Which is better for movies?

The LG S40TR. It has 4.1 channels, a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and DTS, while the Sonos Ray is stereo with Dolby Digital only.

Which sounds better for dialogue?

The Sonos Ray is tuned for clear speech and has a Speech Enhancement setting in the app. The LG is louder overall but its strength is surround effects and bass.

Can I stream music to these?

The Sonos Ray streams over Wi-Fi with AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect and joins Sonos multi-room. The LG S40TR is Bluetooth only, with no Wi-Fi.

Do I need a subwoofer with the Sonos Ray?

The Ray has no subwoofer and cannot add one on its own; it relies on a ported design for bass. The LG S40TR includes a wireless subwoofer in the box.

Is the LG worth it at its recent prices?

At $65.99 on November 3 it was a clear bargain against the Ray at $181.00 on November 1. At its $199.99 high it costs more than the Ray and the choice depends on whether you want surround or streaming.

Which is easier to set up?

The Sonos Ray connects with two cables, optical and power, and works with your TV remote. The LG needs HDMI or optical plus power and pairing for the wireless subwoofer.

LG S40TR Soundbar vs Sonos Ray Soundbar

Buy the LG S40TR if you want a 4.1-channel system with a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and DTS for movie nights, and it is far cheaper right now: $65.99 at its lowest on November 3 versus $181.00 for the Sonos Ray on November 1. Buy the Sonos Ray if you want a compact stereo bar with Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 and Sonos multi-room, and you value app control and clear dialogue over bass and surround. The LG wins on price and immersion; the Sonos wins on streaming and room integration.

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