LG has become a household name when it comes to home entertainment systems. LG soundbars are known for their exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and sleek designs that complement any living space.
In this article, Hookeaudio will take a closer look at the best LG soundbars available in the market and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect soundbar for your home theater setup. Whether you are a movie buff, a music lover, or a gamer, there is an LG soundbar out there that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| LG S65Q.DUSALLK High-Res Audio... |
$399.99
$246.99 | View on Amazon | |
| 2 |
| LG Sound Bar and Wireless... | 794 Reviews |
$1,199.99
$646.99 | View on Amazon |
| 3 |
| LG SP2 2.1 Channel 100W Sound... | $179.99 $129.99 | View on Amazon | |
| 4 |
| LG Eclair SE6S 3.0 ch... | 34 Reviews |
$449.99
$295.00 | View on Amazon |
| 5 |
| LG SP7R 7.1 Channel High Res... | 24 Reviews |
$179.99 | View on Amazon |
| 6 |
| LG SN6Y Sound Bar w/Subwoofer,... | 987 Reviews |
$399.99
$230.00 | View on Amazon |
| 7 |
| LG SP2 2.1 Channel 100W Sound... | 64 Reviews | $89.99 | View on Amazon |
| 8 |
| LG Sound Bar SC9S Perfect... | 25 Reviews |
$999.99
$649.00 | View on Amazon |
| 9 |
| LG SL5Y 2.1 Channel 400W Sound... | 74 Reviews | $139.99 | View on Amazon |
| 10 |
| LG SN5Y Sound Bar w/Subwoofer,... | 732 Reviews | $299.99 $249.00 | View on Amazon |
Contents
Best LG Soundbars For You
LG SK1 Soundbar
- Speakers: 2 x full-range drivers
- Ports: 3.5mm aux in, optical in
- Wi-Fi: N/A
- Dimensions: 3 x 25.5x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
The LG SK1 soundbar channel system is as simple as a soundbar gets. It is a soundbar that pumps out the better sound. There’s no subwoofer, intelligent voice control, multi-room functionality, or 3D audio tricks like Dolby Atmos. Bluetooth connectivity is the closest thing it has. It’s only 40W of power, so it’s unlikely it will blast your sofa through walls.
It’s not something you should even think about. It’s affordable. It was also cheap. As the best soundbars for low-end audio equipment show, adding extra features to inexpensive AV hardware can be difficult. So the basic approach is acceptable. This is also very user-friendly and could upgrade specific TV speakers. For our complete LG SK1 reviews, please read on.
Although the SK1 may look tall in photos, it’s just a matter of proportions. At 25.6 inches wide, this sound bar is relatively compact. This model is also lightweight, making it easy to mount on the wall. For cheap soundbars, you’ll need to supply your screws.
This bar is very basic in every respect, as I mentioned. The bar is all black, with no integrated controls (although you do find a remote), while the display is just two single LEDs. Depending on the source optical connection, these will flash different colors, but it isn’t as useful as flat screen speakers to convey volume and playback mode information.
Like the previous example, only one optical and 3.5mm input is available. A USB port can be used for service purposes. There is Bluetooth connectivity, but the SK1 doesn’t have the same capabilities as HDMI eARC.
The build quality is excellent, despite the simple design. The top and bottom panels are made of solid plastic for a modern look. The metal grille wraps around the corners at both ends for a sleek appearance. The upside of those simple LEDs is that they aren’t as distracting as an LCD TV screen.
Although the output power cable of the LG Electronics SK1 is 40 watts, it’s half the size of other soundbars that we have reviewed; it still provides enough volume to watch TVs and listen to music.
You can connect multiple devices using the mini-jack and optical inputs. Bluetooth allows you to stream music seamlessly from your tablet or smartphone.
The LG Electronics SK1 Bluetooth headset is unique. The soundbar detects Bluetooth audio and switches itself on. This is a very cool feature!
The SK1 soundbar channel system has only a pair of 20W drivers. This means that it doesn’t have the same room-shaking volume as soundbars but more moderate speakers. The SK1’s bass presence is significantly lacking. It doesn’t sound tinny like lower-end TV speakers, but it does have a lot of rumble for big action scenes.
Activating Bass Blast can still enhance the great sound for both video and music playback. Even with limited power, the SK1 can sound surprisingly dramatic. The soundstage is more significant than its narrow dimensions and allows for good separation of different sounds effects.
The SK1’s most serious flaw is dialog. It sounds good a bit hollow next to music and effects. Bass Blast can help, but it seems to reduce speech’s clarity here.
It’s mixed in terms of performance. The LG Electronics SK1 has a better surround sound quality than some TV speakers. This is not always true.
It is unrealistic to expect the Bass Blast mode will sound magically like a subwoofer. It does, however, provide a richer low-end sound. This is an excellent option if you live alone and don’t want to disturb your neighbors by using a sub. It is one of the best soundbars without a subwoofer.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Simple setup and easy usage
- Good sound quality
Cons
- Limited connectivity
- Mild bass
- Only 40W
- No HDMI ARC
LG GX Soundbar
- Make model: Sound Bar LG GX
- Audio output channels: 3.1 channels
- RMS rated power: 420 W (watts)
- Built-in decoders: DTS Digital, Surround DTS-HD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
- Audio Return Channel (ARC): Yes
- Speaker Soundbar Power RMS: 120 W (watts)
- Soundbar center speaker RMS power: 40 W (watts)
- Subwoofer included: Yes
- Subwoofer (Subwoofer) Connectivity: Wireless
- Subwoofer RMS Power: 220 W (watts)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI, USB
- Soundbar Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height): 32.5 x 1440 x 150 mm
- Subwoofer Dimensions (W x D x H): 29 x 18 x 39.4 cm
While other similarly-priced soundbars pack in numerous side-firing, upwards-firing, and satellite speakers for ultimate sound immersion, the GX is a mere 3.1 soundbar.
This means it has to downmix surround sound formats to feed its left, center, and proper channels, while the .1 is taken care of by a wireless subwoofer. However, you can upgrade it with the LG SP8-KS Rear Speaker Kit (around £150).
Just like its OLED TV namesake, the tall, slender GX Soundbar is designed to be wall-mounted. The wall brackets are included in the box, although you’ll need to buy the correct bolts and wall plugs to attach them to your wall separately.
It is a tad disappointing that the soundbar needs a laptop-style power supply; an internal supply would make the process of wall-mounting and cable a little easier.
Metal feet are also supplied in the box for those who want to place the soundbar on AV furniture, but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
The GX’s 144cm width and widely-placed feet require a wide AV rack to accommodate them and, even though the feet lean it back slightly, placing the 15cm tall GX in front of a TV is likely to obscure the picture with most modern stand-mounted TVs.
There are five preset sound modes – AI Sound Pro, Bass Blast, Standard, Movie, and Music – but I preferred the very similar-sounding Standard and Music presets for most testing.
The Movie preset sounds are a lot louder than the other presets, and I suspect this is because it raises the volume of the center channel to make sure dialogue punches through clearly at all times. The only exception is with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio streams, where it’s impossible to select a sound preset.
If you’re expecting a huge, all-enveloping sound, then you might want to recalibrate your expectations: the GX Soundbar couldn’t have sounded more different to my usual Q Acoustics 5.1 setup.
It’s not that it doesn’t sound good – it’s surprisingly capable – but the lack of surround, height, and side-firing speakers means audio remains tied to the soundbar rather than spreading around the room.
However, once you acclimatize to the relatively narrow soundfield, the GX Soundbar does quite a lot right. There’s enough detail in the midrange and high frequencies to keep dialogue intelligible even at high volume levels, and that’s balanced with enough low midrange and upper bass impact to tackle the shake, rattle, and roll of action movies.
Pros
- Clear, crisp sound
- The slim design is perfect for wall mounting
- It can be upgraded to surround sound
Cons
- Only 3.1 audio
- Not very practical for stand mounting
- No deep bass
LG SK10Y Soundbar
- Total Power Output: 550W
- Number of Channels: 5.1.2
- Speaker Configuration: Front (2), Center, Surround (2), Height (2)
- Audio Decoding: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, FLAC (Up to 192kHz), OGG (Up to 48kHz), WAV, MP3, and WMA
- Audio Features: High-Resolution Audio, Adaptive Sound Control, 4K Pass-Through with HDR, Bluetooth 4.0, Chromecast Built-in, Google Assistant, Wi-Fi, and LG Sound Sync
- Connectivity: HDMI In (2), HDMI Out (1), Optical In (1), USB (1), Ethernet (1), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Dimensions (WxHxD): Soundbar – 47.2″ x 2.3″ x 5.8″; Subwoofer – 8.7″ x 15.4″ x 12.3″
Many things can be done with Atmos soundbars. Models like the LG project sound forward, upward, and sides. This requires a lot more drivers. It also takes up a lot of space. The LG is massive! This is easily the longest, if not most prominent, soundbar we have ever heard in the listening area. Move aside, Yamaha YST-5600.
The SK10Y’s 57.7-inch width is in line with the 65-inch TVs of the company. It is not too high that it blocks your IR port at 2.5 inches (though there is no IR repeater). The subwoofer matching is quite large, measuring 8.7 inches by 15.4 by 12.3 inches.
The LG’s omission on DTS:X makes it seem unnecessary, considering that LG’s main competitors are the Samsung N850 (and the Sony HT–S5000). The discs that include Harry Potter 4K Blu-ray, such as the 4K Bluray, have a DTSX soundtrack without Atmos. So you might be missing some effects by purchasing the LG.
The soundbar includes tuning and DSP (Dolby digital sound processing) from Meridian. This has bass, space, and height elevation.
Both HDMI ARC 2.0 ports support 4K HDR, and both HDMI inputs 2.0 ports also have a 3.5mm input. There are two options for streaming: Bluetooth 4.0 or Wi-Fi.
LG’s Flow multi-room system has been abandoned, and Chromecast is now integrated. Google assistant audio protocol allows you to use Spotify, Pandora, or Roon. It also supports a variety of third-party speakers.
The LG is a powerful sound system that can be fired up. The LG is a 5.1.2 Atmos solution. This means that it has three arrays of front fascia speakers (left, center, and right), as well as side-firing channels at each edge.
Side drivers are not designed to bounce sound off walls. Instead, Acoustic Phase Matching is used to modify the timing of the audio. This creates the illusion of surround sound.
Pros
- The sound is clear and loud
- Dolby Atmos has been well implemented
- Sleek design
- Optional rear surround speakers
Cons
- It is a disappointing soundstage.
- Profile of Muddy sound.
- Doesn’t get very loud.
LG SJ9 Soundbar
- Total Power Output: 500W
- Number of Channels: 5.1.2
- Speaker Configuration: Front (2), Center, Surround (2), Height (2)
- Audio Decoding: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, FLAC (Up to 192kHz), OGG (Up to 48kHz), WAV, MP3, and WMA
- Audio Features: High-Resolution Audio, Adaptive Sound Control, 4K Pass-Through with HDR, Bluetooth 4.0, Chromecast Built-in, Google Assistant, Wi-Fi, and LG Sound Sync
- Connectivity: HDMI In (1), HDMI Out (1), Optical In (1), USB (1), Ethernet (1), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Dimensions (WxHxD): Soundbar – 47.2″ x 2.2″ x 5.7″; Subwoofer – 8.7″ x 15.4″ x 12.3″
The SJ9 Dolby Atmos sound bar is one of the most appealing we have seen. It is smaller than the Samsung HW-K950 and Samsung HW-K850 models. The SJ9 has cutely rounded ends and a smoother finish than Samsung’s industrial-grilled models.
Cute is the simple, circular upfiring speakers that have been incorporated into the top edge. Also, the two strips of silvery metal running along the bottom edge of the front edge make it look great.
It is a bit more compact than the subwoofers with Samsung’s Atmos soundbars. This makes it a little more challenging to hide in your living space. It is also more attractive and feels more robust.
The SJ9’s remote control is the only problem. It’s too small, too obscurely labeled, and too inconsistent with its buttons layout to feel like a companion for such a premium product.
The SJ9’s high-detailed channel count and extreme power are not its only attributes. It’s also very flexible regarding what you can connect it to.
You can use the HDMI loop-through to loop an HDMI output, such as an Ultra HD Blu-ray deck, through the soundbar to the LG TV. The soundbar will extract the audio track, including Dolby Atmos support if the source supports it. You can also connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 4 and wifi using either an optical audio connector or a 3.5mm input.
The SJ9 supports Chromecast playback. This allows you to cast millions of songs, podcasts, and radio stations directly from your phone into the soundbar via services like Deezer, TuneIn, and Google Play Music. Your phone can be used as a remote control to play, pause, and adjust the volume.
The SJ9 also supports Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio. It can upscale 16-bit/48kHz sources and offers 24-bit/192kHz audio. LG claims that the SJ9 uses an adaptive audio system that analyzes the frequency levels of sound it receives to create the best audio mix. This is based on the content you are watching.
A separate audio processing system can adjust the sound to suit your volume level. This ensures that you get the best audio quality at all volumes. You can choose from various audio presets, including Movie and Music options. However, if the SJ9 detects Dolby Atmos sources, you have the only audio option.
The soundbar can be set to either 0 or 300ms audio delay (though we did not need to adjust this with the SJ9). Additionally, the SJ9 can integrate into LG’s Music Flow wireless speaker system. If you want, you can use the upcoming LG NP8540 NP8740 NP8340, and NP8340 wireless speakers for optional rears.
It produces a large soundstage that is much larger than most soundbars. It also extends from screen to ceiling, no matter how high your ceiling maybe! This gives it a remarkable sense of verticality. The wall mounting of sound can place details with incredible precision.
The good soundbar was placed below the TV screen, and it was able to determine the relative positions of the actors’ voices along with the horizontal and vertical directions. Even though the voices come from points as close as two inches apart, this is true.
Although most audio detail accuracy is achieved near the screen’s screen, extreme sound effects like helicopters and planes flying overhead can cause the exact positioning to extend to the ceiling. It also extends to your sidewalls if you deal with sound effects from the left or right.
The SJ9 combines its unsurpassed audio detail precision and vast power to support it. It can be turned up to huge, room-filling volumes with no distortion. And it doesn’t sound too bright or too heavy in the bass blast.
Pros
- Mighty sound
- Remarkably compact design
- Chromecast support added
- LED display
Cons
- One HDMI input
- HDMI handshake problems
- The UK’s price is high
- Rear/overhead channel effects are limited
LG SN11RG Soundbar
- Total Power Output: 770W
- Number of Channels: 7.1.4
- Speaker Configuration: Front (2), Center, Surround (2), Rear (2), Height (4)
- Audio Decoding: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, DTS:X, AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA
- Audio Features: Meridian Audio Technology, High-Resolution Audio, Hi-Fi Quad DAC, 4K Pass-Through with HDR, eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast Built-in, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Connectivity: HDMI In (2), HDMI Out (1), Optical In (1), USB (1), Ethernet (1), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Dimensions (WxHxD): Soundbar – 56.8″ x 2.5″ x 5.8″; Subwoofer – 8.7″ x 15.4″ x 12.3″; Rear Speakers – 4.3″ x 6.5″ x 3.2″
The SN11RG, like the JBL Bar 9.1, continues the trend towards a soundbar and speaker package hybrid. You won’t find as many boxes here, but there are no speaker cables or home cinema amplifiers.
You will need to be committed to your AV sound system. To position your rear speakers behind the sofa, you will need to move them away from the wall and locate a space for a large subwoofer. A soundbar of approximately a meter and a half will need to be placed at the feet of your TV.
After doing that, you might even consider that you can buy a complete dedicated centre speaker package and a home cinema amplifier for a fraction of the cost. An AVR and eight-speaker setup takes up more space, so this halfway house option could be ideal for you.
The LG Sound Bar SN11RG takes up a lot of ample space. The central unit measures only 63mm high, which will be easy to see on most TV screens. However, the soundbar’s length of 144cm means that you will need either a large TV unit or a decent sideboard. If you prefer to wall mounting brackets are available.
A 7-inch subwoofer drives everything. It should provide a solid foundation for all the SN11RG’s high-end ambitions. Has four upward-firing speakers, instead of the usual 2. The fully functioning smart speaker also fires sound forwards.
Still, secondary drivers at the rear speakers’ top edges fire up channel information forwards and forwards to join the main soundbar’s up-fired channels. This creates that bubble sound associated with the best object-based (Dolby Atmos and DTSX) sound experiences.
The LG SN11RG has processing that can convert stereo and 5.1 audio sources to make the most available audio channels. These multi-channel conversions are not popular with stereo music purists. As we will see, LG’s Surround Mode upconverter works better than many other such systems.
The SN11RG can handle high-resolution audio formats up to 192kHz/24bit and play music from various apps, including Google Music, Spotify, and YouTube. It is compatible with Google Home. You can also control the soundbar using verbal commands.
The connections are reliable. Two HDMI inputs are available and one HDMI output. HDMI output supports eARC functionality. It can receive lossless Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio from HDMI-capable TVs.
Finally, the SN11RG’s HDMI roster allows for 4K and HDR video transmission to your TV. This includes the premium Dolby Vision HDR format. Like LG’s TVs, the soundbar doesn’t support HDR10+ dynamic HDR.
HDR10+ is less popular than other HDR formats, but it’s still widespread. It is used extensively by Amazon Prime Video, but some 4K Blu-rays also have it.
The SN11RG does not support HDR10+, but titles that are HDR10+-mastered will still play through the SN11RG. They will instead appear as HDR10+, with HDR10+ lacking extra scene-by-scene information.
The standard connections on the LG SN11RG soundbar are two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output that supports eARC (Enhanced audio return channel). The HDMI ports can also pass 4K, HDCP 2.0, and a high dynamic range, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
There are two physical connections: an optical digital audio input and one USB port. However, there is no Ethernet port to connect to a wired network. Wireless is the only option. The soundbar supports Bluetooth (v5.0, SBC), Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5GHz), and Chromecast.
The soundbar’s touch-sensitive controls are located towards the top of the central unit. These controls allow you to change the volume, adjust the volume, turn off the power, play/pause and mute the far-field microphones. You can also activate Google Assistant, and this not only allows voice control but also enables you to find information, play music, and much more.
The LG SN11RG offers excellent overall performance with an impressive soundstage that can be used in larger spaces and screen sizes. Side-firing speakers provide plenty of coverage, while the rears create surround sound envelopment. The upfirers are very effective depending on the ceiling. The subwoofer provides a solid foundation for bass.
This soundbar is great for watching TV, listening to music, or catching up on your favorite movies. The soundbar has a warm and rich sound combined with a lively and full-bodied delivery. This makes it both enjoyable and exciting, especially when you dive into the world of object-based music.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Fully immersive 7.1.4
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- eARC support
- AI room calibration feature
- Well made and sleek
- Google Assistant built-in
- Chromecast and Hi-Res Audio
Cons
- HDR10+ Passthrough
- Sub could be a little more
FAQs
Can you add speakers for the LG SN11RG?
The LG SN11RG, the Korean manufacturer’s latest flagship soundbar, builds upon the SL10YG soundbar and adds wireless rear speakers that incorporate upfiring drivers to create a genuinely immersive 7.1. 4-channel audio experience with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X object-based audio.
How can I connect my LG SN11RG with Google Home?
Install Google Home App Download the Google Home app via the Google Play Store or App Store. Set up the Wi-Fi connection with app a. Connect your smartphone to the Wi-Fi network you will use for your unit. For iOS devices, you should turn Bluetooth on your smartphone.
Read more:
- Where Should A Soundbar Be Placed 2023? Top Full Guide
- How To Pair LG Soundbar To Subwoofer 2023? Top Full Guide
Conclusion
LG has a great range of soundbars that cater to different needs and budgets. The soundbars listed in this article are the best of the best, providing an immersive and high-quality audio experience that enhances your home entertainment setup. Whether you are looking for a soundbar with Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth connectivity, or multiple HDMI inputs, LG has got you covered.
By considering the key features and specifications of each soundbar, you can make an informed decision that will meet your needs and budget.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
