Key Points
- Our choice for the best overall alternative to the LG C3 TV is the Samsung S95B OLED.
- The best LG C3 alternatives have an excellent combination of performance features like display technology, gaming features, connectivity, resolution, and HDR support.
- If you’re a gamer, consider alternatives that offer gaming-specific features. Look for TVs with HDMI 2.1 ports for features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and enhanced frame rates.
The LG brand needs no introduction. This company is synonymous with high-quality, high-performance products, as evident with its C series TVs. In 2023, it launched its latest model in the C series catalog, the LG C3. While it didn’t include a boatload of new features, it was a refinement of the LG C2 launched in 2022. This is evident in the improved picture quality powered by the Alpha 9 Gen 6 intelligent processor and a new WebOS 23 operating system.
But that was about it. Most thought it would include more exciting new features, miles better than the C2. The AI Sound Pro doesn’t quite impress, and if you were hoping for some panel improvements, then you’re out of luck. Even more disappointing is the TV doesn’t feature an ATSC 3.0 tuner. At this point, you may be asking, “What are the best alternatives to the LG C3 TV?”
For starters, this is an OLED Evo model. So when looking at alternate options, you want one competing in the same range. The best LG C3 alternatives offer the perfect mix of design, sound, brightness, and picture quality. One that provides the best value for money and doesn’t slouch in extra features is an ideal option. Our top picks for the best LG C3 alternatives are:
- Best Overall: Samsung S95B OLED
- Best Mid-Range: LG C2 QD-OLED
- Best for Display and Picture Quality: Sony XR A95K QD-OLED
- Best Brightness and 4K Display: Samsung S95C
- Best Value: LG G2 OLED
Best Overall: Samsung S95B OLED
- Produces perfect blacks
- Impressive antiglare system
- Comes with a multiview screen
- Features Dolby Atmos sound
The Samsung S95B OLED ranks first on our list because of its excellent combination of performance features. This TV differs from other Samsung QLEDs, including high-end ones like the QN95B, particularly because of its upgraded QD-OLED panel. This new technology combines its blue OLED panels with quantum dot technology to deliver brighter colors than what we see in traditional OLED TVs.
Similar to other Samsung TVs, the S95B OLED incorporates Samsung’s proprietary Tizen OS interface. This smart operating system gives users seamless access to apps and games. The additional features the company decided to focus on for this model are even more exciting. The S95B has Google Duo, a feature that supports video calls for up to 32 people. The only requirement is you connect your TV to a supported webcam.
Watching HDR content is amazing, thanks to the exceptional color gamut and peak brightness. The screen has an out-of-the-ordinary angle display, allowing viewers to watch sports and movies from any angle. Unfortunately, it falls short in some areas.
The S95B uses a unique pixel layout that makes texts appear blurry and also brings out noticeable color fringing. But these drawbacks are only a problem if you intend to use the screen as a PC monitor. Also, if you are in a room with ambient lighting, the TV tends to have raised blacks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The TV produces perfect blacks and excellent details in shadows. | Produces raised blacks in rooms with ambient lighting. |
| It delivers incredibly bright colors. | It doesn’t support Dolby Vision or DTS passthrough. |
| The antiglare system is impressive. | |
| It comes with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on all its four ports. | |
| It incorporates a multiview where you can split the screen and watch two pieces of content simultaneously. |
Check out the Samsung S95B OLED on Amazon.
Best Mid-Range LG C3 TV Alternative: LG C2 QD-OLED
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Exceptional picture quality
- Comes with a9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K
- Features Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos
If we rank mid-range TVs, the LG C2 QD-OLED will come top. We can’t go back and forth about that because this TV delivers excellent picture quality and offers the best value for the money. It sits above the B2 OLED but slightly below the LG G2 OLED in its category. The LG C2 is part of the C series, also home to the C3. As we stated earlier, there isn’t much difference between the two, except for an advanced WebOS 23 and Alpha 9 Gen 6 picture processor for the C3.
Still, the C2 excels in many areas. The self-emissive OLED technology makes it an excellent option for watching HDR content in dark rooms. While it isn’t as bright as the C3, the levels are enough to overcome the glare in a bright room. Also, the WebOS 22 smart interface ensures users have access to a range of streaming apps and services so viewers can always find their favorite content.
Unlike other TVs, the LG C2 is particularly good for gaming. It has a low input lag, and the response time is quick. So players won’t experience blur or sluggish movements when playing fast-paced games. Even more interesting is that it supports the three variable refresh rates. Like the C3, it lacks ATSC 3.0 tuner. Also, some users have reported that the smallest models are not as bright and that some image presets might disappoint.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The TV handles reflection quite perfectly. | Angle view presents some uniformity issues. |
| The design is sleek and minimalist. | It lacks HDR10+ support. |
| Superb connectivity options (all four ports feature HDMI 2.1) | |
| Images remain accurate at wide angles. |
Check out the LG C2 QD-OLED on Amazon.
Best for Display and Picture Quality: Sony XR A95K QD-OLED
- Broad viewing angle
- Cognitive Processor XR
- QD-OLED technology delivers vivid colors
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with Vertical Surround Engine
- Great reflection-handling capabilities
- 360 Spatial Sound
If there were a category for practically perfect TVs, the top choice would be the Sony XR A95K QD-OLED. By any standard, it’s a great TV. This set unites Sony’s proprietary and the industry’s defining technologies to deliver excellent picture processing and superlative performance. The display and picture quality are dazzling, and viewers can experience deep blacks without blooming. These near-perfect results are because Sony incorporated quantum dot filters and the standard blue OLED panel.
With this technology, you can watch movies in brightly lit rooms, and you won’t have to worry about glare because of the screen’s reflection-handling capability. While it doesn’t have the same brightness levels when watching SDR content, viewers can enjoy remarkable HDR content courtesy of its tone-mapping features. However, Dolby Vision is limited; viewers can only enjoy it at 4K@60Hz.
The XR A95K features VRR support and a 120Hz panel, making it a compatible companion for most gaming consoles. It also has a low input lag, so the response time when playing games is almost instantaneous. One drawback when gaming is that ambient light might raise the black levels. Also, the TV tends to stutter when playing games with low frame rate content, and you may experience text clarity and fringing color issues when using it as a monitor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The TV has perfect black levels. | Users may experience text clarity and color fringing issues when using the TV as a monitor. |
| The viewing angle is broad. | SDR content doesn’t have the same brightness levels as HDR content |
| Its tone mapping is near perfect. | Dolby Vision is limited to 4K @60Hz when playing HDR games. |
| It displays vivid colors and bright highlights because of the QD-OLED technology. | |
| The screen has incredible reflection-handling capabilities. |
Check out the Sony XR A95K QD-OLED on Amazon.
Best Brightness and 4K Display: Samsung S95C
- Neural Quantum Processor 4K can effectively manage color and contrast
- 1374 nits of peak brightness ideal for darker rooms
- HDR 10, HDR 10+, and HLG
- Offers smart features for gamers like GameBar 3.0, Minimap Sharing 3, and Virtual Aim Point
The Samsung S95C ranks fourth on this list because of its exceptional picture performance, particularly the high brightness levels. Compared to the S95B released in 2022, the 2023 S95C had some considerable improvements. It’s sleeker, the design is more uniform, and it uses Samsung’s proprietary Slim One external input box.
Like its predecessor and other TVs discussed in this article, it features an OLED panel with quantum dots that help it deliver top-of-the-line color range and pixel-level contrast. But what makes this TV stand out is its superb reflection handling capability.
Also, the near-infinite contrast ratio means the black is deep and inky, and there’s no blooming around bright objects in the room. The screen also has wide viewing angles, meaning you can sit anywhere in the room and still have a great watching experience. And if you still use DVDs, the TV has an excellent upscaling capability that improves the quality of low-resolution content.
The instantaneous response time makes playing video games more fun. Because of the low input lag, you can play fast-paced games without experiencing blurs. Moreover, the TV supports gaming capabilities like a variable refresh rate that helps reduce tearing and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth ports that accommodate new-generation gaming consoles. Unfortunately, some gamers may feel the screen is “too brightened.”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally low input lag | Noticeable color fringing when used as a PC monitor. |
| The near-infinite contrast ratio makes the screen produce perfect blacks. | The TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision or DTS pass-through. |
| Incredibly bright display | |
| The color gamut is extensive. |
Check out the Samsung S95C on Amazon.
Best Value LG C3 Alternative: LG G2 OLED
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels provide stunning depth and clarity in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR
- Gallery Edition hangs closely to the wall and displays art photography when not in use
- Ideal for gamers with a VRR, ALLM, and Game Optimizer Mode
- Alexa-enabled with streaming support for HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and more
The LG G2 offers the best value. We stand by that statement because despite being a high-end TV, it isn’t expensive and offers some of the best features. LG incorporated many AI-powered features in its design, and it’s by far one of the brightest TVs. Design-wise, it doesn’t slouch on its name. This LG Gallery Series TV features a minimalist silver frame and subtle texture, giving it a luxury feel.
The TV incorporates OLED evo into its design which, as the company claims, increases brightness by about 30% compared to standard OLED screens. The G2 has profound black levels with perfect uniformity, making it an ideal option for watching movies in dark rooms. The brightness levels are high enough to overcome glare allowing users to watch movies and shows even in brightly lit rooms.
Despite having some uniformity issues when gaming, it makes up for this with its low input lag and an almost instantaneous response time that results in clear motions. Its HDR gaming capabilities include a near-infinite contrast ratio that gives off bright highlights and a wide color gamut that gives impressive displays.
Of all the TVs we’ve covered in this post, the LG G2 is the only PC users can have as a monitor. Despite the risk of a permanent burn-in, images remain accurate even at difficult angles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The color accuracy is astounding. | Users may experience uniformity issues at angles when playing video games. |
| The TV has a near-infinite contrast ratio. | There’s a risk of permanent burn-in when used as a PC monitor. |
| It has high brightness levels because of the OLED evo technology. | The TV lacks support for DTS passthrough. |
| The Gallaxy Series design gives it a classy look. | Wall mounting comes at an additional cost and is only exclusive to LG mounts. |
| The low input lag makes it fast and responsive, especially when using a mouse in gaming. |
Check out the LG G2 OLED on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Alternative to the LG C3 TV: Step by Step
When choosing the best alternative to the LG C3 TV, there are a few considerations most buyers take into account.
- Display technology
- Screen size
- Resolution
- Brand
- Connectivity and ports
- Extra features
Display Technology
Determine the display technology you prefer. LG C3 is an OLED Evo model, considered 30% brighter than standard OLED models. So when choosing the perfect alternative, you should opt for one that uses the same technology or better. We also have QLEDs that promise high brightness levels and vibrant colors.
Screen Size
Decide on the screen size that suits your viewing area. Common sizes range from 55 to 75 inches, but if you have a small room, you can opt for a 43-inch screen. Also, think about the content type and TV usage. A large TV, 65 inches and above, is ideal for watching sports, whereas a smaller one is good if you want to use the screen as a PC monitor.
Resolution
Most TVs nowadays offer 4K resolution, but we also have others that guarantee 8K resolution. The higher the resolution, the better the TV because it will deliver detailed and sharp images. When choosing the resolution, you also have to consider content availability. While 4K content is more prevalent, there’s a limitation with producing 8K content.
Brand
A brand speaks a lot about a product. LG is one of the most popular brands in the world mainly because of the high-quality devices it produces. You should research reputable brands based on their reliability and quality. Brands like Samsung, Panasonic, TCL, Hisense, and Sony are quite prevalent.
Connectivity and Ports
Connectivity and ports are crucial considerations when choosing the best alternative to the LG C3 TV. They determine the compatibility and versatility of the TV in connecting to various devices and accessories. Look for HDMI ports (preferably HDMI 2.1 for future proofing), USB ports, Wi-Fi capabilities, and ethernet ports.
Extra Features
Consider additional features integral to your use case. These features vary from TV to TV, but common ones include Smart TV functionality, voice control, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Dolby Vision, HLG, gaming features like AMD free sync, and extras on design and aesthetics.
What to Know Before Buying Alternatives to the LG C3
Before buying an LG C3 alternative, you have to consider some aspects that go beyond the technical specifications and features of the TV itself. For instance, pay attention to the user interface and ease of use of the TV. A well-designed user interface makes navigation and access to features more intuitive and enjoyable. You also have to consider mounting options and the ergonomics of the TV.
Check for VESA mounting compatibility if you intend to mount the TV on the wall. When doing so, consider the ease and dimensions for ease of mounting. Also, if you rely on specific apps for streaming, ensure that TV supports those services. Such can include popular apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc.
Using LG C3 Alternatives: What it’s Like
Using LG C3 alternatives can provide a similar viewing experience while offering their own unique characteristics. However, what may be important to one person may not hold the same significance for another. Consumers value certain trends when choosing a TV. Aspects such as user interface, picture quality, audio performance, gaming experience, connectivity, and software support are crucial when making the decision. For instance, if you choose a TV with OLED or QLED technology and a high-resolution panel, you can expect vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and sharp details. However, the specific implementation and performance may vary among brands and models.
What’s New in Television Technology?
Shopping for a new television seems to get more overwhelming every day. Today, you can choose from 4K Ultra HD and even 8K resolutions that deliver incredibly sharp and detailed images. High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology enhances color vibrancy and contrast to bring out finer details and create more realistic visuals. In addition, Smart TV technology transforms televisions into multifunctional devices that integrate seamlessly with the internet, streaming services, and even smart home systems. Voice control, gesture recognition, and artificial intelligence (AI) features can further enhance your user experience, making it easier than ever to navigate content and personalize your viewing preferences.
Up Next
- The 5 Best Reasons to Avoid an LG C3 TV — Learn more about why the LG C3 may not be the best TV for your money.
- 7 Reasons to Buy an LG C2 Today — Find out whether the LG C2 is your ideal TV.
- The 5 Best 8K TVs on Earth Today: Ranked and Reviewed — If you’re considering buying an 8K TV, read this review first.
Summary Table
| Rank | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Samsung S95B OLED |
| Best Mid Range | LG C2 QD-OLED |
| Best for Display and Picture Quality | Sony XR A95K QD-OLED |
| Best Brightness and 4K Display | Samsung S95C |
| Best Value | LG G2 OLED |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com.
