Android TV vs. webOS: Which is Better?

Last Updated on May 8, 2023 by Tim Wells

While you may initially think of LG, Sony, and Hisense, Android TV and webOS are the two services that make them stand out. Despite the brand you prefer, these two operating systems are what really make or break a smart TV.

In this article, we’ll compare Android TV to webOS to determine which is better for you.


Android TV vs. webOS: Overview

WebOS is a great, user-friendly smart TV. Its user interface is made to be easy to use and understand. It has a clean design, and all programs and apps are easily located on the home screen.

WebOS is an open-source operating system made by LG based on Linux. This OS is only found within LG smart TVs, but users can expect new devices shortly. LG has begun to create partnerships to branch their services to different products.

Android TV is also an operating system for smart TVs and other streaming devices. It was initially made by Google and used by Android devices such as smart TVs, streaming sticks, and devices.

Android TV’s operating system is very familiar to those who already own an Android device. Like webOS, its design is user-friendly and straightforward.

Android TV Devices

Android TV, unlike webOS, offers many different products to utilize its services. Popular devices include smart TVs and more budget-friendly options like streaming sticks and streaming devices.

Smart TVs are TVs that can connect to the internet or Wi-Fi services. Usually, they come with many different apps like streaming services, music, games, and even web searching.

Compared to other Android TV devices, Android’sTVs come at a higher price point. They tend to last a long time and have frequent updates to their system, making their services worth the investment. 

Streaming sticks and devices come in at a lower price than smart TVs. These products make it easy to switch to an Android TV operating system without making a costly investment or letting go of your current TV.

New NVIDIA Shield TV home screen

Most TVs are equipped with HDMI, USB ports, or A/V receivers. Typically, sticks can be plugged into your TV through these ports. 

Streaming devices work similarly to streaming sticks because they can be plugged into the TV you already use. This makes them much more cost-effective as well when compared to Android TV smart TVs.

Android TV streaming sticks, like the NVIDIA Shield, have a few distinct differences compared to Android TV streaming devices. They usually come with one device to insert into your TV and remote control to control your interface. 

Streaming devices may have options to plug your devices directly into an internet source via an ethernet cable which will speed up your connection. In addition to this, some also offer USB ports and auxiliary cords. USB ports allow you to sideload additional apps not ofund on the official app stores. This adds more features to your already feature-loaded Android TV device.


Comparing webOS vs. Android TV

Things like user interface, devices, and available apps come into play when comparing the two. 

Let’s look at this in more detail.

User Interface

The user interface of Android TV and webOS have both changed over the years. When an operating system receives an update, it may change its setup to become more efficient or add more services.

WebOS has changed its user interface a few times throughout the years. WebOS used to comprise a single bar that ran across the bottom of your device’s screen. Here, users can access everything the operating system offers, like apps, games, web searches, and more.

In the latest update, they have gone from a simple bar to a full-screen interface. Since then, webOS has moved to a more complex look with its webOS 6.0 update, opting for a user interface that takes up your device’s entire screen. This new design comprises a single home screen with options for apps, streaming recommendations, and other features the TV offers.

webOS 2022 home screen
webOS 2022 home screen

This new update is not currently available on all webOS smart TVs but began rolling out with LG’s new products in 2021. Users with older devices are limited to previous versions of webOS. They will have to purchase a new TV to get the latest version of webOS.

Android TV has had a very similar interface for quite some time. Although, some newer devices are starting to switch to a similar Google user interface in the upcoming years. If you are familiar with Android phones or tablets, it’ll be easy to get the hang of Android TV.

Android TV’s user interface is not only easy to use but very straightforward as well. It displays all your apps and services on one home screen in easy-to-read rows. If you want simplicity in a streaming device, a product from Android TV may be right for you. 

Apps

Most default streaming apps tend to be the same, with some variances between Android TV and WebOS. However, the most popular streaming services will likely come preinstalled on each operating system.

If you like choices for streaming, games, music, and more, Android TV allows users to download apps off of Google Play while webOS does not. 

WebOS also has a store on its TVs called the LG Content Store. You will have access to many different apps for streaming and other purposes. Although Google Play offers more choices, the LG Content Store provides enough apps for most smart TV users.

Depending on your device, Android TV may also allow you to sideload apps not offered on the Google Play Store. This opens your playing field when it comes to the apps available to use.


FAQ’s

Here are some of the most popular questions.

Can you add apps to webOS and Android TV streaming devices?

Both operating systems offer a store within their devices to purchase or download apps to stream, play games, listen to music, and other services.

What can you do on a webOS or Android TV device?

Users can expect to watch movies, stream TV shows, play games, listen to music, search the web, and even display their phone screens on their devices.

Will all LG TVs get the webOS 6.0 update?

No. LG rolled out the new 6.0 update with its new line of 2021 smart TVs. Those with an older version will likely not receive the new features offered by LG and webOS.

Is WebOS or Android TV better?

Android TV has a For those in the market for a new television, webOS and Android TV both have good choices. If you only use mainstream streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu, webOS will be just fine. However, if you want to check out the latest new streaming app, you’ll want to go with an Android TV or Google TV device

Will Android TV change its user interface?

Google recently began rolling out updates to its Android TV devices to make them look more in line with Google TV services. You may see these changes if you have a newer Android TV device. However, this is usually up to the individual manufacturer, not Google. 

Tim Wells