It makes sense comparing Samsung B550 vs JBL Bar 5.0 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, B550 has a total rating of 4.6 out of 10 versus 8.2 for Bar 5.0.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Samsung B550 has 2.1 versus 5.0 for the JBL Bar 5.0. The output power is different and equal to 410 (overall) W for the B550 versus 250 (overall) W for the Bar 5.0. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Samsung B550 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.0 5 for its audio features and specs.
Spotify support is available on the Bar 5.0.
Only the JBL Bar 5.0 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 B550 received a rating of 7/10 versus 10/10, respectively.
App control is available for the Bar 5.0. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 5.0. Multi-room is only available for the JBL Bar 5.0.
Only the Bar 5.0 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround Samsung B550 got a rating of 6, and JBL Bar 5.0 7 out of 10.