What are the differences and which is better?

If you are in the smart TV market, you will likely come across both Android and web OS TVs. The two competing smart TV operating systems have a lot in common, but are also very different.

Android TV was developed by Google and is available on many devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, set-top boxes and more. Web OS, on the other hand, is a Linux-based operating system from LG. It is only available for company smart TVs.

Depending on which you choose – Android TV or Web OS – you get a noticeably different user interface. The two operating systems also have their own set of pre-installed apps and offer different functions that ultimately determine your entire Smart TV experience.

So without further ado, here are all of the major differences between Google’s Android TV platform and LG’s web operating system.

user interface

The first thing you will notice when turning on an Android TV versus a Web OS TV is the difference in the user interface. The current Android TV interface is divided into lines that take up the entire home screen. Google will be updating this to its new Google TV UI soon, but the operating system remains essentially unchanged.

LG’s web operating system is more minimalistic and has a band-adjustable, customizable launch bar at the bottom of the screen. You get access to all apps, settings and other functions of the TV.

As you scroll through these options in the launch bar, an additional row of cards will appear above them, corresponding to each app. For example, if you move the mouse pointer in the LG Content Store in the start bar, an additional row of cards will appear at the top with suggestions for downloading apps. You’ll also see similar content suggestions for streaming apps, as shown above.

also read: The best Android TV boxes you can buy right now

Unlike Android TV, which requires you to close one app and go to the home screen to open another, the launch bar on LG’s Web OS TVs can be accessed without exiting an app that is already open. In terms of easy app switching, LG’s web operating system definitely has the upper hand.

However, if you are using an Android phone, navigating the Android TV platform can be more intuitive compared to the web operating system. The latter is by no means difficult to use, but it could mean a slight learning curve for users who haven’t used an LG TV before. Once you are comfortable with the web operating system, you may prefer it to Android TV for the convenience it offers.

Apps

The Android TV platform certainly offers more apps than the web operating system. This is because you have access to the vast Google Play Store library on all Android TV devices. You can also sideload apps to Android TV, which LG’s smart TV platform doesn’t allow.

Don’t expect a wide range of apps on Web OS

Web OS TVs come pre-installed with many popular streaming apps like 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. However, don’t expect a huge variety like on Android TV.

Android TV remote control vs. LG Magic remote control

One of the best happenings in the web operating system is LG’s Magic Remote. You get it with all LG OLED TVs and many LCD TVs. You also have the option to buy the remote control separately if your LG TV doesn’t have one. Be sure to check the remote control compatibility before purchasing.

In contrast to the remote controls that you get with Android TVs, LG’s Magic Remote makes navigation much easier thanks to the point-and-click function. The pointer moves as you move the remote, just like using a mouse on a PC. This makes entering text on an LG TV much easier compared to Android TVs. The latter involves using the arrow keys on the remote control to painfully switch between letters on the on-screen keyboard.

In addition to pointer functions, the Magic Remote on LG’s Web OS TVs, like most Android TV remote controls, also offers voice search. The numbered buttons on the LG remote control can also be programmed as shortcuts for various apps. You cannot do this with the remotes that came with Android TVs.

In the meantime, both Android TVs and Web OS televisions can be operated wirelessly without a remote control. Here’s how to use your smartphone to control your Android TV. In order to navigate a Web OS TV with your phone, you need to install the LG TV Plus app on your Android or iOS devices.

Android TV vs. Web OS: Which is Better?

Both Android TV and Web OS have their own advantages and disadvantages. The user interface of the web operating system is simpler and does not take up the entire screen. Web OS TVs are also easier to navigate thanks to LG’s magical remote control and have all of the major streaming apps one would want to use on their TVs.

However, if you are looking beyond the typical smart TV experience, 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. The new Chromecast also lets you get an Android TV for just $ 49.99 instead of investing in a full-fledged TV.

Due to the limited range of web OS devices, you’ll have to spend money on a new TV if you want to access the platform.

However, when choosing between an LG Web OS TV or a Sony Android TV, the first thing to consider is hardware specifications and pricing, not just software. While Android TV has a lot more to offer in terms of apps, Web OS TVs are also pretty good for someone who doesn’t care about using too many apps or playing Android games on their smart TVs.

Android TV vs. Web OS: FAQs

Q: Can you share your smartphone screen on Android TV and Web OS?

Yes, you can share your phone screen on both Android TVs and LG TVs with web OS. Android TVs have a built-in Chromecast feature that allows you to cast your phone’s screen to the TV. Web OS TVs use screen mirroring and can be set up on the TV using the screen sharing app.

Q: Can you play games on web OS like Android TV?

Yes, you can play games on Web OS TVs, but your options are limited to the games in the LG Content Store. Android TV devices offer a much larger selection of games from the Google Play Store. You can also download games that are not in the Play Store from the site and play them on your Android TV using an emulator.

Q: Can you control Android TV and web OS TV with smart speakers?

Yes, you can control both Android and Web OS TVs with smart speakers. All Android TVs come with the Google Assistant so you can set them up to work with any smart speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Some Android TVs from brands like Sony also work with Amazon’s Echo Alexa speakers. LG now has a number of Web OS TVs that work with both Google Assistant and Alexa speakers.