The best soundbars for LG TV: features, differences, pros and cons, prices

No matter how good modern TVs are, most models, especially those in the budget segment, still have sound as their weakest point. There is no need to talk about any meaningful dynamic range or surround sound: most manufacturers are guided by the principle “it works and that’s fine.” One of the most convenient ways to combat this is to buy a soundbar, a compact audio device that combines several speakers in one housing. Korean LG Electronics is traditionally considered one of the best soundbar manufacturers. To help you make the right choice, we have compiled the best LG soundbars into an independent TOP 5. But first, here are some tips for choosing the best soundbar.

LG SL10Y

The soundbar integrates perfectly with LG TVs and reproduces not just high-quality, but deep and surround sound. The model has a discreet and stylish design, so it will not stand out much in the interior.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 5.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 1443x63x146 mm;
subwoofer dimensions (WxHxD): 221x390x313 mm;
main module weight: 7.5 kg;

subwoofer weight: 7.8 kg;
total power: 570 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ high-quality sound regardless of the selected volume level;
+ no noise or other interference;
+ films have a gorgeous soundtrack, which creates the effect of complete immersion;
+ if you reduce the volume, the special effects are saved;
+ if the content is of high quality, it can be used as a music center;

+ sufficient volume reserve for an apartment;
+ it is possible to simultaneously use the soundbar with other devices;
+ easy to control the device;
+ easy connection;
+ can be hung on the wall.

Flaws

— when playing MP3 files, the sound is flat, as if “from a barrel”;
— very large sizes, the kit does not include the necessary wires;

— dust quickly accumulates on the surface;
- There are different languages, but there is no Russian.

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Features of LG soundbars

Important! LG soundbars are stylish, elegant, compact audio systems.

They significantly improve the sound quality of the TV and allow you to watch videos and listen to music with clear, high-quality sound:

The brand's acoustics are designed to reproduce all popular multichannel sound formats , including 4.1 and 5.1.
LG devices are easy to use and many support remote control technology . In some cases, the soundbar and TV are controlled by one remote control, while in others a separate switch is required. The most modern and multifunctional models support voice control.
Patented Adaptive Sound Control technology automatically adjusts the volume of different frequencies. Those. The soundbar conveys both the nuances of the voice and the variety of sounds of musical compositions equally well.
LG soundbars can connect to various devices (TVs, laptops, smartphones) both through cables and connectors, and wirelessly (via Bluetooth). Bluetooth connection of the speaker system to a TV or other gadget is possible thanks to TV Sound Sync technology.
LG audio systems fit seamlessly into any design, do not take up much space and allow you to get the highest quality sound without extraneous noise or interference.

LG SL8Y

This compact device allows you to recreate the sound of a movie theater at home. This is made possible by supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology. The soundbar reproduces digital music of the highest quality. There is support for 4K HDR content.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 3.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 1060x57x119 mm;
subwoofer dimensions (WxHxD): 221x390x313 mm;
main module weight: 4.4 kg;

subwoofer weight: 7.8 kg;
total power: 440 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ stylish appearance;
+ can be connected via optical cable, HDMI or Bluetooth;
+ easy controls;
+ there is an application that can be installed on your phone and control the soundbar via your smartphone;
+ simple and clear connection;

+ watching Netflix series is now a pleasure;
+ you can listen to music from your phone;
+ passing games has reached a completely new level;
+ you can use the TV remote control to control the soundbar;
+ Compatible with Google Assistant.

Flaws

— the body is very long;
— to connect Bluetooth, you need to additionally install the Google Home program;

- high price.

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HDMI (ARC) and optical - what's the difference?

When I talk about HDMI and optical soundbars, I'm talking about the types of cables used to relay audio from your source device to the soundbar. The differences between these two types of soundbar cables are subtle, but worth considering.

HDMI Sound Bars

High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables are among the most common types available today. In fact, they have become a universal cable that is used in almost all modern devices. They are used in many home theater systems and provide high-quality, reliable and stable audio and video.

HDMI cables transmit audio and video signals between devices. This makes them easier to use. This also means you'll need fewer cables to connect your devices and start using them.

To connect your TV to the soundbar you must use HDMI ARC

When connecting an HDMI cable from your TV to the soundbar, you must use the TV's HDMI ARC input. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) sends the audio signal from the TV to the soundbar. The HDMI ARC port can be used as a regular HDMI input, but as mentioned, it can also be used as an audio output.

Optical sound bars

Digital optical cable, also called optical cable, provides reliable and stable audio. In fact, some argue that digital optical cables deliver slightly better audio than an HDMI cable. These types of cables work by using a pulsed wave of light to transmit audio signals from the source to the receiving device.

Optical cables are a popular choice for those with a home theater system because they provide quality sound. However, optical cables only transmit sound. This means you'll need an extra cable to transfer videos and images between your devices.

LG SL9Y

This model has a fairly high cost and excellent technical characteristics. The soundbar has a stylish design; it can be placed either on a shelf next to the TV or hung on the wall, making it an interesting addition to the interior.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 4.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 1220x54x145 mm;
subwoofer dimensions (WxHxD): 221x390x313 mm;
main module weight: 6.3 kg;

subwoofer weight: 7.8 kg;
total power: 500 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ excellent sound, pleasant bass;
+ even at maximum volume there is no noise, creaking or other interference;
+ there are both presets and the ability to make independent settings, taking into account your own taste preferences;
+ even tracks from your phone are played in high quality;
+ when watching movies, the sound is like in a movie theater;

+ there is a Bass Blast bass boost mode;
+ perfectly reproduces any frequencies;
+ has a built-in Chromecast player;
+ supports MERIDIAN technology;
+ there is an optical cable for connecting to TV.

Flaws

- quite high price;

- the surface is easily soiled, dust quickly accumulates.

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Types of speaker systems

Simple columns

According to the location of the speakers on the TV, they are as follows:

Shelf units are installed on special stands. Good for sounding the rear channels of home theaters
Floor-standing speakers in rooms larger than 18 m² will give more scale and add a sense of presence. Do not use in a small room, because instead of low tones you can hear an unpleasant hum. More demanding when choosing an amplifier. Before purchasing them, you need to find out the recommended power of the amplifier.
Built-in ones are most often mounted in the ceiling, less often - in the walls. Often used in corridors and bathrooms. They are protected from moisture.
Wall-mounted small speaker systems can be used for home theater.

Multimedia center

If you already have a multimedia center in your home, you can use it to enhance the sound quality. Their active speakers have a built-in power amplifier, so they allow you to get higher quality, clearer and more intelligible sound at low power.

According to the size of media consoles there are:

Standard ones are large. An optical drive, space for a hard drive or SSD drive, and a cooling system are placed here. They allow you to watch Blu-ray discs. Disadvantage: noisy operation.
Portable ones weighing 100-400 g are attached to the back panel with double-sided tape. Usually they work without problems.
Modular - the smallest. They are slightly larger in size than a flash drive.

Home cinema

A home theater is a system consisting of a TV, several speakers (5.1), an AV receiver and a signal source (HD media player, PC, etc.). The main task of a home theater is to create the maximum effect of presence when watching a movie. The system can also be used to listen to music. The source can be a flash drive, external hard drive, or PC.

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass

An interesting model with a wireless subwoofer. By turning on the device, you can literally surround yourself with not just loud, but truly high-quality sound. Watching movies, favorite TV series, sports programs and listening to music reaches a whole new level.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 2.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 965x58x85 mm;
subwoofer dimensions (WxHxD): 240x379x240 mm;
main module weight: 2.16 kg;

subwoofer weight: 5.67 kg;
total power: 300 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ can be controlled using the LG TV remote control;
+ there is a display, which is very convenient;
+ there are two HDMI ports;
+ beautiful design;

+ excellent mid and upper bass;
+ easily connects to a smartphone;
+ simple and intuitive controls;
+ stylish strict design.

Flaws

— if you set the volume to minimum, quite strong noises appear (hissing);
— no optical cable included;
- does not support all codecs;

— few sound settings;
- periodically the subwoofer “falls off” for a few seconds - the reasons for this phenomenon could not be established.

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What to look for when choosing an LG soundbar

Power. For the current line of LG sound panels, this parameter starts at 300 watts. Moreover, most of it, as a rule, falls on the subwoofer. This is quite enough for the soundbar to pump a room of 20-30 square meters without distorting the sound, turning red from strain, or breaking down.

Design. Based on this feature, there are active soundbars, with a built-in amplifier and their own power supply, which are connected directly to the audio output of the TV, and passive ones, which require additional amplification. Typically, the latter are professional-class devices and, together with the amplifier, are generally more expensive than active ones. There are no passive soundbars among LG home devices.

Interfaces. LG Electronics equips its soundbars with a wide range of wired and wireless interfaces. Of the former, the most interesting option is the optical input, and of the latter, Bluetooth. Please note that not all modern soundbars are equipped with a banal linear audio input, because the sound quality it provides does not fully meet modern standards. But Wi-Fi and network capabilities in general, on the contrary, are becoming more and more common, especially in models of the middle and upper price segment.

Equipment. Ideally, a good soundbar should come with wall mounting hardware and a full set of audio cables. In practice, most often the equipment is much more modest, even contrary to what is written on the websites of online stores. So be sure to check this point before purchasing.

Format. The current line of LG soundbars includes exclusively devices in the 2.1 form factor, consisting of the soundbar itself and an external subwoofer. In addition, you can find soundbars without the latter, but in terms of surround sound quality and bass depth, they, of course, lag far behind their competitors.

Dimensions. They are often forgotten, but it is very difficult to pack good sound into a compact package. Therefore, the more powerful the soundbar, the larger it is, as a rule. The place and method of its placement must be thought out in advance so that there are no surprises at home.

Surround sound decoders. One of the main advantages of this class of devices is the ability to create virtual surround sound due to clever software algorithms and correctly aligned reflection of audio waves from the walls of the room. The main thing is that the soundbar supports the surround sound decoder that encrypts the audio track in the source. 5.1 audio is encoded in DTS and Dolby Digital standards. More advanced 7.1 - in DTS:X and Dolby Atmos.

LG SJ3

The model has a wireless subwoofer, making it easy to place in any part of the room. The soundbar is equipped with adaptive sound control, which significantly improves the quality of the reproduced voice.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 2.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 950x71x47 mm;
subwoofer dimensions (WxHxD): 171x320x252 mm;
main module weight: 2.47 kg;

subwoofer weight: 4.2 kg;
total power: 300 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ crystal clarity of sound;
+ rich sound, good bass;
+ good power and compact size;
+ the body is made of high quality materials;
+ can be controlled via Bluetooth even from your phone;

+ ideal for a small apartment;
+ cinema mode makes the sound more spacious;
+ fast connection to TV and smartphone;
+ you can control the remote control from an LG TV;
+ affordable price for such high-quality sound.

Flaws

— there is no optical cable included, you need to buy it separately;
- no HDMI port;
— there are no sound and bass level indicators;

— few entrances;
- a lot of high frequencies that are very hard on the ears;
- no equalizer.

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Review of the best LG soundbars

The following lists the best LG speaker systems in terms of technical characteristics, reliability and price, as well as their review.

LG SJ3

Soundbar with 300 W output power, Bluetooth interface and energy saving.

The compact audio system consists of speakers and a subwoofer and has a total power of 300 W.

The design of the LG Soundbar SJ3 is based on the Auto Sound Engine system, which helps reproduce clear sound at any frequency at any volume level.

The signal is corrected automatically.

The model is equipped with a Bluetooth interface with the ability to control from a smartphone, a USB input, an S/PDIF connector and AUX.

Specifications:

standard: 2.1;
power: 300 W;
power consumption: 60 W;
fastening: shelf;
wireless interfaces: Bluetooth.

Advantages

sound quality;
rich bass;
Bluetooth connection;
possibility of remote control;
pleasant appearance;
efficiency.

Flaws

no HDMI connector;
no equalizer;
Optical cable is not included.

LG SL5Y

Powerful speaker system with immersive DTS Virtual:X technology, free-standing wireless subwoofer and equalizer.

The LG SL5Y Soundbar device has a total power of 400 W with a power consumption of only 61 W.

Control is carried out both by the remote control included in the kit and by the TV remote control; When connected via Bluetooth, control from a smartphone is possible.

The audio depth is 24-bit, and Dolby Digital technology is also built-in.

Specifications:

standard: 2.1;
power: 400 W;
power consumption: 61 W;
fastening: shelf;
wireless interfaces: Bluetooth.

Advantages

possibility of wall mounting;
Remote control included;
there are sleep and night modes;
built-in equalizer;
DTS Virtual X support;
wireless subwoofer connection.

Flaws

price;
no AUX;
no USB input.

LG SL4

Soundbar consisting of a speaker and a subwoofer, with an output power of 300 W, Bluetooth interface and Bass Blast + bass enhancement system.

The easy-to-use LG SL4 speaker system quickly connects to the TV and easily pairs with Bluetooth devices.

The subwoofer connects to the main element wirelessly. You can control the device with the TV remote control or from your smartphone.

Possibility of wall mounting is provided.

Specifications:

standard: 2.1;
power: 300 W;
power consumption: 56 W;
fastening: shelf;
wireless interfaces: Bluetooth.

Advantages

Remote control and batteries included;
Dolby Digital, DTS decoders;
clear sound;
good bass;
ease of connection.

Flaws

few outputs (only for optical cable);
automatically turns off after 15 minutes if there is no signal;
sound distortion at high volume.

LG SN5R

The most powerful speaker system with support for the 4.1 standard and DTS Virtual:X technology with surround sound effect.

The premium device LG SN5R consists of 3 speakers and a subwoofer, which together output 520 W of sound power.

DTS Virtual:X surround sound technology allows you to watch movies or play games in an immersive way.

AI Sound Pro intelligent audio system automatically configures the device depending on the type of content.

Possible options for connecting to other devices: HDMI cable, optical cable, Bluetooth.

Specifications:

standard: 4.1;
power: 520 W;
power consumption: 111 W;
fastening: shelf;
wireless interfaces: Bluetooth.

Advantages

sound quality at any volume;
automatic sound adjustment;
the effect of complete immersion;
ability to connect to the Lg Thinq smart home system;
support for 4.1 channels.

Flaws

price;
takes up a lot of space;
no USB connector;
no AUX.

LG SL6Y

Active soundbar LG SL6Y standard 3.1 with support for Dolby Digital and DTS, remote control and optical cable included.

The soundbar is a sound panel consisting of a subwoofer and a front speaker with a total power of 420 W and support for the 3.1 standard.

The model has a spectacular appearance and will fit perfectly into any interior thanks to its black body.

The sound depth is 24 bits. Connectors and connections include Bluetooth, HDMI input and optical cable.

Specifications:

standard: 3.1;
power: 420 W;
power consumption: 71 W;
fastening: shelf;
wireless interfaces: Bluetooth.

Advantages

there is an HDMI input;
DTS Virtual X support;
universal design;
TV remote control;
play files from a smartphone via Bluetooth.

Flaws

no protection from neighbors connecting;
no USB connector;
no AUX.

LG SL10Y

5.1 soundbar with 570 W output power, Dolby Digital support and additional feet included.

A powerful soundbar with support for the 5.1 standard, a 350 W front speaker and a bass reflex subwoofer allows you to enjoy impeccable sound with excellent clarity, volume and a completely immersive effect both when watching movies and while playing games or listening to music.

The model has a digital optical input, HDMI connectors and a Bluetooth interface, as well as DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby TrueHD decoders.

Specifications:

standard: 5.1;
power: 570 W;
power consumption: 103 W;
fastening: shelf;
wireless interfaces: Bluetooth.

Advantages

LCD display;
stylish appearance;
build quality;
efficiency;
spacious, clear sound.

Flaws

wide;
Expensive;
weak bass.

LG SL9Y

4.1 standard acoustic system with a total power of 500 W, the possibility of floor and wall mounting and Wi-Fi support.

The soundbar can be placed on a shelf under the TV or mounted on the wall: in any case, it provides clear, high-quality, deep sound with a completely immersive effect.

The model is equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, plays audio formats FLAC, MP3, OGG, AAC, WAV, LPCM, AAC+ and has an HDMI connector.

Specifications:

standard: 4.1;
power: 500 W;
power consumption: 98 W;
fastening: shelf, wall;
wireless interfaces: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

Advantages

spectacular design;
sound quality at any volume and frequency;
Remote control included;
Wi-Fi module;
there is a USB connector.

Flaws

price;
surround sound quality;
no AUX.

JBL Bar 2.1

This model reproduces sound of the highest quality. At the same time, the sound remains realistic and pleasant, without sudden jumps or deafening bass. And no additional wires or speakers are required.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 2.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 965x68x58 mm;
subwoofer dimensions (WxHxD): 225x370x225 mm;
main module weight: 1.9 kg;

subwoofer weight: 5.2 kg;
total power: 300 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ loud and high-quality sound;
+ perfectly reproduces bass;
+ good assembly, high-quality case materials;
+ convenient remote control, minimum buttons;
+ wireless subwoofer;
+ logical and simple controls;
+ compact size and interesting design;

+ wide functionality;
+ you can listen to music from a flash drive;
+ can be controlled from your phone using a wireless connection;
+ there are convenient presets for movie modes, music, voice, sports programs, etc.;
+ there are all the necessary connectors;
+ quick and easy setup;
+ Optical cable included.

Flaws

— sometimes there are problems with bluetooth;
— mid frequencies don’t sound very ideal;

- inconvenient placement of connectors.

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LG SK4D

An interesting model that is popular among users. The soundbar is equipped with a wireless and powerful subwoofer. Now listening to music and watching movies is taken to a whole new and higher level.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 2.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 890x53x85 mm;
subwoofer dimensions (WxHxD): 171x390x261 mm;
main module weight: 2.36 kg;

subwoofer weight: 5.62 kg;
total power: 300 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ excellent sound, very high quality and pleasant bass;
+ good assembly;
+ the body is made of quality materials;
+ the soundbar turns on/off along with the TV;
+ controls are clear and very simple;

+ good functionality;
+ you can install the application on your phone and use it to control the soundbar;
+ excellent appearance, does not stand out much in the interior;
+ convenient remote control and quick connection to TV and phone;
+ affordable price.

Flaws

— Optical cable is not included in the package;
— over Bluetooth, the sound quality decreases, it is better to connect via cable;

— the included instructions are a little confusing;
— there are no letters on the display, there are only light bulbs, which is not very convenient.

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Comparison of characteristics

When choosing a soundbar, it's best to consider some personal factors and preferences. For the most part, this includes your input options as well as the placement of your soundbar.

Input options

You need to consider the type of inputs and ports your devices have. This includes both the original media device and the soundbar. Some devices may not have an HDMI port. Others may only accept HDMI cables. If your device doesn't allow you to use an HDMI cable, you'll need to make sure you have the proper video cables needed to transfer images between your TV and devices.

This may seem like an obvious specification, but you'd be surprised how many times people make a purchase expecting a certain type of connection, only to find out that their device doesn't actually allow for that cable.

Bottom line: Most Blu-rays, game consoles, and similar devices accept HDMI cables. However, digital optical cables can provide just as good sound if your device doesn't support HDMI. Additionally, if you only want to relay audio, a digital optical cable can provide just that, without the need to transmit video signals between devices.

Soundbar placement

You also need to consider where you will place your soundbar. One of the most common reasons for using a soundbar is to minimize the footprint of a home theater system.

The soundbar offers an elegant, minimalist approach to sound. Using an HMDI cable can help maintain this minimalistic approach since only one cable is required to carry audio and video signals. However, a digital optical model will mean you may need more wires if you plan to stream images to your TV. However, if you just want to stream the audio from your entertainment system, a digital optical cable can do it for you.

Bottom line : HDMI soundbars minimize space and cable footprint. One wire is easier to hide than the several you might need if you choose an optical model.

LG SL5Y

The soundbar produces incredibly powerful and high-quality sound. The effect of complete presence is created - the sound is literally enveloped from all sides. This becomes possible thanks to the work of the subwoofer and 3 front speakers.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 2.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 890x57x85 mm;
subwoofer dimensions (WxHxD): 171x393x249 mm;
main module weight: 2.35 kg;

subwoofer weight: 5.3 kg;
total power: 400 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ attractive design, compact size;
+ can be controlled by the TV remote control;
+ huge power for a room measuring 20 sq. m;
+ instant connection to TV;

+ easy setup and use;
+ wireless subwoofer;
+ there are enough different inputs/outputs;
+ low cost.

Flaws

— poor quality of body materials;

— there is no optical cable, you need to buy it separately.

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YAMAHA YAS-108

The soundbar produces such high-quality sound that it will simply be impossible to tear yourself away from watching TV. The model has special built-in mounts, thanks to which the device can be hung on the wall.

Main characteristics of the model

standard: 2.1;
dimensions of the main module (WxHxD): 890x53x131 mm;
main module weight: 3.2 kg;

total power: 120 W;
number of columns: 1 pc.

Advantages

+ good and discreet design;
+ good functionality;
+ high quality of assembly and materials;
+ the device has compact dimensions;

+ you can connect your phone via bluetooth;
+ control using a remote control or an application on a smartphone;
+ turns on automatically with the TV.

Flaws

— after turning on/off the volume is automatically reset;

- sometimes it falls off the TV and you need to manually connect it again.

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JBL Bar Studio

A versatile soundbar equipped with a built-in dual bass port. Thanks to this, the sound quality in movies, favorite series and TV shows is significantly improved.