini LED backlight)
- Available Sizes: 55", 65", 75", 85"
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- HDMI 2.1 Ports: 4
Runner Up: Sony X90J BRAVIA XR Full Array LED 4K Smart Google TV
The Sony X90J earns high marks across the board, competing closely with premium flagships from Samsung and LG while costing considerably less. As Sony‘s mid-range LED television offering for 2021, the X90J couples sleek, customizable Google TV smarts with truly impressive 4K picture performance thanks to Sony‘s unique Cognitive XR processor.
With a full-array LED backlight powered by innovative XR Contrast Booster technology, the television delivers noticeably better black levels, shadow detail, and brightness than typical LED/LCD TVs. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support help the X90J render HDR content in all its stunning glory, while dedicated gaming features reduce input lag for smooth performance.
For shoppers wanting a premium television viewing experience without paying premium prices, the X90J presents an outstanding value-for-performance option that holds its own against more expensive alternatives.
Key Specs:
- Display Technology: Full Array LED
- Available Sizes: 50", 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR Support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- HDMI 2.1 Ports: 2
Best Budget Pick: TCL 6-Series Mini LED QLED 4K Smart Google TV
The TCL 6-Series Mini LED QLED offers performance that outshines its reasonable price point. As TCL‘s premium 4K offering in the budget-friendly lineup, the 6-Series is enhanced by QLED quantum dot technology and mini LED backlighting with Contrast Control Zones for markedly better brightness, black levels, and contrast compared to standard LCD and LED TVs.
Dolby Vision HDR support empowers the screen‘s wider color gamut capabilities for ultra-realistic images, while THX Certified Game Mode provides impressively low input lag for smooth gaming. The television also features hands-free voice control and quick access to thousands of streaming apps/channels through the user-friendly Google TV platform.
For shoppers wanting killer performance without the premium price tag, the TCL 6-Series Mini LED QLED punches well above its weight class, presenting exceptional value at lower price points than the competition.
Key Specs:
- Display Technology: QLED with Mini LED backlight
- Available Sizes: 55", 65", 75"
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- HDMI 2.1 Ports: 1
Best OLED Alternative: Vizio OLED55-H1 55" SmartCast 4K UHD Smart OLED TV
The Vizio OLED55-H1 gives you supremely deep blacks, vibrant colors, infinite contrast, and viewing angle flexibility inherent to all OLED displays — at a more affordable price point than premium-name brands like LG and Sony.
Thanks to Vizio’s effective IQ Ultra Processor, the 4K OLED panel renders images with pristine clarity and detail. With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Game Mode, the OLED55-H1 is equipped for serious cinematic and gaming performance. The intuitive SmartCast smart TV platform makes streaming a breeze with Chromecast built-in and voice control support for popular assistants.
If you want superior OLED visuals without paying a premium, Vizio’s mid-range model presents outstanding quality for hundreds less than the competition.
Key Specs:
- Display Technology: OLED
- Available Sizes: 55”, 65”
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
- HDMI 2.1 Ports: 1
Best Large Screen: Hisense 75U6H 75-Inch QLED Android 4K Smart TV
Sometimes bigger is better, and the Hisense 75U6H offers shoppers excellent 75-inch screen real estate using quantum dot display technology at very reasonable pricing.
The television’s Quantum Dot Wide Color Gamut technology and Full Array Local Dimming zones team up to deliver impressively rich, accurate colors and deep blacks across its ample screen size — great for larger living rooms and home theater spaces. Dolby Vision and HDR10 support help the large display render high dynamic range content without losing detail. Meanwhile, built-in Google Assistant provides handy hands-free voice control.
If you want big, beautiful 4K viewing at a bargain, the Hisense 75U6H QLED Smart TV is a budget-friendly route to an immersive entertainment centerpiece.
Key Specs:
- Display Technology: QLED
- Available Sizes: 65”, 75”
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- HDMI 2.1 Ports: 3
What To Consider When Buying an LG C1 TV Alternative
Ready to shop for a stellar television but want an alternative to the LG C1? Keep the following buying considerations in mind while evaluating your options:
Display Technology: The panel technology used in the TV will impact viewing performance and price. Top options include:
- LED/LCD: Most affordable and widespread. Good brightness but limited contrast/black levels.
- QLED: Enhanced LED using quantum dots for superior color and brightness.
- OLED: Exceptional contrast and viewing angles thanks to self-lit pixel technology.
- Mini LED: Souped-up LED using smaller, more concentrated backlights for better contrast.
Resolution + HDR: Aim for 4K resolution at a minimum, and ensure your television supports HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10 for enhanced color/contrast.
Refresh Rate: Hertz rate correlates with motion clarity and frames-per-second for gaming and sports. Look for 120Hz.
Smart Features: Consider which streaming apps are necessities, voice assistants you prefer (Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.), casting abilities, and intuitive interfaces.
Ports: Having the latest HDMI 2.1 ports future-proofs your connectivity for gaming devices, Blu-Ray players, and more.
Screen Size: Choose a display sized appropriately for your room dimensions and optimal viewing distance.
By balancing these buying factors against your room needs and budget limit, you‘re sure to find a perfect LG C1 alternative television tailored just for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What TV is best for gaming?
If gaming performance is important, prioritize televisions with native 120Hz refresh rates, HDMI 2.1 ports, and gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Top models for gaming include the Samsung QN90A Neo QLED, Sony X90J BRAVIA XR, and TCL 6-Series Mini LED QLED. Their fast response times and specialized gaming modes provide incredibly smooth gameplay.
What is the difference between LED and OLED TVs?
LED TVs use LED backlighting spread across the entire display, producing good peak brightness but limited local dimming and blacks. OLED TVs use self-lit pixels that can turn on/off individually. This allows for perfect blacks, great local dimming precision, and wider viewing angles — but OLEDs are typically more expensive.
How much do these recommended TVs cost?
The Samsung QN90A and Sony X90J retail around the $1,000-$1,500 range for a 55-inch model. The TCL 6-Series Mini LED QLED punches above its $700-$900 weight class. Vizio’s mid-range OLED comes in around $1,100. Finally, the budget-priced Hisense 75U6H 75-inch screen costs just $950.
What features are common to all these LG C1 alternatives?
These television recommendations share great features like 4K resolution, HDR support (typically Dolby Vision), 120Hz effective refresh rate, smart platforms for streaming, and connectivity options like HDMI 2.1 and WiFi. They provide amazing performance rivaling top-tier flagships but at more affordable price points than LG‘s premium C1 OLED TV.
