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LG StanByMe 2: Two-minute review
LG’s StanByMe TV has admittedly been one thing I’ve glossed over ever for the reason that first-generation mannequin was launched method 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 ‘massive’ within the late ‘90s or early 2000s, we now stay in a time the place a 48-inch TV is realistically the smallest measurement we’d put in our front room. And with latest releases from the likes of Samsung reaching up to 115 inches, is there actually a spot for a a lot, a lot smaller 27-inch display screen within the house?
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 a substitute represented an entire overhaul.
The premise is the same – a TV you can move from room to room – but it now offers other notable features, including a QHD panel (an increase from the 1080p full HD of the previous generation) and new viewing modes that allow the user to watch while the screen is off its stand (its predecessor was fixed in place).
I’ll admit that I began this review as a sceptic, but after using the LG StanByMe 2 for a few weeks, I’ve done a complete 180 – this is a genuinely fun, cool, useful TV. It’s not going to replace your main screen for watching movies and TV shows, but that’s also not its purpose.
The StanByMe 2 is a TV that you can have in the kitchen to follow along with recipes, or if you have a small bedroom, you can position it over your bed for late-night binge watching. It’s touchscreen-enabled, so you can lay it flat on a table and have your kids play interactive games on it. You can take it away with you in the car to set up and watch content at a campsite or hotel as it can run on battery for a while. I even used it as a second display attached to my laptop.
The built-in battery promises up to four hours from a single charge (up from 3.5 hours in the previous model). I found this to be pretty accurate, although do note that even when the screen is turned off, it’s technically in a standby mode and will continue to use the battery. I left it turned off over a weekend with a full charge, but it had dropped to 34% on my return three days later. A physical power button can be found on the side of the TV, and a long press will power it down completely.
The idea of the StanByMe 2 may elude people at first, but once you have one in your life, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
Picture quality is good, although it won’t rival the best TVs. Its built-in speaker system delivers a delightful audio efficiency, and is on par with the efficiency you’d get from standard TVs. In just about all circumstances, we suggest including one of many best soundbars to spice up the sound. Happily, you may join it to a soundbar due to an HDMI eARC port, however I reckon since most individuals will likely be utilizing the display screen in a totally transportable mode – which is strictly the way it ought to be used – a bodily connection will show cumbersome.
The StanByMe 2 additionally advantages from LG’s webOS operating 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 every year).
There’s nothing fairly just like the LG StanByMe 2 on the market and that makes it difficult to attain for an goal evaluate like this. There are related screens on the horizon from the likes of Samsung and its Movingstyle model, however that’s but to see a large launch – we’ve not had an opportunity to evaluate 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 option to devour content material, the StanByMe 2 excels, however tech as distinctive as this calls for a excessive worth and that’s my largest subject. As a lot as I might 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 examine its price to conventional TVs.
LG StanByMe 2 review: Price & availability
- $1,299 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,199
- Staggered global rollout: US – July 2025, UK – August 2025, Australia – September 2025
The LG StanByME 2 was announced at CES in January 2025 and was made available to buy in the US from July 2025, followed by a UK launch in August and eventually making its way to Australia in September 2025.
In the US, it’s priced at $1,299, which is higher 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 consists of an XT7S Bluetooth speaker that may connect to the TV stand and increase audio efficiency. For a similar cash, you will get a 55-inch LG C5 OLED – which we at the moment charge because the best TV overall.
In Australia, the StanByMe 2 has a listing worth of AU$2,199 – about as a lot because the far bigger 75-inch TCL C7K will set you again Down Underneath. The TCL options a way more succesful Mini-LED backlit panel, and as our TCL C7K review proves, it impressed us with a “dynamic, vivid and surprisingly distinction wealthy image”.
The StanByMe 2 could be on the receiving finish of reductions, though these are often reserved for the most important gross sales occasions equivalent to 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 attainable to discover a extra succesful TV for related cash.
LG StanByMe 2 review: Specs
|
Screen type: |
QHD IPS LCD panel |
|
Refresh rate: |
60Hz |
|
HDR support: |
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
|
Audio support: |
Dolby Atmos |
|
Smart TV |
webOS 24 (customized version) |
|
HDMI: |
1x HDMI eARC |
|
Battery life: |
Up to 4 hours |
LG StanByMe 2 review: Features
- QHD IPS LCD panel with extensive HDR support
- Touchscreen for greater interaction
- Built-in battery with up to 4 hours battery life
As I’ve already mentioned, the LG StanByMe 2 is a compact 27-inch TV that uses an edge-lit IPS LCD panel with quad HD resolution (2,560 x 1,440p) and a refresh rate of 60Hz. So, not a ‘proper’ 4K display screen, however it does have complete HDR help within the type of Dolby Imaginative and prescient, HDR10 and HLG HDR codecs.
Not like the TVs we’re all aware of as we speak, the StanByMe 2’s display screen has a matte coating that barely reduces picture high quality, however it helps reduce reflections and stop fingerprints if you’re supporting it for rolling to a unique 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 soak up gentle and dissipate over the show’s floor. I might liken it extra to a PC monitor.
The place the StanByMe 2 additionally differs from standard TVs is that it’s touchscreen-enabled. Because of this performance, you’re ready to make use of your fingers to work together with it, whether or not it’s loading up the built-in sketchpad software to doodle or jot down notes, or taking part in video games that come pre-installed (extra video games can be found through 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 house display screen menus and press on any app – YouTube, Netflix, et al – to open it, however that’s all. You’ll be able to’t use this performance if you’re inside these streaming apps. You’ll be able to’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 transportable 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 learn how to make the right mashed potato. I used to be capable of place the StanByMe 2 over my kitchen island and observe 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. After all, given the StanByMe 2’s worth, it will be cheaper to go for the smaller gadgets, 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 once I do business from home. Once more, I discovered myself streaming YouTube movies to play within the background and would sometimes look up on the display screen. With out the TV, I might both have the identical video taking part in on a separate tab on my pc. I additionally mirrored the display screen of my MacBook Professional due to the StanByMe’s AirPlay help, permitting me to make use of it as a second show. These weren’t groundbreaking modifications to my regular routine by any stretch, however I discovered having the StanByMe 2 on, er, standby, extremely helpful.
When it’s related to the rollable stand, you may plug a mains energy cable into its base to make use of the StanBy Me 2 like a daily TV, however if you happen to take away the facility cable, or take away the TV from its stand, the interior battery takes over and also you’ll get not more than 4 hours of playtime on a single cost.
Nevertheless, you’ll must be conscious that that is solely when it is in Eco energy mode, which isn’t on by default. If you happen to use the display screen in a unique mode, then battery life takes a significant hit. I turned it on after (unknowingly) leaving it on standby for 3 days to seek 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’ll be able to energy down the TV fully by lengthy urgent on the facility button on the left facet 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 review: Picture quality
- Good color reproduction
- Decent blacks considering backlight constraints
- No Filmmaker Mode
LG’s QNED81 from 2023 impressed me with its shade replica regardless of utilizing an edge-lit system, and the StanByMe 2 – which additionally makes use of an edge-lit panel – reveals related strengths. Photos are vibrant and punchy, and with brighter, extra colourful content material – equivalent to 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 should be mentioned, somewhat than intense reds you’d get on a higher-contrast show, however total it’s a delightful presentation.
The StanByMe 2 additionally dealt with a 4K HDR demo reel from LG’s YouTube channel higher than anticipated. Blacks appeared moderately 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 most often – I had no points seeing element or sustaining shade influence. For darker content material, I discovered ‘isf Knowledgeable Darkish’ to be the best-performing image preset. The ‘isf Knowledgeable 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 in the end held again by the restrictions of the QHD panel, edge-light system and matte coating. The mixture of those means it struggles to render distinction with absolute precision. Bigger areas of the panel can gentle up once they ideally shouldn’t, as a result of the edge-lit system tasks gentle over a larger portion of the display screen.
TVs with extra superior backlight methods – equivalent to OLED TVs from LG, Samsung and Sony, and even Mini-LED TVs from extra budget-focused manufacturers equivalent to TCL and Hisense – could 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 methods to look their finest.
Dynamic Tone Mapping Professional is an included characteristic on the StanByMe 2, which theoretically analyzes every body to optimize brightness and distinction, however in follow its influence is modest. With the backlight successfully ‘on’ more often than not as a result of panel kind, this characteristic 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 finest seen in dimmer environments and isn’t nicely suited to being your major display screen for film watching.
- Image high quality rating: 3.5 / 5
LG StanByMe 2 review: Sound quality
- Dolby Atmos support
- AI Sound mode with virtual 9.1.2 up-mix
- Fine for most tasks, but not intense movie watching
As with picture quality, the StanByMe 2’s audio performance isn’t anything extraordinary. But again, this isn’t a TV designed to be your main entertainment system. Instead, it’s designed to be a supplementary screen in your home.
The good news is that the built-in speakers can be reasonably loud and dialogue is clear. What it lacks is low-end presence – especially in movie scenes with explosions. The AI Sound Pro mode is the best option in my opinion, as it helps create a more expansive soundstage.
You do have options to improve the audio output, either by physically connecting to a soundbar or other external audio device via HDMI eARC, or wirelessly to a Bluetooth speaker or pair of active speakers. I do think a physical connection will be cumbersome for most users, particularly if the TV is connected to its stand. That said, you could always hang it on the included hook and have a cable trailing down to a soundbar on a unit beneath.
I had a pair of KEF Coda W audio system readily available and, as soon as related to the LG, the distinction was dramatic. I additionally paired a Beats Pill and even that transportable 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 provides you choices, each by way of 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 review: Design
- Multiple viewing modes
- Good selection of connections
- Useful design touches
As I’ve alluded to already in this review, the StanByMe 2 isn’t designed to replace a traditional TV. Its headline feature is its ability to be used in a variety of viewing positions. The main position – the one that’s likely to be used the most – sees it being attached to a rollable stand. The first-generation StanByMe was permanently attached to its stand, so it’s great that the new model can detach, expanding its usability.
The stand is relatively heavy at 10.9kg / 24 lbs and its wheels are silent when rolling around, but they’re definitely smoother on hard floors compared to carpet.
The stand has two sections: a fixed-height main pole and an adjustable arm that can raise the screen up and down a few inches. The base plays host to a power point, which is used to charge the TV’s built-in battery.
When you want to detach the TV from the stand to use in tabletop mode, you need to press a large central button on the rear panel of the TV and pull it forward. Because the TV itself is quite light at 4.3kg / 9.5lbs, it’s easy enough to hold onto the screen with one hand, and press the button with the other. And thanks to its lightweight build, you shouldn’t have too much of an issue carrying it around.
To use the StanByMe 2 in tabletop mode, you need to clip in a supplied kickstand on the rear of the screen, and slot the folio cover into two holes along the bottom edge. The folio cover then folds around to the back of the screen and slots into the kickstand.
The final viewing mode is hanging it up on a hook against a wall. The hook needs to be drilled into the wall, so it wasn’t something I could test for this review. I own my home, but with my review sample only being on loan, I didn’t want a hole left in my wall when it was returned. Once the hook is mounted, you can attach a strap to the StanByMe 2 to hang it. You can hang it in either portrait or landscape orientation, and besides watching TV, you could activate one of the many wallpapers or screensavers, which include weather and calendar information, a ‘now playing’ screen when playing music, or a digital photo album.
LG’s listing information for the TV also shows a person hanging this strap over their shoulder with the TV in landscape mode – similar to a messenger bag. But who wants or needs to hang a 27-inch TV over their shoulder?
A remote control is supplied with the StanByMe 2, which I expected to be similar to the one used by LG’s other TVs, but there are a few design changes.
Perhaps the coolest function is the fact that the remote can magnetically attach to the top edge of the TV (when it’s in landscape mode) or to the folio cover when it’s in tabletop mode, so you don’t have to worry about losing it.
The biggest difference between this remote and the one you’d get with a regular LG TV is that it loses the Magic Remote functionality, i.e. you can’t use it to move a pointer around the screen as you can on an LG TV. If you have an LG Magic Remote at home, or you purchase one separately, then you can benefit from the pointer function as it’s compatible with the StanByMe 2.
There’s a small selection of connections on the StanByMe 2, including an HDMI eARC for connecting to a soundbar to boost audio output, or to a laptop or PC so the TV can moonlight as a second screen. There’s also a USB-C port on the side for connecting external devices and power banks, and another USB-C port on the top edge for connecting a webcam.
LG says the USB-C port can also charge the screen TV when it’s not connected to the stand, but I struggled to get this working, even when using my MacBook Pro’s power brick. The user manual states you need a charger capable of either 65W (20V/3.25A) or100W (20V/5A) output, a criteria my MacBook’s charger satisfies.
LG StanByMe 2 review: Smart TV & menus
- Customized version of webOS
- Five years of upgrades promised
- No on-screen adverts!
The LG StanByMe 2 uses a customized version of the company’s well-received webOS operating system. If you were to look at the version used here side-by-side with a regular LG TV, you’ll easily spot the differences.
Two rows of apps dominate a large portion of the StanByMe 2’s screen, as opposed to a single line on the company’s regular TVs, with the familiar ‘cards’ for dedicated hubs – Home Office, Game, Music – just above. What’s pleasing to see in this instance is that there aren’t any on-screen ads or promotions in sight. The regular version of webOS will display on-screen adverts and even screensaver ads (unless you turn them off), so their full absence is a welcome change.
From the house display screen, if you happen to 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 data, fast entry to varied wallpapers and a sketch pad.
The TV additionally helps Google Solid and Apple AirPlay, so you may beam content material out of your cellphone 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 shifting browser home windows over to the LG labored as easily as if I had a devoted monitor bodily related 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 review: Value
- Pricey compared to larger, more conventional TVs
- Other rollable TVs exist, which can be found for less
- Ultimately not fantastic overall value
With a price tag of $1,299 / £1399.99 / AU$2,199, the LG StanByMe 2 is undoubtedly expensive compared to traditional TVs, which can cost much less, come in bigger screen sizes and benefit from more capable displays.
Plus, a quick search online reveals similar rollable TVs in markets including the US, UK and Australia. We’ve not reviewed them here at TechRadar, so can’t comment on their performance, but the fact remains the LG StanByMe 2 isn’t the only one of its kind.
If you can find it at a discounted price, it’s a lot easier to recommend, because what the TV has going for its uniqueness. LG classes the StanByMe 2 as a ‘lifestyle TV’ and I couldn’t agree more. It’s not going to replace a main TV in your home, but is designed to be an addition that can make your daily routine more convenient.
There’s certainly a case to be made for its existence then, but you’ll need to seriously consider whether it’s worth the premium price tag.
Should I buy the LG StanByMe 2?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|
Features |
It lives up to its lifestyle credentials with a variety of viewing modes, connections and interactivity options. |
4/5 |
|
Picture quality |
It’s not going to replace a conventional TV, but it does more than enough to meet the brief of being a lifestyle screen |
3.5/5 |
|
Sound quality |
Clear dialogue and expansive sound, with the option to improve it via various methods |
4/5 |
|
Design |
A range of viewing modes and some useful physical connection options make the StanByMe 2 one of the most versatile screens out there. |
4/5 |
|
Smart TV and menus |
LG’s webOS platform is always a joy to use and the customized version here continues that trend. |
5/5 |
|
Value |
A fun, cool TV that’s supremely versatile, but there’s no denying it’s expensive compared to traditional screens. |
2.5/5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
LG StanByMe 2 review: Also consider
How I tested the LG StanByMe 2
- Used at home and tried most viewing modes
- Watched a range of content from various streaming services
- Let it run on battery power to test stamina
I tested the LG StanByMe 2 over a period of about 3 weeks at home. I used most of its viewing modes, including attaching it to its stand and using the folio cover. I wasn’t able to test its hanging mode, as I wasn’t prepared to drill a hole into my wall.
I watched a variety of dark and bright content from a number of streaming services, including The Batman and A Minecraft Movie on HBO Max. I also tested its ability to connect to external audio devices via Bluetooth to improve sound output.
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