LG S40TR Review: 4.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Rear Speakers
The LG S40TR delivers an immersive surround sound experience with its wireless rear speakers and subwoofer, making it a strong choice for small to medium rooms seeking cinematic audio without a complex receiver setup.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
The LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar is a complete audio system designed to upgrade your TV’s sound without the clutter and complexity of traditional home theater setups. It combines a main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear surround speakers to create an immersive 4.1 channel audio experience aimed at budget-conscious buyers, particularly those with LG televisions. This system transforms compact living spaces into home theaters by delivering cinematic sound with a focus on convenience and wireless connectivity.
This review analyzes the LG S40TR’s specifications, design, key features, and user feedback to determine its strengths and limitations. It is ideal for users looking to add true surround sound with rear channels to their entertainment setup without running wires across the room or investing in a separate AV receiver. The bottom line: the LG S40TR offers a compelling package of immersive sound and user-friendly features for its category, especially for those integrated into the LG ecosystem.
LG S40TR 4.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
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LG S40TR at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels | 4.1 Channel Surround |
| Wireless Components | Subwoofer, Rear Speakers |
| Key Audio Technologies | Dolby Digital, DTS Digital, AI Sound Pro, Clear Voice Plus |
| LG-Specific Features | WOW Interface, WOW Orchestra (with compatible LG TVs) |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, Optical Input, Bluetooth, USB Port |
| Control Methods | Remote Control, LG Soundbar App |
| Speaker Enclosure | Metal Grille, Plastic |
| Soundbar Dimensions | 28.4″ W x 2.5″ H x 3.4″ D |
| Warranty | 1 Year Parts & Labor |
Design and Build
The LG S40TR features a crest design, described by the manufacturer as a sleek and stylish look meant to be seen as well as heard. The main soundbar utilizes a metal grille, which serves a dual purpose: it contributes to the aesthetic and also helps keep dust and debris out of the speakers for what is termed “worry-free audio enjoyment.” With dimensions of 28.4 inches wide, 2.5 inches high, and 3.4 inches deep, the soundbar is designed to fit compactly under most televisions without obstructing the screen, making it suitable for smaller entertainment centers or wall-mounted TV setups.
The included wireless subwoofer and pair of rear speakers maintain a cohesive black finish. The rear speakers are noted for their wireless connectivity to the soundbar, eliminating the need for long speaker wires to be run to the back of the room, though they do require power cords. The build materials are listed as metal and plastic, suggesting a mix of durability and lightweight construction. The overall design philosophy prioritizes a minimal footprint and visual integration into a modern living space while promising robust sound output.
Performance and Features
Audio Performance and Immersion
The core promise of the LG S40TR is “New Dimensional Sound,” delivered through its 4.1 channel configuration. This comprises the soundbar’s channels plus the dedicated wireless subwoofer for low-frequency effects. The system is compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS Digital formats, which enhance sound quality for movies, shows, and music. A key feature for movie watching is Clear Voice Plus, which analyzes audio output to improve voice clarity and deliver more realistic dialogue through the center speakers, addressing a common issue where background sounds overwhelm conversations.
The wireless rear speakers are central to creating a surround sound experience, providing audio immersion from behind the listener. The manufacturer states this setup is for “rooms of all shapes and sizes” and requires no special receiver. Another processing feature is the Smart Up-Mixer, which is designed to create a wider soundstage by converting 2-channel audio into a multi-channel experience, leveraging all speakers to fill the room. AI Sound Pro is also mentioned as a feature that levels out volume between loud action scenes and quiet dialogue without losing sound quality.
Connectivity and Control
The LG S40TR offers multiple connectivity options. It supports Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming from smart devices. For television connection, it provides an HDMI eARC port, which allows for high-quality audio transmission and supports 4K pass-through, as well as an optical input. A USB port is listed among the additional features, though its specific use (e.g., for media playback or service) is not detailed in the provided data. The subwoofer and rear speakers connect wirelessly to the main soundbar unit.
Control is handled through an included remote control and the LG Soundbar App. The app allows users to customize a 3-band equalizer, adjusting bass, treble, and mid-range frequencies from a smart device. For users with compatible LG televisions, two exclusive features enhance convenience: WOW Interface enables control of both the soundbar and LG TV with a single TV remote, allowing adjustment of volume, audio settings, and sound modes on the TV screen. WOW Orchestra uses the audio from both the LG TV speakers and the soundbar simultaneously to produce what is described as “the ultimate listening experience,” controllable with one remote.
Key Feature Limitations
It is important to note the limitations of some flagship features based on the manufacturer data. The WOW Interface and WOW Orchestra features are only available when the soundbar is paired with select LG TV models. The product description includes a footnote specifying that these features are only available on select LG TV and LG Soundbar models. Furthermore, the system supports Dolby Audio and DTS Digital but does not list support for more advanced object-based formats like Dolby Atmos, which provides height channel effects.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup is designed for user convenience, highlighted by the wireless connectivity of the subwoofer and rear speakers. This eliminates the need to run audio cables to the back of the room, though the rear speakers still require power cords, and one rear speaker connects to the other via a speaker wire, as noted in user reviews. The system does not require a separate AV receiver. The package includes necessary cables such as an optical cable and a rear speaker cable, along with a remote control, warranty card, and batteries.
LG provides a limited warranty described as “1 Year Parts & Labor.” The manufacturer does not list specific details about long-term firmware or software update support for the soundbar’s features or app. There is no information provided regarding available official accessory options or upgrade paths for the system. Ownership considerations include the need for power outlets near the placement of the rear speakers and the fact that the full suite of WOW features is contingent on owning a compatible LG television.
What Owners Say
Owner feedback for the LG S40TR is generally positive, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. The rating distribution shows that a significant majority of reviewers (65%) gave it a 5-star rating, while 18% gave 4 stars. Critical feedback from the 1 to 3-star ratings accounts for a smaller portion of reviews.
Positive reviews frequently praise the immersive surround sound experience, especially during movies when the system is set to “Cinema” mode. Owners appreciate the convenience features like the single remote control functionality with their LG TVs and the effectiveness of AI Sound Pro in balancing volume levels. The sound quality for the price and the system’s performance in medium-sized rooms (e.g., 18×24 ft) are highlighted, with mentions of good bass and treble. Some users note that the setup instructions included in the box can be confusing and recommend using the online manuals from LG’s website for clearer guidance.
Critical feedback clarifies that the rear speakers are not fully wireless; they require power cords, and the two speakers are connected to each other by a speaker wire, which was a point of surprise for some buyers. A few reviews suggest the compact subwoofer may not provide sufficient deep bass for very large rooms. There are no widespread complaints about reliability or major defects in the excerpted reviews.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy wireless setup with no separate receiver required
- Immersive 4.1 channel surround sound with dedicated rear speakers
- Convenient single-remote control when paired with compatible LG TVs
- HDMI eARC with 4K pass-through support
- Effective dialogue enhancement via Clear Voice Plus
- Customizable sound via the LG Soundbar App equalizer
Cons
- Full WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface features limited to LG TVs
- Rear speakers require power cords and a connecting speaker wire
- No support for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X object-based audio
- Compact subwoofer may lack extreme low-end bass for large rooms
- Setup instructions in the box can be unclear
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The LG S40TR is an excellent choice for budget-minded users with small to medium-sized living rooms or apartments who want a significant audio upgrade from their TV’s built-in speakers. It is particularly ideal for owners of compatible LG televisions who can fully utilize the WOW Interface and WOW Orchestra for a seamless, integrated experience. It suits those who desire true rear-channel surround sound for movies and TV shows but want to avoid the complexity and wire management of a traditional AV receiver-based system. Users who prioritize clear dialogue in their content will benefit from the Clear Voice Plus technology.
This soundbar system is not the best fit for users with very large rooms who demand room-shaking, deep bass, as the compact subwoofer may not fill the space adequately. Audiophiles seeking the latest object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos should look elsewhere, as this model does not support them. Those who do not own an LG TV will miss out on several key convenience features, diminishing the value proposition. Additionally, individuals who desire a completely wireless rear speaker setup with no cords whatsoever should be aware that the rear units still require power connections.
Final Verdict
The LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar successfully delivers on its promise of immersive, cinematic audio for compact spaces. Its combination of a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear speakers creates a legitimate surround sound environment that enhances movies, TV shows, and music. Features like Clear Voice Plus and AI Sound Pro address common audio issues effectively, while the wireless design of the satellite components simplifies setup and placement. For the asking price, it packs a considerable number of features and a satisfying audio performance that resonates well with the majority of its users.
However, its appeal is maximized within the LG ecosystem. The most innovative features, WOW Interface and WOW Orchestra, are exclusive to compatible LG TVs, making this soundbar a more compelling purchase for existing LG television owners. The lack of Dolby Atmos support and the corded nature of the rear speakers are trade-offs to consider. Overall, if you are looking for an affordable, easy-to-install surround sound system with rear channels and own an LG TV, the LG S40TR represents a strong value. For those seeking the absolute latest in audio technology or who have a non-LG television, exploring other options on our guides for the best surround sound soundbars or best TV soundbars for voice clarity may be worthwhile.
FAQs
Are the rear speakers truly wireless?
No, the rear speakers are not fully wireless. They connect wirelessly to the main soundbar for audio transmission, meaning no long audio cables are needed to run from the front to the back of the room. However, each rear speaker unit requires a power cord, and the two speakers are connected to each other with a provided speaker wire. You will need power outlets near where you place them.
Does the LG S40TR support Dolby Atmos?
No, according to the manufacturer specifications, the LG S40TR supports Dolby Digital and DTS Digital audio formats. It does not list support for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which are object-based audio formats that include height channel information for a more three-dimensional sound experience.
Can I use the WOW features with any TV?
The WOW Interface (single remote control) and WOW Orchestra (combined TV and soundbar audio) features are only available when the LG S40TR is connected to select compatible LG television models. The manufacturer’s description includes a footnote stating these features are only available on select LG TV and LG Soundbar models. If you have a non-LG TV, you will not be able to use these specific integration features.
What is included in the box?
The LG S40TR package includes the main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, two wireless rear surround speakers, a remote control with batteries, an optical cable, a rear speaker cable for connecting the two rear units, and a warranty card. You will need to provide your own HDMI cable if you choose to use the HDMI eARC connection for your television.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.