When shopping for a soundbar upgrade to your home entertainment system, two titans of tech immediately come to mind – South Korean conglomerates LG and Samsung. Both brands have established themselves as leaders in cutting-edge display panels, sleek finishes and audiovisual excellence. But how exactly do their soundbar offerings match up? Which provides the bigger bang for your buck?
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we pit LG head-to-head against arch-rival Samsung to see whether there is a clear winner between the two heavyweights in the global soundbar arms race. Pull up a seat as we dive deep into the key factors that influence soundbar performance and value across criteria ranging from sound technologies to smart connectivity and beyond.
Brief Backgrounder on the Two Korean Tech Giants
Founded in 1958, LG Electronics has emerged as one of the world‘s leading producers of advanced display panels, home appliances and audiovisual solutions over its 60+ year history. Alongside major Korean counterpart Samsung, LG has played a pivotal role in establishing South Korea as a global force in cutting-edge consumer technology.
Samsung‘s origins can be traced back to 1938 when founder Lee Byung-chul started an export business in Taegu, Korea. This seed later blossomed into Samsung Electronics, which came to fruition in the late 1960s. After significant expansion over the following decades, Samsung today stands shoulder-to-shoulder with LG as a prime innovator in smartphones, televisions, home appliances and audio devices.
Sound Technology Showdown: LG vs. Samsung
When it comes to driving elite sound performance, the sound technology integrated into a soundbar plays a paramount role. Both LG and Samsung equip their premium soundbar models withleading audio codecs and processing capabilities – but each brand has its own unique approach and partnerships.
LG
The ace up LG‘s sleeve is its partnership with renowned British audio experts Meridian. By incorporating Meridian‘s cutting-edge digital signal processing into its soundbars, LG is able to achieve pristine high-resolution audio reproduction. This helps vocals and instruments to shine clearly even at high volumes. Certain higher-end LG models also integrate Dolby technologies for added dimensionality.
Samsung
Samsung positions its premium soundbars as cinematic audio powerhouses, loading them up with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing. These state-of-the-art surround sound codecs conjure up immersive 3D audio spheres, making you feel like you‘re inside the on-screen action. The result is room-filling sound with thunderous bass response – a truly theatrical sonic spectacle.
The Verdict
When it comes to sheer surround-sound muscle and bold, dynamic audio, Samsung holds a slight edge. But LG offers incredible clarity and detail that audiophiles will certainly appreciate. At the end of the day, your preference between LG‘s precise high-fidelity sound and Samsung‘s engulfing surround performance depends wholly on your listening tastes.
Design & Build Quality
Beyond sound technologies, the design ethos and build quality of a soundbar also has a significant influence on both aesthetics and durability. Here‘s how the two Korean giants compare when it comes to styling and construction.
LG
Minimalist scandanvian design cues come through strongly across LG‘s soundbar range. The emphasis is on slender, unobtrusive rectangles and ovals finished in sleek black or titanium colours. Smooth metallic trims and neatly integrated control panels culminate in a sophisticated, premium high-tech look. Build quality is also solid with durably constructed enclosures.
Samsung
Samsung deploys more lavish and opulent design across its soundbar catalogue. Textured metallic speaker grilles, glass top panels and smooth finishes give Samsung soundbars an air of luxury and sophistication. Robust metal enclosures with fine mesh detailing ensure these are sturdy and durable pieces. If style matters in your living space, Samsung will appeal.
The Verdict
This round comes down purely to aesthetics and personal tastes. Those preferring a stripped-back scandi look will likely enjoy LG‘s pared-down, minimalist bars. While consumers wanting to make a luxury design statement may find Samsung‘s upmarket styling and premium flourishes more compelling.
Smart & Connectivity Features
With smart assistants and internet streaming now considered standard fare across audio gadgets, let‘s examine how LG and Samsung soundbars compare when it comes to smarts and connectivity…
LG
LG soundbars check all the requisite boxes when it comes to wireless connectivity – Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are present to link up smartphones, tablets and computers. Certain models also include Chromecast built-in. When it comes to voice assistance and smarts, LG soundbars are compatible with both Google Assistant as well as Amazon Alexa.
Samsung
As expected, Samsung soundbars integrate tightly with the wider Samsung connected ecosystem. Key among these is compatibility with Samsung‘s proprietary SmartThings smart home platform. This allows you to control and automate your soundbar alongside Samsung TVs, appliances, lights and more. Samsung soundbars also play friendly with Amazon Alexa as well as Samsung‘s own Bixby voice assistant.
The Verdict
If you are entrenched in the Google/Alexa smart home universe, LG gives you flexibility. But for users looking for a unified hub to control Samsung TVs and appliances, the seamless SmartThings integration gives Samsung the upper hand.
Pricing and Overall Value
With specs, features and performance squared away, it inevitably comes down to bang for buck when determining soundbar superiority. How do LG and Samsung compare when price tags enter the equation?
LG
The defining trait of LG‘s soundbar lineup is choice. Models range from entry-level budget-friendly units all the way to premium Dolby Atmos-equipped heavy hitters. And key technologies like Meridian DSP trickle all the way down the pricing ladder. Consumers have options for small spaces and tight budgets all the way to premium setups. Excellent overall value across the board.
Samsung
Make no mistake, Samsung soundbars sit firmly in the premium category with few overtly affordable options on offer. You can expect to pay a bit more for Samsung‘s excellent build, smart connectivity and enveloping Dolby Atmos/DTS:X audio. But given the HW-Q90R flagship soundbar was crowned "best in class" by various publications, discerning shoppers may find the premium pricing justified.
The Verdict
LG undoubtedly takes the cake when it comes to versatility at multiple price points. But tech enthusiasts lusting after the most immersive Dolby Atmos/DTS:X listening experience will need to pony up for the prestige of Samsung.
The Final Word
When all‘s said and done in this LG vs Samsung bout, is there a clear winner?
If advanced 3D audio technologies, unified smart controls and striking design carry more weight in your buying decision, then Samsung soundbars claim the edge. Discerning videophiles building a true cinema-rivaling home theater will revel in Samsung‘s engrossing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance
Meanwhile, LG offers outstanding clarity and musicality from a wider range of more affordable products. For music aficionados or those upgrading an existing setup on a budget, LG presents incredible value. Factor in support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, and you have versatile, future-proofed soundbars.
So while Samsung may claim bragging rights for the most immersive premium soundbar experience currently possible, excellent LG alternatives exist for more modest budgets. Ultimately you can count on both brands for superb audio upgrades with unique strengths across the spectrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you control an LG soundbar with a Samsung TV remote?
Yes, using HDMI-CEC you can control basic LG soundbar functions like volume and mute using a Samsung TV remote. Simply connect your LG soundbar to your Samsung TV‘s HDMI (ARC) port with a high-speed HDMI cable.
Do Samsung soundbars work with LG TVs?
Definitely. Connecting a Samsung soundbar to an LG TV is straightforward using either wired HDMI ARC or wireless Bluetooth transmission. You‘ll enjoy seamless audio integration for movies, music and more.
Which brand offers better customer support experiences?
Both LG and Samsung operate dedicated call centers and provide online resources to help troubleshoot soundbar issues. In third party surveys, Samsung often comes out slightly ahead when it comes to timely issue resolution and positive customer experiences.
So there you have it – a comprehensive breakdown on how LG and Samsung home audio offerings match up. Weigh up these insights against your needs to decide the ideal Korean soundbar brand for your next immersive listening upgrade.
