First impressions: LG's Dolby Atmos FlexConnect speakers

LG is rolling out a broader push into wireless TV audio this year in partnership with Dolby. FlatpanelsHD had the chance to listen to their first Dolby Atmos FlexConnect speakers.

Last year, we wrote that Dolby Atmos FlexConnect shows promise and a path beyond soundbars when we tested the first products of this kind from TCL.

For years, the soundbar has sat beneath the TV because it requires a physical audio connection. However, HDMI has not been practical for two or more separate speakers. Wireless audio platforms free up placement, allowing users to position speakers more flexibly – though still tied to power cables. That flexibility is reflected in the name FlexConnect, which will compete with Sonos.


Pros and cons of FlexConnect
In December, LG revealed plans to launch products built on Dolby's FlexConnect platform, including a 3.1.2-channel soundbar (H7), two types of satellite speakers (2.1.2-channel M5 and 4.1.2-channel M7), and an 8" subwoofer (W7).

The soundbar is an external FlexConnect hub and can connect to any TV from any brand via HDMI. FlexConnect is also built into LG OLED TVs from 2026 and 2025 via an update, allowing the user to connect extra speakers wirelessly directly to the TV without needing the soundbar.

FlatpanelsHD saw them all in action at LG's recent launch event in London.


The flexibility enables a wide range of setups: soundbar + rear speakers; soundbar + front speakers; TV + front + rear speakers; TV + subwoofer, and more. The TV's built-in speakers can act as the center channel, and the system automatically handles crossover. During setup, the system calibrates based on seating position and speaker placement, with a high degree of freedom thanks to FlexConnect's effective sound virtualization. However, we will have to wait for a firmware update before the subwoofer can connect directly to the TV.

FlexConnect supports up to 4 speakers and 1 subwoofer at this time. There are currently no plans to expand this limit, according to Dolby.

A notable limitation is that FlexConnect does not work across brands at this time. In other words, you cannot connect LG FlexConnect speakers to a TCL TV – or vice versa. When asked, it did not sound like removing this limitation is a priority for either LG or Dolby, making the system more closed than traditional wired setups.

The system is marketed as a complete solution for TV, movies, music and gaming. Can the speakers play music when the TV is off? Yes, according to LG and Dolby, but we did not see this demonstrated, so it remains to be seen if there are limitations. What about audio delay when used with a game console? We did not get an answer during the presentation, but Dolby provided the following statement to FlatpanelsHD:

- "A Dolby Atmos FlexConnect enabled system will deliver the same performance and capabilities as Dolby Atmos sound bars."

This differs slightly from what we were told during TCL's demonstration. The nuance likely lies in the fact that game audio (which is uncompressed and realtime in nature) can play without delay, but the system may not be able to perform its virtualization in real time. If speaker placement is not ideal, this could be noticeable in games. With movies and series, however, the video signal can be delayed slightly.

Are other audio formats supported besides Dolby? Yes, but in those cases it is stereo upmixing, whereas Dolby formats can deliver up to Atmos. This is because the audio must be decoded before being transmitted wirelessly to the speakers.

LG has previously backed WiSA as a wireless audio platform, without much success.


Sounds promising
The idea of pairing wireless audio with a soundbar is not new – it is how Sonos has worked for years. Still, FlexConnect adds extra flexibility by allowing additional front speakers to be connected wirelessly, in addition to rear speakers and a subwoofer.

We initially listened to the H7 soundbar with two M7 rear speakers and a W7 subwoofer with scenes from Batman v Superman. It was a good experience, considering that the system's hub is a relatively compact soundbar. The sound improved noticeably with two additional front speakers, but vocals were slightly weak and the Atmos experience was not optimal.

We also listened to the system in other configurations and with different test clips. As we noted in our article on TCL's FlexConnect, one of the most impressive aspects is that even with speaker placed in odd places, the surround experience is maintained with clear separation between front/rear and left/right – few living rooms allow for perfect speaker placement.

Some of the combinations that stand out as particularly interesting to me personally are TV + subwoofer, TV + front speakers, and TV + front and rear speakers. FlexConnect gives buyers the flexibility to expand the system immediately or later on.


A feature in LG's app lets you move the sweet spot at any time, but it did not work during the demonstration, and the app looked somewhat cluttered – hopefully this will improve. This is LG's software.

Dolby's software, on the other hand, appears more polished, especially the calibration system, which works both via the app and directly on the TV. Speaker positioning is detected quite accurately, forming the basis for sound virtualization.

In our view, FlexConnect has the potential to become a robust wireless audio platform that is no longer locked to a soundbar. However, Dolby should address the limitations if it wants to surpass Sonos.

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect calibration
How calibration/setup of Dolby Atmos FlexConnect works directly on an LG TV. In this video, only the front speakers are paired, but the process is the same for rear speakers. Alternatively, it can also be done via the mobile app:

 Flatpanels