JBL Bar 2.1 vs Samsung HW-R650 review

vs

JBL Bar 2.1 vs Samsung HW-R650 comparison definitely makes sense. Based on our rating, Bar 2.1 has a total rating of 6 out of 10 versus 5.2 for HW-R650. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, source and volume down, volume up, power, source, respectively.

Audio features

Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the JBL Bar 2.1 has 2.1 versus 3.1 for the Samsung HW-R650. The output power is different and equal to 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1 versus 340 (overall) W for the HW-R650. 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.

Streaming services

Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.

Connectivity

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, the Bar 2.1 received a rating of 8/10 versus 7/10, 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.

Multichannel surround

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 2.1 got a rating of 4, and Samsung HW-R650 5 out of 10.

Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over Samsung HW-R650