LG makes some of the best-looking TVs on the market, especially the OLED evo and QNED lineups. But there is one thing every LG TV owner discovers sooner or later: the built-in speakers just do not match the picture quality. The ultra-thin panels that make these TVs so gorgeous leave almost no room for proper speakers.
That is where a dedicated soundbar comes in. After testing 10 soundbars with various LG TV models over the past several months, our team put together this guide to help you find the best soundbars for LG TV setups in 2026. We covered everything from premium 9.1.5-channel systems with wireless rear speakers down to budget-friendly 2.0 bars that still pack a serious upgrade over stock TV audio.
Throughout this guide, you will notice one feature that comes up again and again: WOW Orchestra. This is LG’s proprietary technology that syncs your LG TV’s built-in speakers with an LG soundbar to create a wider, more immersive soundstage. No other brand offers this. We will break down which soundbars support it, which ones skip it, and whether it actually matters for your setup.
Top 3 Picks for Best Soundbars for LG TV
If you want the short version before diving into the full reviews, here are our top three recommendations across different budget tiers.
LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel...
- › 9.1.5 Dolby Atmos
- › WOW Orchestra sync
- › Wireless rear speakers
- › AI room calibration
LG S40TR 4.1 Channel Soundbar
- › 4.1 surround sound
- › Wireless rear speakers
- › Budget-friendly
- › WOW Orchestra ready
Best Soundbars for LG TV in 2026
Here is the full comparison of all 10 soundbars we tested. Use this table to compare features at a glance, then scroll down for the detailed review of each model.
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1. LG S95TR – 9.1.5 Channel Flagship with WOW Orchestra
LG S95TR 9.1.5-Channel OLED evo TV Matching Home Theater Soundbar with Rear Surround Speakers and Wireless Subwoofer, Wow Orchestra, Dolby Atmos, WOWCAST Built-in
9.1.5 Channel Dolby Atmos
Wireless Rear Speakers
AI Room Calibration
WOW Orchestra
+ The Good
- Immersive 9.1.5 Dolby Atmos sound
- Wireless rear speakers with triple up-firing channels
- Excellent dialogue clarity from center up-firing speaker
- WOW Orchestra sync with LG TVs
- Advanced AI room calibration
- The Bad
- Rear speakers need separate power outlets
- Premium price point
- Occasional PS5 connectivity quirks
The LG S95TR is the soundbar I recommend most often to LG OLED evo owners who want the full home theater experience. That 9.1.5 channel configuration means you get nine main channels, one subwoofer channel, and five up-firing channels bouncing sound off your ceiling. The triple up-firing array includes a dedicated center up-firing channel for dialogue, which is something most competitors do not have.
I paired this with an LG C4 OLED and the WOW Orchestra feature immediately made a difference. It activates both the TV speakers and the soundbar simultaneously, filling in the midrange that standalone soundbars sometimes lose. The soundstage felt wider and more connected to the screen. Setup took about 15 minutes from unboxing to first movie.
The wireless rear surround speakers connected without any issues. Each one needs its own power outlet, which is the main thing to plan for. I ran an extension cord behind the couch and it worked fine. The rear speakers genuinely add to the immersion during action movies, especially with Dolby Atmos content on streaming services.
Gaming on this soundbar is solid too. The VRR and ALLM support at 120Hz means your PS5 or Xbox Series X will run without audio lag. I tested it with Call of Duty and noticed zero sync issues. The 4K passthrough works cleanly through the HDMI ports. One reviewer mentioned connectivity issues with PS5 specifically, but I did not experience that during my testing.
Best LG TV Pairings for the S95TR
This soundbar is designed specifically for LG OLED evo TVs in the 55-inch and larger range. The 49.2-inch width matches the footprint of 55-inch and 65-inch LG OLED models almost perfectly. If you have a C-series or G-series OLED, this is the natural pairing.
The WOW Orchestra feature requires a compatible LG TV from 2022 or newer. Most C2, C3, C4, G2, G3, and G4 models support it. Check LG’s compatibility list if you have an older model.
Room Size and Placement Considerations
The S95TR works best in medium to large rooms, roughly 150 to 400 square feet. In smaller spaces, the up-firing channels can bounce sound too aggressively and create a muddy audio image. The AI room calibration helps, but physics still applies.
Place the soundbar directly below your TV on the media console or wall-mounted using the included brackets. Make sure nothing blocks the line of sight between the up-firing drivers and your ceiling.
2. LG S90TR – 7.1.3 Channel Home Theater System
LG S90TR 7.1.3-Channel OLED evo TV Matching Home Theater Soundbar with Rear Surround Speakers and Wireless Subwoofer, Wow Orchestra, Dolby Atmos, WOWCAST Built-in
7.1.3 Channel Dolby Atmos
Wireless Rear Speakers
WOWCAST Built-in
AI Room Calibration
+ The Good
- Excellent 7.1.3 surround sound
- Easy wireless setup for all components
- Clear dialogue with center up-firing speaker
- WOW Orchestra integration with LG TVs
- Immersive 3D spatial sound
- The Bad
- Limited equalizer controls in app
- Only blended tone channels not full EQ
- Premium pricing
The LG S90TR sits just below the S95TR in the lineup but delivers most of the experience at a slightly different configuration. You get 7.1.3 channels, which means seven main channels, one subwoofer, and three up-firing channels. The center up-firing speaker handles dialogue, and it does an excellent job with movie dialogue and news broadcasts.
What surprised me most was how easy the wireless setup was. The subwoofer paired automatically, and the rear speakers connected without any manual pairing steps. I had everything running in under 10 minutes. The WOWCAST feature means you get wireless Dolby Atmos without running any HDMI cable to the TV, which is great if your TV is wall-mounted and cable management is a pain.
The sound quality is genuinely impressive for movies. The DTS:X support adds to the value since some streaming services and Blu-rays use DTS encoding rather than Dolby. The bass from the 8-inch wireless subwoofer hits hard during action scenes without overwhelming dialogue.
My one real complaint is the app. The LG Soundbar app gives you limited EQ control with only blended tone channels rather than a full parametric equalizer. If you are the type who wants to tweak every frequency band, this will frustrate you. For most users, the presets are fine.
How the S90TR Compares to the S95TR
The main difference is the channel count. The S95TR has 9.1.5 with triple up-firing channels and two additional side-firing channels. The S90TR has 7.1.3 with a single up-firing center and two up-firing sides. For most rooms, the S90TR delivers 90 percent of the S95TR’s experience at a lower price point.
Both support WOW Orchestra, WOWCAST, AI room calibration, and VRR 120Hz gaming. If budget is the deciding factor, the S90TR is the smarter buy.
Setup Tips for LG TV Owners
Connect via HDMI eARC for the best audio quality. Go into your LG TV settings and enable eARC mode, then set the audio output to Pass Through for bitstream audio. This ensures Dolby Atmos and DTS:X signals reach the soundbar uncompressed.
Run the AI room calibration after placing all speakers in their final positions. Move any furniture that might block the calibration tones during the process.
3. LG S70TY – 3.1.1 Channel QNED TV Matching Soundbar
LG S70TY 3.1.1-Channel QNED TV Matching Soundbar, Dolby Atmos, Wow Orchestra, Rear Speaker Ready, Wireless Subwoofer
3.1.1 Channel Dolby Atmos
Designed for QNED TVs
Up-firing Center Channel
Wireless Subwoofer
+ The Good
- Perfect match for LG QNED TVs
- Rich sound with clear dialogue
- Compact design fits smaller setups
- Good wireless subwoofer bass
- WOW Orchestra compatible
- The Bad
- Rear speaker kit hard to find in USA
- AI Sound Pro inconsistent
- WOW Orchestra may disconnect
The LG S70TY is built specifically for LG QNED TV owners. The 3.1.1 configuration gives you three front channels, one subwoofer, and one up-firing channel. It does not include rear speakers, but it is rear-speaker ready if you want to add the SPT8-S kit later.
I tested this with a 65-inch LG QNED85 and the aesthetic match was perfect. The soundbar’s crest design and metal grill mirror the QNED TV’s styling, making it look like a single integrated system. The 37.4-inch width is ideal for 55-inch and 65-inch QNED models.
The up-firing center channel is the standout feature at this price. Dialogue clarity is excellent for TV shows, news, and sports. Movies benefit from the Dolby Atmos support, though without rear speakers the surround effect is limited to what the up-firing channel can bounce off your ceiling.
The wireless subwoofer provides solid bass for the price. It handles explosions and music well, though it will not shake your walls the way the 8-inch subs on the S95TR and S90TR do. For a bedroom or medium living room, it is more than enough.
Is the S70TY Worth It Without Rear Speakers?
Yes, for most QNED TV owners. The 3.1.1 configuration delivers a noticeable upgrade over TV speakers, especially for dialogue. If you later want surround sound, you can add the SPT8-S rear speaker kit, though availability in the USA has been spotty.
The WOW Orchestra feature works well with QNED TVs from 2023 and newer. Some users report occasional disconnects, so keep your firmware updated.
Best Use Cases for This Soundbar
Daily TV watching, streaming shows, sports, and casual movie nights are where this soundbar shines. For dedicated home theater rooms, you might want something with rear speakers included like the S40TR or S90TR.
The 4K 120Hz passthrough makes it gaming-friendly for PS5 and Xbox owners who want Dolby Atmos without breaking the bank.
4. LG S40TR – 4.1 Channel Budget Surround System
LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear Surround Speakers and Wireless Subwoofer, Wow Interface, Dolby Audio, AI Sound Pro, Amazon Exclusive
4.1 Channel Dolby Audio
Wireless Rear Speakers
Wireless Subwoofer
WOW Orchestra
+ The Good
- Excellent value for full 4.1 surround
- Powerful subwoofer with deep bass
- Easy wireless setup
- Good connectivity options
- WOW Orchestra support
- The Bad
- Rear speakers wired to each other
- Subwoofer needs separate power
- Limited EQ in some modes
The LG S40TR is the best value pick in this entire roundup. For a remarkably accessible price, you get a 4.1-channel system with wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer. This is the cheapest way to get true surround sound that works with WOW Orchestra on LG TVs.
I set this up in a secondary viewing room with a 55-inch LG UQ series TV. The subwoofer paired wirelessly on the first try, and the rear speakers connected within seconds. The rear speakers do need a wire between them, so plan your placement accordingly. I ran the wire along the baseboard and it was barely noticeable.
The sound quality exceeded my expectations for this price tier. Movies sound full and immersive with the rear channels adding genuine spatial awareness. The Clear Voice Plus feature works well for dialogue-heavy content, and the Smart Up-Mixer expands stereo sources into a wider soundstage.
The subwoofer is the real star here. It produces deep, punchy bass that you feel during action scenes. It needs its own power outlet, which is standard for wireless subs at this size. Some users noted it was not as loud as expected, but in my medium-sized room it filled the space nicely.
Connectivity Options and Setup
The S40TR offers HDMI ARC, optical input, USB, and Bluetooth. For LG TV owners, HDMI ARC is the way to go since it enables WOW Orchestra and single-remote control. Optical works as a fallback if your TV lacks ARC.
The LG Soundbar app gives you a 3-band EQ, which is enough to adjust bass, mids, and treble to your preference. It is not as granular as the Sonos app, but it gets the job done.
Who Gets the Most Value Here
If you want surround sound without spending premium money, this is your pick. It works with any LG TV that supports HDMI ARC, and the WOW Orchestra feature adds that LG-specific synergy. The 28.4-inch width fits perfectly under 43-inch to 55-inch TVs.
The Amazon-exclusive status means you can only buy it through Amazon, but with Prime shipping and over 530 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it is a safe bet.
5. Sonos Beam Gen 2 – Compact Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Support
Trueplay Tuning
AirPlay 2
Compact 25.6 inch Design
+ The Good
- Outstanding sound quality in compact size
- Dolby Atmos immersion
- Crystal clear dialogue
- Easy two-cable setup
- Expandable Sonos ecosystem
- The Bad
- Premium price point
- Trueplay only on iOS
- No HDMI pass-through
- No subwoofer included
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 takes a different approach from the LG soundbars. It is a compact 25.6-inch soundbar that punches well above its size class. While it does not have WOW Orchestra, it makes up for it with superb audio quality and the Trueplay room tuning system.
I connected the Beam Gen 2 to an LG C3 OLED via HDMI eARC and the setup was effortless. The Sonos app walked me through everything step by step. Within five minutes I had Dolby Atmos content streaming from the TV. The speech enhancement feature in the Sonos app makes dialogue crystal clear, which is a lifesaver for hard-of-hearing viewers.
The sound signature is warm and detailed. The Beam Gen 2 uses its drivers to create a virtual Atmos effect by bouncing sound off walls, and it works surprisingly well in rooms with flat parallel walls. Bass is richer than you would expect from a bar this size, thanks to Sonos’s tuning.
The big draw for many buyers is the expandable ecosystem. You can add a Sonos Sub for deep bass, or two Sonos One speakers for rear channels. This creates a full 5.1 surround system over time, letting you spread the cost across multiple purchases.
Trueplay Tuning: Worth It Without an iPhone?
Trueplay is Sonos’s room calibration system, and it only works with iOS devices. If you have an iPhone or iPad, it is excellent. It measures how sound reflects off your walls and furniture, then adjusts the EQ accordingly. The difference before and after is noticeable.
If you are on Android only, you miss out on this feature. The Beam Gen 2 still sounds good without Trueplay, but it is a limitation worth knowing about before buying.
LG TV Compatibility Notes
The Beam Gen 2 works perfectly with LG TVs via HDMI eARC. You will not get WOW Orchestra, but the standard audio pass-through handles Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus without issues. The Sonos app can control volume, and your LG remote works for power and basic control.
One thing to note: there is no HDMI pass-through, so if you have multiple HDMI devices, they all need to connect to your TV directly.
6. Bose TV Speaker – Best for Dialogue Clarity
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black
2.0 Channel Stereo
Enhanced Dialogue Mode
Bluetooth Streaming
Compact Design
+ The Good
- Excellent dialogue clarity
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Compact size fits anywhere
- Bluetooth for music streaming
- Expandable with Bose bass module
- The Bad
- Limited bass without subwoofer
- Only works with Bose subwoofers
- Bluetooth 4.2 is outdated
- Higher price for features offered
The Bose TV Speaker is the soundbar I recommend to people whose primary complaint is muddy dialogue. Bose tuned this bar specifically for vocal clarity, and the Enhanced Dialogue mode makes a night-and-day difference with TV shows and news broadcasts.
Setting this up with an LG TV is about as simple as it gets. Plug in the HDMI ARC cable, switch to the right input, and you are done. There is no app to configure, no firmware updates to wait for. The included remote control handles volume, bass boost, and dialogue mode switching.
The angled full-range drivers create a wider soundstage than you would expect from a single 27-inch bar. Music sounds natural and balanced, though bass lovers will want to add a Bose Bass Module for that low-end punch. The bar alone handles the mids and highs beautifully.
With over 14,000 reviews on Amazon, this is one of the most popular soundbars ever made. The 4.3-star average across that many reviews tells you this is a reliable, crowd-tested product.
Who Should Choose the Bose TV Speaker
If your main priority is hearing what people are saying on screen, this is the soundbar for you. The dialogue enhancement is genuinely superior to what LG and Samsung offer at similar prices. It is also ideal for smaller rooms where a multi-speaker system would be overkill.
The simplicity factor cannot be overstated. No apps, no complex menus, no firmware updates. Just plug it in and enjoy clearer TV audio.
Limitations to Know About
There is no Dolby Atmos support and no wireless subwoofer included. If you want bass, you need to buy a Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 separately. The Bluetooth version is 4.2, which is older, but it still works fine for casual music streaming.
There is also no WOW Orchestra or any LG-specific integration. This is a brand-agnostic soundbar that works equally well with any TV.
7. LG S40T – 2.1 Channel Compact Soundbar
LG S40T 2.1 ch.Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, TV Synergy, Wow Interface, AI Sound Pro
2.1 Channel Dolby Digital
Wireless Subwoofer
WOW Interface
Compact 28.4 inch Size
+ The Good
- Great entry-level value
- Easy setup with LG TVs
- Compact design for smaller TVs
- Good subwoofer for the price
- AI Sound Pro volume leveling
- The Bad
- No wall mounting holes
- Limited EQ adjustments
- HDMI ARC needed for TV remote
- Startup delay with HDMI ARC
The LG S40T is the entry-level 2.1 option from LG that includes a wireless subwoofer. At 28.4 inches wide, it fits neatly under 43-inch to 55-inch TVs. This is the soundbar I would recommend to someone upgrading from TV speakers for the first time.
I paired it with a 50-inch LG UQ7570 and the WOW Interface feature let me control the soundbar volume with the TV remote. One remote, one HDMI cable, done. The AI Sound Pro feature normalizes volume between channels, which is great if you are tired of commercials being twice as loud as your show.
The wireless subwoofer adds the low end that TV speakers completely lack. It is not earth-shaking bass, but it adds body to music, depth to movies, and impact to sports. For a bedroom or apartment living room, it hits the sweet spot.
The Clear Voice Plus feature does a good job lifting dialogue above background music and effects. It is not as sophisticated as the Bose dialogue enhancement, but it is effective for the price.
What to Watch Out For
The S40T does not have wall mounting holes, so it must sit on a TV stand or console. There is also a 30-second startup delay when using HDMI ARC, which some users find annoying. Using the optical connection avoids this delay but loses TV remote control.
The EQ adjustments are limited to what the LG Soundbar app offers. You get a 3-band EQ and some presets, which is fine for most users but frustrating for audio enthusiasts.
Best LG TV Match for the S40T
This soundbar pairs well with LG’s entry-level and mid-range TVs like the UQ series, UT series, and smaller QNED models. If you have a budget LG TV and want a noticeable audio upgrade without spending much, the S40T delivers excellent value.
8. Samsung HW-B400F – Budget 2.0 Soundbar with Built-in Woofer
Samsung HW-B400F B-Series Soundbar, 2.0ch with Built-in Woofer, Voice Enhance & Night Mode, Surround Sound Expansion
2.0 Channel with Built-in Woofer
Voice Enhance
Night Mode
Surround Expansion
+ The Good
- Great value for the price
- Full balanced sound with good bass
- Easy setup
- Voice Enhance for clear dialogue
- Wall mountable design
- The Bad
- Subwoofer connection sometimes unreliable
- Separate remote for non-Samsung TVs
- Optical sound cutout issues
- Update via flash drive only
The Samsung HW-B400F is proof that you do not need to spend a lot to get a meaningful audio upgrade. This 2.0 soundbar has a built-in woofer, so there is no separate subwoofer to position. Everything is in one slim bar that sits under your TV.
I tested this with an LG 43-inch TV and it worked fine through HDMI ARC. You lose Samsung’s One Remote feature with an LG TV, but the included remote handles everything you need. The Voice Enhance mode is surprisingly effective at clarifying dialogue for a budget bar.
The built-in woofer produces more bass than I expected from an all-in-one bar. It will not rattle your windows, but it adds warmth and depth to movies and music. The Night Mode compresses dynamic range, which is great for late-night watching when you do not want explosions waking up the house.
With nearly 1,700 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this is one of the highest-rated budget soundbars on Amazon. The Surround Sound Expansion feature creates a wider soundstage than the physical bar would suggest.
LG TV Compatibility Notes
The HW-B400F connects to LG TVs via HDMI ARC or optical. HDMI ARC gives you TV remote volume control. Optical works but requires the included Samsung remote for volume adjustments. No WOW Orchestra support, but the sound quality stands on its own.
Some users report occasional sound cutouts with the optical connection. If that happens, switch to HDMI ARC, which is more stable.
Who Is This Soundbar For?
This is the pick for anyone on a tight budget who wants better TV audio without the complexity of separate components. It is ideal for bedrooms, small apartments, or secondary viewing areas where a full surround system would be overkill.
The wall-mountable design is a bonus if your TV is wall-mounted and you want a clean, cable-free look.
9. ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 – Budget 5.1 Dolby Atmos System
ULTIMEA 5.1CH Surround Sound Bar with Subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, VoiceMX, BassMX, APP, 300W Soundbar for Smart TV, Home Theater Surround Sound System for TV, Bluetooth 5.4, Poseidon M60 (2026 Model)
5.1 Channel Dolby Atmos
300W Power
Wired Wooden Subwoofer
Bluetooth 5.4
+ The Good
- Excellent value for 5.1 Dolby Atmos
- Powerful 300W output
- Deep bass from wooden subwoofer
- Clear dialogue with VoiceMX
- App with 10-band EQ
- The Bad
- Subwoofer is wired not wireless
- Optical port issues on some units
- Bluetooth can be inconsistent
- Bass may not satisfy enthusiasts
The ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 is the most feature-packed soundbar on this list for under $100. You get 5.1 channels, Dolby Atmos decoding, a 300-watt amplifier, a wired wooden subwoofer, and an app with a 10-band equalizer. No other soundbar at this price comes close on specs.
I connected this to an LG UT8000 TV via HDMI eARC and had Dolby Atmos content playing within minutes. The app setup was quick and the 121 sound presets let you fine-tune the audio for movies, music, gaming, or news. The 13 adjustable surround levels are impressive at any price, let alone this one.
The wired wooden subwoofer is the trade-off for the low price. It produces deep, warm bass thanks to the wooden enclosure and 18mm high-excursion driver. The wire is about 15 feet long, so you need to position the sub within cable range of the soundbar. If wall-mounting your TV, plan your cable routing.
The VoiceMX technology handles dialogue well. It boosts vocal frequencies without making them harsh, which is the sign of good dialogue processing. The BassMX feature adds low-end punch for action movies.
Realistic Expectations at This Price
The Poseidon M60 delivers incredible value, but it is not perfect. Some units have optical port issues, and Bluetooth can be inconsistent. The subwoofer is wired, which limits placement flexibility. Bass performance is good but will not satisfy someone who wants window-rattling low frequencies.
For the price, these are acceptable trade-offs. With nearly 2,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average, most buyers are very happy with their purchase.
How It Works with LG TVs
Connect via HDMI eARC for Dolby Atmos and lossless audio. The soundbar handles Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus signals from LG TVs without issues. There is no WOW Orchestra support since this is not an LG product, but the 5.1 surround sound more than makes up for it.
The Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity means you can also stream music from your phone when the TV is off. The range and stability are solid for casual listening.
10. LG S20A – Entry-Level 2.0 Soundbar
LG S20A 2.0 ch. Soundbar, Dolby Digital, TV Synergy, Wow Interface, DTS Digital Surround
2.0 Channel Dolby Digital
WOW Orchestra
AI Sound Pro
Compact 25.6 inch Size
+ The Good
- Compact size with good bass
- Easy setup with LG TV
- One remote for TV and soundbar
- Clear vocals via AI Sound Pro
- Affordable LG option
- The Bad
- No optical connectivity port
- Not compatible with older LG TVs without ARC
- No built-in voice assistant
- Limited power for large rooms
The LG S20A is the most affordable LG soundbar in this roundup and the simplest way to get WOW Orchestra on a budget. This 2.0 channel bar uses a passive radiator to produce more bass than its slim profile would suggest. No subwoofer, no rear speakers, just one clean bar under your TV.
I tested this with a 43-inch LG UT7570 and the setup was seamless. One HDMI ARC cable connected everything, and the WOW Interface let me use the TV remote for volume. WOW Orchestra synced the TV speakers with the soundbar for a fuller sound than the bar produces alone.
The AI Sound Pro feature continuously adjusts the EQ based on content type. It detects whether you are watching dialogue, music, or action and optimizes accordingly. It works most of the time, though occasionally it misidentifies content.
The compact 25.6-inch width fits under TVs as small as 32 inches. This makes it a good option for bedrooms, kitchens, or dorm rooms where space is limited. The crest design with metal grill looks more premium than the price suggests.
Important Compatibility Notes
The S20A does not have an optical input, so HDMI ARC is your only wired option. If your LG TV does not have HDMI ARC (older models), this soundbar will not work with a wired connection. Bluetooth is available as a wireless fallback.
There is no built-in voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant. The LG ThinQ app gives you basic EQ control and preset switching.
When to Choose the S20A
This is the right pick if you have a compatible LG TV (2022 or newer with HDMI ARC), a smaller room, and a tight budget. The WOW Orchestra feature gives you that LG-to-LG synergy without paying for channels and speakers you may not need.
For larger rooms or more immersive movie watching, step up to the S40T or S40TR for the subwoofer and surround channels.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soundbar for LG TV
Choosing the right soundbar for your LG TV comes down to understanding a few key concepts. Let me break down the technical details so you can make an informed decision without needing an audio engineering degree.
Channel Configuration Explained: What Do the Numbers Mean?
The numbers in soundbar configurations (2.0, 3.1.1, 5.1, 7.1.3, 9.1.5) tell you exactly what speakers are included. The first number is the main channels, the second is the subwoofer, and the third is up-firing channels.
A 2.0 system has two front speakers and no subwoofer. A 2.1 system adds a subwoofer. A 3.1.1 system adds a center channel for dialogue and one up-firing channel for Atmos effects. A 5.1 system gives you front left, front right, center, two rear channels, and a subwoofer.
The 7.1.3 and 9.1.5 configurations add more up-firing channels and sometimes side-firing channels. More channels mean a more immersive soundfield, but they also require more physical speakers and a larger room to work properly.
For most LG TV owners, a 2.1 or 3.1.1 system is the sweet spot for everyday viewing. Step up to 5.1 or higher if you have a dedicated viewing room and watch a lot of Atmos content.
WOW Orchestra and WOWCAST: LG’s Secret Weapons
WOW Orchestra is LG’s proprietary technology that activates both your LG TV’s built-in speakers and the LG soundbar at the same time. Instead of the TV speakers turning off when you connect a soundbar, they work together to create a wider, more detailed soundstage.
This feature only works with LG soundbars paired with compatible LG TVs (generally 2022 models and newer). Not every LG soundbar supports it, so check before buying. In this roundup, the S95TR, S90TR, S70TY, S40TR, S40T, and S20A all support WOW Orchestra.
WOWCAST is a separate but related technology that enables wireless Dolby Atmos. Instead of running an HDMI cable from your TV to the soundbar, WOWCAST transmits the Atmos signal wirelessly. This is only available on the S95TR and S90TR in this lineup.
Connectivity: HDMI eARC vs Optical vs Bluetooth
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is the best connection method for modern LG TVs. It supports uncompressed Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and high-resolution audio. It also enables single-remote control and automatic device switching. All current LG TVs from 2020 onward have HDMI eARC ports.
Optical (TOSLINK) is the older digital connection. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS but not Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Use optical only if your TV lacks HDMI ARC or you have an older soundbar without HDMI.
Bluetooth is convenient for streaming music from your phone, but it compresses audio and introduces latency. It should not be your primary TV connection method. Use it for casual music listening when the TV is off.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X: Do You Need Them?
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are object-based audio formats that create three-dimensional soundscapes. Instead of channel-based mixing, audio objects are placed in a 3D space and the soundbar figures out how to reproduce them with its available speakers.
Most streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime) now support Dolby Atmos for major releases. If you watch a lot of premium streaming content, you want a soundbar that can decode Atmos. The S95TR, S90TR, S70TY, Sonos Beam Gen 2, and ULTIMEA M60 all support Dolby Atmos.
DTS:X is less common in streaming but appears on many Blu-ray discs. Having both formats supported gives you maximum flexibility for your media library.
Matching Soundbar Size to Your LG TV
A soundbar should be roughly the same width as your TV, or slightly narrower. A soundbar that is wider than your TV looks awkward and may block the screen if wall-mounted.
For 43-inch to 50-inch TVs, look for soundbars around 25 to 30 inches wide. The S20A (25.6 inches), S40T (28.4 inches), Bose TV Speaker (27 inches), Samsung HW-B400F (25.2 inches), and ULTIMEA M60 (31.5 inches) work well.
For 55-inch and 65-inch TVs, soundbars in the 35 to 40 inch range are ideal. The S70TY at 37.4 inches is a great match.
For 65-inch and larger TVs, especially OLED evo and premium QNED models, look for soundbars at 45-plus inches. The S95TR and S90TR at 49.2 inches are designed for these larger panels.
Gaming Performance: VRR, ALLM, and 120Hz Passthrough
If you game on your LG TV with a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC, you want a soundbar that supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features prevent audio lag and screen tearing during fast-paced gaming.
The S95TR, S90TR, and S70TY all support 4K 120Hz passthrough with VRR and ALLM. This means you can route your gaming console through the soundbar to your TV without losing any gaming performance.
Soundbars without HDMI pass-through (like the Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Bose TV Speaker) still work for gaming, but you connect the console directly to the TV and the sound receives the audio via eARC. This works fine for most gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soundbars for LG TVs
Should I get an LG soundbar for an LG TV?
Getting an LG soundbar for an LG TV gives you access to WOW Orchestra, which syncs the TV speakers with the soundbar for a wider soundstage. LG soundbars also offer seamless remote control integration and matching aesthetics. However, third-party soundbars from Sonos, Bose, and Samsung work perfectly fine with LG TVs via HDMI eARC if you prioritize sound quality over LG-specific features.
How do I choose the best soundbar for my LG TV?
Choose a soundbar based on your room size, content habits, and budget. For dialogue and casual TV, a 2.1 system like the LG S40T is sufficient. For movies, look for 3.1.1 or higher with Dolby Atmos. For full home theater immersion, a 7.1.3 or 9.1.5 system with rear speakers delivers the best experience. Match the soundbar width to your TV size and connect via HDMI eARC for optimal audio quality.
How do I make my LG TV sound better?
The fastest way to improve LG TV sound is adding a dedicated soundbar. LG TVs have ultra-thin panels that limit speaker quality. A soundbar with a subwoofer adds bass depth, dedicated center channels improve dialogue clarity, and Dolby Atmos support creates immersive surround sound. Even a budget 2.1 soundbar provides a dramatic upgrade over built-in TV speakers.
Can I connect any soundbar to my LG TV?
Yes, you can connect any soundbar to an LG TV. The best connection method is HDMI eARC, which supports Dolby Atmos and single-remote control. Optical cable works as a fallback for older soundbars. Bluetooth is available on most LG TVs for wireless soundbar connections, though it introduces audio compression and latency compared to wired options.
What is WOW Orchestra and do I need it?
WOW Orchestra is LG’s proprietary technology that plays audio through both the LG TV speakers and the LG soundbar simultaneously, creating a wider and more detailed soundstage. It only works with LG soundbars paired with compatible LG TVs from 2022 or newer. You do not need it for great sound, but it enhances the experience if you have the right equipment. Notable LG soundbars supporting it include the S95TR, S90TR, S70TY, S40TR, S40T, and S20A.
Which soundbar works best with LG OLED TVs?
The LG S95TR is the best soundbar for LG OLED evo TVs, offering 9.1.5 channel Dolby Atmos, WOW Orchestra integration, and triple up-firing channels. For OLED owners on a budget, the LG S70TY provides excellent value with its 3.1.1 configuration designed for QNED and OLED matching. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is also a strong choice if you value sound quality and expandability over LG-specific features.
Final Thoughts on the Best Soundbars for LG TV
After testing all 10 of these soundbars with various LG TV models, a few clear winners emerged. The LG S95TR is the best overall pick for LG OLED evo owners who want maximum immersion with 9.1.5 channels, wireless rear speakers, and WOW Orchestra integration. The LG S40TR takes the value crown with full 4.1 surround sound at a fraction of the premium price.
For budget-conscious buyers, the ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 delivers 5.1 Dolby Atmos with a subwoofer for under $100, which is remarkable value. And if dialogue clarity is your top priority, the Bose TV Speaker is hard to beat.
Whatever you choose, any of these soundbars will be a massive upgrade over your LG TV’s built-in speakers. Connect via HDMI eARC, enable WOW Orchestra if your soundbar supports it, and enjoy audio that finally matches the stunning picture quality of your LG TV.
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