Are you on the hunt for a soundbar that provides high-quality surround sound without the use of multiple bulky speakers? We’ve got you covered with our LG Sound Bar review.
While other brands like Vizio and Sony also manufacture sound bars, we tend to trust LG a bit more when it comes to sound bars. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
LG Sound Bar Review | Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Get a Sound Bar?
A soundbar, for those who aren’t familiar, can also be described as a set of speakers, encased together, to create a home theater-like listening experience.
Soundbar systems are an excellent alternative to the traditional box speaker because they’re much smaller and thinner. Additionally, a bar design gives you a lot more sound than two separate box speakers. Sound Bars also takes up a lot less space than a full home theater speaker system setup with surround speakers.
2. What Do the Channel Numbers Mean With Sound Bars and Surround Sound Systems?
Let’s take the LG SK10Y 5.1.2 Channel, for example. The 5.1.2 stands for the number of channels or speakers in the soundbar system.
The number of channels is all the numbers added together. In this case, 5+1+2=8, so this an 8-channel soundbar.
The first number (5) stands for the number of speakers in the bar facing horizontally towards you.
The middle number represents the number of subwoofers (1), and the third number stands for the number of height channels or up-firing speakers in the bar. (2).
Up-firing speakers are speakers that face the ceiling, creating more of a 3D surround sound audio experience.
With sound bars, it’s important to note that, even though they have these channels READY, it doesn’t necessarily indicate the extra surround speakers are sold with the sound bar itself. In this review, we will indicate whether or not the surround sound speakers are sold separately.
Overall Price Range of the Sound Bars in This Review
For our LG Sound Bar review, we find the price point is fair in conjunction with the durable materials and high-quality design. If you are looking to spend a little less than $1000, you can opt for their models without the Doby Atmos surround sound feature.
Some of the LG products even come with the option to add on surround sound features after the initial purchase, even a wireless option for some.
All of the following sound bars come with a wireless subwoofer.
Here Are the LG Sound Bars We Reviewed:
LG SK10Y 5.1.2 Channel Sound Bar w/Dolby Atmos
The LG SKY10Y Sound Bar 5.1.2 is a high-resolution audio soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Meridian Audio’s advanced technologies.
High Res and Easy Setup
What makes the LG SK10Y Sound Bar so unique is the number of speakers and its incredible quality. One of the best features of this product is its hi-res audio. High-resolution audio means a more accurate and consistent listening experience. The high-resolution audio ensures crisp digital music playback and higher sampling rates.
The LG SK10Y features advanced signal processing and superior hardware for a widened sound field. If you’re looking for a way to create a surround sound and movie theater-like feel to your living room, this is the product you’ll want to use to achieve it.
One Amazon user summed it up perfectly in their review of the SK10Y model, saying, “the sound quality is excellent…voices come through nice and crisp. It literally took me 5 minutes [to set up]. Very pleased with this, and I would recommend it to others.”
Chromecast and Google Assistant Compatible
CompatibleAdditional features that we love about the LG SK10Y include Chromecast compatibility and its ability to work with Google Assistant.
Design Quality [4 Stars]
The LG Sound Bar earns four out of five stars for its design quality rating. If it were made of higher quality materials and had a longer-lasting warranty, it would have received five stars.
Sound [5 Stars]
This soundbar features Meridian Audio. Meridian Audio is renowned for its advanced design and crisp soundstage. Additionally, the Dolby Atmos makes it feel like the sound fills the three-dimensional space instead of staying flat and unrealistic on your TV.
This soundbar offers five different audio sound modes: Standard, Movie, ASC (Adaptive Sound Control), Bass Blast (BASS), and Music. Trust us when we say the bit depth and accurate sampling rates earn this soundbar five out of five stars for its sound rating.
Connections and Compatibility [5 Stars]
As for the connection and compatibility of this soundbar, it works seamlessly with most music apps such as Spotify, and can connect to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers with ease. This impressive compatibility earns the product five out of five stars.
Warranty [3 Stars]
The LG SK10Y Sound Bar comes with a one-year warranty on labor as well as a one-year warranty on parts. This limited and short warranty earns it three out of five stars for an overall rating.
Pros
- Meridian Audio technology
- Dolby Digital Atmos surround sound
- High-resolution audio and sampling
- Chromecast compatible
- Remote Control included
- Wall-mounting kit included
- Wireless Surround Sound Ready
Cons
- Wireless surround sound (rear) speakers sold separately (here)
- More expensive than most soundbars
- Limited sound adjustment options
Price $$$
LG SH7B 4.1 Channel w/wireless Subwoofer
The LG SH7B 4.1 Soundbar is listed as an Amazon Choice product and features Bluetooth streaming and a home cinema and TV remote compatibility mode. This soundbar is loved for the included subwoofer and adaptive sound control and sound modes.
You’ll be even more interested to know that this is considered one of its more affordable alternatives.
It has 3 fewer channels than the LG SK10Y, and no height channels, so it does not offer quite the same 3D sound capabilities—not to say it doesn’t still sound great.
Google Cast and Other Features
Embedded are: Google Cast, Iheartradio, Rhapsody, Google Music Play, Tunein, Pandora, and Spotify. It also supports all kinds of audio formats, including .flac, .wav, .mp3, DTS Surround sound, and Dolby Digital surround sound.
Design Quality [4 Stars]
When it comes to the design quality of the SH7B, we believe it earns four out of five stars. When you compare it to its more expensive alternative above, you’ll see that it has many of the same features as the high-end competitors. Although it does have a quality design, it is not meant for outdoor use and is better suited for small spaces.
Sound [4 Stars]
The sound of the SH7B deserves four out of five stars. The sound quality only improves with the optional wireless surround sound (rear) speakers.
Connections and Compatibility [4 Stars]
The LG SH7B Sound Bar can connect with the Google Chromecast and a number of devices. You will also find HDMI input connectivity that allows for a lot of versatility. The number of connections and compatibility this sound bar has earns it four out of five stars.
Warranty [3 Stars]
The SH7B Sound Bar model also comes with a one-year warranty. It’s also important to note that when purchased through Amazon, this soundbar can be returned within 30 days of the original purchase date.
Pros
- Google Cast compatible
- Adaptive sound control
- Smart Hi-Fi
- Wireless Sound Sync
- More affordable than most soundbars
- Remote Control
- Wireless Surround Sound Ready
Cons
- Surround sound (rear) speakers sold separately (and individually): LG Music Flow H3 Speakers
Price $$
LG SJ2 2.1 Channel Sound Bar
The LG SJ2 Sound Bar features Bluetooth connectivity, adaptive sound control, and TV remote compatibility. The included wireless subwoofer only weighs 3.75 pounds, making it an ideal option for small living rooms and spaces.
This is a much more “bare-bones” sound bar than the others on this list—although it still offers great quality sound, at a much more affordable price.
Design Quality [3 Stars]
The SJ2 model is very similar to the model we reviewed above, and due to this similarity in quality, we have awarded this product three out of five stars. It is imperative to note that this model only outputs 160-watts, which is a lot less than many of its competitors at 360 watts. This lack of power can not only slightly affect your energy bill but may affect your overall sound quality as well.
Sound [3 Stars]
When it comes to the sound of the SJ2, it’s great for loud and intense sequences, but when it comes to the quieter and lower outputs, it struggles. This lack of crispness for low tones and quiet moments earns it three out of five stars for its sound rating.
Connections and Compatibility [3 Stars]
Similarly to all of the sound bars we’ve reviewed in our LG Sound Bar review, this product also connects via Bluetooth. This sound bar doesn’t connect to Google Cast or other services like the other ones on this list.
Warranty [3 Stars]
As for the warranty for this product, it earns three out of five stars. The reason it receives three stars is that it only has a one-year warranty on labor and parts. You can, however, return the product through Amazon if it remains unopened and unused within 30 days of the original purchase date.
Pros
- Comes with a wireless subwoofer
- Bluetooth connectivity
- TV remote compatibility
- Very affordable
- Includes Remote Control
Cons
- Lacking in features when compared to the others on this list
- LG doesn’t manufacture surround sound speaks compatible with this model
- Shorter in length than most soundbars
Price $
LG SL5Y 2.1 Channel Sound Bar w/ DTS Virtual:X
The LG SJ5Y Sound Bar is an incredibly interesting product that is actually the 2nd most affordable on our list.
Featuring certified high-resolution audio with an available (sold separately) wireless surround sound kit, this sound bar is known for its adaptive sound control and Bluetooth connectivity.
If you are looking for one of the best sound bars on the market that won’t break the bank, you have to check out the SJ5Y model.
Price $
Design Quality [3.5 Stars]
When it comes to the design quality of the SJ57 model, we believe it deserves three out of five stars. This model only has a 320-watt output—but will still suffice for most rooms.
Sound [3.5 Stars]
As for the sound of this soundbar, you can expect a decent output without much customization. This sound bar also supports Hi-Res audio.
Connections and Compatibility [3 Stars]
This soundbar, like many of its competitors, has Bluetooth connectivity for just about any device, including phones, tablets, and laptops.
This model lacks some of the features included in the first 2 models mentioned.
Warranty [3 Stars]
LG is known for its one-year warranty on all labor and parts for most of its products, which is why it receives three out of five stars for this category. Unfortunately, an extended warranty is not currently available for this model but may be available for newer, more updated models.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless subwoofer included
- Surround sound expansion available
- One of the most affordable soundbars on the market
- Remote Control
Cons
- Surround sound kit is sold separately
- Limited EQ adjustment capabilities
- TV must have HDMI Arc or digital output capabilities to connect
Where to Buy
The Verdict
After reviewing some of the popular LG sound bars on the market, we picked our favorites:
Our Favorite: the LG SK10Y 5.1.2 Channel Sound Bar w/Dolby Atmos
We love the LG SK10Y because of its overall sound quality, connectivity and compatibility, upgradability, and the sheer number of positive reviews it’s received. Although it’s on the more expensive side of this list, if money isn’t an issue, it holds the best value, by far.
You won’t be sorry you invested in the reliable quality and updated design. That being said, if you’re not interested in spending an arm and a leg, you can always opt for one of the more affordable options.
Our Budget Choice: the LG SH7B 4.1 Channel Sound Bar
The LG SH7B 4.1 Channel Sound Bar still comes in at a fraction of the price of the SK10Y. However, it still offers hi-resolution audio and fantastic surround sound upgrade options. While the other 2 options are even less expensive, this sound bar has more features and overall value—and makes a great alternative if you’re on a budget.
