Dolby Atmos technology has revolutionized home audio by transporting you inside the action with immersive, multidimensional sound that fills the room. LG harnesses this innovative surround sound capability in their lineup of premium soundbars, elevating the experience whether you‘re gaming or watching your favorite movies.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explain what exactly Dolby Atmos does, then dive into the 6 top-rated LG Dolby Atmos soundbars available in 2023 ranked by features, performance, and overall value. We‘ll compare audio quality, connectivity, size options and key benefits so you can determine which model best fits your needs and budget.
What is Dolby Atmos and Why Does it Matter?
Dolby Atmos goes beyond traditional surround sound by adding a height dimension. While a basic 5.1 audio system has left, center, right, rear left/right and a subwoofer channel, Dolby Atmos adds top front and rear height channels.
This creates sound that emulates real-world acoustics with audio coming from all directions, even above you, for a fully immersive experience that feels like you‘re inside the action. Dolby Atmos achieves this through object-based sound mixing rather than tracks. This allows hundreds of individualized sounds and "audio objects" to be precisely placed and moved independently in 3D space.
The result is remarkably clear audio with detail and depth you can‘t achieve from basic surround sound. You‘ll hear sound effects and musical scores envelop you as the action unfolds on screen. Quieter background details that might have gotten lost in a traditional mix are now sharply pronounced. Dialogue is clearer and more anchored to the image. Ultimately this translates to a riveting, cinematic experience at home.
Now let‘s explore LG‘s top-of-the-line Dolby Atmos soundbars and how they make the most of this incredible technology.
Best Overall: LG S95QR Sound Bar
The flagship LG S95QR Sound Bar is the ultimate Dolby Atmos audio powerhouse from LG. It‘s a complete entertainment hub with performance, design and features that justify its premium price tag.
Unrivaled 9.1.5 Channel Dolby Atmos Sound
With a stout 9.1.5 audio configuration including 510W soundbar, 300W subwoofer and four surround speakers, the S95QR explodes with room-filling Dolby Atmos sound no other single unit can match. The ".1" denotes the wireless sub while ".5" represents the crucial height channels firing upward via top-mounted drivers to complete the 3D soundscape.
Dialogue cuts through loud and clear while effects pan seamlessly around you. LG‘s AI Room Calibration uses spatial awareness to tune the system perfectly for your room‘s size and acoustics. It analyzes sound reflections then tailors output across 19 independent channels so audio is optimized everywhere you sit.
Next-Gen Gaming Features
The S95QR doubles as a high-performance gaming soundbar with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and compatibility with leading formats like Dolby Vision gaming. Connect to your console via HDMI and scenes erupt with pinpoint effects placement and split-second responsiveness.
All-In-One Entertainment
Built-in Google Assistant and Alexa let you control smart devices hands-free while Apple AirPlay, Chromecast support, Bluetooth and WiSA wireless streaming offer boundless music and media options. LG‘s webOS platform even aggregates favorite apps and content into a quick-access dashboard.
For the ultimate cinematic experience at home, no single LG soundbar beats the S95QR‘s unmatched performance and complete feature set. It‘s like an elite home theater system packed into one gorgeous soundbar.
Best LG Soundbar for Dialog: LG S80QY
The well-rounded LG S80QY 3.1.3 Dolby Atmos Soundbar nails the most important element – crystal clear vocal reproduction. We rank it the best LG soundbar for TV shows and movies where understanding every line of dialogue is key.
Strategic Center Channel Drivers
Two front-facing drivers in the soundbar‘s center reproduce dialogue with pristine precision you‘ll appreciate anytime speech is heavy in a scene. This keeps voices locked to characters on-screen even when loud effects erupt around them.
Enhanced Speech Modes
LG‘s AI Sound Pro auto-adjusts audio settings to highlight voices. Switch to Night Mode for a volume-maximized dialogue boost so you won‘t miss a whisper. The S80QY makes understanding every word effortless.
Complete Dolby Atmos Package
Don‘t let its emphasis on clear voice reproduction fool you – with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X onboard, the S80QY still packs an immersive punch. The wireless subwoofer and side-firing drivers bathe you in a soundscape brimming with detail. Streaming music sounds expansive too thanks to Hi-Res Audio support.
Factor in the reasonable price, extensive connectivity, 4K/120fps passthrough for gaming, and the S80QY is simply one of LG’s most versatile Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars available.
Best Value: LG SP9YA Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
The LG SP9YA offers thunderous cinematic audio rivaling far pricier soundbars. It‘s the best mix of immersive Dolby Atmos performance and affordable cost we‘ve seen from LG.
Big 5.1.2 Channel Sound
A hefty 16-inch soundbar houses left, center and right drivers plus dual top-firing ones for the crucial Dolby Atmos height dimension. The wireless sub pounds with palpable bass while surround speakers project effects seamlessly around you – an expansive 5.1.2 configuration without costly rear speakers.
AI Room Calibration
LG‘s brilliant room correction tech tunes output specifically for your unique space by analyzing size, layout, even table placement for optimized sound quality wherever you sit.
Robust Connectivity
Everything‘s built-in – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Alexa control. There’s no need for messy cables either between soundbar and sub. Simply position each component anywhere free of wiring hassles.
If you want big, authentic Dolby Atmos sound for less cash, the SP9YA is a phenomenal option that outperforms its reasonable sticker price.
Best LG Soundbar for Surround Sound: LG S80QR with Rear Speakers
The brilliant LG S80QR 5.1.3 Dolby Atmos Soundbar takes a different approach – rather than virtual height cues, it adds genuine rear surround speakers for the most true-to-life object-based audio LG offers.
Genuine Rear Surround Sound
The S80QR ships with compact left/right rear speakers that carry effects behind you with pinpoint precision. Now immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X scenes envelop you in a bubble of sound no virtual processing can match. Overhead height cues still fire from several integrated drivers so you get the complete 3D experience.
Adaptive Center Channel Boost
Sophisticated processing constantly monitors and boosts center channel content like dialogue to maintain clarity as effects grow louder around you. This prevents vocals from getting drowned out in action scenes so you won’t miss pivotal lines.
Simple Setup
Wireless surround speakers automatically sync and calibrated for seamless room integration without effort. Simply position rears and connect the soundbar to enjoy an authentic Dolby Atmos hemisphere no LG rival delivers as affordably or easily. For the closest match to a full discrete surround system, the S80QR should be your top choice.
Best Soundbar for LG OLED TVs: LG GX Gallery Soundbar
The ultra-slim LG GX Gallery Soundbar brilliantly matches next-gen LG OLED TVs with its sleek aesthetic and wall-mount design flexibility. Beyond flawless looks, its meaty Dolby Atmos sound perfectly suits LG‘s lauded picture quality.
Tailor-Made for Latest LG OLEDs
At just over 2 inches deep and less than 3 inches tall, the GX soundbar mounts flush under LG G-Series, C-Series or Z-Series Gallery TVs for a seamlessly unified appearance. The darker Kvadrat cloth and polished metal finish blend beautifully.
Custom-Engineered by Meridian Audio
Like LG TVs, the GX leverages expertise from elite sound pioneer Meridian. Their innovative technology like Bass & Space matches output to content in real time so music, movies and voices sound natural. Refined tuning ensures warm, uniform sound.
Impressive Immersive Audio
Despite its slender frame hiding cleverly around your TV, the GX still outputs bold 420W Dolby Atmos via 3.1.2 channels guided by processing that fills rooms with striking fidelity. Even without rear or overhead projection, effects bloom aplenty for the clean visual pairing.
For those with recent premium LG OLED televisions desiring a sonic match, the GX Dolby Atmos Soundbar is purpose-built to complete their highlight reels beautifully.
Best Compact LG Soundbar: LG Eclair QP5
The LG Eclair QP5 offers a tiny 12-inch chassis packing everything needed for thrilling Dolby Atmos sound without hogging space.
Surprising Scale From Small Body
Tucked inside the trim frame are strategically positioned speakers plus two Dolby Atmos height drivers firing upward. Combined, these create an enveloping 320-watt 3.1.2 bubble expanding far larger than its contained housing suggests.
Thumping Integrated Subwoofer
Deep rumbles typically demand bulky external subs. Remarkably, the QP5 itself produces robust lows via a clever bass reflector port that dramatically bolsters its built-in sub performance. You still get kick without big enclosures cluttering your room.
Handy Connectivity
HDMI ARC and optical inputs keep cabling neat on modern TVs while Bluetooth streams wirelessly from phones and tablets. Everything required fits accessibly onto the back minus external blocky receivers.
The QP5 shatters notions of what compact soundbars can achieve. For at-home Dolby Atmos in tight quarters, this little LG overachiever belts out immersive audio belying its diminutive dimensions.
What To Know Before Buying an LG Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Room Size vs Soundbar Size – Consider the room you need to fill and how far seating distances will extend when selecting adequate power and size. Though compact LG models like the QP5 impress, larger spaces benefit from bigger soundbars with higher channel counts and wireless rears supplementing the experience.
Upfiring vs Side-Firing Drivers – Soundbars utilizing top-mounted upfiring drivers to bounce audio off ceilings more authentically recreate overhead Dolby Atmos effects. But side-firing builds offer wider dispersion effectiveness and don’t require reflective surfaces overhead.
Sound Tuning – Many premium LG soundbars offer auto room calibration via built-in mics that measure room factors and tailor EQ specifically for your unique space. This hugely boosts audio quality but isn’t available on cheaper models.
Added Connectivity – Determine what wireless ecosystem and voice assistants you prefer for handy features like Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 or Alexa. Added support lets you play music easily from phones but isn’t necessary for great Dolby Atmos performance alone.
Using LG‘s Soundbars: What‘s the Dolby Atmos Experience Like?
After spending just a few minutes setting up one of LG‘s Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars, you‘ll immediately understand the hype around this audio advancement. Dialogue sounds focused and authentic. Effects seamlessly track on-screen movement or fly swiftly overhead and around you. Every scene feels tangible and near thanks to the immersive bubble of sound projecting from all angles.
LG‘s room correction features work magic too. You‘ll notice the 3D effect grow more defined as their built-in mics analyze surrounding surfaces then intelligently optimize output specifically for your room‘s shape and materials.
No matter which model above fits your needs and budget, diving into LG‘s impressive Dolby Atmos soundbars portfolio is an evolution that movies, music and games will never sound the same without. Their acoustic architectures unlock the full potential what this object-based sound technology makes possible.
FAQ
What is the best overall LG Dolby Atmos soundbar?
The LG S95QR 9.1.5 Channel Sound Bar is LG‘s current flagship offering unmatched immersive Dolby Atmos performance.
Do all LG soundbars have Dolby Atmos?
While LG offers many soundbars without Dolby Atmos, all models listed in this guide feature the advanced audio tech. LG soundbars that specifically support object-based Dolby Atmos will be labeled as such.
Is a bigger LG soundbar always better?
In most cases, larger soundbars with greater channel counts, more discrete drivers and wireless rears provide an audio advantage. But innovative acoustic engineering enables some compact LG models like the QP5 to output bigger sound than their size suggests, so this isn‘t universally true.
Should I get a soundbar with wireless subwoofer?
Wireless subwoofers make setup simpler by skipping cumbersome cables between components. Performance is similar but wireless subs may present rare interference issues in congested wireless environments. Generally wireless capability provides more flexible sub placement without compromising quality.
How difficult is installing an LG soundbar?
All LG Dolby Atmos soundbars prove extremely easy to install. Simply connect to your TV‘s ARC HDMI input, pair any wireless surrounds or sub, then enjoy. Auto calibration mics fine tune everything so no manual EQ tweaking is required for excellent out-of-box audio.
