Dolby Atmos soundbars from LG provide an immersive listening experience that makes movies, music and games come alive. By adding height and surround sound channels, Atmos goes beyond standard audio to make you feel like you‘re inside the action. LG pairs their latest TVs like the C2 and G2 OLEDs beautifully with their own Atmos-enabled soundbars.
After reviewing LG‘s full Dolby Atmos lineup, these 6 models stand out for performance, features and value:
Best Overall: LG S95QR – LG‘s flagship 9.1.5 channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundbar with detachable surround speakers and thunderous 810W output.
Best Dialog Clarity: LG S80QY – Impressive 3.1.3 channel Atmos performance in a compact, affordable soundbar ideal for clear voice and theater sound.
Best Value: LG SP9YA – Feature-packed 5.1.2 setup with 520W output, wireless subwoofer and extensive streaming options. Dolby Atmos on a budget.
Most Immersive: LG S80QR – Powerful 5.1.3 soundbar and wireless surround speaker kit for a true cinematic experience at home.
Sleek and Seamless: LG GX – Compact 3.1 Atmos soundbar and sub, designed to integrate beautifully with LG GX Gallery TVs.
Most Compact: LG Eclair QP5 – Surprisingly powerful 3.1.2 Atmos performance in an ultra-slim, 12-inch soundbar.
Below we‘ll compare the key features and performance of these impressive LG Atmos soundbars to help you decide which model best fits your room, components and budget.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos audio uses additional height and surround sound channels to create more immersive, three-dimensional sound that feels like it‘s coming at you from all directions. Standard surround sound systems have 5.1 or 7.1 layouts with front, side and rear speakers.
Atmos adds ceiling-firing drivers to recreate overhead audio like rainfall or aircraft flying by. Advanced object-based sound mixing also allows for precise placement of specific sounds anywhere in 3D space. This leads to a more enveloping experience that pulls you into the movie or game.
The effect works wonderfully with responsive, high quality speakers arranged both horizontally and vertically. While a proper ceiling speaker setup is ideal, soundbars employ special upward-firing drivers to reflect audio off the ceiling. This creates the illusion of overhead sound from a single front unit with fewer cables.
LG‘s 2022 Dolby Atmos soundbar lineup pairs perfectly with their latest OLED and QNED TVs. They build upon the company‘s audio heritage with Meridian tuning, AI room correction and cutting edge formats. Now let‘s look at the top models in detail.
Best Overall: LG S95QR
- 9.1.5 channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
- 810W total output
- Detachable wireless surround speakers included
- Upfiring and side-firing drivers
- IMAX Enhanced / Hi-Res Audio
LG‘s new flagship S95QR has an impressive speaker configuration rivaling many surround systems. The soundbar itself houses three front channels, two side-firing and two upfiring drivers for immersive object-based audio.
You also get a powerful wireless subwoofer and two rear surround speakers, each with upfiring and side-firing driver arrays. This creates an enveloping 9.1.5 channel experience perfect for movies.
With 810W of total system power, the S95QR has muscle to spare. thunderous bass, detailed mids and clear dialogue let you hear every element clearly even during loud action scenes.
The detachable surrounds connect wirelessly to the bar for flexible placement. Everything synchronizes automatically but creative positioning can enhance the immersion further.
For gaming, the S95QR ticks all the boxes with 4K/120Hz passthrough, VRR, ALLM and G-Sync compatibility. Audio formats like Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced will place you right in the game environment.
For streaming, the latest apps are supported via the webOS platform. LG‘s smart TV interface makes casting a breeze with Google Assistant and Alexa built-in. Wireless music streaming options like Airplay 2, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth round out the package.
With all the bells and whistles, cutting edge 3D sound and plenty of power, the S95QR is the clear choice for spectacular Dolby Atmos. If you want LG‘s best Atmos performance to pair with their latest TVs, this should be your top contender.
Best for Dialog Clarity: LG S80QY
- 3.1.3 channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
- Upfiring center channel
- 320W total output
- Meridian tuning & AI room correction
- Hi-Res Audio support
While LG‘s S95QR flagship pumps out more bass and surround immersion, the S80QY delivers remarkably clear dialogue reproduction. This makes it an excellent choice for TV shows, movies, sports and more.
The dedicated center channel is key here – with both upward and front-firing speaker arrays, voices and announcements come through with pristine intelligibility. Even complex mixes with loud action scenes remain articulate.
With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X onboard, the S80QY decodes today‘s cutting edge surround formats to deliver more space and realism. Sound effects pan smoothly around while retaining vocal clarity as the focus.
Bass is handled capably by a compact wireless subwoofer. The overall power output of 320W drives the 3.1.3 system to room-filling volumes with headroom to spare.
Setting up is easy with HDMI eARC and optical connectivity. Wireless streaming options like AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in along with Alexa and Google Assistant support offer plenty of music and podcast options.
The S80QY‘s affordable price paired with Dolby Atmos makes it tempting indeed. Dialogue clarity punches above its weight while music and effects still impress. For the price, it‘s hard to beat.
Best Value: LG SP9YA
- 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos
- 520W total output
- Wireless subwoofer included
- Hi-Res Audio with 4K/HDR passthrough
- Extensive audio format support
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Airplay 2
The SP9YA offers a lot of bang for your buck. With nine drivers split between the soundbar and wireless sub, it creates an expansive hemispheric soundfield. The upfiring drivers bounce audio off your ceiling to add height and immersion.
This 5.1.2 layout brings Dolby Atmos to life, with sound effects coming at you from all directions. Even without satellite surround speakers, the SP9YA fills the room with plenty of power and clarity.
LG‘s smart platform features Chromecast built-in for easy media casting while Apple users can stream over Airplay 2. Hi-Res Audio support allows playback of high resolution music files over WiFi.
For movies, Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X decoding is supported over HDMI eARC along with 4K video passthrough. This allows lossless audio from Blu-Rays and streaming platforms to play without delay or sync issues.
Gamers will appreciate automatic low latency mode and variable refresh rate support for lag-free, tear-free gameplay. With so many features at this price point, the SP9YA is extremely versatile Dolby Atmos soundbar that punches above its class.
Most Immersive: LG S80QR
- 5.1.3 channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
- Wireless surround speaker kit included
- 620W total output
- Center upfiring driver
- Works with Alexa / Google Assistant
- 4K/HDR passthrough w/ eARC
For the ultimate Atmos experience at home, LG‘s S80QR pulls out all the stops. The wide, rectangular soundbar houses left, right and center channel drivers all powered by a built-in 620W amp. Wireless connectivity and auto-calibration make setup simple.
What sets the S80QR apart is the included surround speaker kit. These detachable units can be placed behind your seating to add true surround sound. Each module contains integrated upfiring and side-firing driver arrays for Atmos immersion.
With the rear speakers activated, the system becomes a 5.1.3 layout with height, side and rear sound. This allows Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to deliver audio with unparalleled spacial realism. The effect of rainfall or aircraft zooming overhead is uncanny.
The total wattage varies depending on whether surrounds are connected wirelessly or via analog input. But there‘s plenty of power to let Action scenes, sports and music shine.
If you want an expansive Dolby Atmos experience similar to a receiver setup but with simpler cabling, the S80QR is a fantastic choice. The addition of real surround speakers takes immersion to another level.
Sleek & Seamless: LG GX
- Built specifically for LG GX Gallery OLED TVs
- Flush wall mount design
- 3.1 channel Dolby Atmos
- 420W total output
- Includes wireless subwoofer
While most soundbars are designed to sit in front of your TV, the slim LG GX integrates beautifully with LG‘s gallery-style screens. Mounted completely flush to the wall, the GX matches seamlessly in size, color and finish.
Designed specifically for 65, 55 and 48-inch GX OLED models, this soundbar attaches securely to the mount bracket for a clean, unified appearance. The slim rectangular profile with fabric finish looks like a work of art below the TV.
With 3.1 channels powered by a 420W amplifier, the GX produces room-filling Dolby Atmos sound with punchy bass thanks to its wireless sub. The focus here is on simplicity rather than surround sound.
Setup is straightforward with HDMI eARC and optical digital inputs for one-cable TV connection. Bluetooth handles wireless music streaming nicely to fill your whole gallery space.
For those pairing the GX soundbar with one of LG‘s gallery TVs, you‘ll be rewarded with incredible contrast and sound in perfect harmony. It‘s the pinnacle of living room aesthetics.
Most Compact: LG Eclair QP5
- Ultra slim 12-inch 3.1.2 soundbar
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X decoding
- 320 watts total output
- Upfiring drivers for height cues
- 4K/HDR video passthrough
- Sound Expand mode
The QP5 shatters expectations of what such a compact soundbar can achieve. Measuring less than 12 inches wide, its clean aesthetic fits anywhere from desktop to mantle. The slim rectangular profile shows LG can innovate on the design front.
But inside this sleek exterior lies serious sonic power – 320 watts drive three channels and dual subwoofers. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersion is onboard, adding height and space well beyond the physical dimensions.
LG includes Sound Expand mode which creates an expansive, room-filling effect that belies the QP5‘s size. Voices and music project powerfully – this tiny titan punches above its weight.
With HDMI connectivity, 4K/HDR passthrough ensures seamless video sync while optical or Bluetooth handle audio duties. Setup is quick with minimal cabling for an amazingly clean look.
The Eclair QP5 breaks new ground in miniaturization without compromising features or performance. If you need big sound from a tiny soundbar, put this powerhouse high on your list.
Key Features To Compare
With so many impressive Dolby Atmos soundbars to choose from, it helps to compare the key specs and features:
Channels – The first number like 3.1.2 denotes quantity of regular and height channels. More channels and speakers allow for better immersion.
Total Power – Measured in watts, this determines maximum loudness potential. 400W+ is ideal for room-filling sound.
Wireless Subwoofer – Critical for bass and dynamics, a wireless sub is easier to place out of sight.
Smart Assistants – Handy for voice control and inquiries without a remote. Alexa & Google Assistant are most common.
4K/HDR passthrough – Allows lag-free video sync from media devices connected to the soundbar‘s HDMI input. Important for gamers.
Hi-Res Audio – Supports lossless, uncompressed music playback for audiophiles wanting to stream hi-fi content.
Tips for Placement
To get the most immersion from Dolby Atmos soundbars, placement is key. Some models include wireless surround speakers or subwoofers which allow more flexibility.
Reduce objects above – Don‘t place the soundbar directly under a shelf or mantel to allow height cues to bounce freely. Allow at least 8 inches of clearance.
Place surrounds wisely – Models with wireless rears create more precise effects if placed accurately left and right behind seating. Experiment and see what sounds best.
Face subs out – Point subwoofers toward open areas rather than corners or fabric surfaces to reduce unwanted resonance.
Connect digitally – Use HDMI eARC or optical cable if possible for advanced Atmos support rather than analogue input. Wireless can add interference.
Fine tune sound settings – Most bars include several audio profiles and custom EQ to dial in sound. Test content across movies, music and games to compare.
Experience Cinema Sound at Home
LG‘s Dolby Atmos soundbars fully unlock the potential of today‘s object-based surround formats. Models across the price spectrum give a taste of realistic immersion once reserved for commercial theaters.
For serious home cinephiles wanting heart-pounding realism, the wireless S95QR flagship paired with LG‘s latest OLED TVs makes spectacular combination. More budget-friendly options like the SP9YA and S80QY still impress.
With integrated voice assistants, wireless streaming technology and extensive HDR format support, these cutting edge soundbars future proof your system. While LG TVs match perfectly, their Dolby Atmos models add immersion to any screen.
