OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

LG SL4Y review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£240N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:N/A

LG SL4Y Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 1 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

LG SL4Y
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

35%

6.3

Technical score

30%

6.3

List score

25%

6.3

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▼Worse than 74% of soundbars
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

▼Worse than 80%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 63% of models
Score components

25%

7.3

Audio

18%

5.4

Formats

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

9.0

Controls

12%

4.0

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

▲Better than 63%
6.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.3/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 66% of models

6.3

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video: 9.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (9.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.5. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 66%
6.3

List score

List score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 105 lists (1%)
▲Better than 64%
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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.
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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #160 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar LG SL4Y

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 63% of models
Score components:

25%

7.3

Audio

18%

5.4

Formats

16%

5.9

Connectivity

14%

9.0

Controls

12%

4.0

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

6.3
Reviews score
6.3
List score
6.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

7.2
N. of audio channels
2.1
This soundbar offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 42.2% of soundbars and equal to 27.6% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
?
Max frequency
?
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 30.3% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 16.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 16.5% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 41.5% of soundbars and equal to 58.5% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 28.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 57.7% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 17.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 63.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
N/A
HDMI ARC type
N/A
HDMI-CEC support
no
This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC. 71.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
N/A
HDMI pass-through frame rate
N/A
Show more
AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 19.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 11.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 20.8% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 13% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
?
Height
?
Thickness
?
Weight
?
Build material
plastic
This soundbar is built from plastic, which is more premium than 3% of soundbars and equal to 92.6% of soundbars.
Show more

LG SL4Y vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 0.8 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.8 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    6.8 in vs 6 in
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 0.8 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.8 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    6.8 in vs 6 in
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 13.7% lower list score
    List score
    6.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 105 lists (1%)
    6.3 vs 7.3
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • 11.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.3/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models

    6.3

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 9.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (9.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.5. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.3 vs 7.1
  • 5.6% worse value for money
    LG SL4Y has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.2 vs 7.6).
    7.2 vs 7.6
  • 2.18x more expensive
    LG SL4Y is more expensive than the average soundbar (£240 vs £110).
    £240 vs £110
  • 13.7% lower list score
    List score
    6.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 105 lists (1%)
    6.3 vs 7.3
  • 11.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.3/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models

    6.3

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 9.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (9.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.5. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.3 vs 7.1
  • 5.6% worse value for money
    LG SL4Y has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.2 vs 7.6).
    7.2 vs 7.6
  • 2.18x more expensive
    LG SL4Y is more expensive than the average soundbar (£240 vs £110).
    £240 vs £110
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.

Video reviews

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

9.0
Paul Longer
≈ estimated
02/04/2021
Unboxing and setup · sound settings tests
Verdict
LG SL4Y has clear sound and simple setup, and is highly recommended for a small apartment.
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about LG SL4Y

  • A 6.8 in wireless subwoofer adds real bass without a cable to the bar.
  • The subwoofer is included in the box.
  • Dialogue enhancement helps quiet voices come through.
  • Auto volume leveling evens out sudden jumps in loudness.
  • EQ customization in the app lets you shape the sound.
  • Optical, USB and Bluetooth inputs cover a TV and a phone.

What customers don't like about LG SL4Y

  • There is no HDMI input, so a TV connects through optical only.
  • The subwoofer lacks the strong kick of larger systems.
  • Default bass can overload the sound unless you turn it down.
  • There is no Dolby Atmos for height effects.
  • No Chromecast, AirPlay or Spotify Connect for streaming straight from apps.

Verdict

A 6.8 in wireless subwoofer is the main draw of the LG SL4Y, a 2.1 soundbar for someone who wants a clear step up from a TV's own speakers. Setup stays simple, as the sub needs no wire. Most of the tuning happens in the app, where you can change the EQ and turn on dialogue enhancement for quiet voices. Auto volume leveling evens out the jumps between shows and adverts, and the subwoofer comes in the box. Reviewers preferred the cinema preset over the other modes, though the default bass can swamp the sound until you turn it down. The trade-off is that there is no HDMI input, so it connects through optical, and it does not decode Dolby Atmos. It fits a TV watcher who wants a neat, easy system for films and news.

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