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How to choose a soundbar for your TV: Complete buying guide
Soundbars are made to enhance the audio quality of your TV and to deliver immersive sound without the need of a bulky stereo setup. Before we dive deep into the topic, here’s some quick information about soundbars:
- TV soundbars come with a wide range of channel configurations, connectivity options and sound-enhancing features.
- For quality audio, it is ideal to have at the very least, a 3-channel soundbar.
- Soundbars come with various types of connections including wireless, USB, HDMI and Optical Port.
- You can choose the best soundbar for LG TVs depending on room types – small rooms, home cinemas and design-centric spaces.
- Consider a TV soundbar with AI capabilities for personalised listening.
A great soundbar is more than an accessory. Crisp, all-encompassing audio can make a thrilling movie scene more dramatic, and every bit tenser. Hi-Fi engineering can make your favourite piece of music sound like the very first time you heard it.
To find the best option for your next audio upgrade, consider how you will be using it. Our guide hand-picks the best soundbars for LG TVs based on the ambiance, setup, all-around sound and budget you're looking for. Keep reading to find the perfect match for your space AND your LG TV.
Choosing the best soundbar for your LG TV
Before you start comparing the best soundbars for LG TVs, consider your priorities. Your aesthetic, lifestyle, favourite media and preferred price point can impact the features you look for.
The typical soundbar setup includes a long speaker that sits under the TV, and a subwoofer that sits on the floor. This combination allows you to fine tune your TV's bass and treble for enhanced, surround-sound audio quality. To go a step further, the best soundbars for LG TVs also include AI calibration to automatically adjust to every beat.1
In order to determine how much power and customisation you need, let's dive into the details.
What to Look for in a Soundbar
Number of Channels: What are soundbar channels?
The main component of the soundbar is filled with individual sound sources, or speakers. The amount of speakers the soundbar contains represents how many channels it has. Here are some of the most popular soundbar channels:
2-channel
A 2-channel TV soundbar has one speaker on the left side, and one on the right side. This type of soundbar is ideal for compact, soft-walled rooms.
3-channel
Soundbars with three channels have a sound source on either end, and one in the middle. One of the benefits of 3-channel soundbars is the even sound distribution.
5-channel
A 5-channel soundbar has all of the speakers in the option above, as well as two backward-facing sound sources. These are the most common TV soundbars for home theatre systems.
7-channel
A popular alternative to traditional surround-sound setups, these TV soundbars add another layer to 5-channel systems by including two additional rear sound sources.
9-channel
If you want to feel like you’re swimming in powerful audio, 9-channel soundbars deliver 360-degree sound coverage.
Dolby Atmos soundbar
For the best sound quality for large, high-ceiling spaces, Dolby Atmos TV soundbars lead the market. These include an upward-firing speaker located in the soundbar that reflects sound above you for a 3-dimensional audio experience.
Soundbar Design
Design is an important factor to look at when choosing a soundbar. To achieve an ideal visual and audio experience, consider compatibility with your TV size, soundbar installation types and soundbar colour.
Soundbar Size
For a balanced look and the best sound, a soundbar should ideally be the same length of your TV or a little shorter than it. Take a look at the recommended soundbar sizes based on your TV’s size:
TV Size Recommended Soundbar Size
32 inch 62~70 cm
43 inch 82~92 cm
50 inch 95~106 cm
55 inch 105~117 cm
65 inch and above 123~148 cm
Installation Type
Consider how you are going to install your soundbar. Are you going to wall-mount it or place it on a stand?
Wall Mount
If your TV is wall mounted, it is recommended that you wall mount your soundbar as well. Install it in the centre right under your TV for optimised sound.
Stand
If you have your TV on a stand or a TV console, the best place to keep your soundbar is in front of your TV, in the middle of your TV console. To get the best soundbar size, make sure you measure the length of your TV as well as that of your console or cabinet. The soundbar should ideally be smaller in height and width than the console.
Soundbar Colour
For a seamless and sleek aesthetic, consider selecting a soundbar that matches your TV colour.
How to Connect a Soundbar to a TV
If you want to find the best TV soundbar for your current setup, you need the right connections.
Wireless
For seamless connectivity that allows you to take your soundbar from room to room, check for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities. A wireless connection is also ideal for streaming from your phone or mobile device.
HDMI ARC
Most newer TVs feature an HDMI port, which is the easiest way to connect multi-channel soundbars. You simply connect this one cable from your soundbar to the audio return channel (ARC) input in your TV.
Optical Port
If your soundbar has fewer than five channels, optical ports provide a stable, reliable connection between your TV and soundbar.
USB
Sometimes you might want to use your soundbar as a standalone speaker. In these cases, look for USB inputs to easily play music or podcasts from a removable thumb drive.
Once you understand the types of soundbars that are available, you can find the right choice for you. Check out our favourites to get started.
The Best LG Soundbar & TV Pairing
Best LG Soundbar for LG OLED evo G4 4K Smart TV 2024: LG USG10TY Soundbar
The LG USG10TY Soundbar is meticulously designed to complement the LG OLED evo G Series TV, bring an unparalleled, multidimensional audio experience with its Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X™ capabilities. Featuring the same zero-gap design that allows it to flush against the wall, just like the G4 TV, it seamlessly integrates into your entertainment setup. Supporting various audio formats, including High-Resolution Audio up to 24bit/96kHz, it ensures seamless integration with your entertainment setup through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI ARC/eARC, and Optical Input connectivity.
The soundbar's advanced features include customisable EQ settings, night mode, and 4K and Dolby Vision Passthrough. It also features a wireless active subwoofer, delivering a powerful 420W total output ideal for TVs 65 inches and above. With its sleek design, easy setup, and compatibility with leading smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2, the LG USG10TY Soundbar enhances the cinematic experience of the LG OLED evo G Series TV.
Best LG Soundbar for LG OLED evo C4 4K Smart TV 2024: LG USC9S Soundbar
The LG USC9S Soundbar is a great match for LG OLED C Series TVs. It offers easy attachment with a special bracket for seamless integration, whether your TV is wall-mounted or on a stand. This setup ensures optimal synchronisation of sound and picture, enhancing your gaming and movie-watching experiences while adding a sleek touch to your room decor.
With wireless connectivity, the soundbar eliminates messy cables while delivering clear and lifelike audio through Dolby Atmos and other advanced sound technologies. Whether you're gaming, watching movies, or streaming music, it elevates your audio experience to new heights.
What sets the LG USC9S Soundbar apart is its Triple Up-firing Channels, providing an immersive sound experience akin to a movie theatre. It also features room-filling sound adjustment and supports high-quality 4K video pass-through.
Best LG Soundbar for LG QNED MiniLED QNED90 4K Smart TV: LG S70TY Soundbar
The matching S70TY soundbar is easily installed and perfectly complements your QNED TV. With its compact design, this soundbar enhances audio for any LG TV but is exceptionally compatible with the QNED series, whether stand-mounted or wall-mounted. The LG QNED Synergy Bracket, an easy-to-install soundbar shelf, attaches directly to the TV rather than the wall.
This stylish soundbar features a sleek new crest design and delivers powerful 3-channel, 400W Dolby Atmos® audio. Enjoy synchronised audio from both your LG TV and soundbar, and conveniently control both devices with a single remote. Experience immersive 3D spatial sound that makes you feel like you're part of the action.
Soundbars: Frequently Asked Questions
How will a soundbar improve my TV's sound?
Soundbars are designed to deliver superior sound quality compared to most built-in TV speakers. They typically feature larger drivers and more powerful amplifiers, resulting in richer, clearer, and more immersive audio.
What are the different types of soundbars?
There are two main types of soundbars: basic soundbars and surround sound soundbars. Basic soundbars are a single unit that sits beneath your TV. Surround sound soundbars come with additional speakers that you place around the room for a more immersive listening experience.
How do I connect a soundbar to my TV?
There are two main types of soundbars: basic soundbars and surround sound soundbars. Basic soundbars are a single unit that sits beneath your TV. Surround sound soundbars come with additional speakers that you place around the room for a more immersive listening experience.
What features should I look for in a soundbar
When choosing a soundbar, consider the size of your room, your budget, and essential features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless streaming and smart home integration. Look for soundbars with Dolby Atmos support for immersive 3D surround sound and consider models with a built-in subwoofer or the option to add one for enhanced bass. These features will ensure you get the best audio experience for your home entertainment setup.
Will the soundbar be compatible with the TV?
There are two main types of soundbars: basic soundbars and surround sound soundbars. Basic soundbars are a single unit that sits beneath your TV, while surround sound soundbars include additional speakers placed around the room for a more immersive listening experience.
When should I change my soundbar?
If your current soundbar is used safely and working effectively, the only reason you may want to change your soundbar is if there is a newer, improved model available with better features.
Can you add subwoofers to a soundbar?
Soundbars generally come with a subwoofer; if they don’t, there usually is an option to add your own. Look at the specifications when buying a soundbar to make sure that this is a possibility.