LG S80QR  Soundbar Review

Reviewed Feb 09, 2023 at 11:08am
Writing modified Mar 07, 2025 at 03:41pm
Tested using Methodology v1.1 
LG S80QR
0.0
Mixed Usage 
0.0
Dialogue/TV Shows 
0.0
Music 
0.0
Movies 
 1

The LG S80QR was released in 2022. It's a mid-range offering from LG that's available on its own as the LG S80QY or with the LG SPQ8-S satellites added on for improved surround sound performance. Like the LG S90QY and the LG S95QR, its unique design includes an additional up-firing center channel on top of the bar for higher-quality dialogue reproduction. You also get access to lots of LG's premium features, like the AI Room Calibration tool as well as TV Sound Mode Share for improved sound with compatible LG TVs.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The LG S80QR is very good for mixed usage. This setup reproduces voices and other lead instruments clearly right out of the box, making it a solid pick for lots of different music genres. With its additional up-firing center channel, it clearly reproduces dialogue in all your favorite movies and TV shows. With the added satellites, you get a pretty immersive feel with movies.

Pros
  • Room correction feature.
  • Bass and treble adjustments.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
  • No graphic EQ.
0.0
Dialogue/TV Shows 

The LG S80QR is great for dialogue-centric TV shows and podcasts. Uniquely, it comes with not one but two center channels, both of which are designed to improve the quality of vocal reproduction. You can easily follow along with the action on screen, and there's even a dialogue enhancement tool on hand if you want to make voices more crisp in the mix. You have lots of options if you want to stream podcasts or audiobooks to the bar, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Pros
  • Room correction feature.
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
Cons
  • No graphic EQ.
0.0
Music 

The LG S80QR is very good for music. Since it comes with a room correction feature, it automatically optimizes its output based on your room's unique acoustics. Voices and lead instruments are clear in the mix right out of the box, so it's suitable for lots of different genres. You can adjust the bass and the treble based on your preferences. It lacks a touch of low-bass compared to other setups on the market, which is especially noticeable with bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop.

Pros
  • Room correction feature.
  • Bass and treble adjustments.
Cons
  • Lacks a touch of low-bass.
0.0
Movies 

The LG S80QR is very good for movies. Whether you're watching from a streaming platform or a Blu-ray disc, the bar supports lots of common audio formats, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. Plus, the added satellites improve its overall performance, so you get a more clear and real feel with your favorite films. Sound stretches into the space around your couch, so you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. That said, the lack of low-bass is a touch noticeable with action-packed scenes, especially in comparison with other premium setups on the market.

Pros
  • Room correction feature.
  • Dialogue enhancement tool.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
Cons
  • Lacks a touch of low-bass.
  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 0.0
    Music
  • 0.0
    Movies
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Mar 07, 2025: 

      We mentioned the LG S80TR in the Style - Satellites section of this review.

    2.  Updated Apr 30, 2024: We've added a comparison between this soundbar and the Samsung HW-Q700C with SWA-9500S in Stereo Soundstage.
    3.  Updated May 16, 2023: Added market comparison with the LG S75QR in the Stereo Frequency Response box.
    4.  Updated Mar 27, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.

    Check Price

    BlackS80QR
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    BlackS80QR
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    You can buy the LG S80QY with only the soundbar and the subwoofer. However, the results in this review apply to the LG SQ80Y with SPQ8-S speaker kit, also known as the LG S80QR soundbar, which includes the satellites as well.

    They're available in black, and you can see the label for the satellites here.

    Popular Soundbar Comparisons

    The LG S80QR is a 5.1.3 soundbar from the manufacturer's 2022 lineup. Compared to the LG S80QY on its own, the added satellites make for an improved surround sound experience, resulting in a more clear and real reproduction of sound effects in the space around you. Otherwise, the features offered between these bars are the same.

    See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best 5.1 soundbars, and the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

    LG S80TR

    The LG S80TR is the successor to the LG S80QR, and both soundbars offer nearly identical performance. The key advantage of the S80TR is its simplified setup—its subwoofer and satellites connect wirelessly to the main bar, eliminating the need for a separate wireless transmitter. If space for the S80QR’s small transmitter isn’t an issue, either model is a solid choice, so go with whichever is more affordable.

    LG S75QR

    The LG S80QR is better than the LG S75QR. The S80QR is a 5.1.3 setup with an additional up-firing center channel to improve vocal reproduction in the mix. It offers more features, too, such as room correction and Wi-Fi support. It also has a better low-frequency extension, so you notice more low-bass in the mix.

    LG S95QR

    The LG S95QR is better than the LG S80QR. They're both Dolby Atmos soundbars with similar features, including AI Room Calibration and TV Sound Mode Share. However, the S95QR has a 9.1.4 setup, meaning that its satellites come with additional channels compared to the SPQ8-S speakers, which improve its surround sound and Atmos performances. Plus, it offers a better stereo soundstage.

    LG S80QY

    The LG S80QR is the same as the LG S80QY but comes with the SPQ8-S rear speaker kit, improving the overall surround sound performance. Satellites help to reproduce sound effects in a more clear and real way, so sound stretches into the space around your room for an immersive feel with both 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos content.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style - Bar

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    Style - Subwoofer
    Sub Wireless
    LockedLocked
    Enclosure
    LockedLocked

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    Style - Satellites
    Satellite Wireless
    LockedLocked

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    Dimensions - Bar
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    DepthLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Dimensions - Subwoofer
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    DepthLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Dimensions - Satellites
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    DepthLockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Mounting
    Mountable Bar
    LockedLocked
    Bar Brackets Included
    LockedLocked
    Mountable Satellites
    LockedLocked
    Satellite Brackets Included
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Build Quality

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    In The Box

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    Sound
    0.0
    Stereo Frequency Response
    SAMPLE
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    See details on graph tool
    SAMPLE
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    Tested Preset
    LockedLocked
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Channels
    Locked5.1.3
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    High-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock kHz

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    0.0
    Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    SAMPLE
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    Suggested Preset
    LockedLocked
    Suggested Bass Setting
    LockedLock
    Suggested Treble Setting
    LockedLock
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    High-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock kHz

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    0.0
    Stereo Soundstage
    SAMPLE
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    Crosstalk Error
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Stereo Dynamics
    SAMPLE
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    SPL @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB SPL
    DRC @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
    SAMPLE
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    Weighted THD @ 80dB
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max Volume
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Center
    SAMPLE
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    Localization
    LockedLocked
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    SPL @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Weighted THD @ 80dB
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max Volume
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Surround 5.1
    SAMPLE
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    Localization
    LockedLocked
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    SPL @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Weighted THD @ 80dB
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max Volume
    LockedLock
    7.1 Rears
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Height (Atmos)
    SAMPLE
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    Localization
    LockedLocked
    Slope
    LockedLock
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    SPL @ Max Volume
    LockedLock dB SPL
    Weighted THD @ 80dB
    LockedLock
    Weighted THD @ Max Volume
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Sound Enhancement Features
    Room Correction
    LockedLocked
    Dialogue Enhancement
    LockedLocked
    Auto-Volume/Night Mode
    LockedLocked
    Subwoofer Level Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Bass Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Treble Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    EQ
    LockedLocked
    Surround Level Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Rear Level Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Height Level Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Virtual Surround
    LockedLocked

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    Connectivity
    Inputs/Outputs - Bar
    Optical Audio In
    LockedLocked
    HDMI ARC
    LockedLocked
    HDMI Out
    LockedLocked
    Full HDMI In
    LockedLocked
    Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
    LockedLocked
    RCA In
    LockedLocked
    USB for Files
    LockedLocked
    Ethernet
    LockedLocked
    Subwoofer Output
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Audio Format Support - ARC
    eARC
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Atmos
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Digital Plus
    LockedLocked
    DTS
    LockedLocked
    DTS:X (eARC only)
    LockedLocked
    Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)
    LockedLocked
    DTS-HD MA (eARC only)
    LockedLocked
    5.1 PCM (eARC only)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
    Dolby Atmos
    LockedLocked
    DTS:X
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    Dolby Digital Plus
    LockedLocked
    DTS
    LockedLocked
    Dolby TrueHD
    LockedLocked
    DTS-HD MA
    LockedLocked
    5.1 PCM
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Audio Format Support - Optical
    Dolby Digital
    LockedLocked
    DTS
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Latency
    SAMPLE
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    LG S80QR Latency Video Sample
    ARC
    LockedLock ms
    Optical
    LockedLock ms
    Full HDMI In
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Wireless Playback
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Wi-Fi Playback
    LockedLocked
    Chromecast built-in
    LockedLocked
    Apple AirPlay
    LockedLocked
    Spotify Connect
    LockedLocked

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    Other Input Specifications
    4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    HDR10 Passthrough
    LockedLocked

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    Additional Features
    Interface
    Display
    LockedLocked

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    Bar Controls

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    Remote

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    Voice Assistants Support
    Amazon Alexa
    LockedLocked
    Google Assistant
    LockedLocked
    Apple Siri
    LockedLocked
    Microphone Mute
    LockedLocked

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