LG S40T vs Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

Sound Quality

The LG S40T is a 2.1 channel soundbar and the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a 3.1 channel soundbar. The LG S40T earns 22 out of 30 for sound quality in the supplied breakdown, while the Fire TV Soundbar Plus earns 20 out of 30. The difference on paper comes from configuration: the LG S40T relies on a stereo pair plus a wireless subwoofer, while the Fire TV Soundbar Plus adds a dedicated center channel for dialogue. Neither listing publishes driver sizes, amplifier power, or frequency response, so absolute output cannot be compared from specifications.

For dialogue clarity, both models include a specific feature. The LG S40T lists Clear Voice Plus as a targeted dialog enhancement. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus lists a dedicated center channel as a dialogue clarity asset and also offers selectable sound modes. The Fire TV approach is a physical channel, which may help with movie and TV speech, but without driver measurements the real world advantage is not verifiable from the listing. The LG S40T also includes a three band EQ through the LG Soundbar App, which provides some tone adjustment.

Both products are positioned in the budget price tier, according to their pros. The LG S40T is described as a straightforward audio upgrade for LG TV owners. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is described as a focused budget 3.1 soundbar that covers the essentials. Since neither listing states total power output, buyers cannot judge how loudly either bar can play or how cleanly it handles dynamic peaks.

Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats

The LG S40T supports Dolby Digital and DTS Digital, while the Fire TV Soundbar Plus supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This is a significant difference in audio format support. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus lists both immersive codecs, which allow it to accept and decode Atmos and DTS:X bitstreams from compatible TVs and sources. The LG S40T does not list any Dolby Atmos support and is limited to older surround codecs.

The supplied breakdown gives the LG S40T 7 out of 15 for surround and audio formats, and the Fire TV Soundbar Plus 8 out of 15. Neither soundbar has upward-firing drivers or discrete wireless surround speakers, according to the listings. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus does not claim true height channels, so its Atmos support is limited to virtual or downmixed processing from a 3.1 array.

If you want height effects from ceiling reflections, neither bar will deliver that based on the published driver information. If you want basic Dolby Digital and DTS Digital passthrough or decoding, the LG S40T covers the older formats. If you want to accept Atmos and DTS:X from streaming boxes or TV apps, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is the only one of the two that lists that capability.

Subwoofer and Bass

The LG S40T includes a wireless subwoofer, which is its most notable bass feature. A separate subwoofer can be placed away from the bar and typically provides more low-frequency output than a built-in woofer, but the listing does not publish the subwoofer driver size or amplifier power. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus has a built-in subwoofer, with no specific driver or amplifier details published either.

Because neither listing provides frequency response or subwoofer power, direct bass depth cannot be verified from the supplied facts. The LG S40T pros note that the wireless subwoofer adds low end without a cable run. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus cons state that the built-in subwoofer cannot match a separate powered sub for deep bass. That statement from the listing supports the idea that the LG S40T may have an advantage in bass extension, but exact output remains unknown.

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus uses a built-in subwoofer to save space and reduce cable clutter. This makes it a simpler all-in-one design, but it also limits low-frequency output compared with a larger separate enclosure. The LG S40T wireless subwoofer requires floor space or shelf space, but it may offer more impactful low end and flexible placement in the room.

Connectivity and TV Setup

The LG S40T listing does not publish HDMI eARC or input details. That means buyers cannot confirm whether the soundbar includes HDMI ARC, eARC, optical, or auxiliary connections from the stated facts. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus lists an HDMI eARC/ARC input, and it includes an HDMI cable in the box. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus does not list any other physical inputs beyond that single HDMI port.

For TV setup, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus appears more straightforward because a single HDMI eARC/ARC connection can handle audio from a compatible TV, and the necessary cable is included. The LG S40T offers WOW Interface, which integrates with LG TV remotes and can simplify control when used with a compatible LG TV. However, the actual connection type for the LG S40T is not specified in the listing, so setup may require checking the manual or the TV output options.

Wireless and streaming features also differ. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus lists Bluetooth streaming, but Wi-Fi is not mentioned in the listing. The LG S40T does not state Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming at all. If you want to stream music from a phone over Bluetooth, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is the only one of the two with Bluetooth published in the specs.

Features, Apps and Voice Control

The LG S40T includes an LG Soundbar App for a three band EQ, and it lists Clear Voice Plus for dialogue. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers selectable sound modes and Fire TV audio settings on select models. Neither listing identifies a dedicated remote control with a display or custom buttons. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus mentions Fire TV remote integration, which can allow one remote control in a Fire TV environment.

Voice control is not explicitly described for either model. The LG S40T listing does not mention a built-in microphone or voice assistant. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus listing does not describe a built-in voice assistant either, but its Fire TV ecosystem integration may allow control through a paired Fire TV remote or connected Fire TV device, depending on setup. Buyers should not assume hands-free voice control from the published facts.

App support is limited to the LG Soundbar App for LG, while the Fire TV Soundbar Plus relies on Fire TV audio settings and selectable modes. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus includes Bluetooth streaming as an additional audio source option. The LG S40T does not state Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which means music streaming may be limited to the TV input over the unspecified connection.

Design and Fit Under a TV

Neither product listing publishes physical dimensions. That makes it impossible to verify whether either bar will fit under a specific TV or inside a media console. The LG S40T has a separate wireless subwoofer that needs its own placement location. The subwoofer cannot be tucked inside the main bar, so buyers need floor or shelf space for it.

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is described as an all-in-one 3.1 design with a built-in subwoofer, which saves space compared with a separate sub. It is listed as a compact budget bar, but no exact width, height, or depth is given. If you have a narrow TV stand, the missing dimensions are a problem for both models.

In design scores, the LG S40T earns 11 out of 15 while the Fire TV Soundbar Plus earns 9 out of 15. The LG S40T likely benefits from its WOW Interface integration and standard two piece design, though the listing omits dimensions. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus has a space saving all-in-one form but loses some points for unknown fit details and a built-in subwoofer that may add height to the bar.

Who Should Buy It

The LG S40T is best for LG TV owners who want a simple, affordable 2.1 soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. Its WOW Interface is a meaningful convenience for using an LG TV remote to control volume and power. The Dolby Digital and DTS Digital support covers standard TV broadcasts and many streaming movies, and Clear Voice Plus targets dialog clarity for shows and news.

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is best for TV owners who want a compact all-in-one 3.1 soundbar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding and no separate subwoofer. Its dedicated center channel and HDMI eARC/ARC input with included cable make it easy to set up for everyday viewing. Bluetooth streaming and Fire TV ecosystem integration are added conveniences for mixed use.

Both bars are budget oriented and lack detailed power and driver specifications. Buyers who need room-shaking deep bass or discrete surround speakers will not find those features in either product. Buyers who want documented HDMI ports, power output, and dimensions may need to look at other models, because both listings leave those questions unanswered.

The Deciding Question

The deciding question is whether you want a separate wireless subwoofer and LG TV integration, or Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding in a single compact unit. This choice determines which bar fits your setup better. The LG S40T gives you a two piece system with a wireless sub and LG WOW Interface, but it lacks Atmos. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus gives you Atmos and DTS:X plus a dedicated center channel, but it has only a built-in subwoofer.

If you already have an LG TV and want a simple cable-free sub placement, the LG S40T is the more natural fit. If you want to hear Atmos soundtracks from streaming services and do not want to manage a separate subwoofer, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is the better choice on paper. Both have similar overall scores, 66 for LG and 65 for Fire TV, so the decision is more about format support and physical design than measurable sound quality.

A secondary question is whether you need published connectivity details. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus confirms HDMI eARC/ARC and Bluetooth, while the LG S40T leaves those details unpublished. If HDMI eARC and Bluetooth are mandatory, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is the safer known quantity. If you are willing to rely on LG TV integration and the wireless subwoofer, the LG S40T still has a clear role.

Who Should Buy Which

Choose the LG S40T if you own a compatible LG TV and want WOW Interface control, a separate wireless subwoofer, Clear Voice Plus, Dolby Digital and DTS Digital support, and an LG Soundbar App with three band EQ. This bar is also the choice when you prefer a traditional two piece setup and do not need Dolby Atmos or Bluetooth streaming.

Choose the Fire TV Soundbar Plus if you want Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding in a compact 3.1 soundbar with a dedicated center channel, a built-in subwoofer, HDMI eARC/ARC with an included cable, and Bluetooth streaming. This bar is also the better option when you use a Fire TV device or want a single all-in-one unit without a separate sub to place.