It makes sense comparing LG SL5Y vs LG SN9YG because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, SL5Y has a total rating of 5 out of 10 versus 7 for SN9YG. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, function and power, volume down, volume up, function, play/pause, microphone, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the LG SL5Y has 2.1 versus 5.1.2 for the LG SN9YG. The output power is different and equal to 400 (overall) W for the SL5Y versus 520 (overall) W for the SN9YG. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The LG SL5Y got our rating of 7 out of 10, and the LG SN9YG 8 for its audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.
Only the LG SN9YG can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Each soundbar has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the SL5Y received a rating of 7/10 versus 8/10, respectively. App control is available for the SN9YG. A built-in microphone is present only on the SN9YG. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Only the SN9YG has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the SN9YG. For multichannel surround LG SL5Y got a rating of 6, and LG SN9YG 10 out of 10.