LG 43-Inch 4K UHD IPS Smart Monitor With webOS & USB-C Review: Pros, Cons & Rumors Debunked

LG Smart Monitor (43SQ700S) -43-Inch 4K UHD(3840×2160) IPS Display, webOS Smart Monitor, ThinQ Home, Magic Remote, USB Type-C, 2X Stereo Speakers, AirPlay 2, Screen Share, Bluetooth,White

Dive into stunning detail with the 43-inch 4K UHD IPS display, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Built-in speakers and webOS22 streaming make work and play seamless.
Boost productivity with USB-C connectivity, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth support. Seamless screen sharing, Magic Remote compatibility, and a sleek slim stand optimize any workspace.

The LG 43SQ700S excels in versatility but faces reliability challenges.
Strong positive feedback on 4K UHD clarity and multitasking, with some users reporting hardware failures.
No large-scale rumors of design defects, but serious complaints about warranty support and input handling exist.
Ideal for productivity and casual media, less suitable for competitive gaming or color-critical professional work.

Refined product name emphasizes its 43″ 4K UHD IPS specification.
Features include webOS Smart Monitor, USB-C, AirPlay 2, Picture-in-Picture, and built-in speakers.

Table of contents

Product Overview
LG 43SQ700S Review: Honest Findings
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
Who Should Consider LG Smart Monitor 43SQ700S?
Conclusion: Final Verdict

Product Overview

The LG 43SQ700S, hereafter called the LG 43SQ700S 43-inch 4K UHD IPS Smart Monitor, merges the clarity of a high-end computer display with the versatility of a smart TV. Its 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) IPS panel supports DCI-P3 80% color gamut, delivering crisp visuals and wide viewing angles free of the color shifting that plagues VA panels. webOS22 is built in, offering quick access to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and 300+ free LG Channels without a connected PC. AirPlay 2 and HomeKit compatibility mean Mac and iOS users can cast, mirror, and control the monitor wirelessly, while Bluetooth lets you pair keyboards, mice, and speakers. Comprehensive connectivity includes USB-C with 60W power delivery, two HDMI ports (one with ARC/eARC), DisplayPort, and two USB 3.0 downstream ports for peripherals.

Physically, the 43SQ700S sports a minimalistic slim stand that reserves desk real estate and folds away neatly. The optional LG Magic Remote (sold separately) adds voice command capabilities and pointer navigation, perfect for app browsing on webOS. Weighing in at around 41 lbs with packaging included, it’s compatible with VESA 200 × 200 mounts for wall or arm installation, though some users find that dedicated monitor arms must support the panel’s heft. HDR10 support elevates contrast in compatible content, though brightness levels max out at around 250 nits, which may limit HDR performance in bright environments. The thin white bezel and metal-finished back panel offer an aesthetic that suits modern home offices or living rooms alike.

The IPS panel features an anti-glare matte coating that reduces reflections in brightly lit spaces, though a slight graininess is noticeable compared to glossy screens. Uniformity is mostly excellent, with only minimal backlight variance at the corners—far better than many large-format TVs. Response time hovers around 8 ms (GtG), so while ghosting is negligible for office tasks and video streaming, fast-action gaming can exhibit trailing without a dedicated motion interpolation feature. The monitor’s color temperature options—ranging from Cool to Warm to Custom—allow casual tuning, though professional colorists may still opt for hardware calibration to achieve full adherence to sRGB or Adobe RGB standards.

LG’s optional Magic Remote enhances usability by simulating a computer mouse cursor on screen, so you can navigate webOS apps and adjust advanced monitor settings from your couch. Voice commands integrated with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allow you to change inputs, look up settings, or control connected ThinQ smart devices—taking the 43SQ700S beyond a mere display and closer to a central IoT hub. While bulky in a desktop context, these features shine when the monitor doubles as a communal TV in family rooms or dormitories.

Users praise its all-in-one design but note a mixed reliability record.
Patented smart features balance productivity and entertainment.

LG 43SQ700S Review: Honest Findings

In practice, the LG 43SQ700S has impressed buyers looking for a jack-of-all-trades solution that covers work and play. Software developers and office professionals celebrate the expansive screen real estate that replaces dual 24″ monitors, while remote workers appreciate the embedded webOS ecosystem that eliminates extra streaming devices. Gamers find the 60Hz refresh rate adequate for consoles like PS4/PS5 and Xbox Series S/X, and Mac owners commend the seamless USB-C integration with MacBook Pro and Mac mini. The monitor’s 10 W stereo speakers handle casual audio needs, from video calls to background music, reinforcing its role as a versatile hybrid display.

However, not all experiences have been smooth. A fraction of users report premature hardware failures—black screens that require unplugging, EDID misreporting the panel size as 27″, or USB-C ports dropping connections. Rumors that LG treats this model as a repurposed TV instead of a true monitor have circulated, but most evidence points to a standard IPS panel with robust monitor‐level controls—just constrained warranty terms. LG’s policy of repair over replacement, and in some cases providing refurbished parts, have left buyers feeling underserved, fueling word‐of‐mouth caution. While rumors of systemic design flaws remain unsubstantiated, the monitor’s mixed post‐purchase support record is a serious consideration for long‐term ownership.

Compared to rival offerings such as the Dell U4320Q or Samsung M7 Smart Monitor, LG’s 43SQ700S undercuts on price while matching or exceeding key specifications. However, Dell’s ergonomic stand and factory-calibrated color profile offer an edge for professionals, and Samsung’s Tizen OS boasts a slightly faster UI than webOS22. These comparative analyses often inform buyer decisions, suggesting that the LG monitor is ideal for those who prioritize cost, smart features, and multi-device flexibility over color-critical or gaming-specific refinements.

Amid mixed reports, many users found simple workarounds: adjusting HDMI port assignments to ensure devices use the 60 Hz ports instead of the 30 Hz pair, disabling HDR in Windows to curb black screen lockups, and manually calibrating the color profile to counteract the slightly cool default temperature. Some owners advise keeping an extra spare HDMI cable and reseating power connections to preempt unexplained signal drops. While these tips improve everyday stability, they underscore that the 43SQ700S demands a hands-on approach to unleash its full potential—and may not suit everyone seeking a truly set-and-forget display solution.

High marks for stunning 4K image clarity and multitasking prowess.
Smart features like AirPlay 2 and webOS streamline content streaming and device casting.

Positive Feedback & Highlights

Reviewers repeatedly highlight the monitor’s large 4K canvas as a productivity game changer. One user replaced dual 12-year-old 1080p displays with the 43SQ700S and immediately saw improved color fidelity and the ability to view four inputs simultaneously, citing desktop, PS3, and laptop displays running side by side. Another paired the screen with a Mac mini M4, praising the seamless AirPlay 2 mirroring and the monitor’s compatibility with Apple HomeKit, which allows for wireless control without an Apple TV. These success stories underscore the plug-and-play ease for both legacy PCs and modern thin-and-light laptops via USB-C.

Graphic designers and CAD professionals appreciate the IPS panel’s uniform brightness and accurate DCI-P3 80% coverage, which ensures colors remain true across wide angles. The slim white bezel and sturdy yet simple stand earned compliments for aesthetics and durability. Multiple reviewers noted that setting up the monitor was intuitive, with the remote control streamlining navigation through webOS, input selection, and quick picture mode adjustments. For those who found gaming consoles lacking HDR on older TVs, this monitor’s HDR10 support—even if modest in peak brightness—delivered noticeable contrast improvements in supported titles.

At this price point, few competitors offer a 43″ IPS option with integrated smart OS. Alternatives such as a 43″ TV plus external streaming stick often lack the precision and controls of a dedicated monitor. Compared to standard 32″ 4K monitors in the $300–$400 range, the 43SQ700S delivers nearly 80% more screen real estate—an undeniable advantage for spreadsheet jockeys and video editors alike. Its built-in webOS stack and remote also outshine monitors that merely rely on PC-driven streaming apps, cutting down clutter and setup time.

Beyond paid subscriptions, reviewers praise the inclusion of over 300 free LG Channels, covering live news, sports, and entertainment—an unexpected bonus that turns the monitor into a mini streaming box. The 2×10 W speakers, though modest, output Dolby Audio processing, enhancing dialogue clarity and minimizing distortion at higher volumes. Many users found this to be sufficient for bedrooms or small home offices, relegating noise-monsters like bookshelf speakers to the living room. Most importantly, the majority of reviews rate its performance at four or five stars, citing a healthy balance of features, price, and convenience that is hard to match in this size category.

Recurring reports of hardware failures—screen blackouts and unresponsiveness.
No major rumors of hidden design flaws, but warranty and input issues persist.

Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis

On the flip side, a subset of buyers encountered premature hardware failures. One detailed complaint reported the screen going black within minutes of HDR mode activation, forcing power cycling to regain an image. Similar narratives describe the monitor refusing to respond to any controls—remote, joystick, or power button—until fully unplugged. These accounts intensified frustration when LG’s customer service limited remedies to repairing the unit rather than shipping a fresh replacement. The consensus among disappointed owners is that LG’s warranty terms feel insufficient for a sub-$500 display, and that packaging supplied for returns lacks adequate protection for a delicate component.

Additional gripes focus on input management. Unlike high-end KVM switches, the 43SQ700S will not auto-switch when it detects a new signal, requiring manual selection each time you change devices. The EDID bug—wherein the monitor advertises a 27″ size—can break scaling presets on macOS and Windows until patched manually. Remote users note that the supplied RF remote sometimes controls other LG TVs in the house, signaling overlapping frequencies, while the cramped on-screen menu lacks granular control over color, contrast, and refresh rates in multi-tile modes. Even the USB-C cable has drawn criticism, with some reporting erratic disconnections that leave laptops locked out until rebooted.

Color enthusiasts lament the absence of a dedicated hardware calibration interface; the on-screen controls only allow basic RGB adjustments, leading some to discover a pervasive blue cast out of the box. Even after tweaking red, green, and blue percentages to 93%, 22%, and 8% respectively—as one power user detailed—the mismatch with external equipment remains noticeable. The joystick at the monitor base, intended for quick menu access, is often described as overly sensitive or unresponsive, forcing reliance on the Magic Remote for essential adjustments. These quirks combine to create a steeper learning curve than expected for a mainstream display.

Additionally, there is chatter in online marketplaces that some Amazon Warehouse deals have inadvertently sold refurbished or open-box units as “new,” leading buyers to question authenticity. While this is more a byproduct of third-party sales than a manufacturing flaw, it has exacerbated trust issues. Packaging reviews range from “securely protected” to “box arrived dented,” with the latter group stressing the importance of inspecting all physical connections—especially the power cord and base screws—before accepting delivery. A few users even reported missing stand hardware, forcing them to source M4 bolts from a hardware store to attach the base.

Regarding rumors, online forums once buzzed with speculation that LG was offloading repurposed TV panels under the guise of a monitor. While the 43SQ700S shares hardware common to LG TVs—webOS, Dolby Audio, and a similar chassis—hands-on teardowns indicate it’s built on a genuine monitor-grade IPS module. No credible evidence suggests the unit is simply a TV with a display connector added. Similarly, the notion of widespread manufacturing defects remains unfounded; most negative experiences stem from individual component errors or firmware quirks rather than a universal flaw. Nonetheless, buyer wariness grows when a pattern of warranty disputes emerges alongside these anecdotes.

Best suited for productivity-focused users and casual media watchers.
Less ideal for competitive gamers or color-critical professionals.

Who Should Consider LG Smart Monitor 43SQ700S?

The 43SQ700S shines in environments where multitasking and streaming overlap. Remote workers who juggle video conferencing, spreadsheet analysis, and web research on a single screen will benefit most from the wide 43″ canvas and PIP/PBP modes. Freelancers using macOS or iOS devices will appreciate the AirPlay 2 and USB-C synergy, as will small business owners who want to mirror presentations from an iPad or iPhone without extra hardware. The integrated speakers and webOS apps also make it a solid second TV in a guest bedroom or home office, where a simple streaming solution beats setting up a full media console.

Small businesses or schools seeking a shared screen for conference rooms or digital signage may leverage the monitor’s smart capabilities—no separate media PC required. The ability to schedule content via webOS’s built-in channel manager makes it a handy tool for lobby displays, announcement boards, or training rooms, provided the room’s ambient brightness is controlled to maintain screen legibility.

Gamers who own consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X will find the monitor’s TV-like size and HDR10 support appealing for cinematic single-player sessions. Streaming enthusiasts can switch effortlessly between PC-based gaming, smartphone casting via AirPlay, and direct access to native webOS apps—granting a unified hub for digital entertainment. Nevertheless, power users who rely on G-Sync or FreeSync for variable refresh rates should note that LG reserves VRR for its higher-end gaming line, making competitive esports titles better suited to specialized monitors.

Conversely, those seeking high-refresh gaming—above 60Hz—should look elsewhere; this monitor is capped at 60Hz, making it unsuitable for fast-paced competitive play. Colorists and photographers demanding exact Adobe RGB coverage or hardware-level calibration may find the default color profile lacking, though an external calibrator can improve accuracy. If you prioritize ergonomic flexibility, note that the stock stand provides only tilt adjustments; height, swivel, and pivot require a VESA mount or aftermarket arm strong enough to support its weight. Finally, if you cannot tolerate potential warranty hassles or rare flicker-out failures, a brand with a more generous return policy might better suit your needs.

Balanced feature set overshadowed by warranty and reliability caveats.
Consider the long-term sunk cost before purchase.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

The LG 43SQ700S 43-inch Smart Monitor stands out for offering a rich array of smart features—4K IPS imaging, USB-C power and display, PIP modes, webOS streaming, and AirPlay 2—all at a competitive price. Its strengths make it a go-to choice for those who want a single, expansive display for remote work, general productivity, and media consumption without investing in separate monitors and a smart TV. The ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously caters to versatile use cases, from home entertainment hubs to home-office command centers.

Yet, potential buyers should weigh these benefits against the monitor’s mixed reliability and limited post-sale support. Reports of premature blackouts, disconnection quirks, and inflexible input switching—combined with LG’s policy of repairing rather than replacing—suggest a greater risk of downtime for mission-critical tasks. For buyers able to secure extended protection plans or comfortable with DIY firmware and manual scaling tweaks, the 43SQ700S remains an excellent value proposition. Otherwise, an investment in a monitor with higher warranty confidence or specialized performance may offer greater peace of mind. Ultimately, the LG 43SQ700S is a feature-packed performer, but buyer beware—long-term reliability and support can vary.

For those still on the fence, consider pairing your purchase with an extended protection plan to safeguard against late-stage failures, and budget for a basic hardware color calibration tool if color precision matters. In testing labs, a handful of samples did exhibit backlight bleed or dead pixels out of the box, though LG’s standard policy will cover repairs within the first year. In summary, the LG 43SQ700S offers impressive versatility at an attractive price, but it carries a non-negligible risk of post-purchase headaches. By understanding its strengths—like built-in streaming, 4K clarity, and smart casting—and preparing for potential weaknesses—such as warranty limitations, color calibration requirements, and input idiosyncrasies—you can decide if this hybrid monitor aligns with your long-term needs.