Best Soundbar for LG G5 TV
Your LG G5 TV is an absolute masterpiece, boasting a stunning OLED display, incredible processing power, and cutting-edge gaming features like 4K/165Hz VRR. But let’s be honest, even the best TVs often come with built-in speakers that can feel a bit “dull” compared to the visual spectacle. To truly unlock an immersive home theater experience, a dedicated soundbar is essential. We’ve meticulously tested and researched the latest sound solutions to ensure your audio matches your G5’s breathtaking visuals. Our top pick, the LG S95TR, offers unparalleled synergy, but we’ve got fantastic options for every budget and preference.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Soundbar for LG G5 TV: Detailed Reviews
LG S95TR View on Amazon
When it comes to pairing with your LG G5 OLED, the LG S95TR is, in my opinion, an almost unbeatable choice. This isn’t just a soundbar; it’s a full home theater system, delivering a truly expansive 9.1.5 channel experience. What truly sets it apart is its seamless integration with your G5 via LG’s WOW Orchestra and WOWCAST technologies. WOW Orchestra allows the TV’s powerful internal speakers to work in harmony with the soundbar, creating a larger, more detailed soundstage. With dedicated up-firing and side-firing drivers, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content truly comes alive, making explosions rumble and dialogue pin-sharp, thanks to its unique up-firing center channel. For those who want a cable-free aesthetic, WOWCAST offers wireless connectivity to your compatible LG TV. While it delivers an exceptional audio experience, it is a larger setup, so ensure you have the space for the main bar, wireless subwoofer, and rear speakers.
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Sonos Beam (Gen 2) View on Amazon
For those seeking a fantastic audio upgrade for their LG G5 without the footprint or price tag of a full-blown system, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is an outstanding value. Itβs incredibly compact, yet it punches far above its weight in terms of sound quality. The Beam (Gen 2) supports virtual Dolby Atmos, creating a surprisingly convincing sense of height and immersion that greatly enhances movie watching. Connectivity is simple via your G5’s HDMI eARC port, allowing for easy control with your TV remote. Beyond its cinematic prowess, the Beam excels as a music speaker, integrating seamlessly into the Sonos multi-room ecosystem. While it doesn’t come with a separate subwoofer, its bass response is remarkably full for its size, but true bass enthusiasts might eventually consider adding a Sonos Sub. Its elegant design and smart features make it a superb, well-rounded choice.
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Denon DHT-S316 View on Amazon
For those looking to significantly boost their LG G5’s audio without breaking the bank, the Denon DHT-S316 is a fantastic budget pick that genuinely delivers. What I appreciate most about this system is that it includes a wireless subwoofer right out of the box, offering a much-needed depth and rumble that your TV’s internal speakers simply can’t reproduce. Dialogue clarity is a strong suit here, making TV shows and movies much easier to follow without constantly adjusting the volume. Connection to your LG G5 is straightforward, typically via HDMI ARC or optical, ensuring compatibility. While it won’t give you the full overhead effects of Dolby Atmos, it creates a much more engaging and dynamic soundstage than your TV alone. It’s a 2.1 channel system, so don’t expect expansive surround sound, but for an affordable step up in everyday viewing and casual movie nights, it’s a solid performer.
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Samsung HW-Q990D View on Amazon
For those who demand nothing but the absolute best in home cinema audio to match their LG G5’s stellar visuals, the Samsung HW-Q990D stands as a formidable premium choice. This beast of a soundbar system delivers an astounding 11.1.4 channels of immersive audio, complete with discrete rear speakers and a powerful wireless subwoofer. It truly shines with its support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating a 3D soundscape that puts you right in the heart of the action. What’s more, for the serious gamers among you, the Q990D uniquely offers 4K/120Hz passthrough via its HDMI inputs, which means you can connect your gaming consoles directly to the soundbar without sacrificing your G5’s high refresh rate capabilities or precious HDMI 2.1 ports. While it lacks LG’s WOW Orchestra, its sheer audio prowess and connectivity options make it an incredibly compelling, albeit pricier, alternative for top-tier sound.
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LG S90TR View on Amazon
The LG S90TR is another fantastic option that deserves serious consideration for your G5 TV, particularly if you want many of the S95TR’s premium features at a slightly more accessible price point. This 7.1.3 channel soundbar system, often accompanied by a wireless subwoofer, delivers a robust and dynamic audio experience with excellent Dolby Atmos support. Like its bigger sibling, it benefits from LG’s WOW Orchestra technology, allowing it to synchronize with your G5’s internal speakers for an expanded soundstage and truly integrated audio. It also features AI Room Calibration, which optimizes the sound output based on your room’s unique acoustics, ensuring consistent performance. While it doesn’t include dedicated rear speakers like the S95TR, the soundbar itself does an admirable job of creating a wide and engaging sound field. It’s a powerful and intelligent soundbar that perfectly complements the G5.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Soundbar
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG S95TR | Ultimate LG synergy & immersion | β β β β β | Check |
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Compact premium audio | β β β β β | Check |
| Denon DHT-S316 | Affordable sound upgrade | β β β β β | Check |
| Samsung HW-Q990D | Uncompromising cinema & gaming | β β β β β | Check |
| LG S90TR | Advanced LG features, great value | β β β β β | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the LG G5 TV need a soundbar?
While the LG G5 TV features a capable 4.2 channel 60W speaker system with Dolby Atmos, its built-in sound can feel somewhat “dull” compared to its incredible visual performance. To truly unlock an immersive cinematic or gaming experience and get the most out of your premium TV, a dedicated soundbar is highly recommended. It will provide superior clarity, deeper bass, and more expansive surround sound.
What connectivity options does the LG G5 TV offer for soundbars?
The LG G5 TV offers excellent connectivity for soundbars, primarily through its HDMI eARC (Audio Return Channel) port, usually labeled HDMI 2. This is the preferred method as it supports high-bandwidth, uncompressed audio formats like Dolby Atmos and allows for TV remote control of the soundbar volume. It also has an optical digital audio output (SPDIF) and Bluetooth support, which are alternative connection methods.
What is LG’s WOW Orchestra and why is it important for the G5 TV?
LG’s WOW Orchestra is a proprietary technology that allows compatible LG soundbars to work in conjunction with the LG G5 TV’s internal speakers. Instead of disabling the TV’s speakers, WOW Orchestra orchestrates them to enhance the soundbar’s output, creating a larger, more detailed, and more enveloping soundstage. This synergy maximizes the audio performance by integrating all available speakers, delivering a truly harmonious and powerful sound experience unique to LG’s ecosystem.
Can I use a non-LG soundbar with my LG G5 TV?
Absolutely! You can use almost any brand of soundbar with your LG G5 TV. The primary connection method will be through the TV’s HDMI eARC port, which is a universal standard. While you might miss out on LG-specific features like WOW Orchestra, many third-party soundbars offer exceptional audio quality and features, such as the Samsung HW-Q990D with its 4K/120Hz passthrough. Just ensure the soundbar supports HDMI eARC for the best experience.
Should I connect my gaming console to the LG G5 TV or the soundbar?
For your LG G5, which boasts 4K/165Hz VRR support on all four HDMI 2.1 ports, connecting your gaming console directly to the TV is generally recommended to take full advantage of its cutting-edge gaming features. The TV’s eARC port will then send the audio to your soundbar. However, some premium soundbars, like the Samsung HW-Q990D, offer 4K/120Hz passthrough via their own HDMI inputs, which can be useful if you’re running out of TV HDMI ports or want to utilize specific soundbar processing.
Final Verdict
Your LG G5 TV is a visual marvel, and it deserves an audio companion that can keep pace. For the absolute best and most integrated experience, the **LG S95TR** is my top recommendation, leveraging LG’s WOW Orchestra for unparalleled synergy. If you’re seeking exceptional sound quality and smart features in a more discreet form factor, the **Sonos Beam (Gen 2)** offers incredible value. For those on a tighter budget looking for a significant upgrade over TV speakers, the **Denon DHT-S316** with its wireless subwoofer is a smart choice. And if you demand the pinnacle of cinematic audio and gaming passthrough capabilities, the **Samsung HW-Q990D** is a powerhouse worth considering. Any of these choices will elevate your LG G5’s performance from spectacular to truly immersive.