- Monthly prices make OLED TVs feel more accessible
- You never own the TV during the subscription
- Long term cost can match or exceed buying outright
- Best suited to renters and frequent upgraders
Buying an OLED TV has always been a commitment. Even the more affordable models still demand a chunky upfront payment, which puts this premium tech out of reach for a lot of people.
That is why LG’s new subscription service, launched in partnership with Raylo, immediately grabbed my attention. On paper, the idea of getting a brand new OLED TV for roughly the price of a streaming bundle feels almost too good to ignore.
As someone who spends a lot of time hunting down genuine deals and calling out bad ones, I wanted to take a closer look at what LG Flex really offers and whether it actually changes the OLED buying conversation or simply reframes it.
What LG Flex actually offers and who it is for
LG Flex is essentially a hire subscription for LG hardware. Instead of buying a TV outright, you pay a monthly fee to use it over a fixed period. At launch, the service covers a small but appealing range of products, including OLED TVs, soundbars and gaming monitors.
The real headline act is the OLED lineup. Popular models like the LG C5 and the more affordable LG B4 are available, with monthly prices starting from around £26 depending on size and contract length. In most cases, the 48 inch and 55 inch models are the easiest to get hold of, which conveniently aligns with the most popular TV sizes in the UK.
Beyond TVs, LG Flex also includes audio gear and gaming displays. There is an entry level Dolby Atmos soundbar system and several UltraGear OLED gaming monitors, including larger ultrawide options aimed squarely at PC gamers.
For renters, frequent upgraders or anyone who hates committing to one expensive purchase, this model will immediately make sense. The monthly costs look manageable and the idea of being able to swap to a newer model later is genuinely appealing.
The hidden cost of convenience
This is where the deal needs a more critical look. LG Flex is not a path to ownership in the traditional sense. Throughout the subscription, the TV remains LG’s property. When your contract ends, you have three options. You can upgrade to a different model and start a new agreement, continue paying monthly to keep the same TV, or return it and walk away.
That means if you subscribe for 36 months, you could easily spend well over £1,000 without ever technically owning the TV. In many cases, that total cost rivals or exceeds what you would have paid during a good seasonal sale.
There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but it is crucial to understand what you are paying for. You are buying flexibility, lower upfront cost and access to premium hardware without a large one off payment. You are not getting a cheaper OLED in the long run.
Budget discipline also matters here. Subscription pricing only feels friendly if you can comfortably maintain it. Missed payments can trigger late fees that quickly wipe out any perceived savings and turn a reasonable monthly bill into a financial headache.
Is this the best way to buy an OLED TV
For most people, outright purchase during a strong sale will still offer the best long term value. OLED TVs regularly see meaningful discounts, especially around major retail events. If you can afford the upfront cost, ownership gives you freedom and better value over time.
That said, LG Flex fills a real gap. It is one of the few ways to access high end OLED tech without credit agreements or buy now pay later schemes. If you know you like upgrading often, or you simply want to enjoy OLED without committing a large sum all at once, this model makes sense.
It is not revolutionary, but it is smart. As long as you go in with clear expectations, LG’s subscription service could be a genuinely useful option rather than a trap disguised as a bargain.
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