Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

You can often improve how your TV’s built-in speakers sound by changing a few settings, but there is no single best preset for every model. Start with a dialogue-enhancement option if voices are hard to hear, then compare sound modes and adjust other controls only if they address a specific problem. Menu names and availability depend on the TV.

Start with the problem you want to fix

A program’s mix can put music or effects louder than speech, so muffled or hard-to-follow dialogue does not necessarily mean the TV speakers are faulty. LG identifies this as one possible cause of unclear dialogue. Before changing settings, note your TV’s brand, model, and software generation; features and menu paths vary by model.

  • Voices are masked by music or effects: Try a dialogue or voice enhancement mode.
  • All content sounds off: Compare the available sound modes.
  • The tone needs tweaking: Use the equalizer, if your TV has one.
  • Some inputs are much louder than others: Look for volume leveling.
  • Surround effects distract from speech: Compare surround processing on and off.

Try dialogue enhancement when speech is hard to hear

Supported LG TVs offer Clear Voice or Clear Voice Pro. LG says the feature reduces background noise and emphasizes speech frequencies; the exact name and availability depend on the model. On newer supported models, look under Settings > Sound > Select Mode for Clear Voice Pro. Older models may place it under Settings > Sound > Sound Mode Settings. LG’s instructions are available in its Clear Voice guide and its advice for dialogue that is hard to hear over loud background music.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

On supported Sony BRAVIA models, the corresponding option may be called Voice Zoom or Dialogue enhancer, depending on the audio post-processing mode. Sony documents these options for named TV families, not as a feature present on every Sony TV. Check the model’s sound settings or manual for the applicable option and path.

#1 Best Overall
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
  • Amp up your audio - Fire TV Soundbar enhances TV audio with dual speakers for fuller sound, clearer dialogue, and deeper bass—all in a compact design.
  • Immersive sound - Enjoy a three-dimensional virtual surround sound experience with DTS Virtual:X and more detail with Dolby Audio.
  • Easy setup - Just plug in the included HDMI cable to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your TV to instantly enjoy audio that's always in sync.
  • Compact design - With a length of 24“ and a height of just 2.5", Fire TV Soundbar fits most entertainment consoles and TV stands.
  • Stream audio with Bluetooth - Connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to fill the room with your favorite music.

Compare a familiar scene with the setting off and on at the same volume. Keep the change if speech is easier to follow without making voices sound harsh or unnatural. Voice enhancement is not the same as a general sound-mode change or surround effect.

Compare sound modes with the same content

Sound modes apply different processing to audio. On its webOS 23 guide for 2023 TVs, LG lists AI Sound/AI Sound Pro, Standard, Cinema, Clear Voice Pro, Sports, Music, and Game Optimizer. These modes are intended for different listening situations; the list does not establish one as best for every viewer or program. LG’s 2023 sound-mode guide describes the options for that platform.

Rank #2
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
  • 【𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭】: Elevate faint sounds to vibrant with automatic loudness boost. Experience immersive sound through 4 versatile placements—horizontal for distortion-free audio, vertical for room-filling sound, tabletop for vibrant clarity, or wall mount for 360° cinematic magic. Transforms your room into a personal theater.
  • 【𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨】: Powered by 4 high-performance drivers, 80W powerful sound output, it provide richer details, like soft whisper or subtle croon, whether deep thunder or sonorous roar, turn flat audioto vivid, adding weight to music, making the virtual game experience immersive.
  • 【𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝】: Fine-tune your listening experience with 3 dynamic equalizer modes—movie, music, and news. Enjoy rich, cinematic audio, luxurious melodies, and crystal-clear dialogue, tailored to enhance every scene and soundtrack. Spreading the audio evenly throughout a room, ensures that everyone, regardless of seating position, experiences the full range of sound.
  • 【𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐔𝐬𝐞】: Enjoy seamless setup with cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.0 or reliable ARC, OPT, and AUX connections. In ARC mode, control your soundbar with ease using your TV remote, guided by our easy-to-follow instructions and video tutorials.
  • 【𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭】: Your satisfaction is our top priority. Enjoy peace of mind with our 18-month warranty and 24/7 online tech support. Our 60-day hassle-free replacement policy, with top-tier assistance whenever you need it.

Try the modes available on your TV with the same scene and listening level. Judge whether dialogue is intelligible, whether the overall tone sounds natural, and whether the added processing suits the content. On some LG generations, AI Sound is under Settings > Sound > Sound Mode; the exact path varies. LG’s AI Sound instructions cover its documented paths and feature description.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use the equalizer for tonal adjustments

An equalizer adjusts frequency bands rather than selecting an overall content mode. Sony documents a seven-band equalizer, from 125 Hz through 8 kHz, with adjustment values from -12 to +12 on the BRAVIA models covered by its support page. That range is a model-specific example, not a setting standard for all TVs. See Sony’s sound-quality adjustment guide for supported models and controls.

Rank #3
RIOWOIS 17" Sound Bar, Home Theater Surround Sound System for TV
  • 【Hearing Every Word】 Say goodbye to muffled dialogue and hello to our soundbar that brings words to life, making you feel like you're part of the conversation.
  • 【Compact yet Suitable】At a little over 2.5 inches in height, our sound bar is compact enough to fit in most spaces. You can easily mount it on the wall or place it in front of your TV without worrying about it blocking the bottom edge or IR remote sensor.
  • 【DSP&Three Sound Effects】With DSP, sound bar offers three sound modes or presets that cater to different program types, such as movies, music, news. These profiles can optimize the audio settings to suit the specific genre, enhancing your listening experience based on your preferences.
  • 【Compatible with Fire TV Remote】Soundbar is compatible with Fire TV remote control. Additional remotes compatible with Roku box or Roku TVs can be provided as per your request.
  • 【Hassle-free Installation】We've made the installation steps for the soundbar much simple. Plus, a special vibrant, easy-to-follow installation instructions has been included in the package. In case you still encounter any issues during the sound bar installation process, our dedicated after-sales team is always available to assist you!

If you make an adjustment, change one band at a time and listen to familiar speech and other content. Avoid assuming that raising every band will improve clarity; the useful direction depends on the TV, room, and listener. If the result is worse, restore the previous values or reset the equalizer using the TV’s controls.

Separate volume leveling from surround processing

On the Sony models in its guide, Advanced Auto Volume is intended to keep levels consistent across input sources. It may help if switching between inputs produces noticeable loudness changes. Surround processing is a separate control: Sony describes it as virtual surround reproduction, with Auto, On, and Off options on supported models. Compare it independently if the effect feels distracting or if you prefer a more spacious presentation.

Rank #4
Sale
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black
  • HEAR YOUR TV BETTER: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is an all-in-one soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
  • WIDE, NATURAL SOUND: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar
  • ENHANCED DIALOGUE: This sound bar for smart tv is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation
  • BLUETOOTH TV SPEAKER: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Connect up to 3 devices through the inputs (HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in); the first powered on device will automatically connect
  • SIMPLE SETUP: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes

Find the setting if the menu path does not match

TV menus change across model years and software generations, and a feature may not be available on your set. LG’s support pages show different paths for Clear Voice and AI Sound and advise consulting the model-specific guide when menu items differ. Use the TV’s settings search, if available, or look up the manual by exact model number. LG’s sound-menu overview explains where sound controls may appear.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Make a fair before-and-after comparison

  1. Choose a familiar scene with clear speech and some background music or effects.
  2. Keep the volume at the same level while comparing settings.
  3. Change one control at a time: first dialogue enhancement, then sound mode, then equalizer or other options as needed.
  4. Listen for intelligibility, natural voice tone, immersion, and consistency across inputs rather than judging only by loudness.
  5. Keep the setting that best suits your content and preference; revert changes that make sound less natural or less clear.

This comparison method helps you judge your own TV and room. Manufacturer documentation explains what features are intended to do, but it does not guarantee the same audible improvement for every listener or program.

Best Value
ULTIMEA 5.1CH Surround Sound Bar System with Dolby Atmos, Poseidon M60
  • Simplified 5.1ch Dolby Atmos Setup: Enjoy immersive 4D sound with real Dolby Atmos and 5.1-channel audio. Five built-in speakers, including two side-firing drivers, create wide surround without rear speakers. Precision DSP ensures <0.5 ms latency for smooth, theater-like sound. Setup takes less than 1 minute.
  • Voice Clarity Enhancement: VoiceMX technology uses advanced DSP algorithms to isolate and enhance vocal frequencies in real time. Dialogue remains crisp and easy to follow by separating speech from background effects and music, even at low volumes or during intense scenes.
  • 300W Output with 6-Driver System: Featuring five precision-tuned full-range drivers and a dedicated wired wooden subwoofer, the system delivers up to 300W of peak power for bold, room-filling sound. With a frequency response of 45 Hz–18 kHz and a maximum SPL of 99 dB, it reproduces everything from subtle nuances to explosive cinematic effects.
  • 18 mm High-Excursion Driver: Powered by BassMX technology, the wired wooden subwoofer features a 18 mm high-excursion driver, a 5.3L tuned cabinet, and a high-density magnetic circuit. This design delivers deeper, tighter bass with greater air displacement and enhanced low-frequency performance—bringing more realism to every scene.
  • HDMI eARC for True Dolby Atmos: HDMI eARC supports up to 37 Mbps of bandwidth, unlocking the full potential of lossless Dolby Atmos 5.1-channel audio. Compared to standard ARC, eARC delivers richer surround effects and greater detail. CEC integration allows the TV and soundbar to work together with unified control.

When settings do not solve unclear dialogue

If a voice mode does not help, the program mix may be the cause. If voices remain persistently unclear or you hear an echo, LG’s guidance recommends contacting support for a hardware check. Settings can also be renamed or moved after a software update, so verify the current instructions for your exact model before concluding a feature is missing.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.