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LG StanByMe 2: Two-minute evaluation
LG’s StanByMe TV has admittedly been one thing I’ve glossed over ever for the reason that first-generation mannequin was launched means again in 2021. A 27-inch TV on a rollable stand? “What’s the purpose?” I at all times questioned. Whereas a 27-inch TV would’ve been thought of ‘huge’ within the late ‘90s or early 2000s, we now stay in a time the place a 48-inch TV is realistically the smallest dimension we’d put in our front room. And with latest releases from the likes of Samsung reaching as much as 115 inches, is there actually a spot for a a lot, a lot smaller 27-inch display screen within the dwelling?
LG clearly didn’t share my reservations, because the Korean producer introduced a second-generation mannequin at CES in January 2025 that didn’t simply introduce just a few iterative upgrades, however as an alternative represented an entire overhaul.
The premise is similar – a TV you may transfer from room to room – nevertheless it now provides different notable options, together with a QHD panel (a rise from the 1080p full HD of the earlier era) and new viewing modes that enable the person to observe whereas the display screen is off its stand (its predecessor was mounted in place).
I’ll admit that I started this evaluation as a sceptic, however after utilizing the LG StanByMe 2 for just a few weeks, I’ve accomplished an entire 180 – this can be a genuinely enjoyable, cool, helpful TV. It’s not going to switch your most important display screen for watching films and TV exhibits, however that’s additionally not its function.
The StanByMe 2 is a TV that you could have within the kitchen to comply with together with recipes, or in case you have a small bed room, you may place it over your mattress for late-night binge watching. It’s touchscreen-enabled, so you may lay it flat on a desk and have your children play interactive video games on it. You may take it away with you within the automotive to arrange and watch content material at a campsite or lodge as it might probably run on battery for some time. I even used it as a second show connected to my laptop computer.
The built-in battery guarantees as much as 4 hours from a single cost (up from 3.5 hours within the earlier mannequin). I discovered this to be fairly correct, though do word that even when the display screen is turned off, it’s technically in a standby mode and can proceed to make use of the battery. I left it turned off over a weekend with a full cost, nevertheless it had dropped to 34% on my return three days later. A bodily energy button will be discovered on the aspect of the TV, and a protracted press will energy it down utterly.
The concept of the StanByMe 2 could elude folks at first, however after you have one in your life, you’ll surprise the way you ever did with out it.
Image high quality is nice, though it gained’t rival the perfect TVs. Its built-in speaker system delivers a satisfying audio efficiency, and is on par with the efficiency you’d get from typical TVs. In just about all instances, we suggest including top-of-the-line soundbars to spice up the sound. Thankfully, you may join it to a soundbar due to an HDMI eARC port, however I reckon since most individuals will probably be utilizing the display screen in a completely moveable mode – which is strictly the way it needs to be used – a bodily connection will show cumbersome.
The StanByMe 2 additionally advantages from LG’s webOS working system. On the time of writing, it makes use of webOS 24, however the firm has confirmed the TV will obtain the webOS 25 replace, and it’s assured to obtain software program updates for 5 years, as much as webOS 28 (LG typically launches a brand new model annually).
There’s nothing fairly just like the LG StanByMe 2 on the market and that makes it tough to attain for an goal evaluation like this. There are related screens on the horizon from the likes of Samsung and its Movingstyle mannequin, however that’s but to see a large launch – we’ve not had an opportunity to evaluation it but right here at TechRadar, and I’ve not personally seen it both.
As a life-style display screen that provides a brand new solution to devour content material, the StanByMe 2 excels, however tech as distinctive as this calls for a excessive value and that’s my largest subject. As a lot as I’d love to provide it a full 5 stars, I’ve to dock factors purely due to how a lot LG is asking for it – particularly if you evaluate its price to conventional TVs.
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Value & availability
- $1,299 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,199
- Staggered world rollout: US – July 2025, UK – August 2025, Australia – September 2025
The LG StanByME 2 was introduced at CES in January 2025 and was made in the stores within the US from July 2025, adopted by a UK launch in August and finally making its solution to Australia in September 2025.
Within the US, it’s priced at $1,299, which is increased than the RRP of the entry-level LG B5 OLED TV in 48-inch guise ($899.99) and just under the bigger 55-inch variant ($1,499.99).
In the meantime, within the UK, it’s £1,399.99, though on the time of scripting this additionally contains an XT7S Bluetooth speaker that may connect to the TV stand and increase audio efficiency. For a similar cash, you may get a 55-inch LG C5 OLED – which we presently price as the perfect TV total.
In Australia, the StanByMe 2 has an inventory value of AU$2,199 – about as a lot because the far bigger 75-inch TCL C7K will set you again Down Beneath. The TCL options a way more succesful Mini-LED backlit panel, and as our TCL C7K evaluation proves, it impressed us with a “dynamic, shiny and surprisingly distinction wealthy image”.
The StanByMe 2 will be on the receiving finish of reductions, though these are normally reserved for the main gross sales occasions reminiscent of Black Friday. The truth is, through the Black Friday gross sales in 2025, I noticed it for $999.99 / £1,199 / AU$1,699. These costs are way more palatable, though it’s nonetheless doable to discover a extra succesful TV for related cash.
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Specs
|
Display screen kind: |
QHD IPS LCD panel |
|
Refresh price: |
60Hz |
|
HDR assist: |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10, HLG |
|
Audio assist: |
Dolby Atmos |
|
Sensible TV |
webOS 24 (personalized model) |
|
HDMI: |
1x HDMI eARC |
|
Battery life: |
As much as 4 hours |
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Options
- QHD IPS LCD panel with intensive HDR assist
- Touchscreen for better interplay
- Constructed-in battery with as much as 4 hours battery life
As I’ve already talked about, the LG StanByMe 2 is a compact 27-inch TV that makes use of an edge-lit IPS LCD panel with quad HD decision (2,560 x 1,440p) and a refresh price of 60Hz. So, not a ‘correct’ 4K display screen, nevertheless it does have complete HDR assist within the type of Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10 and HLG HDR codecs.
Not like the TVs we’re all acquainted with immediately, the StanByMe 2’s display screen has a matte coating that barely reduces picture high quality, nevertheless it helps decrease reflections and stop fingerprints if you’re supporting it for rolling to a distinct room. The matte coating isn’t the identical, or related, because the anti-glare panel of the Samsung S95F, as that display screen is definitely capable of take in gentle and dissipate over the show’s floor. I’d liken it extra to a PC monitor.
The place the StanByMe 2 additionally differs from typical TVs is that it’s touchscreen-enabled. Due to this performance, you’re ready to make use of your fingers to work together with it, whether or not or not it’s loading up the built-in sketchpad software to doodle or jot down notes, or enjoying video games that come pre-installed (extra video games can be found by way of the LG app retailer). I can’t see many individuals utilizing it to create purchasing lists, say, however it may be held on a wall-mounted hook (included) permitting you to simply see reminders for every day.
The touchscreen performance additionally means you’re capable of swipe between dwelling display screen menus and press on any app – YouTube, Netflix, et al – to open it, however that’s all. You may’t use this performance if you’re inside these streaming apps. You may’t press the display screen to play or pause content material, for instance. When utilizing streaming apps, you’ll want to make use of the distant management or the on-screen controls that seem within the backside proper nook if you contact the show.
The place the StanByMe 2 shines is what LG supposed it for – a conveyable display screen that can be utilized the place a bigger show could be useful. For instance, I used it within the kitchen, the place I loaded up a YouTube video telling me the way to make the proper mashed potato. I used to be capable of place the StanByMe 2 over my kitchen island and comply with together with ease. Watching the identical video on a smartphone display screen simply wasn’t as efficient, and I don’t personal a pill or a sensible show. In fact, given the StanByMe 2’s value, it could be cheaper to go for the smaller units, however the comfort of getting the bigger show is one thing I appreciated.
I additionally positioned the TV over my eating desk, the place I sit after I work at home. Once more, I discovered myself streaming YouTube movies to play within the background and would often look up on the display screen. With out the TV, I’d both have the identical video enjoying on a separate tab on my pc. I additionally mirrored the display screen of my MacBook Professional due to the StanByMe’s AirPlay assist, permitting me to make use of it as a second show. These weren’t groundbreaking adjustments to my regular routine by any stretch, however I discovered having the StanByMe 2 on, er, standby, extremely helpful.
When it’s linked to the rollable stand, you may plug a mains energy cable into its base to make use of the StanBy Me 2 like an everyday TV, however in case you take away the facility cable, or take away the TV from its stand, the inner battery takes over and also you’ll get not more than 4 hours of playtime on a single cost.
Nonetheless, you’ll must be aware that that is solely when it is in Eco energy mode, which isn’t on by default. For those who use the display screen in a distinct mode, then battery life takes a serious hit. I turned it on after (unknowingly) leaving it on standby for 3 days to search out the battery had dropped from 100% to 34%. I then watched a 30-minute YouTube video, and the battery degree dropped to 9%.
You may energy down the TV utterly by lengthy urgent on the facility button on the left aspect of the display screen. Recharging the battery to full takes round 3 hours in standby mode and three.5 hours when the TV is in use.
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Image high quality
- Good colour replica
- Respectable blacks contemplating backlight constraints
- No Filmmaker Mode
LG’s QNED81 from 2023 impressed me with its colour replica regardless of utilizing an edge-lit system, and the StanByMe 2 – which additionally makes use of an edge-lit panel – exhibits related strengths. Photos are vibrant and punchy, and with brighter, extra colourful content material – reminiscent of A Minecraft Film – the display screen delivers a natural-looking picture with convincing real-world textures. Fireball explosions seem as paler oranges or yellows, it have to be mentioned, reasonably than intense reds you’d get on a higher-contrast show, however total it’s a satisfying presentation.
The StanByMe 2 additionally dealt with a 4K HDR demo reel from LG’s YouTube channel higher than anticipated. Blacks regarded fairly convincing and central highlights remained clear and detailed. In contrast side-by-side with LG’s flagship G5 OLED , there was a transparent distinction in high quality. The G5 was vastly superior, however that’s to be anticipated given the huge distinction in panel applied sciences.
In dimly lit environments, the StanByMe 2’s brightness efficiency was greater than sufficient. LG doesn’t quote a brightness determine and I wasn’t capable of measure it myself, however with the panel brightness set appropriately – 100 typically – I had no points seeing element or sustaining colour impression. For darker content material, I discovered ‘isf Skilled Darkish’ to be the best-performing image preset. The ‘isf Skilled Brilliant’ over-exposed the picture an excessive amount of for my liking, and Cinema launched an excessive amount of of a yellow tinge.
That mentioned, the StanByMe 2’s image efficiency is finally held again by the constraints of the QHD panel, edge-light system and matte coating. The mix of those means it struggles to render distinction with absolute precision. Bigger areas of the panel can gentle up after they ideally shouldn’t, as a result of the edge-lit system initiatives gentle over a better portion of the display screen.
TVs with extra superior backlight programs – reminiscent of OLED TVs from LG, Samsung and Sony, and even Mini-LED TVs from extra budget-focused manufacturers reminiscent of TCL and Hisense – will be extra exact with which areas of the picture are lit and which aren’t, leading to extra cinematic-looking image.
Within the case of the StanByMe 2, then, photographs can look flat as compared, particularly in HDR scenes that require competent backlighting programs to look their greatest.
Dynamic Tone Mapping Professional is an included function on the StanByMe 2, which theoretically analyzes every body to optimize brightness and distinction, however in follow its impression is modest. With the backlight successfully ‘on’ more often than not because of the panel kind, this function can solely accomplish that a lot.
These limitations are obvious with darker content material. In The Batman’s Penguin automotive chase scene on HBO Max, black weren’t inky, however extra a really darkish charcoal gray. To get the perfect picture, I needed to push the panel brightness to 100. The TV additionally lacks a Filmmaker Mode and the Dolby Imaginative and prescient Filmmaker modes that seem on LG’s higher-end QNED and OLED TV fashions.
Due to these inherent constraints, the StanByMe 2 is greatest seen in dimmer environments and isn’t nicely suited to being your main display screen for film watching.
- Image high quality rating: 3.5 / 5
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Sound high quality
- Dolby Atmos assist
- AI Sound mode with digital 9.1.2 up-mix
- Tremendous for many duties, however not intense film watching
As with image high quality, the StanByMe 2’s audio efficiency isn’t something extraordinary. However once more, this isn’t a TV designed to be your most important leisure system. As a substitute, it’s designed to be a supplementary display screen in your house.
The excellent news is that the built-in audio system will be fairly loud and dialogue is evident. What it lacks is low-end presence – particularly in film scenes with explosions. The AI Sound Professional mode is the most suitable choice in my view, because it helps create a extra expansive soundstage.
You do have choices to enhance the audio output, both by bodily connecting to a soundbar or different exterior audio system by way of HDMI eARC, or wirelessly to a Bluetooth speaker or pair of energetic audio system. I do assume a bodily connection will probably be cumbersome for many customers, significantly if the TV is linked to its stand. That mentioned, you might at all times cling it on the included hook and have a cable trailing right down to a soundbar on a unit beneath.
I had a pair of KEF Coda W audio system available and, as soon as linked to the LG, the distinction was dramatic. I additionally paired a Beats Tablet and even that moveable Bluetooth speaker delivered noticeably higher sound than the TV’s built-in audio system.
What this experiment actually highlighted for me was how the LG StanByMe 2 offers you choices, each when it comes to how you utilize it to devour content material and how one can get sound out of it. You don’t get such versatility from conventional TVs and this actually is the place the StanByMe 2 genuinely stands out.
- Sound high quality rating: 4 / 5
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Design
- A number of viewing modes
- Good number of connections
- Helpful design touches
As I’ve alluded to already on this evaluation, the StanByMe 2 isn’t designed to switch a standard TV. Its headline function is its skill for use in a wide range of viewing positions. The principle place – the one which’s possible for use essentially the most – sees it being connected to a rollable stand. The primary-generation StanByMe was completely connected to its stand, so it’s nice that the brand new mannequin can detach, increasing its usability.
The stand is comparatively heavy at 10.9kg / 24 lbs and its wheels are silent when rolling round, however they’re undoubtedly smoother on onerous flooring in comparison with carpet.
The stand has two sections: a fixed-height most important pole and an adjustable arm that may increase the display screen up and down just a few inches. The bottom performs host to an influence level, which is used to cost the TV’s built-in battery.
While you need to detach the TV from the stand to make use of in tabletop mode, you want to press a big central button on the rear panel of the TV and pull it ahead. As a result of the TV itself is sort of gentle at 4.3kg / 9.5lbs, it’s simple sufficient to carry onto the display screen with one hand, and press the button with the opposite. And because of its light-weight construct, you shouldn’t have an excessive amount of of a difficulty carrying it round.
To make use of the StanByMe 2 in tabletop mode, you want to clip in a provided kickstand on the rear of the display screen, and slot the folio cowl into two holes alongside the underside edge. The folio cowl then folds round to the again of the display screen and slots into the kickstand.
The ultimate viewing mode is hanging it up on a hook towards a wall. The hook must be drilled into the wall, so it wasn’t one thing I might check for this evaluation. I personal my dwelling, however with my evaluation pattern solely being on mortgage, I didn’t desire a gap left in my wall when it was returned. As soon as the hook is mounted, you may connect a strap to the StanByMe 2 to hold it. You may cling it in both portrait or panorama orientation, and apart from watching TV, you might activate one of many many wallpapers or screensavers, which embrace climate and calendar info, a ‘now enjoying’ display screen when enjoying music, or a digital picture album.
LG’s itemizing info for the TV additionally exhibits an individual hanging this strap over their shoulder with the TV in panorama mode – just like a messenger bag. However who needs or wants to hold a 27-inch TV over their shoulder?
A distant management is provided with the StanByMe 2, which I anticipated to be just like the one utilized by LG’s different TVs, however there are just a few design adjustments.
Maybe the best operate is the truth that the distant can magnetically connect to the highest fringe of the TV (when it’s in panorama mode) or to the folio cowl when it’s in tabletop mode, so that you don’t have to fret about shedding it.
The largest distinction between this distant and the one you’d get with an everyday LG TV is that it loses the Magic Distant performance, i.e. you may’t use it to maneuver a pointer across the display screen as you may on an LG TV. When you have an LG Magic Distant at dwelling, otherwise you buy one individually, then you may profit from the pointer operate because it’s suitable with the StanByMe 2.
There’s a small number of connections on the StanByMe 2, together with an HDMI eARC for connecting to a soundbar to spice up audio output, or to a laptop computer or PC so the TV can moonlight as a second display screen. There’s additionally a USB-C port on the aspect for connecting exterior units and energy banks, and one other USB-C port on the highest edge for connecting a webcam.
LG says the USB-C port can even cost the display screen TV when it’s not linked to the stand, however I struggled to get this working, even when utilizing my MacBook Professional’s energy brick. The person handbook states you want a charger able to both 65W (20V/3.25A) or100W (20V/5A) output, a standards my MacBook’s charger satisfies.
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Sensible TV & menus
- Custom-made model of webOS
- 5 years of upgrades promised
- No on-screen adverts!
The LG StanByMe 2 makes use of a personalized model of the corporate’s well-received webOS working system. For those who had been to have a look at the model used right here side-by-side with an everyday LG TV, you’ll simply spot the variations.
Two rows of apps dominate a big portion of the StanByMe 2’s display screen, versus a single line on the corporate’s common TVs, with the acquainted ‘playing cards’ for devoted hubs – Residence Workplace, Sport, Music – simply above. What’s pleasing to see on this occasion is that there aren’t any on-screen adverts or promotions in sight. The common model of webOS will show on-screen adverts and even screensaver adverts (until you flip them off), so their full absence is a welcome change.
From the house display screen, in case you transfer left – both by urgent the left button on the distant’s d-pad, or swiping – you’re met with a display screen displaying calendar and climate info, fast entry to numerous wallpapers and a sketch pad.
The TV additionally helps Google Forged and Apple AirPlay, so you may beam content material out of your telephone or laptop computer on to it. I used the Display screen Mirror operate to increase my MacBook’s show and use the LG as a second monitor. It was a seamless course of and even transferring browser home windows over to the LG labored as easily as if I had a devoted monitor bodily linked to my laptop computer.
Setting changes are as slick as I’ve come to anticipate from LG, having used the corporate’s G-series OLED over the previous three generations. Urgent the settings button on the distant brings up a Fast Menu that seems as a clear overlay within the prime left of the display screen, which lets you shortly change image, sound and different settings.
- Sensible TV and menu rating: 5 / 5
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Worth
- Dear in comparison with bigger, extra typical TVs
- Different rollable TVs exist, which will be discovered for much less
- In the end not improbable total worth
With a price ticket of $1,299 / £1399.99 / AU$2,199, the LG StanByMe 2 is undoubtedly costly in comparison with conventional TVs, which might price a lot much less, are available in greater display screen sizes and profit from extra succesful shows.
Plus, a fast search on-line reveals related rollable TVs in markets together with the US, UK and Australia. We have not reviewed them right here at TechRadar, so cannot touch upon their efficiency, however the truth stays the LG StanByMe 2 is not the one one among its variety.
If you could find it at a reduced value, it’s rather a lot simpler to suggest, as a result of what the TV has going for its uniqueness. LG lessons the StanByMe 2 as a ‘life-style TV’ and I couldn’t agree extra. It’s not going to switch a most important TV in your house, however is designed to be an addition that may make your every day routine extra handy.
There’s definitely a case to be made for its existence then, however you’ll want to significantly contemplate whether or not it’s definitely worth the premium price ticket.
Ought to I purchase the LG StanByMe 2?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Ranking |
|
Options |
It lives as much as its life-style credentials with a wide range of viewing modes, connections and interactivity choices. |
4/5 |
|
Image high quality |
It’s not going to switch a traditional TV, nevertheless it does greater than sufficient to fulfill the temporary of being a life-style display screen |
3.5/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Clear dialogue and expansive sound, with the choice to enhance it by way of varied strategies |
4/5 |
|
Design |
A variety of viewing modes and a few helpful bodily connection choices make the StanByMe 2 one of the vital versatile screens on the market. |
4/5 |
|
Sensible TV and menus |
LG’s webOS platform is at all times a pleasure to make use of and the personalized model right here continues that pattern. |
5/5 |
|
Worth |
A enjoyable, cool TV that’s supremely versatile, however there’s no denying it’s costly in comparison with conventional screens. |
2.5/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
LG StanByMe 2 evaluation: Additionally contemplate
How I examined the LG StanByMe 2
- Used at dwelling and tried most viewing modes
- Watched a spread of content material from varied streaming providers
- Let it run on battery energy to check stamina
I examined the LG StanByMe 2 over a interval of about 3 weeks at dwelling. I used most of its viewing modes, together with attaching it to its stand and utilizing the folio cowl. I wasn’t capable of check its hanging mode, as I wasn’t ready to drill a gap into my wall.
I watched a wide range of darkish and shiny content material from a variety of streaming providers, together with The Batman and A Minecraft Film on HBO Max. I additionally examined its skill to hook up with exterior audio units by way of Bluetooth to enhance sound output.
