LG StandbyMe 2: Brilliant Idea, Flawed Execution?

Summary

This review unpacks the LG StandbyMe 2, a portable 27-inch TV on a wheeled stand, purchased for around £900. While the concept is appealing, the execution is surprisingly flawed. A major issue is the TV's outdated webOS 24 operating system, released in 2026 but using a 2024 OS that lacks crucial apps like Channel 5 and ITVX, with newer LG models already shipping with webOS 26. Furthermore, the touchscreen functionality is inconsistent; it works with some apps like YouTube and Netflix but not others, forcing users to rely on remotes. To overcome these limitations, the reviewer attached a Google TV Chromecast to the single HDMI port, effectively bypassing LG's OS. Other criticisms include a fiddly folio cover, a Bluetooth speaker that doesn't always connect seamlessly, and a stand that is heavy but essential for stability. The reviewer concludes that a DIY approach, combining a monitor with a wheeled stand and a separate smart TV device, would be more cost-effective and customizable, costing around £400 versus the StandbyMe 2's nearly £900 price tag. Despite its shortcomings, the reviewer is keeping the LG unit due to the effort already invested in making it functional, giving it a 4 out of 10, with points awarded for the magnetic remote.