LG Soundbars 2025: Immersive Audio Experience for Movies

Explore our comprehensive guide on LG soundbars, offering great sound quality and connectivity options to enhance your movie-watching experience.

Overview of LG Soundbars

We tested 32 LG soundbars, and while the brand is recognized for producing high-quality audio devices with numerous connectivity options, the models we reviewed didn't always deliver exceptional sound. Below, you'll find our recommendations for the best LG soundbars currently available.

Best LG Soundbar Overall

LG S95TR

• Mixed Usage: 8.2
• Dialog/TV Shows: 8.4
• Music: 8.3
• Movies: 8.1
• Channels: 9.1.5

The LG S95TR is the best soundbar we've tested. This premium 9.1.5 soundbar is packed with features, making it suitable for everything from music to movies and TV shows. It has a unique design, featuring a traditional front central channel and an upward-firing channel for improved dialogue clarity. This setup enhances your engagement, making it easier to follow conversations in your favorite content. Plus, it supports WOWCAST, which allows you to connect wirelessly to a compatible LG TV for a cable-free experience.

When it comes to movies, the performance is exceptional. The multi-channel content, including surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and height effects like Dolby Atmos, creates an immersive experience, making sound effects appear to come from all directions. The stereo soundstage is impressive, although it may not be as expansive as other premium models like the Samsung HW-Q990D or Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc Ultra. However, these alternatives can be excellent choices if you're looking for a high-end model.

Best Mid-Range LG Soundbar

LG S90TR

• Mixed Usage: 8.1
• Dialog/TV Shows: 8.3
• Music: 8.3
• Movies: 7.9
• Channels: 7.1.3

If you're looking for an affordable LG soundbar, consider the LG S90TR. Released in 2024, this 7.1.3 soundbar, like the S95TR, supports features such as WOWCAST for wireless connectivity and WOW Orchestra, which utilizes the speakers of a compatible LG TV alongside the soundbar. You can also use the room correction feature to optimize the sound based on your room's unique acoustics, along with preset equalizer settings for a tailored audio experience. Its default sound is versatile enough for most audio content.

This soundbar supports various audio formats commonly used on streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. However, its height capabilities aren't quite as robust as the S95TR since it lacks upward-firing drivers, which diminishes the immersive audio experience. If full immersion isn't a priority for you and you're looking to save some cash, consider the LG S80TR. While it doesn't deliver the same powerful sound as the S90TR and lacks side-firing drivers, it operates similarly at a lower cost.

Best Mid-Range LG Soundbar

LG S80QY

• Mixed Usage: 7.7
• Dialog/TV Shows: 8.1
• Music: 7.9
• Movies: 7.4
• Channels: 3.1.3

The LG S80QY is an excellent alternative in the mid-range category. Released in 2022, it comes with many of the same features as pricier models. For instance, it includes room correction and a second central channel for improved voice clarity. Overall, the sound quality for its price is impressive, ensuring that everything from music to movies and TV shows sounds clear and accurate through its speakers. The ability to adjust bass and treble frequencies allows you to tailor the sound to your liking.

This Dolby Atmos soundbar supports multiple audio formats typically used on streaming platforms and Blu-ray, including Dolby Digital. However, as a 3.1.3 system, it must convert surround sound content to stereo, resulting in a less realistic audio experience compared to the LG S90TR. The sound tends to feel like it's coming solely from the front speakers rather than surrounding you. Fortunately, you can always add satellite speakers in the future if you want to enhance the surround sound quality. This model can be a more economical choice if you don't frequently watch content with surround sound.

Best Budget LG Soundbar

LG S65Q

• Mixed Usage: 7.0
• Dialog/TV Shows: 7.7
• Music: 7.1
• Movies: 6.4
• Channels: 3.1

On a budget? The LG S65Q might be right for you. This affordable 3.1 system lacks some of the bells and whistles found in our top models, but it's still a significant upgrade from your existing TV speakers without breaking the bank. Overall, this system is great for stereo content, including most music tracks and TV shows. Vocals and lead instruments are reproduced with high clarity and precision, and the separate center channel enhances dialogue playback. While it doesn't feature room correction like the LG S80QY, you can manually adjust the sound using the bass and treble controls.

This soundbar is also suitable for watching movies, including thrilling audio formats like Dolby Digital. It can play surround sound content, although it converts it to stereo, diminishing the overall immersion. While it won't play Dolby Atmos content, it's still a great choice for enhancing stereo sound. This budget-friendly system is an excellent option for those just starting with a soundbar.

Best Small LG Soundbar

LG Eclair QP5

• Mixed Usage: 6.6
• Dialog/TV Shows: 6.8
• Music: 6.6
• Movies: 6.5
• Channels: 3.1.2

Short on space? Living in a small apartment? The LG Eclair QP5 is perfect for those with limited room. Measuring just under 12 inches wide, it easily fits under a TV or monitor. It also comes with a subwoofer to enhance low-frequency playback. Despite its small size, it packs a punch — its soundstage extends well beyond the soundbar itself, creating a more immersive experience. It's particularly effective with immersive audio formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos.

This premium 3.1.2 soundbar is one of the smallest Dolby Atmos models we've tested. However, it lacks satellites and the room correction feature found in the LG S95TR. As a result, its sound can vary depending on your room's acoustics, but you can manually adjust the bass and treble to compensate. It supports the TV Sound Mode Share feature, allowing for easy connections to compatible LG TVs for enhanced audio. Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or enjoying TV shows, this compact system is worth considering.

Comparison with Other Brands

Pros:

• Excellent Build Quality: LG subwoofers are generally well-constructed, even the more affordable models. Unlike some brands that use dark fabric that collects dust, LG's subwoofers feature a premium design with matte metal or textured plastic finishes.
• Outstanding Wireless Playback Options: While most soundbars support Bluetooth, LG takes it a step further by offering Wi-Fi streaming and built-in Chromecast.
• Multiple Connectivity Inputs: All tested LG soundbars come with optical inputs, HDMI ARC, and HDMI inputs, with higher-end models often featuring two HDMI inputs.

Cons:

• No Graphic Equalizer: Most LG soundbars come with standard bass and treble controls for sound adjustment, which is sufficient for casual listeners. However, audiophiles looking for detailed frequency control may be disappointed by the absence of a full graphic equalizer.
• Average Stereo Soundstage: A natural soundstage enhances the listening experience for music, movies, and games. While none of the LG soundbars we tested have particularly poor soundstages, none excel either; their sound often matches the width of the soundbar itself.
• Low Maximum Volume: All tested LG soundbars were quieter than many competitors. Although older models from 2018 struggled the most, even newer models cannot match the volume levels of rivals.

LG vs. Samsung

Both Samsung and LG produce soundbars at various price points for different market segments. Top-tier models come equipped with room calibration tools to optimize sound, and both brands offer budget-friendly options for basic audio enhancement. However, Samsung typically provides more customization options, such as graphic equalizers, giving you greater control over your sound.

LG vs. Sony

LG's soundbar lineup is somewhat limited compared to Sony's, but you'll still find models across different price ranges. Both brands excel at dialogue reproduction, but LG tends to deliver better surround sound performance. Additionally, LG generally offers more tuning options than Sony, allowing you to customize your sound.

Like Sony and Samsung, LG offers soundbars in multiple price categories. While their pricier models typically feature an extensive range of functions, all tested LG soundbars, no matter their price, are well-built and offer multiple connectivity options. The best LG soundbars support additional surround sound formats and wireless playback, but they don't deliver the same high sound quality as other brands, particularly regarding soundstage.

Model Naming Convention

Similar to their TVs, LG uses a mix of letters and numbers to identify their models:

• SK* = 2018
• SL* = 2019
• SN* = 2020
• SP* = 2021
• S* = 2022
• SE* or SC* = 2023
• TR = 2024
• *Q = standard, without additional features or drivers
• *QY = with Google Assistant
• *QR = with rear speakers and Google Assistant

Conclusion

LG is renowned for its extensive range of televisions, but in recent years, it has also launched several soundbar models. Overall, they are well-constructed, feature multiple physical inputs and support wireless playback. However, they fall short in delivering the best sound quality, largely due to relatively narrow sound dispersion. Fortunately, most models we tested come with various sound-tuning features, allowing you to adjust them for your desired audio profile.

Do you have any favorite LG soundbars or experiences with them? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

• What are the best LG soundbars for movies? The LG S95TR offers the best performance for movies with its immersive sound capabilities.
• Is the LG S90TR a good option for music? Yes, the LG S90TR provides excellent sound quality for music and supports various audio formats.
• Can I connect my LG soundbar to a non-LG TV? Yes, LG soundbars can typically connect to non-LG TVs using HDMI or optical inputs.
• What is the price range for LG soundbars? LG soundbars range from budget-friendly models around $200 to premium models exceeding $1,000.
• Do LG soundbars support Dolby Atmos? Yes, many LG soundbars, including the S95TR and S90TR, support Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience.

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