When it comes to improving your TV's sound, there's a big difference between entry-level and premium solutions. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the $199 Bose TV Speaker and the $1,299 LG S90TR to help you make the right choice for your needs.
Before we compare these specific models, it's worth understanding what soundbars are trying to accomplish. Your TV's built-in speakers face downward or backward and usually sound thin and unclear. A soundbar fixes this by providing larger, forward-facing speakers that can reproduce sound more naturally.
When the Bose TV Speaker was released in 2020, it focused on solving the most common TV audio problem: unclear dialogue. It represents a traditional approach to soundbars - providing better stereo sound than your TV without complicated setup.
The LG S90TR, released in 2024, showcases how far soundbar technology has come. It's essentially a wireless home theater system that happens to be centered around a soundbar. The addition of height channels (those ".3" in the 7.1.3 specification) allows it to create a sphere of sound around you, including audio that appears to come from above.
The Bose takes a minimalist approach with just two channels (left and right speakers). This stereo setup works well for most TV content and music, but can't create the immersive experience of surround sound. Think of it like upgrading from phone speakers to good computer speakers - everything sounds clearer and fuller, but the sound still comes from one direction.
The LG system uses 11 separate channels (7 surround + 1 subwoofer + 3 height) to create a dome of sound around you. If you've been to a modern movie theater, this is similar to how they position speakers all around and above the audience. When a helicopter flies overhead in a movie, you'll actually hear it move from front to back and above you.
I've installed both basic and premium soundbars, and there's a clear trade-off between features and complexity. The Bose TV Speaker genuinely takes about 5 minutes to set up - plug in power, connect one cable to your TV, and you're done. It's perfect for anyone who wants better sound without any fuss.
The LG S90TR requires more planning. While the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers don't need cables running to the main unit (a huge improvement over older systems), you'll still need power outlets for each component. The system uses AI room calibration - it plays test tones and listens through a microphone to optimize the sound for your specific room layout. This takes more time but results in better performance.
The Bose excels at its primary job - making dialogue clearer and providing better overall sound than your TV speakers. Its dialogue mode specifically enhances speech frequencies, which is particularly helpful for shows or movies with quiet talking and loud effects.
The LG creates a true theater experience at home. When a movie has been mixed for Dolby Atmos (a technology that allows sound to be precisely placed in three-dimensional space), you get the full effect. Rain sounds like it's falling above you, cars drive around you, and explosions have real impact thanks to the dedicated subwoofer.
Both systems handle music well, but in different ways. The Bose provides clean, balanced stereo playback that works great for background listening or focused music sessions. It supports Bluetooth, so playing music from your phone is easy.
The LG offers more options for music lovers. Beyond Bluetooth, it supports Wi-Fi streaming with higher quality, and can play high-resolution audio files. The subwoofer adds substantial bass for genres that benefit from it, and the surround speakers can create an immersive listening experience - though some prefer straight stereo for music.
The price difference between these systems is significant, but so is the technology gap. The Bose TV Speaker delivers excellent value for basic TV audio enhancement. If your primary goal is better dialogue clarity and improved overall sound, it's hard to justify spending more.
The LG S90TR is an investment in a complete home theater audio system. While the price is much higher, you're getting technology that wouldn't have been possible in a soundbar system just a few years ago. For movie enthusiasts or gamers who want the most immersive experience possible, it can actually represent good value compared to traditional separate speakers and receivers.
Consider these key factors when choosing:
Remember, both the Bose TV Speaker and LG S90TR are excellent at what they're designed to do. The key is matching their capabilities to your specific needs and budget. If you're just looking to improve your TV's sound with minimal fuss, the Bose is a fantastic choice. If you want to create a true home theater experience and have the budget for it, the LG delivers impressive performance that was impossible in a soundbar just a few years ago.
| $199 Bose TV Speaker | $1,299 LG S90TR |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - Determines how immersive and room-filling the sound can be | |
| 2.0 channels (basic stereo) | 7.1.3 channels (full surround with height) |
| Audio Format Support - Affects compatibility with modern movie soundtracks | |
| Dolby Digital only | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and all legacy formats |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for matching speaker power to your space | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to 500 sq ft) |
| Subwoofer - Determines bass impact for movies and music | |
| Optional wired connection to separate sub | Included wireless subwoofer |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with audio equipment | |
| Single cable, 5-minute setup | Multiple components, AI room calibration |
| Connections - Affects compatibility with your devices | |
| 1 HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth | HDMI eARC, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, USB |
| Size (Soundbar Only) - Important for TV stand or wall mounting | |
| 23.4" x 2.2" x 4" (compact) | 49.2" x 2.5" x 5.3" (requires wider space) |
| Additional Features - Value-add capabilities beyond basic audio | |
| Dialogue enhancement mode | AI calibration, gaming features, wireless streaming |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and clarity | |
| Not specified (suitable for near-field listening) | 125W total system power |
| Primary Use Case - Most important factor for satisfaction | |
| TV dialogue enhancement, basic music | Home theater, gaming, high-end audio |
The $1,299 LG S90TR is significantly better for movies due to its 7.1.3 channel surround sound and Dolby Atmos support. The $199 Bose TV Speaker provides basic stereo sound which, while clear, can't match the immersive experience of true surround sound.
While both work for gaming, the LG S90TR provides a much better gaming experience with its surround sound capabilities and low latency HDMI support. The Bose TV Speaker works for casual gaming but lacks spatial audio features.
The LG S90TR comes with a wireless subwoofer included, providing deep bass out of the box. The Bose TV Speaker has an optional subwoofer connection but requires separate purchase and wired connection.
The $199 Bose TV Speaker is ideal for small spaces due to its compact size and simpler setup. The $1,299 LG S90TR requires more space for optimal surround sound performance.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the LG S90TR also offers Wi-Fi streaming with higher quality and support for various streaming services. The Bose TV Speaker is limited to Bluetooth only.
The Bose TV Speaker works with basic HDMI cables, while the LG S90TR benefits from newer HDMI 2.1 cables to support all its features like Dolby Atmos and high bandwidth audio.
Both work well for sports, but the LG S90TR's wider soundstage creates a more stadium-like experience. The Bose TV Speaker focuses on clear dialogue which is good for commentary.
Yes, both are compatible with modern TVs. The Bose TV Speaker connects via HDMI ARC or optical, while the LG S90TR offers more connection options including eARC for highest quality audio.
The Bose TV Speaker offers simple plug-and-play setup taking about 5 minutes. The LG S90TR requires more setup time for its multiple speakers and room calibration but provides guided instructions.
Both excel at dialogue, but differently. The Bose TV Speaker has a dedicated dialogue mode, while the LG S90TR uses its center channel speaker for clear dialogue within surround sound.
The $199 Bose TV Speaker can be easily self-installed. The $1,299 LG S90TR doesn't require professional installation but benefits from careful speaker placement and calibration.
For dedicated home theater use, the LG S90TR offers better value despite its higher price, providing true surround sound. The Bose TV Speaker is better value for basic TV audio enhancement without surround sound needs.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - projectorscreen.com - forums.audioholics.com - digitaltrends.com - abt.com - crutchfield.com - staples.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - visions.ca - bose.com - assets.bose.com - rtings.com - abt.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - microcenter.com - buydig.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - oceanstateappliance.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - lg.com
