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 SL5Y review: 108 specs compared

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

LG SL5Y Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

LG SL5Y
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components

35%

6.4

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.4

Reviews score

10%

8.1

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 60% of soundbars
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
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
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components

25%

5.3

Audio

18%

6.3

Formats

16%

7.3

Connectivity

14%

8.7

Controls

12%

6.8

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.6

Design

â–²Better than 66%
6.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models

6.4

Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video: 7.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (7.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 64%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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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.
Loading category ranking...

Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #101 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar LG SL5Y

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components:

25%

5.3

Audio

18%

6.3

Formats

16%

7.3

Connectivity

14%

8.7

Controls

12%

6.8

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.6

Design

6.4
Reviews score
6.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 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–² Better than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

?

Price

7.8
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
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 70% 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
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 58.8% of soundbars and equal to 37.4% 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
1.4
This soundbar has HDMI 1.4, which is more capable than 38.1% of soundbars and equal to 18.7% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
?
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
?
HDMI pass-through frame rate
?
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
?
Show more

LG SL5Y vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Newer HDCP support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (1.4 vs none).
    1.4 vs none
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 4 in inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (2 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    2 in vs 6 in
  • 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 AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 9.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.4/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models

    6.4

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 7.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (7.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.4 vs 7.1
  • 9.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.4/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models

    6.4

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 7.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (7.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.4 vs 7.1
  • 4 in inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (2 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    2 in vs 6 in
  • 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 AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.

Video reviews

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

7.0
Sobat Electronic
≈ estimated
16/02/2021
Unboxing and review · setup and sound tests
Verdict
LG SL5Y has strong bass, but the treble seems a little lacking.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about LG SL5Y

  • Dolby Atmos adds width and height to films on a small system.
  • The subwoofer is included in the box.
  • The wireless subwoofer keeps cables away from the TV.
  • Bluetooth pairing is quick from a phone.
  • The remote is simple to use.
  • It can be mounted on a wall or set on a table.

What customers don't like about LG SL5Y

  • The 2 in subwoofer driver gives light bass.
  • Treble can sound thin and may need adjusting in the settings.
  • There is one HDMI input, and it runs the older HDMI 1.4.
  • There is no center channel driver, so dialogue relies on the front speakers.
  • No Wi-Fi, Chromecast or AirPlay for streaming from the internet.

Verdict

Dolby Atmos is the main reason to look at the LG SL5Y, a 2.1 soundbar with a wireless subwoofer for a smaller room. It suits a TV owner who wants more width than a TV's own speakers give. The subwoofer is in the box and needs no wire, so setup stays simple. Bluetooth pairing is quick. It mounts on a wall or sits on a table, which helps when space is tight. The small 2 in subwoofer driver is the main limit, so the bass is light. Treble can sound a little thin, and the sound settings may need changing to fix it. There is one HDMI input, and it runs HDMI 1.4, an older standard. It fits someone with a modest room who mainly watches TV and films.

Compare LG SL5Y with other soundbars

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