JBL Bar 2.1 vs LG SK1 review

Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

JBL Bar 2.1 vs LG SK1 comparison chart

JBL Bar 2.1 vs LG SK1 review

JBL Bar 2.1
vs
LG SK1

I had a chance to test and compare two models: JBL Bar 2.1 vs LG SK1 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The JBL Bar 2.1 was rated 6, while the LG SK1 has a rating 4.5.

Audio features

Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that Bar 2.1 has 2.1 and SK1 has 2.0. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 300 (overall) versus 40 according to devices. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. Rate 7 out of 10 received the JBL Bar 2.1 for audio features and specs, but the LG SK1 received 5 out of 10.

Streaming services

Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The units in this comparison do not support Spotify.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the Bar 2.1. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the Bar 2.1. Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the Bar 2.1 at 8 out of 10, while the SK1 was rated 6/10. None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. The JBL Bar 2.1 equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos audio decoder support is not implemented in either the Bar 2.1 or SK1. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The same score of 4/10 was put to the soundbars for multichannel surround support.

Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over LG SK1

  • Separate subwoofer in package
  • WI-FI enabled
  • Audio return channel (HDMI ARC) support
  • Microphone
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Common

Product

JBL Bar 2.1
LG SK1

Model

Bar 2.1
SK1

Brand

JBL
LG

Reviews

548
118

General

Placement type

table-top, wall-mountable
table-top, wall-mountable

Connection to source

wired, wireless
wired, wireless

Soundbar buttons

power, volume down, volume up, source
has not

Audio features

Built-in channels

2.1
2.0

Amplification type

active
active

Output power, W

300 (overall)
40

Separate speaker (in package)

0
0

Separate speaker connections

has not
has not

Subwoofer

Built-in subwoofer

Separate subwoofer (in package)

Separate subwoofer connections

wireless

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

has not
has not

Connectivity

WI-FI

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

0
0

NFC

HDMI input/output

1/1
0/0

HDMI ARC

HDMI eARC

HDMI CEC

Optical digital input/output

1/0
1/0

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Coaxial digital input/output

0/0
0/0

Analog audio input/output (RCA)

1/0
0/0

Headphone output

0
0

Subwoofer output

0
0

Features

Voice control

Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

App control

Microphone

Remote control

Multi-room

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital

DTS:X

DTS (other)

has not
has not

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size (Wx H x D), cm/in

96.5 x 5.8 x 6.8/38 x 2.3 x 2.7
71 x 12.7 x 17.7/28.5 x 5.4 x 7.9

Weight, kg/pounds

1.9/4.1
1.8/4.4

Other

Release year

2019
2018
JBL Bar 2.1
LG SK1
JBL Bar 2.1
LG SK1

Soundbars SoundStrokes Art comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 6
  • 4.5
  • 6JBL Bar 2.1
  • 4.5LG SK1