Samsung HW-S40T vs JBL Bar 2.1 review

vs

The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Samsung HW-S40T vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, HW-S40T 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.

Audio features

Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Samsung HW-S40T has 2.0 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 100 W for the HW-S40T versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. Only the Samsung HW-S40T has a built-in subwoofer. The Samsung HW-S40T got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 2.1 7 for its 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. The Samsung HW-S40T has 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 2.1. Only the Bar 2.1 supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the HW-S40T received a rating of 6/10 versus 8/10, respectively. App control is available for the HW-S40T. 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 Samsung HW-S40T got a rating of 5, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.

Advantages Samsung HW-S40T over JBL Bar 2.1

Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over Samsung HW-S40T