Best Speakers for LG OLED TV: the best Sound Setup Guide
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
So you've got a stunning LG OLED, but the sound's a bit pants, eh? Robert Jones, 20 years in the game, shares his top picks for soundbars and systems to match that gorgeous picture. Don't let thin sound ruin your movies, mate!
Right then, you've just splashed out on one of LG's cracking OLED tellies – a C3, a G4, maybe even an older CX or C1. Beautiful picture, isn't it? Proper deep blacks, colours that just pop off the screen. But then you press play on that new blockbuster, and… well, it sounds a bit thin, doesn't it? Like the actors are talking to you through a letterbox. That's the rub with these ultra-slim panels; all that lovely tech leaves precious little room for proper speaker drivers. It's a classic case of physics, really. You can't get deep, rich sound from tiny little speakers, especially when they're firing downwards or backwards. Your LG OLED is giving you half the experience, a visual feast with an aural famine. To truly get that cinema feel, you absolutely need to bring in some external sound. We're talking about matching that stunning 4K Dolby Vision picture with equally impressive audio. From a neat soundbar that tucks away nicely to a full-blown surround system that shakes the sofa, there are loads of options out there. I've had a good few of these in the workshop, pushing them hard with everything from Bond films to Glastonbury concerts, so I reckon I know what works and what doesn't. **Quick Verdict: Don't let thin sound ruin your LG OLED experience; invest in proper external speakers.** ### Who it's for: * Anyone with an LG OLED TV (C-series, G-series, etc.) who wants sound that matches the picture quality. * Movie buffs craving immersive Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks. * Gamers looking for precise, low-latency audio to enhance their experience. * Anyone tired of straining to hear dialogue. ### Who should skip it: * If you're genuinely happy with your TV's built-in sound (bless your cotton socks). * Those on a super tight budget who can't stretch beyond £150-£200 for a sound solution. * If you're about to upgrade your TV anyway and want to wait for the next generation of audio tech.  *Best Speakers for LG OLED TV: the best Sound Setup Guide — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Your LG OLED Needs Better Sound (And What To Look For) Honestly, it boils down to size and space. As TVs have gotten thinner – and let's face it, LG are pioneers in that department with their OLEDs – the space for decent speaker cones has vanished. Imagine trying to get a proper bass drum thump from a speaker no thicker than a biscuit. Not going to happen, is it? The sound on most modern tellies is an afterthought, a functional necessity rather than a design priority. What you're after is something that can handle dynamic range – the quiet whispers to the sudden explosions – with clarity and oomph. We also need to think about connectivity, especially for modern LG OLEDs. HDMI eARC is your best friend here, ensuring that high-resolution audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X can get from your TV (or whatever's plugged into it) to your sound system without a hitch. And dialogue clarity? Crucial. There's nothing worse than having to rewind because you missed a bit of plot due to mumbled dialogue. ## Top Speaker Choices for Your LG OLED I've rounded up a few cracking options here, from simple soundbars that make a massive difference to proper multi-speaker setups. I've lived with most of these, fiddling with settings and listening to a load of different content, so you're getting my honest take. ### 1. LG S95QR – The 'Made for Each Other' Option If you've got an LG TV, it makes sense to look at an LG soundbar, doesn't it? The S95QR is their flagship, and you can tell it's been designed with their OLEDs in mind. This is a big beast – a 9.1.5 channel system, which means it's got channels firing up, forwards, and even a dedicated centre up-firing driver. That last bit is key for dialogue. Instead of voices coming from below the screen, this one tries to lift them, making it sound like the actors are actually speaking from the picture itself. Clever stuff. The real trick up its sleeve for LG TV owners is something they call **WOW Orchestra**. Basically, it lets the soundbar use your TV's built-in speakers in conjunction with its own. Now, usually, I'd tell you to turn your TV speakers off when you connect an external system, but here, LG has actually made it work together. It creates a taller, more expansive soundstage. I was sceptical at first, but it does genuinely add something. You get wireless rear speakers and a chunky subwoofer included too, so it's a proper out-of-the-box surround setup. **Pros:** * Seriously smooth integration with your LG TV. Magic Remote controls everything. * That dedicated centre up-firing driver makes dialogue much clearer. * Includes wireless rears and a powerful subwoofer – a complete system. * WOW Orchestra actually works well with compatible LG TVs. **Cons:** * It's a long soundbar, so make sure your TV stand is wide enough. * Definitely not cheap. You're paying for that integration and channel count. * Can sound a bit too 'processed' for music sometimes; it's primarily a cinema beast. ### 2. Sonos Arc – The Premium Soundbar with Expandability The Sonos Arc has been a firm favourite for ages, and for good reason. It's sleek, it sounds absolutely superb, and it integrates brilliantly into the whole Sonos ecosystem. If you've got an LG C-series or G-series, the Arc just looks right sitting in front of it. Its curved design complements the TV's minimalist style perfectly. Underneath that elegant grille are 11 drivers, including dedicated ones for height channels, giving you a proper Dolby Atmos bubble. It's impressive how much sound they get out of a single bar. What I really like about Sonos is the flexibility. You can start with just the Arc, and it'll blow your TV's speakers out of the water. Then, when funds allow, you can slowly build it up. Add a Sonos Sub for earth-shattering bass – and trust me, the Sub makes a huge difference. Later, throw in a couple of Era 300s (or even older One SLs) for wireless rears, and you've got a proper, albeit wireless, 5.1.2 or even 7.1.4 setup depending on your rears. Trueplay tuning, done via an iPhone, helps optimise the sound for your specific room, which is a neat touch. **Pros:** * Stunning soundstage, both wide and tall, for a soundbar. * Effortless setup via HDMI eARC. It just works. * Excellent software and regular updates, plus Trueplay room correction. * Incredible ecosystem – easy to add more speakers for multi-room or full surround. * Looks fantastic under an LG OLED. **Cons:** * No HDMI passthrough. Everything needs to go through your TV, which means you'll be using up those precious eARC ports. * The Sub and rears are separate purchases, and they're not cheap. A full system gets pricey. * Trueplay only works with iOS devices, which is a bit annoying for Android users. ### 3. Sony HT-A7000 – The Multi-Purpose Powerhouse Now, if you're like me and your LG OLED isn't just for films – maybe you're a serious gamer with a PS5 or Xbox Series X, or you've got a 4K Blu-ray player and a streaming box all fighting for HDMI ports – then the Sony HT-A7000 is well worth a look. The key difference here compared to the Arc, for instance, is that the A7000 has **HDMI passthrough**. That means you can plug your console directly into the soundbar, and it'll send the video signal to your TV while handling the audio. Very handy, especially if your TV has limited HDMI 2.1 ports. Sound-wise, it's a beast. It’s got 7.1.2 channels built into the bar itself, including up-firing speakers for Atmos and side-firing ones for width. Sony's "360 Spatial Sound Mapping" technology, which works with optional rear speakers (the RS3S or RS5), creates virtual phantom speakers all around you, making for a truly immersive experience. It's a bit more "techy" than the Sonos, but if you're into your bells and whistles, it delivers. Dialogue is clear, and the overall sound is dynamic and engaging. It's a proper alternative to a full AV receiver setup for many. **Pros:** * Crucial HDMI passthrough for multiple sources, especially for gamers. * Fantastic immersive sound with its built-in drivers and optional rears. * Supports a wide range of audio formats. * Excellent build quality, feels very substantial. **Cons:** * Like the Sonos, the subwoofer and rear speakers are optional extras, significantly bumping up the price. * Can be a bit more complex to set up and tweak than some other soundbars. * Not as aesthetically subtle as the Arc, it's a bigger, bolder unit. ### 4. Samsung HW-Q990C (or Q990D) – The 'All The Channels' Option "Hang on, Robert," I hear you say, "Samsung with an LG TV? Are you mad?" Not at all, mate! We're talking sound here, and the Q990C (or its newer Q990D sibling) is just too good to ignore, regardless of your TV brand. This is for those who want a complete, high-channel-count, proper surround experience right out of the box, without faffing about buying separate components. We're talking a 11.1.4 channel system here – a monstrous soundbar, a huge wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear speakers that *also* have up-firing drivers. That's rare for included rears. The sound this system pumps out is immense. The width, the height, the sheer punch of the bass – it's genuinely cinematic. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks come alive. I've had a few of these in, and every time I'm impressed by how much sound fills the room. It creates a proper bubble of sound, not just sound coming from the front. If you're into action films or anything with a busy soundtrack, this will deliver in spades. It also has HDMI passthrough, which is a bonus, and its Q-Symphony feature (like LG's WOW Orchestra) *can* work with Samsung TVs, but even without it, the system stands alone as a force of nature. **Pros:** * An incredible number of channels (11.1.4) included in the package. * Wireless rear speakers with up-firing drivers – a big plus for Atmos immersion. * Massive, room-filling sound with phenomenal bass from the included sub. * HDMI passthrough for your other devices. * Often available at competitive prices, especially compared to building a Sonos system. **Cons:** * It's a big system. The soundbar is wide, the sub is chunky, and the rears aren't tiny. * Can be a bit much for smaller rooms, or if you prefer a more subtle sound. * The sound can occasionally feel a little *too* powerful, if that makes sense, needing a bit of taming. ### 5. Denon DHT-S517 – The Mid-Range Marvel If the thought of shelling out over a grand for a soundbar makes your eyes water, but you still want a significant upgrade over your TV's built-in sound, then the Denon DHT-S517 is a brilliant shout. Denon knows a thing or two about audio, and it shows here. This is a 3.1.2 system – so you get left, centre, and right channels, a separate wireless subwoofer, and two up-firing drivers for Atmos. It's a proper step up without breaking the bank. The sound is clear, balanced, and surprisingly punchy for the price. Dialogue is well-handled by the dedicated centre channel, and those up-firing drivers do a decent job of adding some height to Atmos tracks. It's not going to give you the same expansive soundstage as the Arc or the Q990C, but it's certainly a massive improvement over your TV. It's got HDMI eARC, so connectivity with your LG OLED is simple. For many, this is the sweet spot – a noticeable upgrade without the premium price tag. **Pros:** * Fantastic value for money for a Dolby Atmos soundbar with a dedicated sub. * Clear dialogue and decent Atmos effects for the price point. * Simple setup and use with HDMI eARC. * Compact enough for most living rooms. **Cons:** * Atmos effects are good, but not as enveloping as the premium options. * The sub is decent, but won't rattle the foundations like the bigger models. * No multi-room expansion options like Sonos. ### 6. Yamaha SR-B20A – The Budget Blaster Alright, so you've really blown the budget on that lovely LG OLED, and the piggy bank is looking a bit forlorn. I get it. But even then, please, for the love of all that is good, don't stick with your TV speakers! The Yamaha SR-B20A is a cracking little unit that offers a huge step up for very little cash. This is a simple all-in-one soundbar, no separate sub, no rears, just the bar itself. But don't let that fool you. Yamaha has packed in some clever tech here. It uses virtual surround sound processing to create a wider soundstage than you'd expect, and there's even a "Clear Voice" mode that really boosts dialogue. It's got built-in subwoofers (two of them, actually), so while it won't plumb the depths of a dedicated sub, it provides far more bass presence than your TV ever could. Connectivity is straightforward: HDMI ARC (not eARC, but that's fine for a bar of this level) or optical. If you're on a tight budget, or simply want something simple that drastically improves your viewing, this is the one to go for. **Pros:** * Incredible value for money, a huge upgrade for under £200. * Surprisingly wide and engaging virtual surround sound. * Clear Voice mode is excellent for dialogue. * Compact and easy to set up, no extra boxes. * Built-in subwoofers provide decent bass for an all-in-one. **Cons:** * No true Dolby Atmos (virtual only). * Bass won't satisfy serious film fanatics. * Limited features compared to pricier options, but that's expected. ## Comparison Table: Best Speakers for LG OLED TVs | Feature | LG S95QR | Sonos Arc | Sony HT-A7000 | Samsung HW-Q990C/D | Denon DHT-S517 | Yamaha SR-B20A | |---------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------|-----------------------| | **Type** | Soundbar + Sub + Rears | Soundbar (expandable) | Soundbar (expandable) | Soundbar + Sub + Rears | Soundbar + Sub | Soundbar (All-in-one) | | **Channels** | 9.1.5 | 5.0.2 (expandable) | 7.1.2 (expandable) | 11.1.4 | 3.1.2 | 2.1 Virtual | | **Dolby Atmos** | Yes (True) | Yes (True) | Yes (True) | Yes (True) | Yes (True) | Yes (Virtual) | | **DTS:X Support** | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Virtual) | | **HDMI eARC** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (ARC) | | **HDMI Passthrough**| No | No | Yes (2x inputs) | Yes (2x inputs) | No | No | | **Wireless Rears** | Included | Optional (Sonos Era) | Optional (Sony RS3S/5) | Included | No | No | | **Wireless Sub** | Included | Optional (Sonos Sub) | Optional (Sony SW3/5) | Included | Included | Built-in | | **Unique Features** | WOW Orchestra | Trueplay, Ecosystem | 360 Spatial Sound | Q-Symphony, Many channels| Clear Dialogue | Clear Voice | | **Approx. Price** | £1,200-£1,500 | £899 (bar only) | £1,000 (bar only) | £800-£1,100 | £350-£400 | £150-£200 | *Prices are approximate and can vary widely with sales and retailers. Always check current deals.* ## Setting Up Your New Speakers with an LG OLED Right, you've picked your poison. Now to get it all hooked up. It's usually pretty straightforward, but a few pointers will save you a headache. ### HDMI eARC – Your Best Mate Nearly all modern LG OLEDs (C1, C2, C3, G1, G2, G3, etc.) will have an HDMI port labelled "eARC" or "ARC" (Enhanced Audio Return Channel or Audio Return Channel). This is the one you want to use. Take an HDMI cable – ideally a decent 'High Speed' or 'Ultra High Speed' one – and plug one end into the eARC port on your TV and the other into the HDMI OUT (TV eARC) port on your soundbar. This single cable handles all the audio coming *from* the TV (whether that's its built-in apps, a console, or a Blu-ray player) *to* your soundbar, including high-res formats like Dolby Atmos. Make sure "HDMI-CEC" or "Simplink" is enabled in your TV's settings, as this lets your TV remote control the soundbar's volume and power. Dead handy. ### HDMI Passthrough (If You Have It) If you've gone for something like the Sony HT-A7000 or Samsung Q990C/D, which has HDMI passthrough, you've got more options. You can plug devices like your PS5, Xbox Series X, or 4K Blu-ray player directly into the soundbar's HDMI IN ports. The soundbar then processes the audio and sends the video signal *through* to the TV via the eARC connection. This can be useful if your TV has limited HDMI 2.1 ports, as some soundbars offer more. ### Positioning – It Matters! Don't just chuck your soundbar anywhere. For the best sound, it needs to be centred directly under your TV. Try not to block the screen, obviously! If your soundbar has up-firing speakers (for Atmos), make sure there's nothing directly above them, like a shelf or the underside of the TV itself. You want that sound to bounce off the ceiling and back down to you. Wireless rears, if you have them, should ideally be placed slightly behind and to the sides of your main listening position, roughly at ear height. ### Room Calibration Many of the better soundbars (Sonos Trueplay, Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping) have some form of room calibration. Use it! It makes a massive difference. These systems use microphones to analyse how sound bounces around your specific room and then adjust the soundbar's output to optimise it. It can smooth out bass peaks, improve dialogue, and ensure the surround effects are properly integrated. Well worth the few minutes it takes. ## What About Separate Speakers and AV Receivers? Now, for some of us, a soundbar, no matter how good, just isn't enough. If you've got the space, the budget, and the willingness to run a few more cables, a traditional separates system – an AV receiver paired with passive speakers – will almost always give you the best sound. You get proper, full-range speakers, a dedicated centre channel that's probably bigger than most soundbars, and the ability to really dial in the sound. My workshop, for instance, has a good old Denon AVC-X3800H paired with some Monitor Audio Bronze speakers and a proper SVS subwoofer. It absolutely trounces any soundbar for sheer scale and impact. But it's a much bigger commitment. More boxes, more wires, more faff. It's not for everyone, especially if you want a neat, minimalist look with your LG OLED. So for this article, I've stuck to soundbar solutions, as they're by far the most popular and practical choice for most LG OLED owners. ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Do I need a soundbar specifically designed for LG TVs? A: Not at all! While LG's own soundbars offer features like WOW Orchestra, any good soundbar with HDMI eARC will work brilliantly with your LG OLED. Focus on sound quality, features like Dolby Atmos, and connectivity that suits your needs, not just brand matching. ### Q: Can I use my TV's built-in speakers with the soundbar? A: Generally, no. Most soundbars perform best when the TV's internal speakers are switched off. The main exception is LG's WOW Orchestra (with compatible LG soundbars and TVs) or Samsung's Q-Symphony, where the TV speakers are specifically designed to work in conjunction with the soundbar to create a larger soundstage. Otherwise, you'll usually get a disjointed sound. ### Q: What's the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC? A: HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) can carry basic surround sound formats, but it often struggles with higher-bandwidth, uncompressed audio like Dolby Atmos TrueHD or DTS:X. HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) has much greater bandwidth, allowing it to pass through these high-resolution, object-based audio formats without compression. For a proper cinema experience, especially with Atmos, eARC is essential. ### Q: My soundbar isn't outputting Dolby Atmos. What's wrong? A: First, check your TV's audio settings. Ensure the digital audio output is set to "Passthrough" or "Bitstream" and that eARC is enabled for the HDMI port your soundbar is connected to. Also, make sure the content you're watching actually *has* a Dolby Atmos soundtrack (Netflix, Disney+, 4K Blu-rays). Lastly, ensure your HDMI cable is a certified high-speed cable, as older or cheap cables can struggle with the bandwidth required for Atmos. ### Q: Do I need a subwoofer? I don't want to annoy the neighbours. A: While you don't *strictly* need one, a separate subwoofer makes a phenomenal difference to movie soundtracks. It adds impact, depth, and scale that no soundbar alone can truly achieve. Modern subs can be controlled, so you don't have to shake the foundations. Often, turning it down a notch still provides a far richer sound than going without. Think of it as adding proper foundations to your sound. ## Final Word There you have it. You've invested in arguably the best picture quality money can buy with your LG OLED. It would be a crying shame to let the sound let the side down. Even a relatively inexpensive soundbar can transform your viewing experience, bringing those incredible visuals to life with proper audio. Whether you go for a simple but effective Yamaha, a versatile Denon, or one of the full-fat Dolby Atmos powerhouses from LG, Sonos, Sony, or Samsung, you'll wonder how you ever put up with the built-in speakers. Don't short-change yourself; give your ears the same treat you've given your eyes. Happy listening, and happy viewing, mate!