The LG Eclair QP5 is a 3.1.2 setup with a unique design. It's one of the smallest Dolby Atmos soundbars that we've tested, ideal for listeners in smaller apartments and condos who can't fit in a full setup. However, despite its stylish design, its sound performance isn't as impressive, and it's noticeably lacking low-bass. Vocals can seem clear and accurate at times but also quite dark and veiled due to the recessed treble. Its Atmos performance is pretty disappointing, with muffled audio and a lack of boom and punch with action-packed scenes.
Our Verdict
The LG QP5 is adequate for mixed usage. Vocals and lead instruments can be reproduced pretty clearly, though they can also seem veiled at times due to the soundbar's recessed treble range. There's not a lot of low-bass, either, so there's no rumble in action-heavy movie scenes. Its surround performance isn't very immersive-sounding, and it doesn't perform very well with Atmos content, either.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- EQ presets.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Disappointing Atmos performance.
The LG QP5 is fair for dialogue-centric content like TV shows and podcasts. Its discrete center channel can accurately anchor voices to a pinpoint location in the soundstage. Voices are reproduced pretty clearly at times, but they can also seem dark and veiled. While there's a dialogue enhancement feature available, you can only use it with DTS content.
- Auto-volume mode.
- Doesn't get very loud.
The LG QP5 is okay for music. Its sound profile is slightly dark due to the recessed treble. While vocals and lead instruments are reproduced clearly, they can also sound a bit veiled at times. Its subwoofer also struggles to reproduce the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass, so it's not ideal for listening to bass-heavy genres like EDM. Also, it doesn't get very loud.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- EQ presets.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Doesn't get very loud.
The LG QP5 is alright for movies. Its Sound Field Expander technology creates a wide soundstage that extends well past the bar's small size. However, its surround performance isn't very impressive since it has to downmix content into stereo to play it. Similarly, it noticeably lacks bass with Atmos content, and voices can seem muffled and veiled.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Wide soundstage.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Disappointing Atmos performance.
Changelog
- Updated May 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
- Updated Apr 06, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
- Updated Apr 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
- Updated Jan 13, 2022: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The LG QP5 is available in both 'Black' and 'White' color variants. We tested the 'Black' version, and you can see the label for the model we tested here. However, we expect the white version, called the LG QP5W, to perform similarly.
If you come across another version of this soundbar, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The LG QP5 is a unique model designed to offer an immersive listening experience without taking up a lot of space in your setup. While it has a small and stylish design, its sound performance isn't as impressive as other small soundbars on the market, like the Sonos Beam and the Samsung HW-S60A.
See also our recommendations for the best small soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best soundbars for music.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is better than the LG Eclair QP5. The Sonos is a better-built 5.0 setup with built-in voice assistant support. It has better center, surround, and Atmos performances. Its soundstage is better, too. Also, there's no Full HDMI In port like the LG.
The LG SP8YA is a better 3.1.2 soundbar than the LG Eclair QP5. The SP8YA has better center and surround performances. It's also a better pick for Atmos content. It gets louder with a little less compression at max volume. Unlike the Eclair, it has room correction and supports more wireless playback options. Some users may also prefer its more neutral, balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. That said, the Eclair has a more compact design, so it's not too surprising that it struggles to get loud.
The Sonos Beam is better than the LG Eclair QP5. The Sonos is a better-built 3.0 setup with built-in voice assistant support. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. Some users may also prefer its more neutral, balanced sound out of the box. However, it doesn't support Dolby Atmos content like the LG.
The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is more versatile than the LG Eclair QP5. The JBL is a 5.0 setup with better center and surround performances. It's a standalone bar, unlike the LG, which comes with a dedicated subwoofer. The LG is pretty unique, as it's one of the smallest bars with Dolby Atmos support we've tested. However, its dedicated sub doesn't mean that it can reproduce much more low-bass than the JBL.
Test Results
