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 SPD7Y review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£390N. of audio channels:3.1.2Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

LG SPD7Y 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 SPD7Y
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 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 81% of models
Score components

35%

7.8

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

7.6

Reviews score

10%

?

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

â–²Better than 81% of soundbars
7.8

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%

7.6

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

â–²Better than 66%
7.8

Technical score

Technical score
7.8/ 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 89% of models
Score components

25%

8.6

Audio

18%

8.7

Formats

16%

7.0

Connectivity

14%

8.7

Controls

12%

8.4

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.6

Design

â–²Better than 89%
7.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.6/ 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 53% of models

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.
â–¼Worse than 53%
?

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.

What owners say about the LG SPD7Y

Based on 18 owners sharing their experience in online comments

39%positive11%mixed50%negative

Owners praise the sound and value, but recurring Atmos and eARC problems frustrate many.

What owners dislike

  • When Dolby Atmos is on, owners report muddy sound, weak surround and top speakers switching off. The TV may show Dolby Audio instead of Atmos.4
  • Owners see only ARC instead of eARC, even with a high-speed cable. After Bluetooth use, eARC returns only after switching the soundbar off and on.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #50 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar LG SPD7Y

Technical score
Technical score
7.8/ 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 89% of models
Score components:

25%

8.6

Audio

18%

8.7

Formats

16%

7.0

Connectivity

14%

8.7

Controls

12%

8.4

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.6

Design

7.8
Reviews score
7.6
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%

7.6

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

7.8
N. of audio channels
3.1.2
This soundbar offers 3.1.2 audio channels, more than 88.6% of soundbars and equal to 3.6% 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
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 83.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83.9% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
yes
This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio. 92.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
?
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
2.1
This soundbar has HDMI 2.1, which is more capable than 88.3% of soundbars and equal to 11.7% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 71.5% of soundbars and the same as what 28.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
4K
This soundbar passes through 4K, which is higher resolution than 74.5% of soundbars and equal to 23.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 79% of soundbars and equal to 16.2% of soundbars.
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 SPD7Y vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3.1.2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    3.1.2 vs 2.1
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • 7.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.6/ 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 53% of models

    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.
    7.6 vs 7.1
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3.1.2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    3.1.2 vs 2.1
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (4K vs none).
    4K vs none
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (60 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    60 fps vs none fps
  • Newer HDCP support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (2.3 vs none).
    2.3 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.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 3.55x more expensive
    LG SPD7Y is more expensive than the average soundbar (£390 vs £110).
    £390 vs £110
  • 3.55x more expensive
    LG SPD7Y is more expensive than the average soundbar (£390 vs £110).
    £390 vs £110
  • 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

9.0
TV & Hi-Fi Pro in English
≈ estimated
24/02/2022
Hands-on review · design, connections and sound tests
Verdict
The LG SPD7Y is excellent value for immersive sound once calibrated, but it sounds boomy with factory presets.
Overview video
Shop video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about LG SPD7Y

  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both supported, so overhead sound comes from the upfiring speakers.
  • The upfiring speakers give a real height effect in small rooms.
  • Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio carry lossless film sound.
  • Dialogue enhancement and app EQ settings help voices stand out.
  • The wireless subwoofer comes in the box, and wireless rear speakers are an option.
  • HDMI 2.1 with HDR pass-through handles 4K pictures at 60 fps.

What customers don't like about LG SPD7Y

  • Factory presets sound boomy and bass-heavy, so tuning takes time.
  • The height effect weakens in rooms with ceilings above four metres.
  • Rear speakers are not in the box, so a 5.1 layout needs a separate kit.
  • The signal-to-noise ratio of 60 dB is low, so quiet scenes show more background noise.
  • Automatic room calibration is missing, so the sound must be set by hand.

Verdict

Height sound is what sets the LG SPD7Y apart from a plain soundbar. It is a 3.1.2 system with upfiring speakers, so Dolby Atmos and DTS:X can lift sound toward the ceiling. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are also supported, and HDR pass-through and eARC suit a modern TV. The wireless subwoofer is in the box, and wireless rear speakers can be added later. The height effect feels convincing in small rooms, but it weakens under ceilings above four metres. The factory presets sound boomy, so it is worth using the app's EQ before you judge the bass. The signal-to-noise ratio of 60 dB is low, so quiet scenes can show some background noise. It suits a home cinema fan with a small or medium room who wants real height sound.

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