Want to upgrade your smart TV but feel stuck as there are so many operating systems available for your attention? Google TV, LG’s webOS, and Tizen OS by Samsung are often among the top choices, offering app compatibility, user-friendly features, seamless streaming, and smart home integration, but how to know which is the best smart TV OS from the rest? Don’t worry as here is a detailed comparison of Google TV vs webOS vs Tizen in terms of their interface, app availability, and privacy for you to get a deeper understanding. And also, we have added 3 top-rated smart TVs on Amazon, powered by each of these operating systems, for you to upgrade your gadget zone.
What is Google TV and What are its Key Features?
Google TV, powered by the Android TV OS operating system, is a smart TV platform that offers a user-friendly interface, along with streaming services and live channels. It also offers a personalized content-watching experience, also offers content recommendations based on users’ viewing habits, voice search, and watchlist.
Key Features of Google TV:
- All streaming services are available in one single place
- Tailor-made recommendation features are available
- Built-in Google Assistant offers voice command compatibility
- Users can get access to multiple apps and games with the Google Play Store
- Content Watchlist, Recommendations, and User Profile features are available
- Smart home integration is available
webOS: A Closer Look at LG's Smart TV Platform
LG’s very own operating system- webOS- is a Linux-based operating system primarily found in LG smart TVs and offers a user-friendly interface, along with seamless integration. Also, one can enjoy quick access, easy navigation, etc.
Key Features of webOS:
- Uses a card-based layout for easy navigation and user-friendliness
- Smart home integration with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home
- Offers access to various streaming services and LG Channels
- Future-proof content-watching experience with regular updates
- Offers AI algorithms, personalized recommendations, and multitasking capabilities
Tizen OS: Samsung's Take on the Smart TV Experience
Developed by Samsung, Tizen OS powers Samsung smart TVs and offers smart home features, access to OTT apps, and user-friendliness. The intuitive design and compatibility with Samsung's SmartThings ecosystem are other features of Tizen OS.
Key Features of Tizen OS:
- Provides hassle-free navigation and easy access to content-viewing apps
- Samsung Smart Hub offers support for OTT apps, Samsung TV Plus, live channels, and free channels
- Personalized content recommendations are often AI-based
- Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant are supported for hands-free operations
- SmartThings app on the smartphone provides seamless control of smart home devices
- Samsung Knox Security for extended user privacy
User Interface and Navigation: Comparing the Big Three
Now, after knowing about these three operating systems, let’s have a look at Google TV vs webOS vs Tizen user interface comparison
Google TV |
webOS |
Tizen |
Offers an extensive app selection and customization options |
User-friendly interface and smooth navigation |
Excels in integration with Samsung devices |
Provides seamless integration with Google devices |
Focuses on content discovery and has a clean interface |
Creates the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem |
Google Assistant, Chromecast, and other Google products are supported |
Can easily switch between apps and content |
Samsung Gaming Hub provides strong gaming support |
App Selection and Compatibility: Which OS Has the Edge?
Want to know which is the best smart TV OS to watch content? Let’s compare them on the basis of their app compatibility. We have also added their cons, if any, to help you get a better understanding.
Google TV
Google TV offers a vast app library, all thanks to the Google Play Store app, and hence, one can enjoy OTT apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, etc. Along with this, other smart features like Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in are supported. Regular updates and customization features are also available.
Cons: Privacy concerns can emerge, and the UI might seem cluttered on some devices
webOs
The sleek, user-friendly interface offers smooth navigation and easy access to content-viewing apps. The LG smart TVs come with handy remote controls that make it easy to access the OTT apps. Popular OTT apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Prime Video are supported
Cons: The streaming service supported might be limited when compared to Google TV, and also, smart home integration is less extensive.
Tizen
It uses Samsung’s own app ecosystem, the Samsung App Store, for users to get access to the streaming services, live channels, free channels, etc. Also, Tizen provides fast performance with smart hub controls
Cons: The ecosystem is more focused on Samsung devices, and the app availability might be less than that of Google TV.
Privacy and Security: What You Need to Know
Here is the best smart TV OS privacy comparison so that users can enjoy a care-free content-watching experience.
Google TV |
webOS |
Tizen |
Collects users’ data for personalized recommendations |
Collects fewer users’ data than the Google TV |
Samsung's ecosystem collects users’ data |
Due to Google's data usage, potential privacy concerns are there |
Fewer privacy concerns |
Potential privacy concerns are there in Samsung devices |
Works on Google's security infrastructure for regular updates and malware protection |
LG's security measures are available like regular updates and app security checks |
Samsung Knox security platform is provided |
Now, explore the 3 top-rated TV models, listed on Amazon, that run on Google TV, webOS, and Tizen operating systems, respectively. Find television options from Haier, LG, and Samsung.