The choice between a TV on Android TV and WebOS (or other proprietary systems like Tizen) today is comparable to the dilemma between iOS i Android in smartphones. Both platforms offer smart features, access to streaming services and games, but are suitable for different use cases. Some people value openness and customization, while others value stability and optimization out of the box.

In this article we will look at 10 key criteria from performance to the device ecosystem, which will help you make your choice. And you will also find out why TVs on Android TV after 2026 began to support cloud games without a console, and how this affects the choice of gamers. Spoiler: if you actively use the services Google or Samsung, the answer may be obvious after the first two sections.

But first, let's take a look at what's hidden behind these names. Android TV is a version of the operating system from Googleadapted for TVs, which is installed on devices Sony, Xiaomi, Philips and many others. WebOS is a proprietary system from LG, known for its speed and minimalistic interface. Both platforms support 4K HDR, Dolby Vision voice assistants, but the approach to implementing functions is radically different.

📊 What brand of TV do you have at home?
LG (WebOS)
Sony (Android TV)
Samsung (Tizen)
Xiaomi/Philips (Android TV)
Another brand

1. Performance and speed

If you have ever used a budget smartphone on Android, then you know how the system can “slow down” over time. The situation with TVs is similar, but here a lot depends on the hardware and optimization of the manufacturer.

WebOS traditionally considered a “lighter” system. It doesn't require powerful processors to run smoothly, and the interface loads almost instantly even on mid-range models. For example, LG OLED C3 turns on and opens WebOS 23 turns on and opens Netflix in 3-4 seconds - this is one of the best performance on the market. The reason is simple: LG controls both hardware and software, so optimization is ideal.

C Android TV the situation is more complicated. Performance depends on two factors:

  1. OS version (for example, Android TV 12 works faster than Android TV 9 on older models).
  2. Processor (chips MediaTek in budget ones Xiaomi inferior Qualcomm in premium Sony).

On top models (Sony A95L) there is almost no difference from WebOS , but in the budget segment (Philips The One) there may be slowdowns when multitasking.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap TVs with Android TV (price below 30,000 ₽) often have weak processors and only 1.5–2 GB of RAM. This leads to freezes when simultaneously launching YouTubegames and widgets. weather.

2. Ecosystem and compatibility with other devices

Here it all depends on what gadgets you already have. If you live in an ecosystem Google (Pixel, Nest, ChromeCastthen Android TV will be a logical choice. For example:

  • 📱 Fast content transfer from the phone via Google Cast (analog AirPlay for Apple).
  • 🔊 Smart home control (Google Home) directly from the remote control TV.
  • 🎮 Support Stadia (although the service has closed, its successor - GeForce NOW - works better on Android TV).

WebOS more focused on users Apple and LG:

  • 🍎 Full Support data-i="98">🎵 Compatible with speakers AirPlay 2 And HomeKit (important for owners iPhone And Mac).
  • 🖥️ Integration with laptops LG Gram (for example, using TV as a second monitor for Wi-Fi).
  • 🎵 Speaker compatible LG to create multi-room audio.

But owners of devices Samsung (smartphones, smart watches, refrigerators) should take a closer look at TVs on Tizen - their ecosystem is even more closed, but everything works “out of the box” without settings.

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If you have Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxycheck whether your TV supports the function Quick Share (fast file transfer On WebOS it only works with). devices LG and Apple.

3. A set of applications and streaming services

Here Android TV definitely wins in terms of quantity. Google Play Store there are more available for TVs. data-i="113">, while in 5000 applications, whereas in LG Content Store (for WebOS) their order is 1800. The difference is especially noticeable in niche services:

  • 🎬 Kinopoisk, IVI, Okko — on Android TV there are official applications with support for 4K.
  • 🎮 Moonlight (streaming games from a PC), Steam Link - work only on Android TV.
  • 📺 Twitch, Trovo - on WebOS often there are no official ones clients (you have to use a browser).

However, WebOS has a trump card: optimized versions of popular services. For example, Netflix and Disney+ on LG support Dolby Vision and Atmos even on 2020 models, while on some Android TV these functions may not be available due to manufacturer restrictions.

Another nuance: on Android TV you can install APK files manually (for example, for Kodi or regionally blocked services), while WebOS is closed for third-party installations.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Prime Video) on Android TV may refuse to work in 4Kif the TV is not certified. Before purchasing, check the list of supported models on the service website. Amazon. Before purchasing, check the list of supported models on the service website.

4. vs casual entertainment

If you plan to play on TV, Android TV offers much more options:

  • 🎮 Gamepad support: you can connect DualSense (from PS5) or Xbox Controller by Bluetooth.
  • ☁️ Cloud services: GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Booster officially supported.
  • 📱 Streaming from PC via Steam Link or Moonlight (from NVIDIA GPU).

On WebOS the choice of games is limited to casual projects (Asphalt 9, Angry Birds) and several cloud services (GeForce NOW appeared only in 2026, but works with lags on models older than 2023).

However, there is an exception: LG works with Amazon Luna, and on new models (LG G3 and higher) cloud gaming works better than on mostly Android TV due to the optimized Wi-Fi 6Emodule.

How to play GTA V on a TV without a console?

On Android TV possible install GeForce NOW and play GTA V via the cloud (subscription and Internet speed of 50 Mbps are required). On WebOS this method only works on 2026+ models, and with a session time limit (2 hours).

Criterion Android TV WebOS
Number of games 1000+ (including emulators) ~200 (casual)
Cloud gaming GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud, Booster Only GeForce NOW (from 2026) and Luna
Support for gamepads DualSense, Xbox, Stadia Controller Only Xbox and LG Gamepad
Emulators Yes (PPSSPP, Dolphin) No

5. Updates and support

Here WebOS gets ahead: LG provides 5 years of updates for their flagships (for example, LG C2 received WebOS 24 in 2026). At the same time, updates are released stably, without critical bugs.

With Android TV the situation is worse:

  • 🔄 Manufacturers (except Google i Sony) models are often abandoned after 2-3 years.
  • 🐌 Updates can “break” the operation of applications (for example, after updating to Android TV 13 for many it stopped working YouTube v 4K).
  • 📦 On budget models (TCL, Hisense) updates arrive with a delay of 6-12 months.

The exception is TVs Google TV (for example, Sony X90L or Chromecast with Google TVThey receive updates directly from Google, but even here support is limited 3 years.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Android TV older than 2021 may stop working Netflix v 4K due to an outdated version Widevine DRM. Check compatibility before purchasing a used model.

6. Interface and ease of use

WebOS famous for its minimalistic design: the main menu in the form of a ribbon at the bottom of the screen, quick access to your favorite applications and widgets. weather/news. The interface is optimized for control voice (via LG ThinQ) and gestures data-i="224">offers two interface options: (on remote controls with Air Mouse).

Android TV offers two interface options:

  1. Classic Android TV (on Xiaomi, Philips) - simple, but overloaded with recommendations.
  2. Google TV (on Sony, TCL from 2022 year) - more modern, with a personalized content feed (as in Netflix).

Main Plus Google TV — universal search across all streaming services (finds a movie and shows where you can watch it for free or cheaper). A WebOS a similar function appeared only in 2026, but works worse - for example, it does not take into account promotions in Kion or Okko.

Availability HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Xbox Series X

Support Dolby Vision and Atmos in the necessary applications

Update period (check on the manufacturer's website)

Compatibility with your gadgets (AirPlay, Google Cast)

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7. Price and quality ratio

In the budget segment (< 50,000 ₽) TVs are in the lead at Android TV (Xiaomi A2, Philips 7000 series). They offer a good ratio of price and functions, but often save on the processor and updates.

In the premium segment (> 100,000 ₽) the choice is more difficult:

  • 💰 LG OLED (with WebOS) - better screens (OLED Evo), but more expensive than analogues by Android TV by 15-20%.
  • 🎯 Sony Bravia (with Google TV) - better image processing (XR Processor), but updates are supported longer than LG.
  • 🏆 Samsung QN90C (s Tizen) - brightness up to 2000 nits, but a closed ecosystem.

If the budget is limited, but you want OLED, pay attention to Philips OLED+ s Android TV - they cheaper LG by 20-30%, but with similar screen characteristics.

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In the segment up to 70,000 ₽ Android TV it wins in terms of functionality, but in the premium segment (OLED, MiniLED) it is better to look at WebOS or Tizen due to image optimization.

Is it possible to install WebOS on a TV with Android TV?

No, these are two completely different operating systems with closed source. The only way to change the OS is to buy a TV with the required firmware out of the box.

Which TV is better for YouTube and streaming?

For streamers and active users YouTube is better suited Android TVbecause:

  • There is an official application YouTube with support 4K@60fps and HDR.
  • You can install alternative clients (for example, SmartTubeNext to block ads).
  • Easy to connect a webcam for streaming (on WebOS this requires additional settings).

On WebOS application YouTube is often updated with a delay, and some functions (for example, YouTube Premium) may work unstable.

Which system is safer for children?

WebOS offers more flexible parental settings:

  • Time blocking (for example, you can set a viewing limit Netflix at 2 hours).
  • Filtering content by age (works even in the browser).
  • Password for purchases and installations of applications.

On Android TV parental controls are less reliable: children can bypass restrictions through the browser or third-party applications. For complete security, you will have to use external solutions (for example, a router with filtering). traffic).

Is it possible to WebOS run Kodi?

Officially - no, but there are workarounds:

  1. Install Kodi via LG Content Store (there are unofficial assemblies, but they may contain viruses).
  2. Use Plex or Jellyfin as an alternative.
  3. Connect an external device (for example, NVIDIA Shield) via HDMI.

On Android TV Kodi installed directly from Google Play or via APK.

Which TV is best for PS5 or Xbox Series X?

For game consoles, three are important parameter:

  1. HDMI 2.1 (for 4K@120Hz and VRR).
  2. Low input lag (less than 15 ms for competitive games).
  3. Support ALLM (automatic gaming mode).

The best options:

  • LG C3/OLED Evo (WebOS) - the best input lag (5 ms) and full support HDMI 2.1.
  • Sony X95L (Google TV) - the best processing HDR for movie-like games (The Last of Us).
  • Samsung QN90C (Tizen) - the highest brightness (important for games in a bright room).

Televisions in Android TV budget segment (Xiaomi, TCL) often do not support HDMI 2.1 or have high input lag (20+ ms), which is critical for shooters.