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In recent years, soundbars have become an essential component of home entertainment systems, offering a significant upgrade to the audio quality of your television speakers.
LG, a renowned electronics company, has ventured into the soundbar market, raising the question: Are LG soundbars good?
LG offers good-quality soundbars but there are better options out there like Sonos, JBL, and Vizio. However, LG uniquely offers the smallest Dolby Atmos soundbar on the market, the LG Eclair (affiliate link).
In this blog post, I will further explain if LG makes good soundbars by doing an in-depth analysis of each of their most popular soundbar models.
I will also compare the sound quality and affordability of LG’s soundbars with their competitors.
Does LG make a good soundbar?
LG makes a good budget soundbar, especially its lower-end models like the Eclair and the S80QY.
However, once you go through their higher-end soundbar models you will notice that they become less and less affordable, especially compared to their competitors.
These higher-end models also do not produce the same high-level audio quality as competing soundbars.
In the following sections, I will briefly explain the current soundbar lineup LG offers as well as how it compares to the competition.
LG Soundbars: Popular Models
- LG S95QR: The LG S95QR (affiliate link) stands out as the most premium among LG soundbars. The bar features a 9.1.5 configuration and a plethora of features, it offers versatile performance suitable for various audio experiences, from music and movies to TV shows. Its distinctive design includes two up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos content and an extra up-firing center channel. Dialogue is remarkably clear and prominent, enhancing the overall mix.
- LG S90QY: This 5.1.3 setup features three up-firing channels, two of which handle height content, while the third serves as an additional center channel. In terms of content support, the S90QY (affiliate link) is compatible with multichannel formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. However, unlike its higher-tier counterpart, this soundbar lacks separate rear speakers. Instead, it relies on side-firing surround channels integrated into the bar to represent sound effects within the soundstage.
- LG S80QY: When I first was looking to buy a soundbar I was actually shown this model by a salesman at Best Buy. This soundbar boasts a room correction tool, tailoring its audio output to your room’s specific acoustics. Additionally, it incorporates a secondary up-firing center channel, enhancing vocal clarity within the audio mix. Equipped with Dolby Atmos technology, this soundbar supports various audio formats, however, given its 3.1.3 configuration, surround content must be downmixed into stereo, resulting in a less immersive experience. Fortunately, for those seeking enhanced surround performance in the future, the option to add satellites like the LG S80QR (affiliate link) remains available, providing an opportunity for an upgraded experience.
- LG Eclair QP5: Measuring at just under twelve inches in width, the Eclair (affiliate link) is one of the smallest soundbars on the market. Despite its size, this soundbar is compatible with immersive audio formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos and offers rich audio quality. Unfortunately, it comes with no external subwoofer or rear speakers.
Competitors: How Does LG Match Up Against Their Competition?
Sonos
Sonos is one of the most popular Home Audio brands on the market, they are primarily recognized for their sound quality and ease of use.
One of the huge perks of Sonos is its ecosystem, you can pretty much pair any Sonos soundbar with a separate subwoofer or speakers, even the new models that proceed with your soundbar which is unique.
The sound quality of Sonos is also top tier when it comes to the consumer market they compete in. Although Sonos is not Hi-Fi quality they produce stellar-sounding products consistently.
LG really does not match up well against Sonos on any level, all of Sono’s soundbar models are pretty much better than LG. With the Beam Gen 2 (affiliate link) and Sonos Arc being the standouts.
JBL
JBL is more known for its speakers than soundbars but they are no still no slouch. JBL is extremely pricy as it’s a world-renowned brand, which prices out a lot of people interested in their products.
In terms of soundbars, their higher-end models are impressive but their mid-priced soundbars fail to live up to the competition.
LG offers better bang for your buck at the lower-end models such as the Eclair, meanwhile, JBL offers much higher quality soundbars once you get to soundbars with 5.1 channels. The standouts are the JBL multibeam (affiliate link) and JBL Bar 500.
Honestly, if you aren’t going with the Eclair then JBL offers a better soundbar.
For a more thorough look at JBL, I recommend reading my article regarding their popular products.
Vizio
Vizio is the brand I recommend for people looking to buy their first soundbar. The Vizio V series surround kit (affiliate link) is an excellent budget 5.1 system that no other brand can compete with and I highly recommend it.
They don’t just overdeliver on their lower-priced models but also on their premium soundbars as well, which often come in at a price much lower than their competitors. The Vizio Elevate (affiliate link) comes to mind.
Vizio blows LG out of the water. On every soundbar model, Vizio provides better sound quality and is more affordable.
For more information regarding Vizio soundbars, I recommend reading my article discussing this topic.
Bose
Bose is typically not a company I recommend buying from, I went more in-depth on a separate article about why their soundbars are too expensive for their quality.
However, Bose soundbars are still very popular and they do offer a decent low-budget soundbar with the Bose TV Speaker (affiliate link). With this being said I’d stay clear of Bose products.
LG offers better soundbars than Bose generally speaking especially when you take into consideration the price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LG has made a commendable entry into the soundbar market, offering a range of options that cater to different budgets and audio preferences.
While they may not always outshine other premium brands in terms of sound quality, LG’s soundbars provide a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on quality.
The LG Eclair, in particular, stands out as it is the smallest Dolby Atmos soundbar on the market, offering impressive audio quality in a compact package.
When it comes to affordability and value for money, LG soundbars often come out on top, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between quality and cost.
However, as we’ve explored in this article, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an LG soundbar better with an LG TV?
While LG soundbars are designed to work seamlessly with LG TVs, they are not exclusively limited to LG TVs. LG soundbars can be used with other TV brands as well, offering enhanced audio quality and a convenient setup experience.
However, if you’re looking for a soundbar that complements your LG TV perfectly, an LG soundbar is a great choice due to their compatibility and integrated features
Is the LG soundbar better than Sony?
Determining whether an LG soundbar is better than a Sony soundbar depends on your specific requirements. Both brands offer high-quality soundbars with unique features. LG is known for its budget-friendly options, innovative designs, and good sound quality.
On the other hand, Sony is renowned for its superior audio processing technologies and premium sound quality. It’s essential to compare specific models from both brands based on your preferences, budget, and desired features to make an informed decision.
Is Samsung or LG better at soundbars?
Both Samsung and LG are reputable electronics brands that offer competitive soundbars. The choice between Samsung and LG depends on individual preferences and requirements.
Samsung soundbars are often praised for their sleek designs, powerful bass, and advanced audio technologies. LG, on the other hand, provides a range of options catering to different budgets, with a focus on affordability and quality.
It’s recommended to compare specific models from both brands, considering factors such as sound quality, features, and pricing, to determine which one aligns best with your needs.
