LG vs Vizio Soundbar: Which Maker Fits Your TV and Room?

Choosing an LG vs Vizio soundbar looks like a question of sound, but the makers’ own documents put the real differences in the box and on the back panel.

Vizio’s SV410XW-0905 ships with a wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers but no remote or optical input, while LG’s S70TY includes both and sells its rear speakers as a separate kit.

Line those details up with your TV’s ports and your room, and either maker can give you a bar that runs from one HDMI cable and your TV remote.

The short answer and a side-by-side table come first, then the line-ups, surround speakers, Dolby Atmos, TV tie-ins, inputs, apps and remotes.

By the end, you’ll know which maker’s bar fits your setup, and what each one leaves you to add later.

Which Is Better, an LG or a Vizio Soundbar?

That remote-and-ports split is the quickest way in. Neither maker is better across the board: LG’s S-series bars keep an optical input and a remote in the box and add WOW Orchestra on a supporting LG TV, while every current Vizio SV and SL bar lists Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and the 4.1 sets and up include surround speakers, but none comes with a remote or an optical input.

So an LG TV, or a TV with only an optical output, points to LG, and wanting rear speakers and Dolby Atmos on a bar no wider than 36 inches points to Vizio. Which one sounds better is a listening question that spec sheets can’t settle.

How Does an LG vs Vizio Soundbar Compare Side by Side?

Each of those differences has a name in the makers’ documents. Here’s the LG vs Vizio soundbar comparison row by row, using LG’s 2024 S-series spec sheets and manuals and Vizio’s current Core and Home Theater Collections.

“None named” means Vizio’s manuals and collection pages don’t list one, so check your own bar’s manual. For what the channel numbers mean in the first place, our soundbar fundamentals guide breaks down bar, subwoofer and surround layouts.

How Do the LG and Vizio Line-Ups Match Up?

Those rows sit on two ranges built differently. LG’s 2024 S-series sheets run from the 2.1-channel S40T to the 9.1.5-channel S95TR, while Vizio’s Home Theater Collection and Core Collection run from a 2.0 bar to a 7.1.4 system.

Vizio’s SL bars are its Elevate models, and the SL512X-0806 page says their height speakers rotate up when Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content is detected. LG’s S80TR puts all three of its height channels in the bar as top speakers, while the S95TR adds two more in its rear speakers.

Size is where the ranges part most. LG’s sheets put the S90TR and S95TR at 49.2 inches wide and match them to TVs of 55 inches and up, while Vizio’s widest current bars are 36 inches, and its collection pages don’t match them to a TV size.

Further down, LG’s S70TY is 37.4 inches and its S40T 28.4 inches, against 30 to 34 inches for Vizio’s 2.0 and 2.1 bars. Our guide to choosing a soundbar helps size a bar to your TV and stand, and our best soundbar with subwoofer guide covers the bar-and-subwoofer tier across makers.

You’ll still meet Vizio’s older lines too. The V51x-J6 and M51ax-J6 have an optical input and a remote with a settings display, and the P514a-H6 Elevate adds Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in and the SmartCast Mobile app.

Which Brand Puts Surround Speakers in the Box?

The rear-speaker rows of that line-up table show the clearest split. Vizio does, from its 30-inch SV410XW-0905 up, while LG includes them with its S60TR, S80TR, S90TR and S95TR systems and sells rear kits for bars such as the S70TY and SC9S.

Vizio’s 4.1 and 5.1 sets put surround speakers in the box where LG’s S70TY and SC9S don’t, and the same holds when you set Vizio’s bars against Samsung’s. Its SV410XW-0905 manual lists a wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers in the package, so what each Vizio set includes matters more than what you can add later.

Vizio names no rear kit for its 2.0 and 2.1 bars, and that’s the gap LG fills. LG’s S70TY manual lists SPT8-S rear speakers, sold separately, and its SC9S spec sheet lists the SPQ8-S kit.

LG’s included rear speakers are wireless on all four systems. Vizio’s are wireless on the SV410, SV510XW, SV510MW and SL514 and SL714 sets, but the SV510X-0806, SV510M-0806 and SL512X-0806 surrounds plug into the subwoofer with audio cables.

Our soundbar setup guide covers where the bar, subwoofer and rear speakers go.

Which LG and Vizio Bars Play Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?

Those surround sets differ on formats too. Every current Vizio SV and SL bar lists Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, down to the 2.0 SV200M-0808, while LG’s S40T, S60T and S60TR spec pages list Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround but not Atmos.

Among LG’s S-series, Atmos starts at the 3.1.1 S70TY, and the S70TY, SC9S, S80TR, S90TR and S95TR sheets list both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. That’s why LG’s rear-speaker system without Atmos, the S60TR, sits apart from Vizio’s 4.1 and 5.1 sets, which have both.

A format on the box isn’t a height channel, though. The Core Collection page gives the 2.0 SV200M-0808 two built-in speakers, while Vizio’s rotating height speakers belong to its Elevate SL bars.

The TV link matters for those formats. LG’s S70TY manual says eARC carries DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos, and the HDMI eARC port is the only wired TV connection on Vizio’s current bars.

Does Your TV Brand Change the LG vs Vizio Answer?

Formats travel over the TV cable, and so do each maker’s TV extras. It does if your TV is an LG: LG’s manuals say WOW Orchestra plays sound through the LG soundbar and the LG TV at the same time, on some LG TV and soundbar models.

The link differs by bar. LG’s S90TR manual runs WOW Orchestra over HDMI or through WOWCAST built-in, the wireless link LG’s sheets show on the S80TR, S90TR and S95TR, while the S70TY’s manual limits it to an HDMI cable.

LG’s smaller bars still talk to an LG TV. The S70TY’s LG Sound Sync connects over Bluetooth so the LG TV remote sets the volume, and LG’s SIMPLINK, its name for HDMI-CEC, gives the TV remote power, volume and mute.

A Vizio TV brings menus and mounting rather than shared sound. Vizio’s Core Collection page says a VIZIO TV adjusts soundbar settings through an integrated soundbar menu, QuickFit attaches the bars to select VIZIO TVs, and Vizio’s 2022 V-Series TV manual says the TV’s speakers turn off when a sound bar is discovered.

Mixing the brands works too. A Vizio bar can share that one-remote setup on an LG TV through SIMPLINK, and this LG and Vizio pairing guide lists the LG menu for each TV year.

If you own an LG set, our picks of bars matched to each LG TV line go TV by TV, and our soundbar to TV connection guide covers each TV brand’s menus.

Which Inputs and Wireless Links Does Each Maker Offer?

Whatever the TV’s badge, the jacks decide whether a bar connects at all. LG offers more ways in: every S-series sheet lists an optical input, and the S70TY and up add an HDMI input, while Vizio’s SL512X-0806 page lists one HDMI eARC port and Optical: No.

That optical gap runs through Vizio’s range. Its SV210M-0808 manual says no optical connection is available on the bar and points you to Vizio’s support if your TV needs one, so check your TV’s ports before you buy.

LG’s 2026 Sound Suite H7 breaks that pattern. Its spec page lists a single HDMI eARC/ARC connection, with no optical input.

Wireless works differently as well. LG’s SC9S, S80TR, S90TR and S95TR sheets list Wi-Fi with Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, while Vizio’s collection pages list Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 and no Wi-Fi streaming for the current bars.

LG’s S70TY, S60T and S40T are Bluetooth bars too, with no Wi-Fi row on their sheets. Over HDMI, both makers let the TV remote set the volume and mute.

Which App and Remote Run LG and Vizio Bars?

Those wireless links lead to the app, and here the makers split hardest. LG’s spec sheets list a remote control in the box and a smartphone app for iOS and Android, which the S70TY and S90TR manuals name as LG ThinQ, while Vizio’s bars ship without a remote and run from your TV remote and the VIZIO mobile app.

On Vizio’s side the app is required, not optional. Both collection pages say the VIZIO mobile app and a Walmart account are required for soundbar functionality, settings and system updates, and the SL512X-0806 manual asks for the VIZIO app and a VIZIO Account.

The manuals for Vizio’s current SV and SL bars list no remote in the package, and the Core Collection page offers a separate soundbar remote on vizio.com. Our guide to Vizio’s EQ, dialogue and bass settings shows what the app changes.

LG’s app adds a room step on its Wi-Fi bars. The S90TR manual says its built-in microphone runs AI room calibration through the LG ThinQ app, and the same row appears on the SC9S, S80TR and S95TR sheets.

Vizio’s manuals name no automatic room step and leave levels to you. Its SL714Pw-1006 manual lists Center Channel, Height Level, Rear Surround Level, Balance, ClearDialog, Night Mode and Volume Leveling among its settings.

Which LG or Vizio Soundbar Should You Buy?

Those threads come together in one matched pair, each with rear speakers in the box. Under an LG TV, or with a TV that needs optical, the choice is LG’s 7.1.3-channel S90TR, and for height and rear speakers on a 36-inch bar under a TV with HDMI eARC, it’s Vizio’s 5.1.2-channel Elevate SE.

The descriptions come from the makers’ manuals and spec pages. Every pick met Burton Acoustix’s rating, review and stock checks on 4 November 2026.

Under an LG TV, the LG S90TR, with its subwoofer and rear speakers in the box is the pick. LG’s S90TR spec sheet lists 13 speaker units, an HDMI input beside the eARC port, optical, Wi-Fi and a 1 year parts and labor warranty.

LG S90TR

Channels: 7.1.3

Width: 49.2 in

Inputs: HDMI, optical, USB

Streaming: Chromecast, AirPlay 2

✓ Rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer in the box for 7.1.3 channels✓ WOW Orchestra and WOWCAST built-in with a supporting LG TV✗ WOW Orchestra works only with some LG TV models✗ The bar is 49.2 in wide, so measure your stand first

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For height and rear speakers on a narrower bar, the VIZIO Elevate SE (SL512X-0806), with its subwoofer and surround speakers in the box is the pick. Vizio’s SL512X-0806 manual gives one year of warranty for non-commercial use and ninety days for commercial use.

VIZIO Elevate SE (SL512X-0806)

Channels: 5.1.2

Width: 36 in

Connection: HDMI eARC

Bluetooth: 5.3

✓ Wireless subwoofer and two surround speakers in the box for 5.1.2 channels✓ When Dolby Atmos or DTS:X plays, the height speakers turn upward✗ Ships without a remote and has no optical input✗ Settings and updates need the VIZIO app and an account

Buy from Amazon

LG’s S40T also appears in our best budget soundbar guide, beside small bars from other makers.

The Bottom Line

Buy LG when you own an LG TV, since WOW Orchestra and WOWCAST work there, or when you want an optical input, an HDMI input and a remote in the box. Buy Vizio when you want Dolby Atmos and surround speakers in the box on a bar 36 inches wide or less, your TV has HDMI ARC or eARC, and you don’t mind running the bar from your TV remote and an app.

Our best soundbar guide covers the wider field, and our LG vs Sony soundbar comparison sets LG’s systems against Sony’s. For more on each maker, see LG’s bars set against Samsung’s and the current Vizio bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LG a better brand than Vizio for soundbars?

Not across the board, because each maker documents a different package. LG’s S-series bars include a remote and an optical input and add WOW Orchestra on supporting LG TVs, while Vizio’s current bars list Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on every model and include surround speakers from the 4.1 sets up. Both makers state a one-year warranty.

What brand is best for soundbars?

No brand wins every room, so start from your TV and its ports. If the TV has only optical, LG’s S-series bars connect and Vizio’s current bars don’t, and on a VIZIO TV, Vizio’s bars add the integrated soundbar menu and QuickFit mounting.

Do Vizio soundbars come with a remote?

Not the current SV and SL bars. Vizio’s manuals list no remote in the package, and its Core Collection page says the soundbar remote is sold separately, so you use your TV remote over HDMI and the VIZIO mobile app for settings.

Does WOW Orchestra work with a Vizio TV?

No, LG describes WOW Orchestra only for an LG soundbar on a supporting LG TV, where both play sound at the same time. On a Vizio TV, an LG bar connects over HDMI ARC or eARC or optical like any other bar, without the LG TV features.

Which has more channels, the LG S95TR or Vizio’s SL714Pw-1006?

LG’s S95TR: its spec sheet gives 9.1.5 channels from 17 speaker units, with rear surround and up-firing speakers in the box, against 7.1.4 on Vizio’s Elevate 7.1.4 Pro. The LG has two more main channels and one more height channel.