The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - LG GX vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, GX has a total rating of 6.5 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, function 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 LG GX has 3.1 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 420 (overall) W for the GX versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. Both models received our 7 rating of 10 for their 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. 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, each of the soundbars received a rating of 8/10. App control is available for the GX. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 2.1. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Only the GX has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the GX. For multichannel surround LG GX got a rating of 10, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.