79

LG S65Q Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Dec 14, 2023 8:21 PM

True Score

77
78
1

Experts

86
1,393

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The LG S65Q’s mid-range price is fair for its features, as it offers exceptional vocal reproduction and perfectly depicts dialogue in movies and TV shows, and its wide soundstage provides an immersive surround sound experience, but its wireless connectivity is limited.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The LG S65Q is a mid-range speaker that was initially announced in 2022. It features a center channel focused on enhancing its vocal output, plus bass and treble adjustments and EQ presets that owners can use to customize their sound output.

Its subwoofer delivers decent bass levels, and even though it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, its soundstage is wide enough for owners to pinpoint object sounds.

This is an attribute that many of the best speakers in the market share. Its wired connectivity options include a Digital Optical Audio input, a HDMI ARC port, a HDMI out port, and a Full HDMI port. For a more thunderous listening experience, check out our LG GX Soundbar review.

Owners will also be able to stream content wirelessly through Bluetooth, and averaging 95.5 decibels, the S65Q gets about as loud as the most popular soundbars around.

Consensus

our Verdict

The LG S65Q soundbar excels in vocal clarity, capturing dialogue crisply in TV shows and podcasts via its center channel, and its expansive soundstage adds realism, blending height and width, further enhanced by Dolby Digital support.

However, bass enthusiasts won’t like its less pronounced low-frequency response and lack of a graphic EQ for precise sound customization.

The soundbar is capable of room-filling audio achieved through its potent max volume, complemented by low latency (tested at 64ms over ARC, 56ms over Optical, and 66ms over Full HDMI) that synchronizes audio and video seamlessly.

It also offers immersive 3D audio facilitated by DTS: Virtual X technology, crafting phantom surround and height channels. Unfortunately, Dolby Atmos is absent, voice assistant integration is lacking, and wireless connectivity remains confined to Bluetooth.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Excellent vocal clarity
  • Low latency for in-sync audio-visual content
  • Loud max volume
  • Good port selection
  • Wide soundstage and DTS:X deliver an immersive listening experience
  • Dialogues in shows and podcasts are sharp and clear
  • Quick and hassle-free installation process
  • Modern aesthetic complements any setup
  • Effortless wireless pairing with devices

Reason to Avoid

  • Doesn’t deliver the low bass levels required for bass-heavy music
  • No Dolby Atmos support
  • Doesn’t work with voice assistants
  • Wireless connectivity is only limited to Bluetooth
  • Bass performance might not satisfy enthusiasts
  • Lacks advanced smart functionalities
  • Distortion may occur at higher volumes

LG S65Q Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth4.1"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight2.5"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels3.1.2
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, DTS Virtual:X, DTS:X
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight6.4 lbs
WidthWidth39.4"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithBluetooth, Remote Control

All Specs

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    Product Comparison

    LG S65Q Review

    True Score

    77
    76
    76
    74

    Ranking

    #

    79

    /

    149

    #

    94

    /

    149

    #

    88

    /

    149

    #

    106

    /

    149

    Market Context

    The LG S65Q is a mid-range speaker that was initially announced in 2022. It features a center channel focused on enhancing its vocal output, plus…

    The LG S65Q is a mid-range speaker that was initially announced in 2022. It features a center channel focused on enhancing its vocal output, plus bass and treble adjustments and EQ presets that owners can use to customize their sound output.

    Its subwoofer delivers decent bass levels, and even though it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, its soundstage is wide enough for owners to pinpoint object sounds.

    This is an attribute that many of the best speakers in the market share. Its wired connectivity options include a Digital Optical Audio input, a HDMI ARC port, a HDMI out port, and a Full HDMI port. For a more thunderous listening experience, check out our LG GX Soundbar review.

    Owners will also be able to stream content wirelessly through Bluetooth, and averaging 95.5 decibels, the S65Q gets about as loud as the most popular soundbars around.

    The LG S65Q is a sleek-looking soundbar that also ships with a subwoofer. Customers like its 3.1 channel setup, but those looking for an even…

    The LG S65Q is a sleek-looking soundbar that also ships with a subwoofer. Customers like its 3.1 channel setup, but those looking for an even better surround sound performance might want to consider the LG SP9YA, which has a 5.1.2 channel setup. The SP9YA also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, has in-built Chromecast support, and works with Apple AirPlay – advantages that it has over the LG S65Q.

    The LG S65Q is a 3.1 channel setup while the LG S75Q is a 3.1.2 sound system, and the S75Q ships with a HDMI cable…

    The LG S65Q is a 3.1 channel setup while the LG S75Q is a 3.1.2 sound system, and the S75Q ships with a HDMI cable while the S65Q comes with a Digital Optical Cable. The S75Q also features up-firing channels to create the illusion of height, while the S65Q does not. We’ve delved deeper into the S75Q in our LG S75Q review.

    The LG S65Q has a total output of 420 watts, while the Samsung HW-Q60B has an output of 340 watts. However, the Samsung soundbar has…

    The LG S65Q has a total output of 420 watts, while the Samsung HW-Q60B has an output of 340 watts. However, the Samsung soundbar has a graphical EQ while the LG soundbar does not, but the LG soundbar has an app, while the Samsung soundbar lacks one.

    Bluetooth Enabled

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Depth

    4.1"

    5.7"

    4.69"

    4.1"

    Dialogue Enhancement Feature

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Energy Star Certified

    No

    Yes

    n/a

    Yes

    HDMI ARC

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Height

    2.5"

    2.2"

    2.56"

    2.2"

    Number of Audio Channels

    3.1.2

    3.1.2

    3.1

    Subwoofer

    Included

    Included

    Build-in

    Included

    Dig Deeper

    LG SP9YA Review →

    LG S75Q Soundbar Review →

    Samsung Q60B Review →

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    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    78

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    86

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    77

    Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

    Expert Scores

    • Rtings
      101.4

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      The LG S65Q is decent for mixed usage. Out-of-the-box, dialogue is clear and present in… Read More

      By:

      Jake Thauvette