ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The LG S95TR soundbar with wi-fi subwoofer is presently on sale for $996.
- The LGS95TR could also be costly, however the high-quality audio is definitely definitely worth the value.
- The soundbar has many options, however a few of the greatest ones require a more recent LG TV mannequin.
extra shopping for selections
It has been a yr since LG launched the S95TR soundbar, following a lot hype, as a high-end complement to its latest OLED TVs. The soundbar and wi-fi subwoofer setup include a number of spectacular options, together with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X encompass sound, and many additional options accessible via its app. Whereas it is not the newest mannequin, it is confirmed to nonetheless be a welcome addition in any dwelling leisure house.
Additionally: HBO Max is back (again) – here’s what’s changing
The S95TR consists of 4 elements: a major soundbar, a subwoofer, and two small rear audio system. The subwoofer and rear audio system are wi-fi, so you do not want further cords moreover the facility connections and the primary HDMI twine.
The principle concern that prevented me from committing to a encompass sound setup within the first place was coping with wires working throughout my room, so I admire that this method is partially wi-fi.
Sadly, it’s essential to obtain the LG Soundbar app to make use of all of the options. It is a bit inconvenient that that is separate from the LG ThinQ app that controls LG TVs, particularly given that you’re going to most likely use it usually, however that is a minor quibble.
The setup is easy. After plugging within the audio system within the instructed order, putting in the app, and including the soundbar to the app, the audio system endure a tuning course of particular to your room setup. I performed a film earlier than utilizing AI Room Calibration, and I can attest that it made a noticeable distinction in how issues sounded.
I then used the TV’s built-in audio system to get a baseline for testing this soundbar. Over the noise of two youngsters and a canine in the home, I needed to flip the quantity greater than midway to listen to comfortably: 65 out of 100. Conversely, once I switched the audio to the soundbar, it was greater than loud sufficient within the 40s. Immediately, I knew it could be a severe improve.
Additionally: The best live TV streaming services of 2025: Expert tested
One other factor I like to check with audio tools is how nicely it handles dialogue. With my on a regular basis setup, I normally watch all the things with captions as a result of it is really easy to overlook one thing.
This soundbar fixes that drawback with a small up-firing heart speaker and the normal entrance ones, which LG claims make dialogue clearer. Once I turned on one among my favourite reveals, I seen a good enchancment over the TV’s built-in audio system and a vital enchancment over my on a regular basis soundbar’s audio. Should you wrestle to catch each phrase like I generally do, you may undoubtedly admire this function.
I then ran the soundbar via numerous film checks, together with motion scenes with explosions galore, suspenseful scenes in creepy woods, and dialogue-driven scenes.
Additionally: This Sony Bravia is my pick for best TV for the money
The audio from the S95TR setup makes the background sound realistically stand out. Within the second scene in my take a look at, which concerned a dialog between folks in a automobile, the ambient street noise wrapped across the again of my sofa whereas the dialog stayed in entrance of me, similar to it could in actual life. There was sufficient rumble from the subwoofer to sound like an actual street.
In each take a look at, the soundbar setup carried out flawlessly, and I heard issues that I might have in any other case missed.
Should you’re fearful about sleeping youngsters or neighbors, there’s a Evening Time Mode accessible within the app and through the distant management. This function retains the encompass sound lively, however the subwoofer is noticeably softer. My setup was on a shared wall with my daughter’s room, and he or she did not complain about late-night motion pictures, in order that’s a win.
Additionally: Play Fortnite? You can claim part of Epic’s $245 million settlement payout – for one more week
Avid gamers will admire 120Hz HDR10 pass-through help, making certain no delay in getting sound via the audio system. I attempted out a number of video games on my PS5, and the expertise of every one improved with this method. At one level, a sound behind me was so sensible that my canine shot his head as much as see who was there.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
At first look, the LG S95TR’s retail value of $1,599 may appear a bit steep, particularly when budget-friendly, wired choices are available for under $400. Should you’re questioning if the LG S95TR system is definitely worth the value, my reply is sure.
The wi-fi setup is simpler than any audio system I’ve encountered, and the S95TR carried out higher than any system I’ve heard earlier than, point-blank. Should you constructed a setup that matched these elements, you’d spend extra anyway, so the LG S95TR may prevent cash in that respect.
Additionally: The best TVs of 2025
Keep in mind that though the soundbar setup works with any TV, it really works greatest with LG’s flagship OLED TVs. With out a kind of TVs, you may miss out on some options.
This text was initially printed on June 18, 2024, and was up to date on July 21, 2025.
