The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Sony HT-G700 vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, HT-G700 has a total rating of 6.2 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth 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 Sony HT-G700 has 3.1 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 400 (overall) W for the HT-G700 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. 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.
Only the HT-G700 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-G700. For multichannel surround Sony HT-G700 got a rating of 10, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.