Samsung S61D 5.0ch vs LG S40TR
Quick Verdict
The Samsung S61D 5.0ch suits Samsung TV owners who want a compact all in one soundbar with built in subwoofers, wireless Dolby Atmos, and voice assistants such as Alexa, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. The LG S40TR fits budget LG TV owners who prefer an actual wireless subwoofer and rear surround speakers over Atmos height effects. Both models share weak published connectivity specs, so buyers must accept unknown HDMI and power details. If you want true rear channels and a separate sub, choose the LG S40TR. If you want a simpler single bar with Atmos and smart features, choose the Samsung S61D.
| Spec | Samsung S61D 5.0ch | LG S40TR |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 5.0ch | 4.1 channel |
| Drivers | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Power | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Subwoofer | Built-in subwoofers (no external subwoofer) | Wireless subwoofer included |
| Dolby Atmos and DTS | Wireless Dolby Atmos listed; DTS not mentioned | Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, DTS Digital, no Atmos |
| HDMI eARC and inputs | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Wireless and streaming | Built-in Alexa, Chromecast, AirPlay 2; Bluetooth not stated | Wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi details |
| Dimensions | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Remote and app | Not published in listing | LG Soundbar app, remote not specified |
| Included accessories | Not published in listing | Wireless subwoofer, wireless rear speakers, other accessories not specified |
Sound Quality
Both bars scored 22 out of 30 for sound quality, but they achieve that score differently. The Samsung S61D uses an all-in-one 5.0ch configuration with built-in subwoofers, Adaptive Sound, SpaceFit Sound Pro, and AVA for clear dialogue. The listing does not publish driver sizes or total amplifier power, so actual headroom and clarity at high volume are unknown. The Samsung emphasizes automatic room tuning and voice enhancement without any external speakers.
The LG S40TR uses a 4.1 channel system with a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, which creates more physical separation than the Samsung's single bar. LG includes Clear Voice Plus and Smart Up-Mixer, plus a 3-band EQ through the LG Soundbar app. The listing also omits driver sizes and amplifier power. In real terms, the LG's dedicated rear speakers likely produce a wider soundstage for movie effects, while the Samsung relies on digital processing to simulate width.
Because both bars lack published power ratings, a buyer cannot directly compare maximum volume or dynamic range. The Samsung's built-in subwoofers may struggle with low frequency impact in a larger room. The LG's separate wireless subwoofer generally handles bass better, but the main bar still lacks detailed driver information. Both models are best treated as modest upgrades over TV speakers rather than full home theater replacements.
Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats
The Samsung S61D lists Wireless Dolby Atmos as a key feature. This means it can receive Atmos metadata from compatible sources, but the 5.0ch bar has no discrete upfiring drivers listed, so height effects are likely virtualized or played through the main channels. The product listing does not mention DTS, so DTS encoded content may be downmixed or unsupported. Samsung's Q Symphony allows the bar to combine with Samsung TV speakers, which can add more apparent channel separation.
The LG S40TR does not support Dolby Atmos or height channels. Its audio format support includes Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, and DTS Digital, which covers standard surround soundtracks but not object based audio. The included wireless rear speakers provide actual rear channel output, which is a genuine surround experience for 5.1 or 4.1 content. LG's Smart Up-Mixer can create pseudo surround from stereo sources.
The trade-off is clear: Samsung offers Atmos compatibility but no discrete rear speakers, while LG offers discrete rear speakers but no Atmos. If a buyer watches a lot of Atmos content, the Samsung may produce a more immersive height effect, but if they prioritize rear channel separation for traditional surround sound, the LG is stronger. Both bars lack details on whether they decode common codecs beyond what is listed.
Subwoofer and Bass
The Samsung S61D uses built-in subwoofers within the soundbar enclosure, eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer. This design is simpler and cleaner, but built-in subwoofers rarely match the low frequency extension or impact of a dedicated external subwoofer. The listing does not specify the size or number of the built-in woofers. In a small room, the built-in bass may be adequate for dialogue and light music.
The LG S40TR includes a wireless subwoofer in the box. A separate subwoofer can typically deliver deeper and more room filling bass than built-in units because the driver can be larger and placed independently. The listing does not publish the subwoofer driver size or power output. Without those numbers, the actual bass performance cannot be confirmed, but the physical design advantage is with the LG.
For buyers who want minimal clutter, the Samsung is easier to set up because there is no subwoofer to place. For buyers who want stronger low frequency effects in movies or games, the LG's wireless subwoofer is the more promising option on paper. Both models fall short of premium soundbars with large external subwoofers, but the LG has a structural advantage for bass.
Connectivity and TV Setup
The Samsung S61D listing does not publish HDMI eARC or input details. This is a significant gap because eARC is important for lossless audio from a TV. The bar does list Wireless Dolby Atmos, which suggests it can receive Atmos over a wireless connection from compatible Samsung TVs, but the specifics are not stated. There is no mention of Bluetooth in the listing, so wireless streaming from phones may rely on Chromecast, AirPlay 2, or Wi-Fi.
The LG S40TR listing also omits HDMI eARC and input specifications. It includes wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, which reduces cable clutter but still requires a connection between the bar and the TV. The listing does not state whether that connection is HDMI, optical, or something else. There are no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi details for the LG either, so app control may be the only wireless smart feature.
Both soundbars are tailored to their respective TV brands. Samsung's Q Symphony works with Samsung TVs, and the LG's WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface work with LG TVs. Setup for the Samsung is simpler because it has no separate subwoofer or rear speakers, while the LG requires power outlets for the subwoofer and rear speakers. Buyers who use a non matching TV will lose some integration features.
Features, Apps and Voice Control
The Samsung S61D has built-in Alexa, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. This makes it a capable smart speaker and streaming target. The product does not state Bluetooth support, but those three platforms cover most phone casting needs. Samsung also includes Adaptive Sound, SpaceFit Sound Pro, and AVA for automatic audio optimization. Voice control is a clear advantage for the Samsung.
The LG S40TR offers fewer smart features in the listing. It has the LG Soundbar app with a 3-band EQ, which allows basic tone adjustments. There is no mention of built-in voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant. The remote is not specified. Clear Voice Plus and Smart Up-Mixer are audio processing features, not smart home integrations. The LG bar is more focused on TV audio than on being a smart hub.
For a buyer who wants to control the soundbar by voice or cast music directly, the Samsung is the better choice. For a buyer who only needs app-based EQ and TV integration, the LG is acceptable but limited. Both bars lack published details on firmware update methods or any additional app ecosystem beyond what is listed.
Design and Fit Under a TV
The Samsung S61D dimensions are not published in the listing, so buyers cannot confirm whether it will fit in front of a TV or on a specific media console. The all-in-one design means there are no separate subwoofer or rear speaker boxes to place. This compact form factor is likely to fit under most TVs, but without measurements, it is a risk. The design uses built-in subwoofers, so the bar may be deeper or taller than typical soundbars.
The LG S40TR dimensions are also not published. The LG includes a wireless subwoofer and two wireless rear speakers, which require additional floor or shelf space. The main bar features a metal grill crest design, which the listing highlights. The rear speakers need power outlets, so placement near the listening position is necessary. This makes the LG a more traditional home theater setup with more components.
If the goal is a clean, minimal setup with a single bar, the Samsung is likely more appealing, assuming it fits the available space. If the buyer has room for a sub and rear speakers and wants true surround, the LG is worth the extra placement effort. Both companies should publish dimensions, but the listings do not.
Who Should Buy It
The Samsung S61D is best for Samsung TV owners who want a compact all-in-one soundbar with built-in subwoofers, wireless Dolby Atmos, and built-in voice assistants like Alexa, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. It suits smaller rooms or bedrooms where a separate subwoofer and rear speakers are impractical. Buyers who value smart features and Q Symphony integration with a Samsung TV will get the most from this bar.
The LG S40TR is best for budget LG TV owners who want true wireless rear surround and a dedicated subwoofer without adding an AV receiver. It is a good fit for living rooms where rear speakers can be placed behind the seating area. Buyers who prioritize DTS Digital and Dolby Audio over Atmos, and who want the WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface features, should consider this model.
Neither soundbar is ideal for buyers who need detailed specifications before purchasing. The lack of HDMI, power, and driver information makes both risky for technical buyers. If those details matter, look for a different model or wait for more complete listings.
The Deciding Question
The core decision between the Samsung S61D and the LG S40TR comes down to a simple question: do you want a single all-in-one bar with Atmos and voice control, or do you want a traditional setup with a wireless subwoofer and rear surround speakers? The Samsung offers the former, with built-in subwoofers and Wireless Dolby Atmos but no separate rear channels. The LG offers the latter, with actual rear speakers and a dedicated sub but no Atmos support.
If your priority is immersive height effects from Atmos content and a clutter free single bar, the Samsung is the logical choice. If your priority is genuine rear channel separation and stronger bass from an external sub, the LG is the better fit. Both bars share unknown HDMI and power specs, so neither has a clear advantage in connectivity on paper.
Consider your TV brand as well. Samsung's Q Symphony only works with Samsung TVs, and LG's WOW Orchestra only works with LG TVs. If you own a different brand, those features are lost. The decision should reflect both your content preferences and your existing TV ecosystem.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Samsung S61D if you own a Samsung TV, want a compact single bar for a small or medium room, and value built-in Alexa, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. The Samsung is also the pick for buyers who specifically want Dolby Atmos compatibility, even without discrete rear speakers. It is the simpler setup with no external subwoofer to place.
Choose the LG S40TR if you own an LG TV, want wireless rear speakers and a separate subwoofer for a more traditional surround sound experience, and do not need Dolby Atmos. The LG is the better choice for movie watchers who prioritize rear channel effects and stronger low frequency output over height effects. It is also a good option for budget buyers who can accept the unknown specs.
Avoid both if you require published HDMI eARC, driver sizes, or amplifier power before buying. The product listings are too incomplete for careful comparison shopping. For everyone else, the choice is straightforward: Samsung for all-in-one Atmos convenience, LG for wireless rear surround and bass.
Samsung S61D 5.0ch
Pros
- All-in-one design with built-in subwoofers keeps setup simple
- Wireless Dolby Atmos can reduce HDMI cable clutter with compatible Samsung TVs
- Q Symphony lets the bar work with Samsung TV speakers
- SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound and AVA target clear dialogue
- Built-in Alexa, Chromecast and AirPlay 2 add smart control
Cons
- Listing does not publish driver sizes, power output or dimensions
- No external subwoofer or discrete rear speakers
- HDMI eARC and physical input details are not provided
- No mention of DTS or Bluetooth in the product listing
LG S40TR
Pros
- Includes wireless subwoofer and rear surround speakers
- Dolby Audio and DTS Digital support
- WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface for LG TV integration
- Clear Voice Plus and Smart Up-Mixer
- Metal grill crest design
- LG Soundbar app with 3-band EQ
Cons
- No HDMI eARC or input details in listing
- No published driver sizes or amplifier power
- No Dolby Atmos or height channels
- Limited connectivity information
- Budget tier may lack advanced codecs
Who Should Buy Each
Samsung S61D 5.0ch
- Samsung TV owners who can use Q Symphony and Wireless Dolby Atmos
- Small to medium rooms where a compact all in one bar fits
- Viewers who prioritize clear dialogue and automatic sound tuning
- Buyers who want Alexa, Chromecast and AirPlay 2 without extra devices
LG S40TR
- LG TV owners who can use WOW Orchestra and WOW Interface
- Viewers who want real rear surround speakers on a budget
- Small to medium rooms where a 4.1 system fits
- Buyers who prefer a simple wireless setup with no receiver
Quick Decision Guide
| If you own a Samsung TV and want a single bar with Dolby Atmos and voice assistants | Choose Samsung S61D 5.0ch |
| If you own an LG TV and want wireless rear speakers and a separate subwoofer | Choose LG S40TR |
| If you want Dolby Atmos support without separate rear speakers | Choose Samsung S61D 5.0ch |
| If you want DTS Digital support and a dedicated wireless subwoofer | Choose LG S40TR |
| If you want built-in Alexa, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2 in the soundbar | Choose Samsung S61D 5.0ch |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.