Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth vs LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear
Updated July 2026 — LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear leads on width and speaker count.
The Bose TV Speaker excels in dialogue clarity, while the LG S40TR offers a more immersive sound experience at a lower price. For overall value and features, the LG is the better choice.
Why Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth is better
Dialogue Clarity
Bose focuses on enhancing vocal clarity.
Compact Size
Bose is easier to fit in smaller spaces.
Simple Setup
Bose offers a straightforward installation process.
Why LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear is better
Immersive Sound
LG provides a broader soundstage with surround speakers.
Price
LG is significantly cheaper than Bose.
User Control
LG allows control via a single remote for convenience.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth | LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar with Rear |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 | $196.99 |
| Sales Rank | 856 | 1825 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Support | Yes | Yes |
| Dialogue Mode | Yes | No |
Dimension comparison
Design and Aesthetics
The Bose TV Speaker features a compact, sleek design that is just over 2 inches tall, making it easy to place in front of your TV or mount on a wall. In contrast, the LG S40TR boasts a stylish crest design that not only looks good but also helps keep dust out, enhancing the durability of the product. Both soundbars are designed to complement modern home entertainment setups, but the Bose's compactness might appeal to those with limited space.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Bose TV Speaker is engineered to clarify speech with two angled full-range drivers and a dedicated center tweeter. This design aims to enhance dialogue clarity, making it a suitable choice for viewers who watch a lot of movies or shows with intricate plots. The LG S40TR, on the other hand, offers a more immersive experience with its 4.1 channel system, which includes a booming wireless subwoofer and rear surround speakers for a cinematic sound. This means that while the Bose focuses on clarity, the LG provides a broader soundstage, suitable for action-packed films.
Connectivity Options
The Bose TV Speaker allows for a straightforward setup with connections via an optical audio cable or HDMI, supporting up to three devices simultaneously. It also features Bluetooth capability, which is great for streaming music. Conversely, the LG S40TR also includes HDMI and is designed to seamlessly integrate with LG TVs via its WOW interface, allowing for control with a single remote. This makes the LG soundbar particularly user-friendly for those who already own LG products, emphasizing ease of use in a multi-device environment.
Price Comparison
The Bose TV Speaker is priced at $279.00, while the LG S40TR is significantly cheaper at $196.99, making it about 29% less expensive. This price difference may influence consumers who are budget-conscious but still want quality sound. Both products have strong sales ranks, with the Bose at 856 and the LG at 1825, indicating that both are popular choices, though the lower price point of the LG may attract more buyers.
Special Features
The Bose TV Speaker incorporates features like enhanced dialogue mode and a bass boost, which can be activated with its remote control. This makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize vocal clarity. Meanwhile, the LG S40TR stands out with its Dolby Audio technology and WOW Orchestra, which optimizes the sound experience by harmonizing with LG TVs. These features cater to different preferences: the Bose for clarity and the LG for immersive sound.
User Experience
The Bose TV Speaker is highlighted for its simple setup, requiring minimal effort to get started, which is ideal for those who prefer convenience. It also offers visual indicators for feature activation, enhancing user interaction. On the other hand, the LG S40TR emphasizes user control with its WOW interface, allowing for adjustments directly from the TV remote. This functionality provides a seamless experience for users who want to manage their audio settings without juggling multiple remotes.
Portability and Size
The compact size of the Bose TV Speaker makes it highly portable and easy to fit into smaller spaces, while the LG S40TR's larger setup with rear speakers may require more room for optimal placement. If portability is a primary concern for a user, the Bose provides a clear advantage due to its slim profile. Conversely, the LG's additional components may offer a more comprehensive audio experience, but at the cost of space.
Which should you buy?
In deciding between the Bose TV Speaker and the LG S40TR, it ultimately comes down to your specific audio needs and budget. The Bose TV Speaker excels in dialogue clarity and is perfect for viewers who prioritize crisp sound for TV shows and movies. However, if you're looking for a more immersive experience with surround sound and additional features at a lower price point, the LG S40TR is the better choice. With its substantial price difference and enhanced audio capabilities, the LG soundbar may provide greater overall value for most consumers.