Best JBL Soundbar Review in 2024 (Tested by Experts)

Are you on the hunt for a terrific high-quality soundbar to elevate your audio experience while watching diverse digital media content on TV and other entertainment devices?

We know with so many soundbar brands on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose that best fits your audio listening standards.

Luckily, JBL has made a name for itself in the audio world with its impressive soundbars lineup. In this detailed review article, we’ll be diving into the top 5 JBL soundbars on the market, so you can decide which one is right for you.

From sleek and modern designs to immersive audio performance, these soundbars are sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.

So sit back, and let’s explore the best that JBL has to offer in the world of soundbars.

1. JBL Bar 9.1

JBL Bar 9.1

JBL Bar 9.1 Quick Overview

JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar – a powerful and immersive audio system that delivers an exceptional performance with style. With its 9.1 channel system, wireless surround speakers, and deep bass subwoofer, the JBL Bar 9.1 creates a truly immersive audio experience that is sure to impress.

As a music lover, I recently had the pleasure of trying out the JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar and Surround, and let me tell you; it did not disappoint.

From the moment we unboxed the package, I was impressed by the sleek and modern design of the soundbar and subwoofer and these tiny speakers designed to expand the soundstage.

We were very impressed by the design tactic of the JBL. The soundbar is slim and discreet, and the subwoofer is stylish and easily tucked away in a corner. The black color and matte detailing set it apart at home and easily blend with the décor.

Like other soundbars we tested, setting up the JBL Bar 9.1 was a breeze, thanks to its simple and intuitive connectivity options.

The soundbar can be connected to your TV or other devices via HDMI or optical cable, and it also has built-in Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities for easy streaming of online music channels.

The wireless surround speakers are a nice touch, allowing you to place them wherever you want in the room, enjoy the 3D or multidirectional sound, and even host a party with the heavy and bold sound performance.

But let’s talk about the real reason why you’re here – the performance. The JBL Bar 9.1 boasts an impressive 9.1 channel system, with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, delivering a truly immersive audio experience.

The soundbar has six upward-facing speakers powered by Atmos that bounce sound off the ceiling, creating a realistic 3D soundstage. The wireless surround speakers also help to create an enveloping surround sound experience.

And let’s not forget about the subwoofer – it’s a beast. The 10-inch subwoofer delivers deep, powerful bass that can be felt throughout the room without ever overpowering the rest of the audio.

At last, navigating through the settings and controls is easy, thanks to the included remote and the JBL Bar 9.1’s built-in display. The display shows you what input you’re using and the volume level, and it even has an EQ setting for you to adjust the sound to your liking.

Main Features

  • Wide channel system
  • Premium soundbar with speakers and sub
  • Dolby Atmos compatible
  • 3D soundstage
  • WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities
  • 10-inch woofer for rich bass
Pros
· Impressive wide soundstage
· Excellent clarity with no delays
· Deep, powerful, and loud bass
· Intuitive controls
· Easy connectivity
· Stylish design
Cons
· A little pricey
· Wireless surround speakers can be bulky for some people

Verdict

The Bar 9.1 Soundbar with wireless subwoofer and surround speakers is an outstanding product with exceptional performance and aesthetics. With its intuitive connectivity options, wireless surround speakers, and powerful 9.1 channel system, this soundbar delivers an immersive audio experience that is sure to impress even the most eagle-eyed audiophiles.

2. JBL Bar 5.1

JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar

JBL Bar 5.1 Quick Overview

JBL Bar 5.1 is a premium top-of-the-line soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. While featuring wireless connectivity, intuitive control, and modern design, this soundbar can quickly make its place in your daily lives for digital media streaming.

The JBL Bar 5.1 is another fantastic soundbar in the premium lineup of the brand, offering an immersive audio experience with its 5.1 channel system, including a 10-inch wireless subwoofer.

As soon as you unbox it, you’ll adore its elegant and modern design with a simple texture in black that will fit perfectly into any home environment. The soundbar and wireless subwoofer have a matte black finish, giving it a sleek and sophisticated look for homes and offices.

Moving forward, setting up the JBL Bar 5.1 is as simple as it sounds, thanks to its intuitive interface and easy connectivity features. It can be connected to devices via HDMI, while the subwoofer connects to the soundbar wirelessly, eliminating the need for messy cables.

It also features a Bluetooth connection that lets you stream music and other sound-sensitive content from your smartphones, Tabs, and laptops without messing with the cables—besides, built-in Chromecast and Airplay 2 support calls for endless fun.

The soundbar also comes with an intuitive and easy remote control, with necessary and labelled buttons at the front, allowing you to adjust the volume, bass, and treble to your liking.

Additionally, the JBL Bar 5.1’s performance is surprisingly terrific, with harmonious upward-firing, front-facing, and center channel work. The rich and powerful sound quality with excellent clarity provides a cinematic experience in your living room.

The soundbar produces a clear, detailed sound that can easily fill a large room and keep everyone hooked on the content. The wireless subwoofer adds depth and richness to the audio, making it perfect for watching movies or listening to music.

Main Features

  • 5.1 channel configuration
  • 550w power output
  • Sleek appearance
  • ARC and Bluetooth support
  • 10-inch wireless subwoofer
Pros
· Easy setup
· Wireless streaming via Bluetooth
· Loud and powerful audio
· Complementary design in black
· Rich bass performance
· 4K passthrough
· Chromecast and Airplay 2
Cons
· Lack of voice control
· Noticeable distortions at max volume

Verdict

Overall, the JBL Bar 5.1 is an excellent soundbar with exceptional price value. Its design, performance, and connectivity features make it a fantastic addition to any home entertainment setup.

If you’re looking for a sound system that delivers excellent sound quality and is easy to use, the JBL Bar 5.1 is a top contender.

3. JBL Bar 2.1

JBL Bar 2.1 Soundbar

JBL Bar 2.1 Quick Overview

The JBL Bar 2.1 is a smooth, powerful home audio system that delivers immersive sound quality. With a 2.1-channel system, wireless subwoofer, and intuitive navigation, it’s the perfect addition to any home entertainment setup.

The JBL Bar 2.1 soundbar is a bold and compelling home audio system that delivers rich, immersive sound quality with its entry-level channel configuration. I was impressed by the overall design and aesthetics when I unpacked the stylish soundbar and subwoofer.

The soundbar is slim and modern, with a glossy black finish that complements any home entertainment setup and your decor. The subwoofer is also well-designed, with a sturdy build and a clean, minimalist look in black.

We had no difficulty unpacking, setting up, and making it run with other devices. Like JBL Bar 9.1 and 5.1, it was smooth to get used to, especially with the Bluetooth and ARC support.

We quickly connected it to the TV via the HDMI ARC port. The soundbar automatically synced with the TV’s remote control, eliminating the need to rely on different peripherals to operate both devices.

The JBL Bar 2.1 features a 2.1 channel system, which includes two full-range drivers with separate tweeters and a wireless subwoofer. The subwoofer delivers powerful bass that adds depth and richness to music and movies without overpowering the overall sound quality.

Navigating through the soundbar’s features and settings was intuitive and easy. The soundbar includes a remote control, which allows you to adjust the volume, change the sound mode, and switch between different inputs.

But the real standout feature of the JBL Bar 2.1 is its performance. The soundbar delivers clear, detailed sound quality, crisp highs, and deep, immersive lows. Whether I was watching a movie or listening to music, the JBL Bar 2.1 delivered an impressive audio experience that filled my living room with rich, powerful sound.

Main Features

  • Front-facing full-range drivers
  • HDMI and Bluetooth support
  • One remote for TV and speakers
  • Seamless navigation
  • Loud and balanced audio reproduction
Pros
· Sleek design
· Quick setup
· Multiple connections
· Punchy bass
· No voice delays
· Rich sound
Cons
· No sound customization options
· Remote is quite small

Verdict

I highly recommend the JBL Bar 2.1 soundbar to anyone looking for a high-quality home audio system. With its sleek design, intuitive navigation, and impressive sound quality, the JBL Bar 2.1 is a top-of-the-line soundbar that is sure to enhance any home entertainment experience.

4. JBL Bar 2.0

JBL Bar 2.0

Read also: Best Settings for LG Sound Bar

JBL Bar 2.0 Quick Overview

The JBL Bar 2.0 is a slim, modern soundbar with exceptional sound quality. With a 2.0 channel system and wireless connectivity options, it delivers clear highs, mids, and balanced notes. It’s the perfect investment for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience.

At last, we have this entry-level profile from the JBL, which we enjoyed using as much as we enjoyed with the JBL Bar 9.1, one of the premium units with wide channel configuration and advanced features.

JBL Bar 2.0 is also a decent addition to the vast lineup of soundbars that produces good enough audio to impress seasoned audiophiles. From design to breeze setup, using bar 2.0 was quite an experience for us.

The design of the soundbar and subwoofer are both very modern and aesthetically pleasing. The soundbar itself is slim and elongated, making it easy to fit into any living space or even under the TVs.

The JBL Bar 2.0 boasts a 2.0 channel system indicating that the slim body only hosts full-range drivers with separate tweeters, delivering balanced and crisp sound. However, the clarity is still in question.

Surprisingly, the sound quality is exceptional, with clear highs and mids, but it lacks the lower notes due to the lack of a built-in woofer or external subwoofer. But you can always pair up a wireless subwoofer or surround sound speakers to expand the soundstage and make the most out of it.

We also appreciate that connecting the JBL Bar 2.0 to other devices is a breeze. The soundbar can be paired wirelessly, and multiple connection options are available, including HDMI ARC, optical, and AUX. The navigation is also user-friendly with a remote.

Performance-wise, the JBL Bar 2.0 is top-notch. It delivers a cinematic sound experience that impresses even the most perceptive audiophile. The sound is clear, powerful, and immersive, perfect for watching movies or listening to music.

Read also: Samsung Sound Bar Volume Problems [Complete Guide]

Main Features

  • Slim but elongated design
  • Exceptional sound performance
  • Quick Navigation
  • 80W of total power
  • Bluetooth streaming
Pros
· Compact and flexible profile
· HDMI and optical
· Immersive sound performance
· Doesn’t create cable mess
Cons
· Clarity is not satisfactory
· Limited connections
· No bass without the subwoofer

Read also: Why Samsung Soundbar Keeps Switching to TV Speakers?

Verdict

In conclusion, the JBL Bar 2.0 is a terrific choice for anyone updating their sound systems, especially the TV speakers, for regular media consumption. The world cup season demands a soundbar that delivers excellent sound quality so you never miss anything.

Also read: Best Settings for VIZIO 5-1 Soundbar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the recommended JBL soundbar?

The recommended JBL soundbar depends on your personal preferences and needs. The JBL Bar 2.0 is great for those looking for a simple and sleek soundbar, and a 2.1 offers an added subwoofer for deeper bass. However, the JBL Bar 5.1 has wireless rear speakers for a more immersive experience, and the JBL Bar 9.1 provides a Dolby Atmos experience with detachable wireless speakers.

Is JBL soundbar good quality?

Yes, JBL soundbars are known for their good design, construction, and performance quality. JBL is a well-respected brand in the audio industry, and its soundbars consistently receive positive reviews for their sound quality, design, and features.

Is JBL best for bass?

JBL is known for its good bass quality, and its soundbars are no exception. However, the bass level can vary between different JBL soundbars, with some offering more bass than others. If you’re looking for a soundbar with deep bass, the JBL Bar 2.1 or the JBL Bar 5.1 may be good options to consider.

Read also: Samsung Soundbar Equalizer Settings

Conclusion

After using and carefully examining all the products, we can safely say that the JBL soundbars are ready to set new standards in the music industry by providing you with exactly the same tunes and music that the creator intends to deliver.

The Best JBL soundbars offer exceptional sound performance, far better than the expensive high-end competitors that are nothing but heavy on the bank. The top 5 JBL soundbars reviewed in this article have been evaluated based on their audio performance, design, features, and overall value they provide for the money.

In short, if you are looking for a high-quality soundbar to enhance your TV viewing experience, JBL soundbars are worth considering.

Read also: Best Settings for Samsung Sound bar

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