OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

LG SK1 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:40 WHDMI ARC type:none

LG SK1 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 12 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

LG SK1
5.2/10

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

95%

5.1

Technical score

5%

7.0

Reviews score ( 4 · 8)

Reviews score 5% · 7.0 · based on 12 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
â–¼Worse than 71% of soundbars
6.6

Value for money

Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 72%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

25%

4.3

Audio

18%

4.8

Formats

16%

5.7

Connectivity

14%

7.2

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

6.5

Design

â–¼Worse than 69%
7.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Grades by review (12)
4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 94%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the LG SK1

Based on 71 owners sharing their experience in online comments

30%positive12%mixed58%negative

Owners like the clear sound and easy setup, but weak bass, power quirks, and sound failures dominate complaints.

What owners dislike

  • Many owners find it sounds barely better than their TV speakers, and some say small portable speakers sound better.9
  • Bass is very weak or absent in many reports, especially over Bluetooth. Raising bass in the TV's sound settings helps some owners.8
  • It is not louder than a TV's own speakers and is best for small spaces rather than larger rooms.4
  • With Bluetooth or a PC, it powers off after about 10 to 15 minutes without sound; owners found no way to disable it.4
  • With optical or 3.5 mm cables, owners often get no TV sound, even after following the manuals.4
  • The box does not include an optical cable, so buyers must buy one for the best TV sound.4
  • If the remote breaks or is lost, volume controls stop working and the bar has no power button to switch it on.4
  • The bar sometimes shuts down with a red light and ignores the remote. It may wake after waiting, or need unplugging to recover.4
  • Some owners get no sound at all, even after reconnecting the cable from the TV to the bar.4
  • Sound sometimes stops suddenly while connected to the TV, and bass can drop out until music starts playing again.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of soundbar LG SK1

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

25%

4.3

Audio

18%

4.8

Formats

16%

5.7

Connectivity

14%

7.2

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

6.5

Design

5.1
Reviews score
7.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.6
Brand name
LG
N. of audio channels
2
This soundbar offers 2 audio channels, fewer than 43.6% of soundbars and equal to 56.4% of soundbars.
Audio output power
40 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 40 W of audio output power, less than 65.5% of soundbars and equal to 4% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
61.7 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 61.7 Hz, higher than 72.1% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 31.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4, which is older than that of 88.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 6% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 31.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
N/A
HDMI ARC type
none
This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is less advanced than what 68.6% of soundbars and the same as what 31.4% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
no
This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC. 63.1% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
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AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
650 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 650 mm wide, narrower than 59.6% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Height
79 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 79 mm high, taller than 80.2% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Thickness
94 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 94 mm thick, thicker than 58.8% of soundbars.
Weight
2000 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2000 g, less than 47.9% of soundbars and equal to 4.3% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more

LG SK1 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3).
    AAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2.2x more popular
    LG SK1 is more popular than the average soundbar (9.41 vs 4.3).
    9.41 vs 4.29
  • 2.2x more popular
    LG SK1 is more popular than the average soundbar (9.41 vs 4.3).
    9.41 vs 4.29
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3).
    AAC, MP3, WMA vs MP3
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    none vs eARC
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    yes (for service only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • 12 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (79 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    79 mm vs 67 mm
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 1.6% worse value for money
    LG SK1 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (6.64 vs 6.7).
    6.64 vs 6.75
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • 42.9% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (40 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    40 W vs 70 W
  • 9.7 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (61.7 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    61.7 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    yes (for service only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    none vs eARC
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 12 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (79 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    79 mm vs 67 mm
  • 3 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2018 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    June 20, 2018
    2,018 vs 2,021
  • 8 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (94 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    94 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
TechoJo
≈ estimated
12/03/2026
Product review · sound, Bluetooth and setup overview
Verdict
LG SK1 is a practical, affordable way to improve TV sound, though not a premium surround system.
8.0
Cool_Tech plus
≈ estimated
27/12/2023
Short review · refurbished unit overview
Verdict
LG SK1 is a reliable, budget-friendly compact soundbar, worth considering as a certified refurbished unit.
7.0
TechFollower
≈ estimated
09/08/2020
First look · unboxing, TV connection and volume test
Verdict
LG SK1 is fine for a modest room where loud volume is not needed.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.4
rtings.com
✓ explicit
07/08/2020
Lab test · Entry-level two-channel soundbar
Verdict
The LG SK1 is a well-built, compact two-channel bar that handles dialogue decently, but it lacks bass, can't get loud and has few connections.
5.0
consumerreports.org
≈ estimated
Undated
Lab test · Basic two-channel soundbar
Verdict
The LG SK1 is a basic bar with easy controls and enough volume for a medium room, but its bass is subdued and its sound is cluttered and hazy.
7.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
29/03/2021
Hands-on review · Compact basic soundbar
Verdict
The LG SK1 is simple, compact and easy to set up, and suits smaller TVs, but its mild bass and few connections hold it back.
7.0
techstevehd.com
≈ estimated
26/08/2026
Video review · Compact 2.0 soundbar
Verdict
The LG SK1 is a simple, compact upgrade for smaller TVs, giving better sound than thin TV speakers, though it has no HDMI and limited bass.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about LG SK1

  • Extremely affordable and good value for budget-conscious buyers
  • Highly compact design ideal for small TVs, bedrooms, or kitchen setups
  • Clear vocal reproduction, making it well-suited for podcasts and dialogue-heavy TV
  • Simple 'plug-and-play' setup via optical or Bluetooth
  • Allows volume control through many compatible TV remotes (Sound Sync)
  • Sturdy build quality with a modern metal grille design

What customers don't like about LG SK1

  • Significant lack of bass due to the absence of a dedicated subwoofer
  • Low total power output (40W) prevents it from reaching high volumes
  • Extremely limited connectivity with no HDMI ports (Optical and 3.5mm only)
  • Lacks advanced audio support for Dolby Atmos or DTS content
  • No physical control buttons on the bar itself, requiring the remote for all functions
  • Narrow soundstage that fails to provide an immersive surround experience

Verdict

The LG SK1 is an entry-level 2.0 channel all-in-one soundbar delivering 40W of total output through two 20W internal drivers. Measuring approximately 65cm wide and 7.9cm high, its ultra-compact, wall-mountable design is specifically sized to complement 43-inch LG TVs and smaller displays. Key characteristics include Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for wireless streaming, LG Sound Sync for cable-free TV linking, and multiple audio modes such as Bass Blast and Dynamic Range Control. The main pros of this budget-friendly model are its space-saving footprint, user-friendly plug-and-play setup via optical input, and a well-balanced mid-range that excels at clear dialogue for podcasts and TV shows. However, notable cons include a lack of deep bass due to the absence of a dedicated subwoofer, limited maximum volume, and no support for HDMI ARC, Atmos, or DTS surround formats.

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