The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - JBL Bar Studio vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, Bar Studio has a total rating of 5 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: volume down, volume up, power, source and power, volume down, volume up, source, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the JBL Bar Studio has 2.0 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 30 W for the Bar Studio versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The JBL Bar Studio got our rating of 5 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 2.1 7 for its audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.
Only the JBL Bar 2.1 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The JBL Bar Studio has 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 2.1. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the Bar Studio received a rating of 6/10 versus 8/10, respectively. Compared soundbars have no app control. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 2.1. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
None of soundbars equipped with Dolby Atmos multichannel audio decoder. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround JBL Bar Studio got a rating of 5, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.