LG StanbyME 2 Review: The $1,300 Wireless Touchscreen TV Redefining Portable Entertainment

• 27-inch Portable Smart TV: The LG StanbyME 2 is a battery-powered 27-inch touchscreen smart TV on wheels, offering a QHD (2560×1440) display – a jump from the original’s 1080p theverge.com. It detaches from its stand for tabletop or wall-mounted use, essentially acting as a giant tablet-TV hybrid.
• Truly Wireless Freedom: With an integrated 4-hour battery, the StanbyME 2 lets you stream or watch cable-free around the house (or even outdoors) for up to four hours lgnewsroom.com lgnewsroom.com. You can recharge via its rolling dock or a USB-C fast charger (65W+) or even a power bank lgnewsroom.com theverge.com.
• Flexible Design & Modes: The screen rotates to landscape or portrait, even flipping flat into a horizontal “table” mode – all on a sturdy wheeled stand lgnewsroom.com lgnewsroom.com. Unclip the screen in one click to carry it; optional accessories include a folio stand and a strap to sling it or hang it like wall art trustedreviews.com theverge.com. It even doubles as a decorative clock or photo frame with LG’s “Mood Maker” ambient modes lgnewsroom.com.
• Smart TV Features & Casting: Running the latest LG webOS platform, the StanbyME 2 has all major streaming apps and LG Channels built-in lgnewsroom.com. It supports hands-free voice control, Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast for wireless casting lgnewsroom.com, plus integration with LG ThinQ and Google Home for smart home control lgnewsroom.com.
• Upgraded Picture & Audio: The StanbyME 2 uses LG’s α8 AI Processor to optimize picture based on ambient light lgnewsroom.com. The LCD screen supports Dolby Vision HDR for vibrant visuals, and built-in side-firing speakers (with Dolby Atmos support) auto-adjust EQ depending on orientation lgnewsroom.com lgnewsroom.com. It creates virtual 9.1.2 surround sound and includes Clear Voice Pro for dialogue clarity notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net.
• Expanded Connectivity: Unlike the first-gen, StanbyME 2 adds a USB-C port for connecting laptops or phones as a second screen theverge.com. You also get an HDMI (with eARC) and multiple USB ports for media or accessories theverge.com notebookcheck.net – even plugging in a webcam for video calls tomsguide.com. The set includes a magnetic remote that conveniently snaps onto the TV when not in use trustedreviews.com.
• Pricey Niche Product: Priced at $1,299.99 (about £1,000) theverge.com techradar.com, the StanbyME 2 costs $300 more than the original model and as much as some high-end 4K TVs or iMacs theverge.com techradar.com. It’s undeniably expensive for a 27″ non-4K screen gearpatrol.com, but LG is betting that no other TV offers this kind of versatility in one package gearpatrol.com.

Introduction: A New Kind of TV on Wheels

Is it a TV? A tablet? A monitor on wheels? LG’s StanbyME 2 manages to be all of the above – a portable 27″ touchscreen TV that you can roll around your home, detach and carry, or even prop up like a giant tablet. This second-generation StanbyME builds on the viral hype of the original (which made waves on TikTok when people realized they could wheel a TV into the bathtub for soak-and-watch sessions tomsguide.com). LG has essentially created a screen that “thinks it’s a tablet, or maybe it’s a tablet that thinks it’s a TV,” as one TechRadar writer quipped techradar.com.

Announced at CES 2025 and now available on the market (launched mid-2025), the StanbyME 2 aims to “offer enhanced portability and flexibility” over its predecessor lgnewsroom.com. It certainly looks like something out of a futuristic home – an ultra-minimalist display on a wheeled stand, with no visible cords tying it down. LG has already snagged design accolades for it, including the iF Design Award and Red Dot Award lgnewsroom.com, highlighting the innovation in form factor. But beyond the flashy concept, what is the StanbyME 2 like to use in practice? Who is it for, and how does it stack up against more conventional (or unconventional) alternatives?

In this comprehensive report, we’ll break down everything about the StanbyME 2 – from its design, specs and features to real-world usage and feedback from experts and early users. We’ll also look at up-to-date news on software updates or changes since launch, and see how the StanbyME 2 compares to its closest competitors, like Samsung’s portable Freestyle 2 projector and LG’s own quirky StanbyME Go suitcase TV. If you’re wondering whether this $1,300 portable touchscreen TV is a revolutionary lifestyle gadget or an overpriced gimmick, read on – we’ve got you covered.

Design & Build: Rolling Screen, Now Detachable

Visually, the StanbyME 2 is very similar to the first-gen model: a thin-bezel 27-inch display mounted on a height-adjustable stand with a weighted circular base on hidden wheels. The big design evolution, however, is that the screen now detaches completely from the stand with one click lgnewsroom.com. LG engineers moved the battery and brains into the display itself, so you’re not tethered to the stand at all times tomsguide.com. This means the StanbyME 2 can truly “stand by me” – whether you place it on a kitchen counter, prop it up on the bed, or hang it on a wall, you’re not stuck with the floor stand when you don’t need it.

Build quality is solid and premium-feeling (as you’d expect at this price). The display portion weighs about 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) on its own techradar.com notebookcheck.net – hefty, but still liftable with one arm. The included stand is even heftier (total system weight is ~15.2 kg/33 lbs with stand notebookcheck.net), owing to the robust base that prevents tip-overs. The stand offers full swivel and tilt adjustment, allowing you to rotate the screen 90° between landscape and portrait modes, or even angle it upward for a tabletop mode (the screen can lie flat, useful for playing digital board games or drawing) lgnewsroom.com lgnewsroom.com. The engineering is clever: when you pivot to portrait or table mode, the StanbyME 2 automatically adjusts its audio EQ so dialogue stays clear and balanced lgnewsroom.com.

When detached, the StanbyME 2’s design really shines. It has a built-in kickstand/handle (via an optional folio case accessory) that lets it stand on a table like an oversized tablet theverge.com. LG even provides an optional shoulder strap so you can carry the 27″ screen around like a briefcase or hang it on a wall hook trustedreviews.com. In fact, LG suggests that in standby mode you could use it as a digital art frame or even a wall-mounted clock for decor lgnewsroom.com. Talk about multipurpose – this is a TV that’s trying to be part furniture, part gadget. As one reviewer noted, “it’s a TV that doesn’t take itself too seriously… if there’s one word to describe the StanbyME 2, it’s fun.” tomsguide.com

Controls & remote: You can interact via the touchscreen (useful when it’s right next to you), or via voice commands thanks to far-field mics lgnewsroom.com. There’s also a standard LG smart TV remote included – and a nice touch is the magnetic remote dock on the back of the screen, so you won’t misplace it when moving the unit trustedreviews.com. This kind of thoughtful design shows LG considered real home usage scenarios.

It’s worth noting the StanbyME 2 is not a waterproof or rugged device – it’s meant for home and patio use, not heavy outdoor abuse. It has an anti-reflective screen coating to cut glare (similar to the StanbyME Go’s screen which was praised for outdoor visibility) theverge.com. The matte finish is great under bright light, but it won’t have the ultra-vivid “pop” of a glossy OLED tablet. One early buyer even complained about the screen quality, calling it “horrific” due to the lack of a glossy panel – though that seems to be an outlier opinion theverge.com, as most find the display perfectly fine (more on display quality below). In any case, the design trade-off is clearly in favor of versatility and glare reduction.

Overall, the StanbyME 2’s design hits a unique balance: substantial and sturdy, yet easily transformable. By making the display removable, LG unlocked a host of new uses – you’re no longer wheeling the entire stand into every scenario (which could be awkward in, say, a bathroom or outdoor setting). You can park the stand in one room and simply carry the screen to another. The concept of a “movable screen” feels much more realized now. As Gear Patrol put it, “Have you ever wanted a portable television you can wheel around… then hang on the wall or use like a tablet? Well, meet the StanbyME 2.” gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com It might make you rethink what a TV should be in a modern home.

Display & Picture Quality

The StanbyME 2 gets a nice spec bump in the display department: it uses a 27-inch QHD LCD panel (2560 × 1440 resolution) at 60Hz notebookcheck.net. That’s a welcome step up from the original model’s 1080p. The increase in pixel density (about 108 PPI on a 27″ screen) means text and details look noticeably sharper, which is beneficial since you might use this screen up-close for web browsing or as a second monitor. “The StanbyME 2 marks an increase in image resolution… up from the 1080p of the StanbyME,” notes TrustedReviews, which should yield “a sharper image and overall higher picture quality” on the new model trustedreviews.com trustedreviews.com.

This isn’t an OLED or Mini-LED – it’s a standard IPS-type LCD, so expect good but not reference-level image quality. LG leverages their TV expertise by including the Alpha 8 AI processor (a chip usually found in LG’s mid-range TVs) to do automatic picture tuning lgnewsroom.com. The α8 chip can detect what you’re watching and adjust settings and upscaling accordingly gearpatrol.com. It also enables an Auto Brightness feature, using ambient light sensing to raise or lower the screen brightness for comfort notebookcheck.net.

Out of the box, the StanbyME 2 supports HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10 lgnewsroom.com. However, with a typical LCD panel brightness (reportedly around 500 nits peak) theverge.com, it won’t give you a mind-blowing HDR effect – highlights will be limited compared to high-end TVs. In fact, The Verge’s review of the StanbyME Go (which has a very similar display tech at 1080p) noted that Dolby Vision on such a screen is mostly in name only, given the limited brightness and lack of local dimming theverge.com. So while you do get to play HDR content, temper your expectations on contrast. Blacks will be decent for IPS but not near-OLED black.

For general viewing, though, users find the StanbyME 2’s picture “more than fine for indoor viewing” and even acceptable outdoors in shade theverge.com. Colors are vibrant (it’s an LG TV after all, likely covering standard color gamut well), and the extra resolution helps when displaying art or text. The viewing angles are good but can wash out a bit off-axis – typical of LCD. One pro tip: because the screen is matte, it diffuses reflections which is great for daytime use, but in a dark room that matte layer can make blacks appear a bit gray. It’s a trade-off aimed at its multipurpose nature.

Also cool: LG includes “Filmmaker Mode” on the StanbyME 2 (mentioned in its marketing amazon.com), which is a picture mode that preserves the original aspect ratio, colors, and frame rate of content (no soap opera effect). This shows LG treats it as a serious TV despite the fun form factor.

In real use, experts say that while this 27″ LCD won’t wow videophiles on specs alone, it looks “nice enough” for casual viewing theverge.com. Chris Welch of The Verge noted on the StanbyME Go that despite lacking 4K or fancy contrast tech, “the average screen… still looks nice enough when you’re watching something.” theverge.com The StanbyME 2 with QHD will only improve on that. And frankly, on a portable screen of this size, 1440p is a sweet spot between clarity and battery life/processing demands.

Audio Quality

Tiny TV speakers are usually an afterthought, but LG put some work into the StanbyME 2’s audio. The unit has a pair of 10W speakers built into the sides of the screen (so left/right when in landscape orientation) notebookcheck.net. Because this TV can rotate and detach, the audio system adjusts based on orientation: there’s a sensor that triggers EQ changes if you go portrait or table mode, ensuring dialogue or centered sound isn’t lost lgnewsroom.com. LG advertises “virtual 9.1.2” surround via AI Sound Pro processing lgnewsroom.com – essentially virtualized Atmos. While that’s obviously not like having real speakers, it does widen the soundstage somewhat.

Reviewers who tried the similar speakers in the StanbyME Go were actually surprised by their fullness and clarity theverge.com. The briefcase model had a 4-channel Atmos system; the StanbyME 2 likely uses a comparable setup tweaked for its form. Don’t expect room-shaking bass, but for personal viewing or small room entertainment, it’s plenty. One nice use-case: detach the screen, lay it flat, and you have a giant tablet for music streaming – the speakers angled up can fill a kitchen or bedroom adequately. And since it runs webOS, you can just play Spotify, etc. directly.

If you need more sound, you can connect Bluetooth speakers or soundbars (it supports Bluetooth 5.1 output notebookcheck.net). There’s also an HDMI eARC port notebookcheck.net, so hooking up a soundbar is easy when it’s on the stand.

The bottom line on AV quality is that LG didn’t cut corners relative to the device’s constraints. It’s not a home theater display, but for its intended use – on-the-go entertainment, secondary TV, personal viewing – it delivers a solid, colorful picture and clear, well-balanced audio. As LG succinctly put it, the StanbyME 2 “enriches both visual and audio enjoyment” for on-the-go entertainment lgnewsroom.com.

Smart TV Features & Interface

One of the StanbyME 2’s strongest advantages over using a tablet or portable monitor is that it runs a full Smart TV OS – LG’s webOS 24 (the latest version as of 2025) notebookcheck.net. This means when it’s connected to Wi-Fi, you have all the apps and streaming services you’d find on LG’s regular TVs. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, HBO – you name it, it’s downloadable if not preloaded. The interface is the same as on an LG OLED or NanoCell TV, optimized for touch and remote control.

Notably, the StanbyME 2 has no coax or tuner, so it’s not for over-the-air broadcast (it’s really designed for streaming or external HDMI sources). But it does include LG Channels, which is LG’s free streaming TV service with various internet channels lgnewsroom.com. So you can tune into news or random shows on LG Channels without any subscription.

Voice Assistants: The TV supports LG’s ThinQ AI and has built-in voice recognition. You can press a button on the remote or just say a wake word (when enabled) to do voice searches, volume control, etc., Alexa/Google-style. It’s useful when your hands are messy in the kitchen, for example – just call out to pause a video or skip to the next episode techradar.com.

Wireless casting: StanbyME 2 comes with Apple AirPlay 2 support and Miracast/Google Cast capability lgnewsroom.com. So Apple users can mirror their iPhone/iPad or use it as an AirPlay speaker/display, and Android/PC users can Cast or use Wi-Fi Direct to share content. During a demo, LG showed that you could even pair it with a phone and scroll TikTok on a huge vertical screen – a bit absurd, but it works (there’s a vertical mode specifically for mobile content mirroring) theverge.com.

Unique apps: LG has thrown in a couple of fun apps to take advantage of the form factor. “Mood Maker” can turn the StanbyME into an ambient display – think fireplace scenes, artwork slideshows, or calming graphics when you’re not actively watching TV notebookcheck.net. There’s also “Let’s Draw,” a sketch app that lets you draw on the touchscreen with your finger notebookcheck.net. Kids might enjoy doodling, or you could leave collaborative notes if it’s in a common space. (When an external device is connected via HDMI or screen-share, touchscreen input is disabled for obvious reasons notebookcheck.net, so Let’s Draw is for when it’s in “smart” mode).

Multi-device use: Since StanbyME 2 has an HDMI-in and USB ports, you can use it with game consoles, laptops, or streaming sticks just like any TV. It also supports USB-C video input, which is a big plus – you can plug a laptop directly via USB-C and use StanbyME 2 as a monitor (with touch support on the laptop maybe, depending on drivers). This effectively makes it a portable 27″ monitor for work or presentations. One TechRadar editor noted “27 inches is the same size as my old iMac…and a great display upgrade from a laptop”, suggesting using StanbyME 2 as a part-time wireless monitor around the house techradar.com. Students or remote workers could find creative utility here.

Smart home & Matter: While not heavily advertised, new LG TVs are starting to support the Matter smart home standard. According to Reddit, the StanbyME 2 even shows up with Matter support in HomeKit/Google Home (some users mentioned “LG Launches 27″ Portable Touch Screen with Matter support” in forums reddit.com). This implies you can integrate it into smart home routines – e.g., have it turn on and display a dashboard when you come home, etc. It’s another angle where this device blurs the line between TV and smart display.

Finally, LG promises software updates for up to 5 years on its TVs techradar.com, and StanbyME 2 should be no exception. Given it’s on webOS 24 now, it likely will see new features and app updates through 2029. So, it’s somewhat future-proof in the fast-moving streaming world.

Battery Life & Portability

The freedom to unplug is the whole point of the StanbyME concept. The StanbyME 2 is rated for up to 4 hours of video playback on battery lgnewsroom.com, which is an hour more than the original model’s 3-hour claim trustedreviews.com. In practice, your mileage will vary with brightness and usage (playing local videos might last longer than streaming over Wi-Fi, for example). But in reviews, that 4-hour figure seems realistic for casual use. It’s enough to get through two movies or a bunch of YouTube cooking tutorials while you meal-prep.

Charging is flexible: Drop the screen back onto its dock/stand and it will start charging from the base automatically (the stand itself plugs into AC). Alternatively, you can plug a USB-C PD charger directly into the screen – but it requires a 65W or higher USB-C power source to charge while in use lgnewsroom.com. Many laptop chargers or high-output power banks can do this. In fact, LG explicitly says you can use a power bank to extend runtime, as long as it supports 65W PD output lgnewsroom.com. This is great if you want to use it outdoors or somewhere away from outlets: bring a large USB-C battery pack and you could double the run time (some ~20000mAh packs could give another 3-4 hours).

It’s important to note the StanbyME 2 is not an ultra-light mobile device – at ~10 lbs for the screen, you’re not going to lug it on a hiking trip. One reviewer called it “‘transportable’ rather than fully portable,” given that heft techradar.com. But around the home or even to the backyard, it’s easy enough to move. The stand’s hidden casters (wheels) glide smoothly on hard floors and low-pile carpet, so rolling it room to room is no effort. If you live in a multi-story home, carrying it upstairs would be the only mild workout (or detach the screen and carry separately to make it lighter). For a device with an internal battery and such a big screen, the design is impressively balanced between stability and mobility.

In real-world use, owners of the original StanbyME famously wheeled it into all sorts of scenarios: beside the treadmill, next to the bathtub, out on the patio for a sunset movie – you name it tomsguide.com. The StanbyME 2 only broadens those possibilities by letting you ditch the stand or use accessories. LG even showed it being used completely off-grid: imagine bringing it tailgating or camping, where a projector might be impractical (this has its own screen and doesn’t need darkness). One tech journalist opined, “you can take this briefcase TV tailgating or camping…a mobile entertainment and gaming solution for yourself or the kids.” theverge.com While that quote referred to the briefcase-style StanbyME Go, the StanbyME 2 can achieve a similar use-case with a bit more elegance (and a big battery pack).

There is no other TV quite like this in terms of cord-free operation – most “portable TVs” in the past were tiny under-15″ sets or required external battery packs. The closest analog may be those giant 17″ tablets (like Samsung’s old Galaxy View) or all-in-one PCs that had short battery lives. LG clearly filled a niche: a size big enough to be cinematic in a personal space, but powerful enough to run independently for a few hours. For many buyers, that’s the magic – the freedom to “put a TV wherever you normally couldn’t” for a little while.

Performance & Real-World Usage

Under the hood, the StanbyME 2’s α8 processor and 4GB-ish RAM (not officially stated, but likely) keep webOS running smoothly. Menu navigation and app launching are on par with other 2024–2025 LG smart TVs – which is to say relatively snappy. It’s not a full computer, so you won’t be doing productivity tasks without an external device, but for streaming and casting, performance is fine. The touchscreen responsiveness is good, as noted in hands-on reports – it’s capacitive multi-touch, like a big tablet. There is a certain novelty in manually scrolling through Netflix on a 27″ touch display, but it works!

For gaming, this is not intended as a primary gaming monitor, but you do have options. You could plug in an Xbox/PlayStation via HDMI for a quick session in an odd spot (keep in mind the 60Hz refresh and likely ~20ms input lag of a normal TV – okay for casual play, not for competitive gaming). There’s also LG’s Game Optimizer mode in the settings, which can tweak the picture for gaming and show basic frame rate stats notebookcheck.net. And if you’re into cloud gaming, the StanbyME 2 with webOS 24 might support apps like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming (LG has added those to many TVs). So conceivably, you could pair a Bluetooth controller and stream a game over Wi-Fi with no console – turning any room into a quick gaming den.

In everyday life, owners have found loads of uses for StanbyME-style TVs. Some examples and feedback:

• Cooking companion: Roll it into the kitchen to follow recipes or watch shows while you cook. Hands-free voice control means you can pause or search without touching it with messy hands techradar.com.
• Workout buddy: Position it in your home gym or living room for workout classes or yoga videos. It’s tall enough on the stand (height-adjustable) to be eye-level when you’re standing or on a mat.
• Bedroom TV without drilling: For renters or those who don’t want a permanent bedroom TV, StanbyME can be rolled in at night and out of the way after. One Reddit user noted using it in a bedroom or kitchen and “then just hide it away afterwards” is a great benefit techradar.com.
• Bathroom luxury: Yes, people do wheel it to the tub. The viral TikToks don’t lie tomsguide.com – and while that use might not be for everyone, it underscores how the battery feature changes behavior. (Of course, caution: steam and electronics usually don’t mix well long-term!)
• Kids’ entertainment: Need to keep the kids occupied in any room? You can have StanbyME display cartoons in the playroom for a few hours, then roll it away – no mounting a TV or leaving them unsupervised with a tablet they can drop. Some parents might like the flexibility (and the ability to quickly reclaim the screen for adult use later).
• Outdoor movie night: On a patio or balcony, the StanbyME 2 can serve as a 27″ outdoor TV for a short evening gathering. Unlike projectors, you don’t need a screen or total darkness, and unlike normal TVs, you don’t need to run an extension cord. Just note it’s not weatherproof, so mind the dew or drizzle.

Expert Opinions & User Feedback

So, what do reviewers and early users think of the StanbyME 2 so far? The reactions are a mix of admiration for its creativity and concern about its cost.

• Versatility Praised: Nearly every expert review highlights how cool and versatile the device is. “Spec-wise, this is an incremental improvement. But its versatility makes it seem like an entirely new product,” wrote The Verge theverge.com. The ability to transform the viewing experience (from wheeled TV to tabletop tablet to wall display) is genuinely novel. Gear Patrol enthused that the StanbyME 2 “boasts several upgrades that make it a better TV and also significantly more versatile” than the first-gen gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com. There’s a sense that LG is pioneering a new category of lifestyle tech here.
• High “Fun Factor”: Tom’s Guide’s first impression piece (tellingly titled “I totally need one”) remarked, “If there’s one word I could use to describe the StanbyME 2, it’s fun.” tomsguide.com The reviewer found the concept refreshing in a world of high-end but stationary TVs. Many experts echoed that sentiment – even those who wouldn’t personally pay this much for it admit they love the idea. It makes watching TV feel novel again.
• Quality vs. Price Debate: On the flip side, price is the biggest sticking point in almost every review. The Verge didn’t mince words: “I have to resist the urge to call this a terrible value, since OLED TVs and brilliant monitors are readily available well under $1,000” theverge.com. Pocket-lint bluntly headlined, “The LG StanbyME 2 has a truly insane price, but I want it anyway.” x.com The StanbyME 2 costs about as much as a flagship 55-inch OLED on sale, so tech pundits rightly question the value proposition. However, they also note that no other product offers this exact feature set: “Not many TVs – if any – afford you such versatility,” Gear Patrol wrote, justifying the cost gearpatrol.com. It really boils down to how badly you need/want a portable big screen.
• Performance Feedback: Because the core tech (LCD panel, WebOS, α8 chip) is well-understood, there aren’t many surprises. Reviewers note the picture is a step up from before but still limited by the panel type. “Unimpressive display specs for the price,” said The Verge of the StanbyME Go’s 1080p screen theverge.com, though the StanbyME 2’s QHD resolution addresses one of those drawbacks. The audio got surprisingly positive nods (speakers “actually good” for what it is theverge.com). The 4-hour battery life has been experienced as roughly accurate and a welcome improvement tomsguide.com.
• User Creativity: Early adopters have shared inventive setups. On Reddit, one user was intrigued but balked at the cost: “I really want a huge tablet… but this price is insane.” reddit.com Another commented that it “feels like a TikTok content machine more than a TV” reddit.com – referencing how the original went viral on social media. A few have even improvised DIY solutions: one person said they “bought a monitor stand that height, a 32-inch monitor and a mini PC to build my own [portable TV] for less than half the price.” reddit.com Indeed, $1,300 invites such comparisons. But those who have actually used StanbyME devices tend to become fans. A tech blogger wrote, “In my opinion, it’s been worth every penny because of how much I use it daily — for workouts, cooking, entertaining my kids, and even just moving from room to room”, illustrating that the target consumer highly values the convenience.
• Criticisms: Besides price, there are a few nitpicks. The weight, as discussed, makes it portable but not trivial – “it’s pretty hefty,” as TechRadar noted techradar.com, and the StanbyME Go at 28 lbs was even worse. Some would have loved to see OLED or 4K in this, but that would have destroyed battery life and hiked cost further (in fact, one reviewer mused that a 4K OLED version would be amazing but likely “$2,000 territory” and even more niche theverge.com). Also, the StanbyME 2 is still a niche luxury gadget – mainstream buyers might not “get” why it exists. LG knows this; it’s aimed at tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and those with specific use cases (or ample budgets). Finally, a minor gripe: the name “StanbyME” (a play on “stand by me”) was always a bit odd, and now we have StanbyME 2, Go, etc. – but that’s purely branding.

In summary, experts are impressed with the StanbyME 2’s concept and execution, often admitting they desire one, “questionably high price” notwithstanding theverge.com theverge.com. User feedback from those who find a need for it tends to be very positive – it becomes a gadget you integrate into daily life. But for many, it remains a fascinating but hard-to-justify device, especially when a normal TV or tablet is much cheaper. As one Pocket-lint editor put it, “The StanbyME 2 is a smart TV that offers unique versatility, but it’s priced much higher than its predecessor” x.com – it might be a case of love at first sight, sticker shock at first price.

Latest News & Updates

Since its rollout in summer 2025, the StanbyME 2 has been gradually launching in different markets. LG began the global rollout in July 2025, first in Hong Kong and Turkey, followed by the U.S., Canada, Vietnam, and Singapore later in July, and then the UK, Germany, France, and Spain in August lgnewsroom.com. So by Q3 2025, it’s available in most major regions (availability in other areas like Australia or Middle East likely follows, though LG’s press info specifically mentioned those countries).

In the US, the StanbyME 2 became available to order in late July 2025, coinciding with LG’s official price reveal of $1,299.99 theverge.com. Early adopters could purchase directly from LG or certain retailers around that time. In an interesting move, LG also introduced a related product called the LG Smart Monitor “Switch” around the same time – essentially a 31.5-inch 4K touchscreen monitor on a rotating stand (but without a battery). It also costs $1,299 and offers even more ports and articulation, but needs wall power theverge.com. This suggests LG is exploring multiple form factors for versatile displays – one battery-powered (StanbyME 2) and one larger but tethered (Smart Monitor Switch). Tech analysts pointed out this trend: “As if one rolling screen wasn’t enough for 2025…” LG now has another option at the same price point, giving consumers a choice theverge.com. The Smart Monitor Switch hasn’t stolen the spotlight from StanbyME 2, but it’s noteworthy for those who like the idea of a movable screen and prioritize size/4K over battery.

Regarding software updates, LG pushed webOS 24 with the device and thus far no major updates have been reported beyond routine bug fixes. However, LG did state that owners who disable auto-update will get a pop-up to accept or deny software updates – meaning the StanbyME 2 is intended to keep updating itself with new features and streaming apps for years. This is part of LG’s commitment to longer support (the 5-year updates promise noted earlier techradar.com).

There was also news that the StanbyME lineup will expand. The ecoustics report (Aug 3, 2025) hinted that StanbyME 2 is just the start of the second-gen “lifestyle displays” – LG also has a StanbyME Go (already out) and even a quirky StanbyME “Speaker” (model XT7S) which is a hybrid Bluetooth speaker with a screen, as part of the family ecoustics.com. It seems LG is experimenting with various portable or semi-portable form factors to see what sticks with consumers. Keep an eye on tech expos in 2026 – it wouldn’t be surprising if LG teases a StanbyME 3 or maybe a different size variant (imagine a smaller 21-inch version or a larger 32-inch one if they solve weight issues).

As of late 2025, no official price cuts or revisions have been announced. The product is still quite new. If it follows the trajectory of the original, we might see discounts after some months – the original StanbyME dropped from $1,000 to around $800-900 at times trustedreviews.com trustedreviews.com. The StanbyME 2’s “insane” pricing might soften over time to drive adoption, but that remains speculative.

Competition & Alternatives

When something is as unique as the StanbyME 2, it doesn’t have perfect apples-to-apples competitors. However, there are a few devices and approaches in the same general arena of portable TVs / big-screen mobile entertainment. Let’s compare some notable ones:

1. LG StanbyME Go (27″ Briefcase TV, 2023): Before the StanbyME 2, LG launched the StanbyME Go – which is essentially the first StanbyME’s tech repackaged into a rugged briefcase form. It has the same 27″ size but only 1080p resolution and about a 3-hour battery. The whole thing folds into a hard-shell case (with the screen inside) that’s military-grade durable and designed for travel. It includes a built-in 20W 4-channel speaker system. The concept is supercool for road trips, but it weighs a whopping 28 lbs (12.7 kg) theverge.com, and at $1,000–1,200 it’s pricey for 1080p. The Verge gave it a mixed review: loved the uniqueness and fun factor, but noted “it’s damn heavy” and “paying $1,200 for [a 1080p LCD] would be lunacy” theverge.com theverge.com. Essentially, the StanbyME 2 and Go serve similar needs in different ways – one is sleek and for home flex use, the other is protected for mobile scenarios. If you need the briefcase style (say you frequently take a display to different venues or in your car), the StanbyME Go is worth a look. Otherwise, the StanbyME 2 gives you better picture quality and easier handling for home use.

2. Samsung The Freestyle (2nd Gen Portable Projector, 2023): Samsung took a different tack on portable entertainment with The Freestyle, a petite cylindrical smart projector. The 2nd Gen Freestyle (released in 2023) costs around $799.99samsung.com brandsmartusa.com and can project a 30–100 inch image on any wall or ceiling. It’s only 1080p resolution, but for a projector that’s acceptable. The Gen2 model adds Samsung’s Gaming Hub (for streaming Xbox games, etc.) and improved software. It also offers 360° sound from its built-in speaker. Importantly, the Freestyle is not battery-operated by default – you have to plug it in or buy an optional battery base. It’s extremely small (less than 2 lbs) and ultra-portable, which StanbyME obviously is not. The use case overlaps in that both aim to let you have a big screen experience anywhere, but the projector vs. LCD approach differs: Freestyle needs a dim/dark environment and a flat surface to project on, whereas StanbyME 2 is the screen and works in daylight. As TechRadar noted, the StanbyME 2’s 4-hour battery is “better than most of the best portable projectors” can manage techradar.com, many of which only last 2-3 hours on battery if at all. If you prioritize image size and portability, the Freestyle or similar mini projectors (like the Anker Nebula Capsule or XGIMI Halo) are options – you can toss them in a bag and create a 80″ movie on a wall. But you’ll sacrifice image brightness, clarity, and the hassle-free nature of a built-in screen. It really comes down to environment: The Freestyle turns any wall into a screen, whereas StanbyME turns the screen into furniture.

3. Traditional Small TVs / Monitors: One might ask, why not just get a normal 32″ TV and put it on a cart with a UPS (battery backup)? Indeed, a Redditor joked “you can get a 40in TV for $150… aren’t all TVs portable at this point?” reddit.com. Realistically, a regular TV still needs AC power and doesn’t have a built-in stand you can wheel around – not to mention no touch or battery. A more direct alternative could be a “portable monitor” – there are 15″ battery-powered monitors for laptops. But nothing mainstream exists in the 27″ range with an internal battery except the StanbyME series. Some people have literally DIYed solutions: mounting a lightweight LED monitor to a rolling stand and attaching a battery or mini PC, as mentioned earlier reddit.com. That can work for tech tinkerers, but it’s not a consumer-friendly route. If cost is the only issue, one could emulate aspects of StanbyME: e.g., put a $300 27″ monitor on a medical IV pole with wheels and use a tablet or Roku for content. But you’d miss the integration and simplicity that StanbyME 2 offers out of the box.

4. Smart Displays / All-in-One Devices: Another category to consider is large smart displays like the Meta Portal+ (14″) or Amazon Echo Show 15 (15″). These have some portability (Portal+ could tilt and be moved, but needs plugged in; Echo Show 15 wall-mounts). They are much smaller than StanbyME and focused on video calling or kitchen use. Microsoft’s discontinued Surface Hub or Samsung’s old Galaxy View (18.4″ tablet) were attempts at big-screen portables, but none hit 27″ or had a rolling stand. So at present, LG has this niche largely to itself.

To put it all together, here’s a quick spec and price comparison of the StanbyME 2 against two close peers:

※ Prices are approximate current retail prices. StanbyME 2 price is $1,299 at LG’s official store ecoustics.com; original StanbyME (2022) now ~$999 on Amazon ecoustics.com.

As the table suggests, the StanbyME 2 occupies the high end of this niche – you pay a premium for that combination of features. If your main goal is to have a TV you can move from room to room easily, the StanbyME 2 (or original) is unmatched. If you want to take a display on trips or outdoors often, the StanbyME Go’s protective case might justify its downsides (or even consider a portable projector if power is available at night). For a budget-friendly hack, one could use a tablet or small TV with a battery/inverter, but it won’t be as seamless or elegant.

It’s also worth mentioning that LG isn’t the only one eyeing this space. We could potentially see competitors respond: maybe Samsung or TCL could make a battery-powered mini-TV given the interest. So far, none of the major TV brands (Sony, Vizio, etc.) have jumped in, likely taking a wait-and-see approach. LG has a head start and, as noted, is expanding the StanbyME family as a lifestyle lineup – something akin to how Samsung has “The Frame”, “The Serif”, etc., LG is carving “StanbyME” as their lifestyle portable series.

Pricing, Availability & Where to Buy

The LG StanbyME 2 carries an MSRP of $1,299.99 in the United States theverge.com. In other regions, the price is positioned as a premium offering as well – for example, S$1,799 in Singapore (~$1,304 USD) and CAD $1,599.99 in Canada notebookcheck.net. In the UK and Europe, final local pricing was announced closer to launch in August 2025 (expected around £1,199 in the UK, and €1,299 in EU, though check local retailers for exact figures).

As of now (late 2025), you can purchase the StanbyME 2 through LG’s official online store and select retailers. It’s available on LG’s USA website for $1,299 ecoustics.com, often with financing options (LG was advertising ~$54/month financing on their site lg.com). Major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have also listed it:

• On Amazon, look for “LG StanbyME 2 27-inch Portable Touch Screen (2025 model)” – it’s priced around $1,296.99 (sold by Amazon) as of this writing amazon.com. There are currently no user reviews on Amazon yet amazon.com due to its newness, but the listing confirms specs (QHD, Dolby Vision, etc.).
• Best Buy’s website carries the original StanbyME and StanbyME Go; the StanbyME 2 should appear as stock rolls out (you might find it in select stores or via special order). Checking with local electronics retailers is advised, as LG mentioned to “check with your local retailers for final price and availability” during the rollout lg.com lg.com.
• Niche A/V retailers like B&H Photo and Value Electronics also have it available or on order, sometimes bundling accessories. For instance, B&H listed the StanbyME Go at $1,200, so likely they offer StanbyME 2 around MSRP as well theverge.com.

One more tip: LG often runs promotions for new products. Keep an eye out for bundle deals – e.g., they might include the optional strap accessory or a discounted soundbar if purchased together. Given the high price, any added value helps.

To summarize availability: StanbyME 2 is now on sale in the US, Canada, UK, EU, and parts of Asia-Pacific after the staggered summer ’25 launch lgnewsroom.com. It’s a relatively specialty item, so you may not find stacks of them at every big-box store, but you can order it online easily. LG’s own site is a reliable option (with their warranty and support), and at $1,299 it’s the same everywhere due to MAP pricing.

For reference, LG’s original StanbyME (gen1) remains on sale at a lower cost – around $999 (Amazon) or even less during sales trustedreviews.com ecoustics.com. If you’re intrigued by the concept but deterred by the StanbyME 2’s price, the older model could be a consideration, albeit with lower resolution and no detachable screen. The StanbyME Go can be found for roughly $1,199 at Amazon or Best Buy theverge.com ecoustics.com if the briefcase style appeals to you more.

Conclusion: Who Should Stand By the StanbyME 2?

The LG StanbyME 2 is without question one of the most innovative TVs (if you can even call it just a TV) on the market today. It challenges the notion that a television must be tethered to one spot in your home. Instead, it becomes a fluid part of your lifestyle – following you from room to room, adapting to whatever you’re doing, and even adding a bit of tech decor when idle. In an era where most TVs are differentiating via incremental picture upgrades, the StanbyME 2 dares to offer a different kind of value: convenience and versatility.

For tech enthusiasts, multi-taskers, or families who can envision many use cases for a portable big screen, the StanbyME 2 can be a game-changer. Imagine the possibilities: one day it’s a kitchen TV, the next day it’s your second monitor for work, on weekends it’s the outdoor movie night centerpiece, and at a party it becomes a giant digital photo frame or karaoke lyrics screen. It’s the kind of product that, as some reviewers admitted, you don’t truly appreciate until you use it in your daily routine – then it’s hard to go back.

However, for many consumers, the sticking point will be the price. At $1,299, you really have to value that flexibility. If you simply need a TV for one room, a high-end 55″ OLED or a good 65″ LED could cost the same or less and provide far superior picture size and quality. The StanbyME 2 is not about bang-for-buck in the traditional sense. It’s about offering something no one else does, and for that, LG confidently asks a premium.

The good news is that if the concept appeals to you but the budget doesn’t, keep an eye on this space. LG’s success with StanbyME (viral success at least, if not volume sales) could spur more entries, potentially bringing options at different price points. We might also see refinements in a future StanbyME 3 – perhaps lighter weight, or maybe a smaller 23″ little sibling that’s cheaper. Right now, LG is essentially testing how much people will pay for extreme convenience.

In conclusion, the StanbyME 2 is a delightful peek into a more cordless, movable future for screens. It’s “an unquestionably cool TV at a questionably high price,” as The Verge aptly summarized theverge.com. If you have the means and a use for it, it will likely bring you a lot of joy (and yes, fun). There’s something to be said about a product that can make watching TV feel novel again – and by all accounts, the StanbyME 2 does exactly that, redefining portable entertainment and earning its place in the evolving story of smart home tech.

Sources:

• LG Newsroom – “LG Begins Global Rollout of StanbyME 2, Designed to Offer Enhanced Portability and Flexibility” (Press Release, July 14, 2025) lgnewsroom.com lgnewsroom.com
• The Verge – Cameron Faulkner, “LG’s StanbyMe 2 is an unquestionably cool TV at a questionably high price” (Jul 29, 2025) theverge.com theverge.com
• Tom’s Guide – Kate Kozuch, “LG’s newest battery-powered TV doubles as a wireless smart display — and I totally need one” (Jan 5, 2025) tomsguide.com tomsguide.com
• TrustedReviews – Hannah Davies, “LG StanbyME 2 vs StanbyME: All the new features revealed” (Jan 6, 2025) trustedreviews.com trustedreviews.com
• TechRadar – Carrie Marshall, “LG’s updated and more useful portable smart TV is now available to order – I could actually see myself using this at home” (July 31, 2025) techradar.com techradar.com
• Gear Patrol – Tucker Bowe, “LG’s Newest TV Looks like It’s from the Future” (Jul 30, 2025) gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com
• Pocket-lint – Craig Donaldson, “The LG StanbyME 2 has a truly insane price, but I want it anyway” (Jul 31, 2025) x.com
• Reddit r/gadgets – User comments on StanbyME 2 launch thread (Aug 2025) reddit.com reddit.com
• The Verge – Chris Welch, “The world needs more gadgets like LG’s briefcase TV (StanbyME Go review)” (Mar 30, 2024) theverge.com theverge.com
• NotebookCheck – Antony Muchiri, “LG launches the StanbyME 2 with 27-Inch QHD display, α8 AI processor, Dolby Atmos, and webOS 24” (News, Jul 14, 2025) notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net
• ecoustics – Robert Silva, “The LG StanbyME 2 Portable TV Wants To Be By Your Side” (Aug 3, 2025) ecoustics.com ecoustics.com
• Amazon.com – LG StanbyME 2 product listing and Samsung Freestyle 2 listing (price and availability) amazon.comsamsung.com