The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Samsung HW-Q950T vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, HW-Q950T has a total rating of 8.4 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: multi function, volume down, volume up, microphone 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 Samsung HW-Q950T has 9.1.4 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 546 (overall) W for the HW-Q950T 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 Samsung HW-Q950T got our rating of 9 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 2.1 7 for its audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support is available on the HW-Q950T.
These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Samsung HW-Q950T has 2/1 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, each of the soundbars received a rating of 8/10.
Both models support voice control using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. App control is available for the HW-Q950T. A built-in microphone is present in each model. Multi-room is only available for the Samsung HW-Q950T.
Only the HW-Q950T has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HW-Q950T. For multichannel surround Samsung HW-Q950T got a rating of 9, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.