As a home theater geek, I get asked a lot – are pricey Bowers & Wilkins soundbars worth it compared to more affordable LG models with the latest Dolby Atmos/DTS:X surround sound?
It made me realize many enthusiasts want to upgrade their TV audio, but wonder whether to invest $1200+ for iconic British audio maker B&W or choose LG‘s impressive soundbars available under $500.
So I‘m going to break down how LG and Bowers & Wilkins compare on:
- Audio performance
- Design aesthetic
- Smart features
- And of course…value
My goal is to arm you with enough detailed facts so you can decide which brand‘s soundbar matches your budget and priorities for movies, TV and music.
Let‘s dive in and geek out!
How LG and Bowers & Wilkins Soundbars Compare: Quick Facts
| LG | Bowers & Wilkins | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Very good with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X | Excellent – deep bass, clear dialog |
| Price Range | $100 – $800 | $700 – $1500 |
| Key Features | AI Sound Pro, Chromecast built-in | Custom apps, metal build quality |
| Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos only |
| Subwoofer | Optional/included | Typically sold separately |
LG has narrowed the sound quality gap significantly as it adopts the latest object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. And LG stuffs in features that customize and enhance the listening experience.
Meanwhile, Bowers & Wilkins leverages its 50 years crafting high-end audio components to deliver superb acoustic reproduction from premium drivers and cabinet materials.
So there are good options whether your budget is under $500 or over $1000. Now let‘s explore what gives each brand their unique strengths.
Brand Histories: LG vs 50 Years Making Speakers
To appreciate their design priorities today, it‘s important to understand the history of each brand:
LG
Founded way back in 1958 in Korea, LG has manufactured TVs, smartphones, home appliances and other electronics for over 60 years. While not known historically for audio products, they partnered with prestigious British sound experts Meridian Audio to advance their soundbars‘ acoustic capabilities.
And LG leveraged its massive TV R&D division to quickly integrate support for Dolby‘s revolutionary object-based Atmos and DTS:X audio into soundbars at aggressive price points. This combination of expertise allows LG to deliver impressive audio hardware and the latest surround formats at reasonable costs.
Bowers & Wilkins
In contrast, B&W began in England 1966 with a singular focus on innovative loudspeaker technology. Their high-end speakers filled famous Abbey Road studios where The Beatles created their timeless albums. Even today, famous recording studios use B&W monitors to produce new music.
This over 50 year obsession with acoustic engineering carries over to B&W‘s soundbars designed specifically for discerning home theater aficionados. Even their "entry-level" models cost over $700 featuring proprietary speaker innovations that set B&W apart as a premium soundbar maker.
Direct Sound Comparison
Given its extensive background engineering precision loudspeakers, Bowers & Wilkins retains an advantage producing soundbars focused purely on audio fidelity versus LG‘s home theater-friendly models.
But don‘t underestimate LG‘s sonic abilities enhanced by respected experts Meridian Audio paired with Dolby‘s latest surround sound formats! Let‘s break down how they compare:
Clarety and Detail
Reviewers praise B&W for outstanding vocal reproduction and soundstage placement. Their dedicated center channels keep dialogue locked to the screen even during loud action scenes. Treble sounds precise with metal dome tweeters common on high-end speakers.
But LG also elicits positive remarks on clarity and imaging. Their adoption of Dolby Atmos actually assists separating background effects from dialogue projected from the screen. So while B&W retains an edge, LG delivers satisfying speech intelligibility.
Bass Response
With bigger cabinets and larger woofers, Bowers & Wilkins soundbars dig deeper down to around 30hz conveying true bass impact. Their bass/midrange drivers utilize exotic materials like Aerofoil fiber cones and tapered tubes borrowed from premium home speakers.
LG extends fairly low as well, especially on models bundled with dedicated wireless subwoofers. But small soundbar profiles limit how much air they move. Still, LG‘s integrated subs surprise just shy of B&W‘s superior low frequency presence.
Immersion
While excellent for music, Bowers & Wilkins lack of DTS:X support handicaps immersion for movies and gaming. LG‘s adoption of both major object-formats opens up 3D sonic spaces projected around listeners. So paradoxically B&W‘s natural sound can seem more 2 dimensional next to LG‘s Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing.
To summarize, Bowers & Wilkins leverages its audiophile pedigree to produce wonderfully accurate soundbars for discerning listeners. But LG has a strong case too packing in more 3D audio, beefy bass and clarity than ever – especially considering the lower costs.
Design Showdown: Industrial Art vs Minimalism
Beyond great sound, a soundbar‘s visual design strongly impacts that all-important WAF (wife acceptance factor)!
Both Bowers & Wilkins and LG adopt compact, low-profile constructions not requiring a media console. Let‘s examine their aesthetic approaches:
Bowers & Wilkins
Clad in brushed aluminum with metal speaker grills, B&W soundbars exude refinement like mini works of audio art. Smooth corners flow seamlessly into high-gloss tops so they blend beautifully below today‘s thin frame TV displays.
LG
Rather than metal, LG favors rigid plastics smoothed into subtle angles. Some models wear fabric wraps and side wood panels matching LG‘s acclaimed Gallery Series OLED TVs.
So Bowers & Wilkins certainly crafts more luxe and elegant designs consistent with premium brands. But cost-conscious buyers find LG soundbars still looking stylish as centerpieces of their slim overall home theater setups.
Smarts Features: LG Packs In Convenience
Given its extensive TV product experience, LG bakes in some very convenient smart features and leading-edge connectivity:
LG
- AI Sound Pro – Optimizes audio settings automatically
- Google Assistant – Integrated voice control
- HDMI eARC – 1 cable hookup with TVs
- Hi-Res Audio – Plays 24-bit/96kHz files
- WiSA Wireless Support – Send audio wirelessly to speakers
Bowers & Wilkins
- Custom Apps – Control settings from smartphones
- Amazon Alexa Support – Available voice assistant
- AirPlay 2 – Stream from Apple devices
- Spotify Connect– Native music integration
- All-Metal Housing – Premium materials
LG definitely goes beyond core sound quality – innovating multiple ways to operate their soundbars more intuitively in smart homes. Bowers & Wilkins smart capabilities focus mainly on configuration leaving LG an edge integrating conveniences into daily operation.
Pricing Showdown: Save Big With LG
Given its luxury brand status earned from 50+ years perfecting expensive audiophile speakers, Bowers & Wilkins commands staggering pricing premia for its soundbars versus more mass-market LG:
| Model | B&W Price | LG Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship | $1199 | $599 | 50% |
| Mid-Tier | $999 | $299 | 70% |
| Entry-Level | $761 | $116 | 85% |
As you see, buyers save 50-85% choosing LG over comparable Bowers & Wilkins models! That may outweigh B&W‘s acoustic refinements for buyers balancing improved TV sound against their budget.
Just a few years ago this price gap was even wider in B&W‘s favor. But LG continues advancing performance while keeping costs down through manufacturing efficiencies and parts sharing from its massive TV operations.
Bottom Line Recommendations
So when should you pay the steep premium for Bowers & Wilkins versus economize with LG? Here is my guidance:
Audio quality is absolute top priority – Pay for B&W‘s 50 years perfecting precision sound with premium components and drivers. Their focus on accuracy before features shows.
Strongly prefer simple, elegant aesthetics – B&W‘s sleek metal and glass designs impress more than LG‘s nice but plasticky builds.
Primary usage involves lots of music – B&W‘s audiophile heritage and bias toward pure fidelity shines.
Need voice assistant integration – LG bakes in Google Assistant natively while B&W relies on Alexa addons.
MAINLY watching movies/TV shows – LG supports both leading Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats for fully immersive surround.
Budget exceeds $1000 – B&W gives the luxury look, feel and performance expected from premium consumer brands. But compare to LG‘s flagship SP8YA on deep sale.
Budget is under $500 – Pick LG for impressive 3D movie surround formats and great audio bolstered by respected sound experts Meridian.
I hope mapping out the pros/cons of each brand in detail helps identify the best soundbar fit for YOU. Let me know if any other questions pop up during your research!
