If you’re in the market for a smart TV, chances are you’ll come across both Android TV and webOS televisions. The two competing smart TV operating systems have a lot in common but are also very distinct at the same time.
Android TV is developed by Google and can be found on many devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and more.
webOS, on the other hand, is a Linux-based operating system made by LG. It is mostly available only on the company’s range of smart TVs. However, LG is slowly opening up the software and has partnered with other manufacturers to incorporate webOS on their TVs.
Depending on which one you choose — Android TV or webOS — you’ll end up with a recognizably different user interface. The two operating systems also come with their own set of pre-installed apps and offer varying features that will ultimately guide your overall smart TV experience.
So without further ado, here are all the key differences between Google’s Android TV platform and LG’s webOS.
User Interface
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
When you switch on an Android TV device vs a webOS TV, the first thing you’ll notice is the user interface difference. The Android TV interface is divided into rows that take up the entire home screen. Google also has a newer Google TV UI, which latest televisions and boxes equipped with the Android TV OS have already started adopting.
LG’s webOS also received a UI update in 2021 (more on that later). However, older LG TV models with webOS still feature its minimalistic interface, with a ribbon-like customizable launch bar at the bottom of the screen. It gives you access to all the apps, settings, and other features of the TV.
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
As you scroll through those options in the launch bar, you’ll see an additional row of cards pop up above it corresponding to each app. For instance, if you hover the pointer on the LG Content Store in the launch bar, an additional row of cards will pop up on top, showing app download suggestions. You’ll also see similar content suggestions for streaming apps (pictured above).
Also read: The best Android TV boxes you can buy right now
Unlike Android TV, where you need to close an app and go to the home screen to open another one, the launch bar on LG’s webOS TVs can be brought up without exiting an app that’s already open. So, in terms of ease of app switching, LG’s webOS definitely has the upper hand.
That said, if you use an Android phone, navigating the Android TV platform can be more intuitive compared to webOS. The latter is by no means tough to use but could involve a slight learning curve for users who haven’t used an LG TV before. Once you get the hang of webOS, though, you might prefer it over Android TV for the convenience it offers.
Starting with its 2021 TVs, LG overhauled the look of webOS completely. Version 6.0 of the software removes the bottom launch bar altogether. In place of it, the new webOS UI consists of an entire home screen with rows of large banners, app lists, content recommendations, and a home dashboard. You can see how the new LG webOS 6.0 interface looks in the image above.
The new webOS UI is available on all of LG’s OLED, QNED Mini LED, NanoCell, and UHD smart TVs launched in 2021. All newer models will also come with this version of the software.
App availability
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
The Android TV platform certainly offers more apps than webOS. That’s because you get access to the extensive Google Play Store library on all Android TV devices. You can also sideload apps on Android TV, something LG’s smart TV platform does not allow.
Don't expect a wide variety of apps on webOS.
webOS TVs come pre-installed with many popular streaming apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Google Play Movies and TV, and more. You can download additional apps and games from the LG Content Store. Nevertheless, don’t expect a wide variety as you would on Android TV.
Related:The best Android TV apps you can get
Android TV remote vs LG Magic Remote
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
One of the best things to happen to webOS is LG’s Magic Remote. You get it with all LG OLED TVs and many LCD TVs as well. You also have the option of buying the remote separately if your LG TV doesn’t come with one. Be sure to check the compatibility of the remote before purchasing it, though.
Unlike the remotes you get with Android TV devices, LG’s Magic Remote makes navigation much easier with its point-and-click functionality. The pointer moves as you move the remote, just like you would use a mouse on a PC. This makes it much easier to type text on an LG TV compared to Android TVs. On the latter, you need to use the arrow keys on the remote for painfully moving between alphabets on the screen’s keyboard.
Besides its pointer functions, the Magic Remote on LG’s webOS TVs also offers voice search just like most Android TV remotes. The numbered buttons on the LG remote can also be programmed as shortcuts for different apps. You can’t do this with the remotes that come with Android TVs.
Meanwhile, both Android TV devices and webOS TVs can be operated wirelessly without a remote. You can learn to control your Android TV using your smartphone here. To navigate a webOS TV with your phone, you’ll need to install the LG ThinQ app on your Android or iOS devices.
Android TV vs webOS: Which is better?
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
Both Android TV and webOS have their own advantages and disadvantages. The webOS UI is more simplistic if you have an LG TV that’s older than 2021. It doesn’t take up the entire screen like the Android TV UI. It’s also unlikely that LG TVs running the older version will get an update to webOS 6.
If you have the newer version of webOS, you might appreciate features such as content recommendations and the Netflix-like cards interface.
webOS TVs are also easier to navigate, because of LG’s magic remote. They also feature all the important streaming apps that one would like to use on their TVs.
However, if you’re looking beyond the typical smart TV experience, you might want to go for the Android TV platform. The sheer number of apps that you can download/sideload on Android TV devices is what makes them so popular today.
You can also get an Android TV device for as low as $49.99 with the new Chromecast instead of investing in a full-fledged television set. Meanwhile, the limited range of webOS devices means you’ll have to drop money for a new TV if you want to get onto the platform.
While Android TV offers a lot more in terms of apps, webOS TVs are also pretty good for someone who doesn’t care about using too many apps or playing Android games on their smart TVs. That said, you should first consider their hardware specifications and prices rather than just the software.
Next:The best 65-inch TVs in the market
Android TV vs webOS: FAQs
Yes, you can share your phone screen on both Android TVs and webOS-powered LG TVs. Android TVs come with built-in Chromecast functionality that lets you cast your phone’s screen to the TV. WebOS TVs use screen mirroring and you can set it up through the Screen Share app on the TV.
Yes, you can play games on webOS TVs, but only games on the LG Content Store. Android TV devices offer a much wider range of games from the Google Play Store. You can also sideload games that are not on the Play Store. You can play them using an emulator on your Android TV.
Yes, you can control both Android and webOS TVs using smart speakers. All Android TVs come with Google Assistant baked in, so you can set them up to use with any Google Assistant-powered smart speaker. Some Android TVs from brands like Sony also work with Amazon’s Echo range of Alexa speakers. Meanwhile, LG has a bunch of webOS TVs that work with both Google Assistant and Alexa speakers.
No, webOS 6.0 is only available on LG’s 2021 and newer models as of now. It doesn’t look like older TVs will get the update.
Yes, webOS TVs have the LG Content Store from where you can download apps.
Yes! You can watch Disney Plus on an Android TV, no side-loading required.
Android TV is developed by Google and can be found on many devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and more. webOS, on the other hand, is a Linux-based operating system made by LG. It is mostly available only on the company's range of smart TVs.
For now, Android TV features rows of content that take over the entire home screen. On the other hand, WebOS is much more minimalist in its presentation. You'll find a highly customizable launch bar on the lower third that pops up whenever you need it. From here, you can access apps, settings, and other TV features.
While Android TV's recommendations are based on apps rather than personal taste, Google TV makes use of Google's machine learning, Google Assistant, and Google's Knowledge Graph information base to learn your viewing habits.
WebOS remains the most comprehensive and responsive smart platform around thanks to its extensive selection of streaming services that includes Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and the TV supports voice controls via both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
webOS TV is a web-centric platform that powers the LG Smart TV. webOS TV is a developer-friendly platform with powerful capabilities that you can leverage for creating feature-rich web apps.
One of the biggest advantages of having a TV with Android is that you can cast content from your smartphone right to your TV. The main screen has a style that's simple and easy to navigate, and you can connect to the Google Play store to access all of your favourite apps.
LG, VIZIO, SAMSUNG and PANASONIC TVs are not android based, and you cannot run APKs off of them... You should just buy a fire stick and call it a day. The only TVs that are android-based, and you can install APKs are: SONY, PHILIPS and SHARP, PHILCO and TOSHIBA.
When it comes to user profiles and personalized content, Google TV is the winner. While Android TV allows users to log in with their Google account to manage apps and other preferences, the process is tedious. Plus, it still displays content recommended for the primary account holder.
Google TV is the replacement for most Android TV devices. Some Android TV devices have received updates that grant them the Google TV interface, but some have not. Regardless, now you know how to manually install the Google TV launcher on your Android TV device.
A Smart TV is a television set that offers interactive features such as streaming apps and built-in web browsers. They run on one of the different operating systems (OS) like Android OS, Google OS, Fire OS, webOS, Tizen OS, etc. On the other hand, Google TV is actually a Smart TV that runs on the Google OS of Google.
Android TV is developed by Google and can be found on many devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and more. webOS, on the other hand, is a Linux-based operating system made by LG. It is mostly available only on the company's range of smart TVs.
Turn the TV off then back on. Try to open the Content Store, then click the Search feature. If the keyboard appears in the Content Store, the issue is with the Netflix App. If the issue is with the Netflix App, try to uninstall and reinstall the App.
Steps will be the same for all LG WebOS TV models. Firmware can be updated manually by downloading the update file from lg.com onto a USB storage device. To perform the update you'll need: An empty USB flash drive with 1GB or greater of storage.
The universal search and web browser feature on your LG Smart TV is a handy, Powerful tool to help you find exactly what you want. And even things you didn't know you wanted. Start by clicking the search icon on the home screen and the search bar appears.
Because your LG TV is not Android operated and therefore does not use the Google Play Store for app downloads, you will not be able to access Andriod apps on the television.
Access a whole new world of entertainment with LG Smart TV webOS apps. Content from Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, YouTube & much more. ... Now, outstanding content from Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, VUDU, Google Play movies & TV and Channel Plus is right at your fingertips.
Google TV (interface), an updated interface of Android TV launched in 2020. Google TV (service), a video-on-demand service formerly known as Google Play Movies & TV. Google TV (operating system), a discontinued operating system for smart TVs.
The Android operating system is a mobile operating system that was developed by Google (GOOGL) to be primarily used for touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets.
This is perfect for not only people who are disabled, but it's also ideal for those that are just plain lazy (and there's nothing wrong with that). If you love Netflix and wouldn't mind having it seamlessly implemented into your television routine, Android TV is the best device to be using.
As of June 2014, the Google TV SDK is no longer available, ending any future software development for existing devices and effectively deprecating the platform. ... Google TV (operating system)
Working state
Discontinued (Google TV's SDK was removed in June 2014)
The Google TV interface will be replacing the stock Android TV interface by the end of 2022, starting with set-top boxes, dongles, and smart TVs in 2021.
Android TV cuts out the clutter giving you a more direct, more streamlined experience – one that's just limited to what your television can handle. This means that Google Play Store on Android TVs only displays apps supported by the TV platform – not all of those available on smartphones.
Sony Bravia smart TVs offer some of the best Android TVs on the market, but even the best smart TVs can be hard to navigate. Android TV offers a wide range of apps and services, with enormous libraries of both free and paid content, along with games, social media, and a rich assortment of smart home capabilities.
WebOS is an LG-owned, Linux-based, smart TV operating system that is set up to allow control and access of LG Smart TV's more advanced features and connected devices through a graphical user interface (GUI). WebOS was developed by Palm as a mobile OS.
To get started, download LG TV Plus for your Apple or Android phone or tablet from iTunes or Google Play. Then, open the app, choose the type of device you're using, and turn your TV on. Once that's done, select "device scan" in the app. The app should automatically find your Smart TV.
Samsung and LG are well-regarded for producing high-quality smart TVs. As a result, there is no clear winner as to which is best. With that said, there are some key differences between the two that may make one brand better than the other depending on what you are looking for in a television.
Some consumers vote Panasonic as the longest-lasting TV brand in the market. This brand has been around for decades. Panasonic TVs feature an extensive color pallet, good contrast output, and an OLED panel that creates theater-like displays.
You'll see that Sony, Samsung, and LG top the list in terms of average Overall Score and average price. Given their high average scores, sets from any of these TV brands might be worth considering.
Smart TV has to run on an operating system (OS). Android OS is one of the many popular OS on the market. As such, an Android TV is one that runs on Android OS. With Android as the operating system for your Smart TV, you get access to numerous apps from Google's play store – Google Play.
Unlike with its phones, Samsung does not use Android on any of its smart TVs, and it never has. If you have a Samsung TV, it either runs the company's Tizen OS or its older Orsay OS.
Press the Home/Smart button on your remote. Select Settings from the bottom-left. From the Settings menu, select the Others tab in the bottom-left, then choose Software update. Turn on Software Update and then click the Check Update Version button.
This year's TVs will ship with a new version of webOS, which LG is calling 'webOS 22' — the current version is 6.0, but it seems LG wants to synchronize the version numbers with the current year.
I spoke to LG help and was told the default browser is called "WebBrowser". Using WebBrowser can navigate to Microsoft or chrome.google.com to select a search engine for WebBr.”
It is possible to change the default search engine on the web browser of your LG Smart TV. You may prefer to use Google, Yahoo or Bing. Whatever your preference, you can change it, and also refer to the default settings if you change your mind.
WebOS is an LG-owned, Linux-based, smart TV operating system that is set up to allow control and access of LG Smart TV's more advanced features and connected devices through a graphical user interface (GUI). WebOS was developed by Palm as a mobile OS.
Android scores slightly better at gaming, app support, and voice assistant, whereas Tizen is ahead in technical architecture. As far as UI is concerned, they are evenly matched. Based on all the information above, Android clearly takes the lead.
Android TV is developed by Google and can be found on many devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and more. webOS, on the other hand, is a Linux-based operating system made by LG. It is mostly available only on the company's range of smart TVs.
The universal search and web browser feature on your LG Smart TV is a handy, Powerful tool to help you find exactly what you want. And even things you didn't know you wanted. Start by clicking the search icon on the home screen and the search bar appears. Enter your search term.
A Google TV™ or Android TV™ are TVs that use the Android Operating System (OS) from Google Inc. Android TVs have been included as part of Sony's TV line-up since 2015, and the Google TVs were introduced in 2021.
Android TV is similar to a smart TV, but it offers additional options in terms of auxiliary features and app libraries. Because there are fewer applications to launch, Smart TV with a user-friendly and plain interface usually performs better and runs faster than Android TV.
Samsung's QLED sets will go big on brightness, and if you're more of a daytime viewer than a huddle-in-the-dark cinephile, the brighter displays may be more what you're after. Otherwise Sony's OLEDs will offer a crisp picture with incredible contrast more suited to your late night movie sessions.
As for webOS, I would recommend it to old-school users who want a simple UI and full-size keypad for easier navigation. Finally, Tizen OS is also quite good and can be used by just about anyone.
That said, there is one advantage of smart TVs over Android TV. Smart TVs are relatively easier to navigate and use than Android TVs. You have to be aware of the Android ecosystem to fully take advantage of the Android TV platform. Next, smart TVs are also faster in performance which is its silver lining.
This is perfect for not only people who are disabled, but it's also ideal for those that are just plain lazy (and there's nothing wrong with that). If you love Netflix and wouldn't mind having it seamlessly implemented into your television routine, Android TV is the best device to be using.
Open your device settings. Android: Find the Screen sharing(cast or mirroring) in settings of your device and tap on it to open. Now you will find a list of wireless devices, from which you have to select your LG TV. After that, you will see your Android device display is casting on your LG TV.
The LG G6 also offers Chromecast which allows you to remotely control YouTube and other Chromecast Apps on the LG B6 OLED 4K HDR Smart TV - 65" Class. When watching a YouTube video, you can select the Chromecast icon on the top right. You can then select which Chromecast device to cast the video to.
Do I Need a Chromecast if I Have a Smart TV? You don't need a Chromecast if you already have a smart TV. Chances are, the apps you watch are available on your smart TV. But you may enjoy a Chromecast if your smart TV does not have all the apps you want to use, and they are supported on Chromecast.
Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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