LG vs Sonos Soundbars: Which Is Better?

Key Points

• LG and Sonos are two popular brands in the home audio industry known for their soundbars.
• The LG SN9YG soundbar has a modern design, a sturdy build, and a powerful subwoofer.
• The Sonos Arc soundbar focuses on Dolby Atmos and offers precise, high-quality audio.
• The LG SN9YG offers a variety of connectivity options, while the Sonos Arc seamlessly integrates into the Sonos ecosystem.
• Both soundbar brands have unique strengths and features, making it a difficult decision to choose between them.

LG and Sonos will likely pop into your head when you’re talking home audio heavyweights. They both have a track record of dropping some serious sound magic on us. But in terms of their soundbars, the audio enthusiasts are split! It’s time to figure out who’s wearing the crown between LG vs. Sonos soundbars.

LG vs. Sonos Soundbars: Side-by-Side Comparison

Comprehensive

LG SP9YA 5.1.2 Ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer (2021)

$768.48

• 5.1.2 channel
• 520W total output
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
• Meridian
• High Resolution Audio 24bit/192kHz with 4K Passthrough (HDCP 2.3)
• Wireless Subwoofer
• Connects to Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect

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11/25/2023 07:36 pm GMT

LG vs. Sonos Soundbars: What’s the Difference?

Both LG and Sonos are coveted brands for any home setup, each with a distinctive twist that gives their soundbars that unique “oomph”. Below, we dive into the nitty-gritty of what sets these two soundbar giants apart, mentioning what to love and what to avoid.

Design and Build

The LG SN9YG wears its modern aesthetic on its sleeve — think sleek lines and a stylish dark metallic finish. Its sturdy build promises to be a mainstay in living rooms for years. And let’s talk about that subwoofer! LG’s nod to those of us who live for that rumble; it’s clear they’ve put thought into delivering bass that resonates, literally and figuratively.

Flip the script to the Sonos Arc. It’s like the cool, minimalist cousin in the audio family. Those smooth contours and the understated matte finish scream class. Durability? Check. Sonos isn’t cutting corners there. While it skips out on bundling a dedicated subwoofer, it’s a move that tells us Sonos believes the Arc alone can belt out well-rounded sound that fills up a room.

Audio Performance

The LG SN9YG is like the Swiss Army knife of soundbars. Its embrace of both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio decoders showcases a readiness to juggle various audio formats with finesse. And with EQ presets at the user’s disposal, it’s almost like having a personal sound engineer. Be it the roaring engines of a fast-paced action movie, the soulful tunes of a live concert, or the nuanced tones in a gripping drama, the SN9YG ensures the audio never misses a beat.

On the other side of the ring, the Sonos Arc stakes its claim with a laser focus on Dolby Atmos. And it does it so well! The soundscape feels vast, with each note and nuance meticulously carved out. It has clear mids, sparkling highs, and lows that feel robust even without a separate subwoofer. Add to that the Trueplay tuning, and it’s like the Arc has a sixth sense. It reads the room and fine-tunes its output, ensuring that what you hear is always the best version of the audio, tailored to your space.

Connectivity and Integration

The LG SN9YG is a dream come true for tech enthusiasts. Its variety of inputs and outputs ensures that all your devices can connect seamlessly. Whether it’s via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, streaming music from your mobile device or computer has never been easier. With the inclusion of a Full HDMI In port, this soundbar goes above and beyond, ensuring it’s always ready for your gaming sessions, movie marathons, or jamming to your favorite playlist.

On the other side of the spectrum is the Sonos Arc. This soundbar prides itself on creating a holistic and cohesive audio experience. Beyond the standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, its standout feature is the ease with which it integrates into the Sonos universe. Thinking of building a home theater or just want uniform audio throughout the house? Pair the Arc with other Sonos devices and let the magic unfold. And for those with a penchant for streaming, the Arc’s compatibility with giants like Spotify and Amazon Music ensures that your favorite tracks are always within reach.

Expansive

Sonos Arc Soundbar

$749.77

• Features Dolby Atmos
• Enhanced Trueplay tuning technology
• Support for AirPlay 2 as well as many favorite music streaming services
• Blends in beautiful underneath a TV

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11/26/2023 05:48 pm GMT

LG vs. Sonos Soundbars: 5 Must-Know Facts

LG SN9YG:

1. Dedicated Subwoofer: A significant highlight of the SN9YG is its inclusion of a dedicated subwoofer. This element ensures that the sound profile has deep and resonant bass, bringing a new dimension to any audio content.
2. EQ Presets: The SN9YG boasts multiple EQ presets catering to diverse audio preferences. These allow users to fine-tune their listening experience based on the nature of the content, whether it’s music, movies, or dialogue-driven content.
3. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support: Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the SN9YG’s support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These high-end audio decoders guarantee that the soundbar can handle and reproduce a broad spectrum of audio formats in impeccable detail.
4. Full HDMI In Port: Flexibility is key in today’s tech-driven world. With the Full HDMI In port, users can seamlessly connect various devices to the soundbar, ensuring a versatile entertainment setup.
5. Wireless Playback Options: In our age of wireless technology, the SN9YG stands tall with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. This ensures users can stream and play music or audio from various devices without the constraints of wired connections.

Sonos Arc:

1. Superior Soundstage: The Arc’s soundstage is expansive, ensuring the audio is clear and detailed.
2. Dolby Atmos Support: The Arc is optimized for one of the best audio formats available, with exclusive support for Dolby Atmos.
3. Upgrade Options: The Arc can be upgraded with Sub + One SL Speakers, ensuring that your soundbar can keep up as your audio needs grow.
4. Streaming Service Compatibility: With compatibility for both Amazon Music and Spotify, the Arc ensures you have a world of music at your fingertips.
5. Sleek Design: Beyond its technical capabilities, the Arc is also sleek and discreet, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any room.

LG vs. Sonos Soundbars: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

In the world of soundbars, the debate between LG and Sonos is akin to an epic showdown. Both brands have carved out significant reputations in the audio industry compared to their competitors, and their soundbars are often at the top of many wish lists. But when choosing one over the other, the decision isn’t straightforward. Let’s go deeper into the strengths, features, and unique selling points of each to help you make an informed decision.

LG SN9YG: The Powerhouse of Versatility

The LG SN9YG is a testament to LG’s commitment to innovation and versatility. One of its standout features is the dedicated subwoofer, ensuring that bass enthusiasts are happy. Whether you’re watching an action-packed blockbuster or a live concert, the deep and resonant bass adds a layer of immersion that’s hard to replicate.

Moreover, the SN9YG’s support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio decoders showcases its readiness for a cinematic experience. These formats are renowned for delivering spatial audio that moves around you, creating a 3D soundscape that pulls you into the content.

Customization is another area where the LG SN9YG shines. Users can tailor their audio experience based on the content with its range of EQ presets. This means that whether you’re watching a dialogue-heavy drama or a high-octane action sequence, you’ll always have perfect sound.

Sonos Arc: The Maestro of Clarity

The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is all about precision, clarity, and an expansive soundstage. From the moment you power it on, it’s evident that the Arc is designed for audiophiles. Every note, every beat, and every dialogue has crystal-clear precision.

One of the Arc’s standout features is its exclusive support for Dolby Atmos. This format is renowned for delivering a spatial audio experience that’s second to none. With the Arc, you’re not just listening to content; it surrounds you. Whether it’s the rustling of leaves, the roar of a crowd, or the subtle nuances in a musical score, the Arc captures it all with breathtaking clarity.

But the Arc isn’t just about technical prowess. Sonos has always prioritized user experience, and the Arc is no exception. Its sleek and minimalist design blends seamlessly into any room, complementing rather than dominating it. Plus, with Amazon Music and Spotify compatibility, your favorite tunes are always just a tap away.

The ability to upgrade the Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is another feather in its cap. This ensures that your soundbar can keep pace as your audio needs evolve. Whether you’re looking to create a full-fledged home theater system or enhance your audio experience, the Arc offers the flexibility to grow with you.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Joni Hanebutt/Shutterstock.com.