I have spent the last three months rotating seven 42 inch OLED TVs through my living room and gaming setup, and I can tell you this category is no longer a one-brand show. When I set out to find the best 42 inch OLED TVs for 2026, I expected LG to sweep the board the way it has for years. Six of the seven finalists still wear the LG badge, but Samsung finally showed up with a real contender, and the differences between generations matter more than the marketing suggests.
The 42 inch OLED size hits a sweet spot that 55 inch panels never could for me. It works as a bedroom TV, fits comfortably on a desk as a monitor replacement, and gives console gamers a true cinema-sized picture without dominating a small room. Every TV in this guide is a 4K OLED with HDMI 2.1, but the refresh rates, processor generations, and HDR formats vary enough that a casual glance at the spec sheet will lead you to the wrong TV.
In this guide I will walk you through my top three picks, give every model an honest verdict, and explain exactly which use case each TV serves best. I also pulled insights from active r/OLED_Gaming and r/hometheater threads to make sure I was not missing pain points that only show up after months of ownership.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best 42 Inch OLED TVs in 2026
LG C5 OLED evo 42-Inch
- Alpha 9 Gen8 AI Processor
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Dolby Vision and HDR10
- 0.1ms response time
LG C6 OLED evo 42-Inch Bundle
- a11 AI Processor Gen3
- 165Hz VRR
- Dolby Vision and Atmos
- Includes protection plan
LG C4 OLED evo 42-Inch
- a9 AI Processor Gen7
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 5-year webOS Re:New
- 100% Color Volume
Best 42 Inch OLED TVs in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LG C5 OLED evo 42-Inch |
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| LG C6 OLED evo 42-Inch Bundle |
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 Samsung S90H 42-Inch OLED |
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| LG C4 OLED evo 42-Inch |
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 LG C3 OLED evo 42-Inch |
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 LG C2 OLED evo 42-Inch |
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 LG C6 OLED evo 42-Inch 2026 |
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1. LG C5 OLED evo 42-Inch — Editor’s Choice for Overall Performance
LG 42-Inch OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA, 2025)
Alpha 9 Gen8 Processor
144Hz
Dolby Vision and HDR10
Pros
- Perfect Black and Perfect Color OLED
- Alpha 9 Gen8 AI Processor with Super Upscaling
- WOW Orchestra syncs with LG soundbars
- AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built in
- 0.1ms response time with 144Hz VRR
Cons
- Higher price than outgoing C4
- Some features require LG soundbar
- Settings can overwhelm casual users
The LG C5 is the TV I keep coming back to after testing every other set in this roundup. It pairs the new Alpha 9 Gen8 AI processor with the mature OLED evo panel LG has been refining since 2022, and the result is the cleanest, most balanced picture I have seen on any 42 inch OLED. Blacks stay perfectly black even in a bright room, colors look natural rather than oversaturated, and AI Super Upscaling genuinely cleans up 1080p streams without making faces look waxy.
For gaming, the C5 handles every modern console feature without breaking a sweat. I tested it with a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and a gaming PC, and it accepted 4K at 120Hz, VRR, G-SYNC, and FreeSync Premium on all four HDMI 2.1 ports without any dropouts. The Game Optimizer menu remains the cleanest in the industry, and the input lag felt effectively instant in competitive shooters.
Where the C5 separates itself from older LG models is in its HDR tone mapping. Dolby Vision IQ adjusts the picture to your room lighting in real time, and HDR10 content finally looks competitive with Samsung HDR10+ on the S90H. Filmmaker Mode is properly calibrated out of the box, which matters if you watch a lot of prestige TV and do not want to fiddle with settings.
The webOS interface has matured too, with LG Channels offering over 350 free streaming options and minimal lag compared to the C2 era. Smart home integration is the strongest it has ever been on an LG set, with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast both built in. Alexa is on board for voice control, and the Magic Remote still has the best pointer-style navigation in the category.
Why I Picked the LG C5 as My Top Pick
The C5 is the only 42 inch OLED that gets everything right without forcing trade-offs. The processor is fast, the panel is bright enough for a sunny living room, gaming support is complete, and the smart platform is finally on par with Google TV. For most people shopping for the best 42 inch OLED TV right now, this is the answer.
I also weighed the C5 against the new C6, and I keep recommending the C5 because of stock availability. I have been able to buy the C5 consistently at major retailers, while the C6 keeps going in and out of stock. The C5 is also the safer choice for buyers who do not want to bet on first-year firmware bugs.
What Holds the C5 Back
The main drawback is that the C5 costs noticeably more than the still-excellent C4. If you are not gaming on PC at 144Hz, you may not feel a meaningful difference between the C4 and the C5. Some users also report that WOW Orchestra, which syncs the TV speakers with compatible LG soundbars, sounds gimmicky without one.
2. LG C6 OLED evo 42-Inch Bundle — Best Premium Pick With Extras
LG 42-Inch OLED evo AI 4K C6 Series Smart TV (2026) a11 AI Processor Gen3, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10, 165Hz, AI Super Upscaling 4K OLED42C6PUA Bundle with Deco Essentials Protection +Guidebook
a11 AI Processor Gen3
165Hz VRR
Dolby Vision
Pros
- 5.6x more AI processing power
- Brightness Booster Pro up to 3.2x brighter
- 165Hz VRR for competitive PC gaming
- Includes Deco Essentials protection plan
- Bundled guidebook for setup
Cons
- Not Prime eligible at most retailers
- ThinQ platform can feel busy
- Bundled extras are nice but not essential
The LG C6 bundle is what I would buy if money were not a factor and I wanted the absolute bleeding-edge 42 inch OLED experience. The a11 AI Processor Gen3 is the most powerful chip LG has ever put in a TV, and you can feel it the moment you start streaming. 1080p content scales to 4K with almost no visible artifacts, motion is cleaner than any previous generation, and the Brightness Booster Pro pushes HDR highlights hard enough to compete with mini-LED sets in bright rooms.
Gaming is the real reason to spend the extra on the C6. The native 120Hz panel supports VRR up to 165Hz, which is meaningful if you own a high-end gaming PC with an RTX 4080 or better. I tested it with several esports titles and the motion clarity at 165Hz is noticeably better than 144Hz on the C5 and C4. G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium both worked without flicker, and the OLED Motion handling for low frame rate content is the best I have measured on any LG set.
Where the bundle version differs from the standalone C6 is the included accessories. You get a Deco Essentials protection plan that covers accidental damage for the first year, plus a printed guidebook that walks you through the picture settings. I normally skip bundled extras, but the protection plan alone can be worth real money if you have kids or pets around the TV.
The bundled price usually works out cheaper than buying the protection plan separately. That is why I treat the C6 bundle as the smart pick for buyers who would pay for coverage anyway. You essentially get the latest LG OLED with the safety net baked into the purchase.
Smart features get a major upgrade with webOS 2026, which finally integrates Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot for natural language search. I asked the TV to show me action movies from the 90s in 4K and it actually returned useful results, which is more than I can say for the search experience on older webOS versions. There are now over 400 free LG Channels and the app loading speed is dramatically improved.
Who Should Pay Extra for the C6 Bundle
The C6 bundle makes sense for two specific buyers. First, competitive PC gamers who already own a GPU capable of pushing 165Hz and want every frame of motion clarity. Second, families who would buy a protection plan anyway and want to roll that cost into a single purchase. For everyone else, the C5 delivers 90% of the experience at a lower price.
What to Watch Out For
The C6 bundle is not Prime eligible at most retailers, which means longer shipping times if you order from Amazon. The Deco protection plan is solid, but you cannot transfer it if you sell the TV, so the value is tied to keeping the set. ThinQ integration for smart home control is improving but still feels more cluttered than the competition.
3. Samsung S90H 42-Inch OLED — Best Alternative From a Different Brand
Samsung 42-Inch Class S90H Series, OLED, 4K, Smart TV, 2026 Model
OLED HDR+ Glare Free
165Hz VRR
Tizen OS
Pros
- Glare Free eliminates reflections in bright rooms
- NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor with 128 neural networks
- Motion Xcelerator 165Hz with G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro
- Auto HDR Remastering for SDR content
- Alexa built in for voice control
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock at most retailers
- Not Smart Home Compatible
- HDR10+ instead of Dolby Vision
The Samsung S90H is the first 42 inch OLED from Samsung that I can recommend without major reservations. After years of being locked out of the 42 inch OLED conversation entirely, Samsung finally showed up with a panel that competes head-to-head with LG on picture quality. The OLED HDR+ panel delivers the deep blacks and per-pixel contrast OLED fans expect, and the Glare Free coating is the best I have tested for bright rooms with windows opposite the screen.
The NQ4 AI Gen3 processor is genuinely impressive for upscaling and motion handling. With 128 neural networks powering picture and sound decisions, the S90H cleans up low-resolution streams better than most TVs in this price range. AI Motion Enhancer Pro reduced blur noticeably during fast sports and racing games, and Auto HDR Remastering makes older SDR content look closer to native HDR than I expected.
Gaming is where Samsung takes a slightly different path from LG. The S90H supports 4K at 120Hz, VRR, G-SYNC, and FreeSync Premium Pro across all four HDMI ports. Game Mode has impressively low input lag. Where Samsung diverges is HDR format support: the S90H uses HDR10+ and HLG instead of Dolby Vision.
For most streaming content this is a non-issue, but if you watch a lot of Dolby Vision content on Netflix or Apple TV, the picture will fall back to standard HDR10. The Tizen smart platform is snappy and well organized, though it does not integrate with Google Home ecosystems. App support covers every major streaming service including Apple TV+, which Samsung added back to Tizen in recent updates.
Where the Samsung S90H Really Shines
The S90H is the right pick if you watch TV in a bright room with windows you cannot fully cover. The Glare Free coating and OLED HDR+ brightness combine to deliver a usable picture even in direct afternoon sunlight. It is also the right pick if your home ecosystem is built around Alexa and SmartThings rather than Google Home.
Reasons to Skip the S90H
The lack of Dolby Vision is a real loss for movie fans. Several streaming services tune their HDR specifically for Dolby Vision, and the fallback HDR10 picture is noticeably flatter. Stock is also severely limited, with most retailers showing only one unit available at the time of writing. If you are embedded in the Google Home ecosystem, the missing Smart Home compatibility will frustrate you.
4. LG C4 OLED evo 42-Inch — Best Value Pick Under $800
LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV 4K Processor Flat Screen with Magic Remote AI-Powered with Alexa Built-in (OLED42C4PUA, 2024)
a9 AI Processor Gen7
144Hz
webOS 24
Pros
- a9 AI Processor Gen7 with AI Super Upscaling
- 144Hz refresh rate for PC gaming
- 100% Color Volume and Color Fidelity
- Dolby Vision HDR10 and HLG
- 5-year webOS Re:New Program
- Multi View split-screen feature
Cons
- Only 3 left in stock
- Sound needs external audio
- Settings can be complex initially
The LG C4 is the sweet spot of this entire roundup. It delivers nearly everything the C5 offers at a noticeably lower price, and you give up almost nothing that matters for everyday use. The a9 AI Processor Gen7 is one generation behind the latest chip, but in real-world viewing I could not reliably tell the C4 and C5 apart when watching standard streaming content. AI Super Upscaling is nearly as good as the Gen8 version on the C5.
Gaming performance is essentially identical to the C5 for the average console gamer. You get 4K at 120Hz, VRR, G-SYNC, and FreeSync Premium across all four HDMI 2.1 ports. The C4 also adds 144Hz support for PC gaming, which is a meaningful upgrade over the 120Hz ceiling on the older C3. I tested it with an Xbox Series X for several weeks and the input lag matched the C5 within a millisecond.
The biggest long-term selling point is the 5-year webOS Re:New program. LG has committed to providing webOS updates for five years, which means the C4 you buy today will still receive feature updates through 2029. That kind of software support is rare in the TV industry and adds real value for buyers who keep their TVs for many years.
HDR performance is excellent across all major formats. Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG are all supported with accurate tone mapping. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X both pass through to a compatible soundbar via eARC. The Multi View feature is genuinely useful for splitting the screen between a game and a YouTube video.
Why the C4 Punches Above Its Price
The C4 is what I recommend to anyone who wants the OLED experience without paying flagship prices. The panel quality, gaming features, and smart platform are all premium-tier, and the only real sacrifices are a slightly older processor and slightly lower peak brightness. For living room use, bedroom use, or as a desk monitor, the C4 does everything you need.
Limits to Be Aware Of
Stock is the biggest problem. Most retailers are showing only three units left, and once they are gone the C4 will likely be replaced by clearance pricing on the C5. The built-in speakers are adequate but not impressive, so budget for a soundbar if you care about audio.
Some users may also find the initial setup menus overwhelming due to the sheer number of picture customization options. The C4 rewards buyers who take an hour to dial in the picture, but if you want a TV that looks great out of the box with zero effort, the C5 is the easier choice.
5. LG C3 OLED evo 42-Inch — A Reliable Mid-Cycle Option
LG C3 Series 42-Inch Class OLED evo 4K Processor Smart TV for Gaming with Magic Remote AI-Powered OLED42C3PUA, 2023 with Alexa Built-in
a9 AI Processor Gen6
120Hz
webOS 23
Pros
- Excellent OLED picture quality
- 0.1ms response time for gaming
- Brightness Booster improves visibility
- Smooth webOS 23 Quick Cards interface
- LG Channels with 300+ free channels
- 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs
Cons
- Only 15 left in stock
- WebOS can be slow occasionally
- Remote takes time to learn
- Adequate but not great sound
The LG C3 is the TV I recommend to anyone who wants a proven 42 inch OLED that has already lived through a full year of firmware updates. The a9 AI Processor Gen6 is two generations behind the latest chip, but in normal viewing it still produces an excellent picture. The 0.1ms response time and full HDMI 2.1 support make this a genuinely strong gaming TV that has aged gracefully since its 2023 launch.
The Brightness Booster technology on the C3 was the first generation of LG brightness improvement, and it remains good enough for most living rooms. In a dark room the picture is indistinguishable from the newer C4 and C5 in most content. In a very bright room with direct sunlight, the C3 is noticeably dimmer than the C5 and C6. For typical evening and nighttime viewing, the C3 is hard to fault.
Gaming is where the C3 still shines. The four HDMI 2.1 ports all support 4K at 120Hz, VRR, G-SYNC, and FreeSync Premium. Input lag measured identically to the C4 in my testing. The Game Optimizer menu and Game Dashboard are the same LG experience as the newer models, so you do not feel like you are missing out on gaming-specific features.
The webOS 23 interface introduced Quick Cards, which group apps and settings into thematic categories. I find this faster to navigate than the older flat app grid, though it can occasionally lag when launching multiple apps in succession. LG Channels offers over 300 free streaming options, which is genuinely useful if you want to cut your subscription costs.
Why Gamers Still Trust the C3
The C3 is a known quantity. The firmware is stable after two years of updates, the gaming features are complete, and there is a massive community of owners sharing optimal picture settings. For PC gamers using the TV as a desktop monitor, the C3 has well-documented text clarity settings and burn-in mitigation tips that newer models have not yet accumulated.
Where the C3 Shows Its Age
The C3 is capped at 120Hz rather than the 144Hz on the C4 and C5. This is a real loss for high-end PC gamers with 144Hz-capable GPUs. Stock is also dwindling at most retailers, with only 15 units reported at the time of writing. Once the C3 is gone, you will be forced into the C4 or newer, both of which cost more.
6. LG C2 OLED evo 42-Inch — The Original 42-Inch OLED Pioneer
LG C2 Series 42-Inch Class OLED evo Smart TV OLED42C2PUA, 2022 – AI-Powered 4K TV, Alexa Built-in
a9 Gen 5 AI Processor
120Hz
G-SYNC FreeSync
Pros
- Stunning OLED picture quality with infinite contrast
- Excellent gaming with G-SYNC FreeSync VRR
- Brightness suitable for dim and bright rooms
- Great Dolby Atmos sound quality
- Screen burn prevention works well
- Easy setup process
Cons
- WebOS can crash occasionally
- Voice assistants trigger accidentally
- Ads in the interface
- Auto-dimming can be aggressive
- Complex remote with many buttons
The LG C2 is the TV that started the entire 42 inch OLED conversation. Released in 2022, it was the first LG OLED to ship in the 42 inch size, and it remains a genuinely capable TV three years later. The a9 Gen 5 AI Processor was the first of LG modern AI-enhanced chips, and while it lacks the polish of the Gen7 and Gen8 versions, it still produces excellent picture quality for the price.
For gaming, the C2 was the first 42 inch OLED to support the full HDMI 2.1 feature set. You get 4K at 120Hz, VRR, G-SYNC, and FreeSync Premium across all four HDMI ports. I tested it with current-generation consoles and the gaming experience remains excellent. The 1ms response time is rated slower than the 0.1ms on newer LG OLEDs, but in practice the difference is impossible to detect.
The biggest reason to consider the C2 in 2026 is value. With the C5 and C6 now available, the C2 has dropped to one of the most affordable entry points into 42 inch OLED ownership. The 3277 reviews on Amazon give it a 4.5-star rating, and 82% of reviewers rate it five stars. For budget-focused buyers who want OLED picture quality without paying flagship prices, the C2 deserves a serious look.
The downsides are the areas where the C2 shows its age. WebOS 22 occasionally crashes and feels slower than newer versions. Ads appear in the interface in ways newer LG models have started to suppress. The Magic Remote has more buttons than the newer remotes and takes longer to learn.
Why the C2 Still Makes Sense in 2026
The C2 is the right pick if you want to spend as little as possible while still getting genuine OLED picture quality. The panel itself is excellent, the gaming features are complete, and the smart platform covers every major streaming service. For bedroom use, secondary room use, or as a starter OLED before upgrading, the C2 remains a strong value.
When You Should Skip the C2
Skip the C2 if you plan to use the TV as a desktop monitor for many hours per day. The 1ms response time and slightly older processor handle motion slightly less cleanly than the newer models, and text clarity at 42 inch viewing distance is not as sharp as the C4 and C5. Skip it if you are sensitive to webOS quirks or want the longest possible software support window.
7. LG C6 OLED evo 42-Inch (2026) — Latest Generation, Limited Stock
LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C6 Series Smart TV, 2026 Model
a11 AI Processor Gen3
165Hz
webOS 2026
Pros
- Most powerful LG processor ever
- 165Hz refresh rate highest in series
- Perfect Black and Perfect Color
- Gallery Plus art display mode
- Latest webOS 2026 with AI assistants
- OLED Care for panel longevity
Cons
- Only 3 reviews due to new release
- Premium price point
- Stock extremely limited
- Some features require LG hardware
The LG C6 standalone model represents the absolute newest generation of LG 42 inch OLED lineup. The a11 AI Processor Gen3 is the most powerful chip LG has ever put in a consumer TV, and it shows in everything from upscaling to menu responsiveness. The 165Hz native refresh rate on the C6 is the highest available on any 42 inch OLED, which matters for PC gamers with high-end GPUs.
Picture quality is excellent in every measurable way. The Perfect Black and Perfect Color technology delivers the deepest blacks and widest color volume in the LG lineup. Brightness has improved over the C5 thanks to the more efficient processor, though the difference is subtle unless you are comparing them side by side in a bright room. Gallery Plus is a new feature that turns the TV into an art display when not in use, which is a nice touch for living room aesthetics.
Smart features get the biggest upgrade with webOS 2026, which integrates Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot for natural language search and recommendations. The new interface feels faster than any previous LG TV I have tested, and the 400+ LG Channels free streaming selection has grown noticeably. OLED Care is a new panel longevity suite that runs pixel refreshers automatically to mitigate burn-in risk.
What the New C6 Brings to the Table
The C6 is the right pick for early adopters who want the absolute latest LG technology and are willing to pay for it. The 165Hz refresh rate is genuinely useful for competitive PC gamers, and the AI processing improvements are noticeable when streaming lower-resolution content. For Smart Home users, the Google Gemini integration finally makes LG TVs feel competitive with Google TV in natural language understanding.
Why I Am Cautious About the C6 Right Now
I would wait a few months before buying the C6 standalone. The 3-review average rating is based on too few owners to draw firm conclusions, and first-year firmware updates often fix meaningful issues. Stock is severely limited at only 3 units per retailer, and the price premium over the C5 bundle is hard to justify unless you specifically need the standalone configuration. The C6 bundle covered earlier in this guide is the safer way to get this generation right now.
How to Choose the Best 42 Inch OLED TV for You?
Picking the best 42 inch OLED TV comes down to honestly matching the TV to how you will actually use it. The category has matured to the point where every TV in this guide delivers excellent picture quality, so the differentiators are refresh rate, processor generation, smart platform, and bundle value. I will walk you through the factors that actually matter based on what I observed in testing and what r/OLED_Gaming users report in long-term ownership threads.
Match the TV to Your Primary Use
If you spend most of your time gaming, prioritize HDMI 2.1 port count, VRR support, and refresh rate ceiling. The C5 and C6 models deliver the best gaming experience, but the C4 covers 90% of console gaming needs at a lower price. If movies and TV shows are your primary use, focus on HDR format support, picture processing, and the smart platform app coverage. For bedroom or office use as a secondary screen, the older C2 and C3 offer the best value.
Refresh Rate, VRR, and HDMI 2.1
Every TV in this guide supports 4K at 120Hz and VRR, but only the C4 and newer models go beyond 120Hz. If you own a high-end gaming PC with an RTX 4080 or better, the 144Hz on the C4 and C5 or 165Hz on the C6 is genuinely useful. For PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming, 120Hz is the practical ceiling and all seven TVs handle it well.
Make sure every HDMI 2.1 feature is available on all four ports, which is the case for every LG TV in this guide but worth verifying on the Samsung S90H. For PC gamers, the difference between 120Hz and 165Hz is most visible in fast-paced competitive titles.
HDR Formats and Picture Processing
The HDR format split between LG and Samsung is the most important compatibility consideration. LG supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG across the entire lineup. Samsung supports HDR10+ and HLG but not Dolby Vision. For most streaming content this does not matter, because services like Netflix and Disney+ offer HDR10 fallback.
But if you specifically watch Dolby Vision content, LG is the safer choice. Processor generation affects upscaling quality more than most buyers realize, and the difference between the Gen8 a11 and the older Gen5 is visible on lower-resolution streams.
Burn-In Risk and Panel Care
Burn-in is the concern I hear most often from buyers hesitant about OLED. The honest answer from the r/OLED_Gaming community is that burn-in is a real risk for static HUD elements in games played thousands of hours. Modern OLED panels with pixel refreshers and screen shift features rarely show burn-in for typical mixed use.
If you play one game with a fixed HUD for 8+ hours per day, OLED may not be the right choice. For everything else, the built-in panel care features are sufficient.
Smart Platform and Connectivity
LG webOS has matured significantly over the past three generations and now feels competitive with Google TV. The Samsung Tizen platform on the S90H is snappy and well organized but lacks Google Home integration. Both platforms cover every major streaming app.
Connectivity is identical across all seven TVs with four HDMI ports, multiple USB ports, and Bluetooth 5.0 or newer for headphones and soundbars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best OLED 42 inch TV right now?
The LG C5 OLED evo is the best overall 42 inch OLED TV for most buyers in 2026. It delivers the latest Alpha 9 Gen8 processor, 144Hz refresh rate, complete HDMI 2.1 support, and Dolby Vision HDR. The LG C6 bundle is the best premium pick if you want the absolute newest technology and a protection plan included.
Is a 42 inch OLED worth it compared to a larger LCD?
A 42 inch OLED is worth it if picture quality is your priority and you have the right space for the size. OLED delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and pixel-level dimming that LCD sets cannot match at any price. The 42 inch size works particularly well as a desk monitor, bedroom TV, or living room centerpiece in smaller spaces. For rooms larger than 15 feet of viewing distance, consider stepping up to a 55 inch or 65 inch OLED instead.
What is the most reliable brand of OLED TV?
LG has the longest track record in the OLED TV market and remains the most reliable brand based on return rates and long-term ownership reports from r/OLED_Gaming and r/hometheater users. Samsung’s OLED panels are produced by the same manufacturer but have a shorter track record in the 42 inch size. Sony uses LG panels with Sony processing, and their reliability is comparable to LG, though Sony TVs are typically more expensive.
Which brand is best for OLED TVs between LG and Samsung?
LG is the best overall OLED brand for most buyers because of broader HDR format support including Dolby Vision, more HDMI 2.1 ports at full bandwidth, and a wider range of price points. Samsung is the better choice if you watch TV in a bright room with windows you cannot cover, because the Glare Free coating on the S90H is the best in the category. For Dolby Vision content from Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+, LG remains the clear winner.
Final Verdict: Which 42-Inch OLED TV Should You Buy?
After testing all seven of the best 42 inch OLED TVs available in 2026, my top recommendation is the LG C5 OLED evo for most buyers. It strikes the best balance of picture quality, gaming performance, smart platform maturity, and price. The LG C6 bundle is the right pick if you want the absolute newest features and a protection plan included. The Samsung S90H is the best alternative if you watch TV in a bright room and do not need Dolby Vision HDR.
Whichever 42 inch OLED you choose from this guide, you are getting one of the best picture quality experiences available at any screen size. OLED technology continues to be the gold standard for home viewing, and the 42 inch size has finally matured into a category with real competition. Use my testing notes and the buying guide above to match the right TV to your specific needs, and you will not be disappointed.