LG Soundbars
compared

LG - Cinema sound at home

LG is one of the most successful manufacturers of soundbars. That’s because all of the different sound systems in the South Korean electronics company’s product range promise room-filling, rich hi-fi sound. For some of the models, LG has teamed up with the British manufacturer Meridian, which is one of the pioneers in the field of high-resolution audio. Especially the high-quality signal processing technology from Meridian is supposed to provide brilliant sound quality.

If you own one of LG’s current TVs, you will benefit even more, because you can use features like TV Sound Share. With the feature, the soundbar uses the TV’s AI processor, which ensures improved sound. However, even without a corresponding TV, buying a Soundbar from LG can be a good choice – in the end, the soundbars have a lot to offer in terms of sound quality.

New releases 2022 compared

With its 2022 soundbars, LG wants to set new standards in terms of audio. For this, the British manufacturer Meridian was once again brought on board. A new speaker arrangement is supposed to provide even more immersive sound, and there is no shortage of smart home or gaming features either. The currently known specifications definitely arouse anticipation for the upcoming release.

LG S95QR
S95QR
LG S90QY
S90QY
LG S80QR
S80QR
LG S80QY
S80QY
LG S75Q
S75Q
Model year 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022
Channels 9.1.5 5.1.3 5.1.3 3.1.3 3.1.2
Dolby Atmos
DTS DTS HD-Master + DTS:X DTS HD-Master + DTS:X DTS HD-Master DTS HD-Master + DTS:X DTS HD-Master + DTS:X
HDMI 2.1 1x In 1x In 1x In + 1x Out 1x In + 1x Out 1x In
eARC
WLAN
Room size above 40 m2 above 40 m2 above 40 m2 up to 40 m2 up to 40 m2
Subwoofer External External External External External
Satellites
Dimensions Height x Width x Depth 63 x 1200 x 135 mm 63 x 1200 x 135 mm 63 x 1000 x 135 mm 63 x 1000 x 135 mm 65 x 890 x 119 mm

LG S95QR 2022
Premium soundbar with five height channels

Room size
above 40 m2
Channels
9.1.5

LG S95QR Connections

HDMI 2.1 InHDMI eARC
Dolby Atmos
Set
Soundbar + Subwoofer + Satellites
  • 810W total power
  • External subwoofer
  • Satellite speakers
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • Center up-firing speakers
  • VRR & ALLM
  • Integrated voice assistants
  • IMAX Enhanced
  • Horizon technology by MERIDIAN
  • No 4K 120Hz HDR passthrough

The LG S95QR is a global innovation: It is the first soundbar that has a center up-firing speaker. This is not only supposed to ensure clearly understandable dialogs, but also create an even more immersive soundscape. Due to the up-firing speakers of the included satellite speakers, the system comes up to five height channels. An additional, external woofer also guarantees sufficient bass. Thus, nothing should stand in the way of playing Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced content.

According to the manufacturer, the 9.1.5 system can distribute its sound over a range of 135 degrees, which allows you to place the speakers flexibly in your room – without any losses in terms of sound quality. The improved wireless transmission between the individual components also ensures more flexibility. If you want to establish a wireless connection between the soundbar and the TV, you can get the LG Wowcast dongle, which makes it possible.

The additional features of the soundbar also leave hardly anything to be desired. It has two built-in voice assistants, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Thanks to features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Audio Low Latency Mode), even gaming fans will get their money’s worth. The sound system only lacks a 4K 120 Hz HDR passthrough.

Now you might wonder where the British manufacturer Meridian has its fingers in the game. The simple answer is: In the music mode. Thanks to Meridian’s Horizon technology, the soundbar can mix two-channel audio up to 7.1 channels. This is supposed to create a realistic acoustic surround sound.

LG S90QY 2022
5.1.3-Setup with up-firing center speaker

Room size
above 40 m2
Channels
5.1.3

LG S90QY Connections

HDMI 2.1 InHDMI eARC
Dolby Atmos
Set
Soundbar + Subwoofer
  • 570W total power
  • External subwoofer
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • Center up-firing Speaker
  • VRR & ALLM
  • 4K pass-through
  • IMAX Enhanced
  • Horizon technology from MERIDIAN
  • No satellites

LG’s new S90QY has the same dimensions as the manufacturer’s 2022 flagship, but only comes with 5.1.3 channels due to the lack of satellite speakers. The innovative up-firing center speaker is also on board here. Furthermore, it supports all audio formats currently available on the market, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Another new feature: the S95QR and S80QR, as well as the S90QY and S80QY, are IMAX Enhanced certified. This means that with compatible content, the soundbars bring a real cinema feeling to your living room.

Via its HDMI eARC port, the S90QY can forward 4K content losslessly. It is also Dolby Vision compatible and supports the gaming features ALLM and VRR. Apple Airplay is supposed to be available for wireless connection, and the soundbar is also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant.

LG S80QR 2022
5.1.3-channel setup for immersive sound

Room size
above 40 m2
Channels
5.1.3

LG S80QR Connections

HDMI 2.1 InHDMI OutHDMI eARCDigital opticalUSB for playback
Dolby Atmos
Set
Soundbar + Subwoofer + Satellites
  • 620W total power
  • External subwoofer
  • Satellite speakers
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • Center up-firing speakers
  • VRR & ALLM
  • AI Sound Pro
  • 4K pass-through
  • No integrated voice assistants

Like LG’s new flagship, the slightly cheaper S80QR also comes with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers. Thus, it has a total power of 620 watts, which provides a powerful sound in your living room. Overall, the setup has 5.1.3 channels and is accordingly also equipped with LG’s innovative up-firing center speaker.

For immersive listening experiences, the soundbar supports all sorts of audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced. Quieter sequences like dialogs are reproduced just as clearly thanks to the center speaker and an additional dialog enhancement. The sound can be further improved with the help of an equalizer, various sound modes and the AI Sound Pro feature.

To guarantee the greatest possible gaming fun, the S80QR supports VRR and ALLM. Also a 4K pass-through and the support of Dolby Vision are given. However, those who want to control the sound bar via voice command have to use an external third-party device – the S80QR is compatible with them, but it does not have an integrated voice assistant.

LG S80QY 2022
3.1.3-channel-system with IMAX enhanced

Room size
up to 40 m2
Channels
3.1.3

LG S80QY Connections

HDMI 2.1 InHDMI OutHDMI eARCDigital opticalUSB for playback
Dolby Atmos
Set
Soundbar + Subwoofer
  • 480W total power
  • External subwoofer
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • Center up-firing Speaker
  • VRR & ALLM
  • 4K pass-through
  • IMAX Enhanced
  • Horizon technology from MERIDIAN
  • No satellites

The S80QY is LG’s most affordable model with the new up-firing center speaker. It also supports the three-dimensional sound formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but only features 3.1.3 channels. In addition, the soundbar is twenty centimeters smaller than the two more expensive models and has a weaker total output of 480 watts. If you want an even more immersive sound experience, you can upgrade the setup with additional rear speakers.

To provide you with the best audio quality possible, the soundbar – just like the S90QY and S95QR – features the sound mode AI Sound Pro. This is supposed to detect the genre of the played content and automatically adapt the sound to it. If you own a compatible LG TV, you can also use the TV’s processor for this feature, which ensures even better audio playback.

The S95QR as well as the S80QR, S90QY and S80QY are compatible with LG’s new WOWCAST box. Here, a small box is connected to the eARC or ARC port and the USB port of the TV to create a wireless HDMI connection between the soundbar and the TV. Uncompressed Dolby Atmos and up to 7.1.4-channel sound can be transmitted losslessly via this. Thus, you are even more flexible when setting up your soundbar.

LG S80QY Review

LG S75Q 2022
Dolby Atmos Soundbar with 3.1.2 channels

Room size
up to 40 m2
Channels
3.1.2

LG S75Q Connections

HDMI 2.1 InHDMI eARC
Dolby Atmos
Set
Soundbar + Subwoofer
  • 380W total power
  • External subwoofer
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • HDMI eARC
  • 4K pass-through
  • Horizon-technology by MERIDIAN
  • No satellites
  • No up-firing center speaker
  • No IMAX Enhanced
  • No room calibration

With the S75Q, LG launches another soundbar that is a bit easier on the wallet. Nevertheless, this soundbar is also a premium product. It has 3.1.2 channels and supports the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound formats. HDMI eARC also ensures lossless routing and support for 4K content as well as Dolby Vision. An external wireless subwoofer and total power of 380 watts promise powerful, room-filling sound.

To enhance playback, the S75Q is equipped with various sound features like dialogue enhancement, a cinema mode, and ultimately LG’s AI Sound Pro. Gaming fans should also get their money’s worth thanks to ALLM and VRR. On the other hand, you will have to accept some compromises in terms of smart features – there is no support for voice assistants. The price-conscious consumer also has to do without the innovative up-firing center speaker. The price-conscious consumer will also have to do without the center speaker.

Soundbars with subwoofer compared

The following soundbars from LG all come with an external subwoofer that provides decent bass. If you want to have an even bigger setup, you can also upgrade it with separately available satellite speakers.

LG SP8YA
SP8YA
LG SPD75YA
SPD75YA
LG GX
GX
Model year 2021 2021 2020
Channels 3.1.2 3.1.2 3.1 (3.1.2 virtual)
Dolby Atmos
DTS DTS HD-Master + DTS:X DTS HD-Master + DTS:X DTS HD-Master + DTS:X
HDMI 2.1 1x In + 1x Out 1x In + 1x Out 1x In + 1x Out
eARC
WLAN
Room size up to 40 m2 up to 40 m2 up to 40 m2
Subwoofer External External External
Satellites
Dimensions Height x Width x Depth 57 x 1060 x 119 mm 57 x 1060 x 119 mm 150 x 1446 x 33 mm

LG SP8YA 2021
3.1.2 soundbar with a bass-heavy sound profile

Room size
up to 40 m2
Channels
3.1.2

LG SP8YA Connections

HDMI 2.1 InHDMI OutHDMI eARCDigital opticalUSB for playback
Dolby Atmos
Set
Soundbar + Subwoofer
  • 440W total power
  • 220W subwoofer
  • Center speaker
  • HDMI 2.1 & eARC
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • Meridian sound-technology
  • Gets very loud
  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast & Airplay
  • Surround sound turns into Stereo
  • No voice control

LG’s SP8YA features an HDMI 2.1 connection with eARC. The 3.1.2 setup supports the 3D sound formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are reproduced with the help of two up-firing speakers. In addition, the soundbar has a separate center speaker, which, in combination with a dialog enhancement function, ensures clear conversations and voices.

Both the maximum volume and the low bass of the soundbar together with its wireless subwoofer are impressive. Only the reproduction of surround content leaves room for improvement. Since surround content is mixed down to stereo, the listening experience is not very immersive.

Streaming fans will enjoy the SP8YA: Besides a Bluetooth connection, the soundbar also supports Airplay and has Chromecast integrated. Users who want to expand their smart home will not be disappointed either thanks to the Wi-Fi connection and the corresponding compatibility with any voice assistant.

LG SPD75YA 2021
Powerful 3.1.2-channel-setup with smart features

Room size
up to 40 m2
Channels
3.1.2

LG SPD75YA Connections

HDMI 2.1 InHDMI OutHDMI ARCHDMI eARCDigital opticalUSB for playback
Dolby Atmos
Set
Soundbar + Subwoofer
  • 420W total power
  • External subwoofer
  • HDMI eARC
  • HDMI 2.1 input
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • Dolby Vision
  • Chromecast, Apple Airplay2, WLAN
  • Voice assistants not integrated
  • Virtual surround sound

The LG SPD75YA is a 3.1.2-channel system with decent power of over 400 watts. It comes with an external subwoofer and supports just about all audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. For uncompressed transmission, it has an HDMI eARC output. You can connect your console or BluRay player via HDMI 2.1 input and pass through 4K and HDR10 content.

To improve the sound, diverse sound modes are available: Music, Cinema, Sports, Game, Bass Blast and Clear Voice each have their own mode. AI Sound Pro also ensures that the sound is adapted to the content being played back.

In terms of smart features, the SPD75YA can definitely convince: It has both Bluetooth and WLAN, supports Chromecast and Apple Airplay2. It is also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Ok Google, so you can control it with a corresponding third-party device via voice command.

LG GX 2020
Stylish 3.1 Atmos Soundbar with Subwoofer

Room size
up to 40 m2
Channels
3.1
(3.1.2 virtual)

LG GX Connections

HDMI 2.1 InHDMI OutHDMI eARCDigital opticalUSB for playback
Dolby Atmos
Set
Soundbar + Subwoofer
  • 420W total power
  • 220W Subwoofer
  • HDMI 2.1 & eARC
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • AI-Room calibration
  • Elegant design
  • Wide and tall dimension
  • Mediocre Surround Performance

With the LG GX, the South Korean electronics giant delivers the ideal complement for its OLED TVs. The aim was to develop a soundbar that is not only convincing in terms of sound, but also visually appealing. That’s why the GX has a sophisticated design: it’s just as wide as the 65-inch version of the OLED G1, has a gallery-style look, and is very slim.

In addition to the soundbar, the 3.1 sound system also includes an external subwoofer. Despite its discreet look, the soundbar can fill your living room with audio and reproduce three-dimensional sound. It also transmits 4K content, including HDR and Dolby Vision, without any loss in quality or performance, and can reproduce dialogs clearly using its center speaker.

Unfortunately, smart features are missing from the GX. Music streaming is only possible via Bluetooth, since the soundbar does not have Chromecast or Airplay.

All-in-one soundbars

All-in-one soundbars, also called one-body soundbars, already have the subwoofer integrated into the soundbar. Thus, you do not have to miss out on deep tones with these devices from LG, despite the simple setup.

LG SP2 2021
All-in-one soundbar in a stylish wooden design

Room size
up to 15 m2
Channels
2.1

LG SP2 Connections

HDMI OutHDMI ARCDigital opticalUSB for playback
Set
Soundbar
  • 100W soundbar
  • Integrated subwoofer
  • Elegant design
  • AI Sound Pro
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • No Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • No Wi-Fi connection
  • No smart features
  • No HDMI 2.0

If you are looking for an inexpensive entry-level model from LG, the LG SP2 should be a good choice. Compared to the other models, the 2.1 setup is more space-saving because it is an all-in-one soundbar, which means the subwoofer is already integrated. In addition, the company placed great emphasis on a high-quality design: Its sides are covered with faux wood, while the rest of the soundbar is wrapped in eco-friendly fabric.

Apart from its design, the SP2’s features are rather basic. Due to the lack of an Internet connection, it does not have any smart features, which means streaming is only possible via Bluetooth. 3D sound formats are also not supported. In addition, it only features HDMI 1.4 ports, which is outdated by now.