98

LG SK1 Soundbar Review

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

True Score

75
76
4

Experts

84
2,752

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The LG SK1’s Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, but there’s no support for WiFi or other streaming methods, and while its sound profile is pretty neutral with good emphasis on clear vocals, it lacks a satisfying low-end bass range as it misses out on a sub, and doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or DTS for immersive surround sound. Still, the soundbar offers a few Eq presets for sound customization, but it doesn’t get very loud, and its soundstage is pretty narrow. Its wired input options are also quite limited, with one Optical Audio In and one Analog audio 3.5mm AUX port.

The entry-level soundbar is built well, and its remote is also easy to use, but there’s no support for any voice assistant.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The LG SK1 is a basic 2-channel soundbar that was first announced in 2018. The soundbar is capable of Bluetooth connectivity, but since it doesn’t ship with a subwoofer, it doesn’t bring out the deep bass output that movie lovers may appreciate.

It is also difficult to establish exactly where object sounds are being projected from due to its narrow soundstage and lack of support for Dolby Atmos, but similar to most top-tier speakers, it has a discrete center channel, so vocals come out quite well for dialogue-focused content.

Owners will also have to grapple with limited connectivity options, as the SK1 only has an Optical Audio In port and Bluetooth connectivity.

The best soundbars have multiple inputs as well as WiFi, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast compatibility, so make sure to check out that list in case the SK1 doesn’t live up to some expectations.

Consensus

our Verdict

The LG SK1’s Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, but there’s no support for WiFi or other streaming methods, and while its sound profile is pretty neutral with good emphasis on clear vocals, it lacks a satisfying low-end bass range as it misses out on a sub, and doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or DTS for immersive surround sound.

Still, the soundbar offers a few Eq presets for sound customization, but it doesn’t get very loud, and its soundstage is pretty narrow. Its wired input options are also quite limited, with one Optical Audio In and one Analog audio 3.5mm AUX port.

The entry-level soundbar is built well, and its remote is also easy to use, but there’s no support for any voice assistant.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Easy setup, even for non-techies
  • Good sound quality for the price
  • Vocals are clear and detailed
  • Works well for dialogue and TV audio enhancement
  • Reliable Bluetooth connectivity for playing music
  • Compact design

Reason to Avoid

  • No subwoofer for a bass response
  • Limited connectivity options
  • Doesn’t get very loud
  • Poor surround sound performance

LG SK1 Soundbar Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth3.5"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureNo
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCNo
HeightHeight3"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels2.0
SubwooferSubwooferNo
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Digital
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableNo
WeightWeight4.4 lbs
WidthWidth25.6"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityNo
Works WithWorks WithBluetooth, Remote Control

All Specs

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Product Comparison

LG SK1 Soundbar Review

True Score

75
76
84
NR

Ranking

#

98

/

151

#

91

/

151

#

7

/

151

#

/

Market Context

The LG SK1 is a basic 2-channel soundbar that was first announced in 2018. The soundbar is capable of Bluetooth connectivity, but since it doesn’t…

The LG SK1 is a basic 2-channel soundbar that was first announced in 2018. The soundbar is capable of Bluetooth connectivity, but since it doesn’t ship with a subwoofer, it doesn’t bring out the deep bass output that movie lovers may appreciate.

It is also difficult to establish exactly where object sounds are being projected from due to its narrow soundstage and lack of support for Dolby Atmos, but similar to most top-tier speakers, it has a discrete center channel, so vocals come out quite well for dialogue-focused content.

Owners will also have to grapple with limited connectivity options, as the SK1 only has an Optical Audio In port and Bluetooth connectivity.

The best soundbars have multiple inputs as well as WiFi, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast compatibility, so make sure to check out that list in case the SK1 doesn’t live up to some expectations.

The LG SK1 features an AUX port which is missing on the Sony HT-S100F, however, the Sony soundbar gets a lot louder than the SK1,…

The LG SK1 features an AUX port which is missing on the Sony HT-S100F, however, the Sony soundbar gets a lot louder than the SK1, and it also has two HDMI ports while the SK1 has none.

The LG SK1 is a 2-channel speaker, while the Sonos Arc is a 5.0.2-channel system, delivering better surround sound performance. Also, the SK1 ships with…

The LG SK1 is a 2-channel speaker, while the Sonos Arc is a 5.0.2-channel system, delivering better surround sound performance. Also, the SK1 ships with a Digital Optical Cable and misses out on the HDMI cable, while the Sonos Arc offers a HDMI cable but doesn’t include a Digital Optical Cable. The Sonos Arc also has a wider soundstage, and unlike the SK1, it also supports Wi-Fi connectivity.

The LG SK1 doesn’t feature Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, and because of this, the LG SJ2 has a slight advantage over it since devices can…

The LG SK1 doesn’t feature Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, and because of this, the LG SJ2 has a slight advantage over it since devices can stream audio content to it over Bluetooth, WiFi, and an Ethernet connection. The SJ2 also has an HDMI port that is missing on the SK1 and ships with a subwoofer, which the SK1 does not.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

No

Depth

3.5"

3.5"

4.56"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

No

na, Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

No

HDMI ARC

No

Yes

Yes

Height

3"

2.5"

3.43"

Number of Audio Channels

2.0

5.0.2

Subwoofer

No

na, No

Optional (sold separately)

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

76

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

84

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

75

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

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    64
    The LG SK1 soundbar is decent for dialogue-heavy content like podcasts and TV shows. The… Read More

    By:

    John Panoryios
  • Which?
    59.2

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    LG has reworked the SK1 sound bar, which launched in 2018, to improve its performance…. Read More

    By:

    Unknown
  • Tom’s Guide
    77.58

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    There are better-sounding soundbars, but the LG SK1 is compact, easy to use and incredibly… Read More

    By:

    James Archer
  • Consumer Reports
    19.6

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    “No bottom line found for this product” Read More

    By:

    Unknown