JBL Bar 5.1 vs JBL Bar 5.0 review

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It makes sense comparing JBL Bar 5.1 vs JBL Bar 5.0 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 8.2 for Bar 5.0. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input and power, source, volume down, volume up, respectively.

Audio features

Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the JBL Bar 5.1 has 5.1 versus 5.0 for the JBL Bar 5.0. The output power is different and equal to 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1 versus 250 (overall) W for the Bar 5.0. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The JBL Bar 5.1 got our rating of 8 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.0 5 for its audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.

Connectivity

Only the JBL Bar 5.0 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The JBL Bar 5.1 has 3/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 5.0. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the Bar 5.1 received a rating of 8/10 versus 10/10, respectively. App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 5.0. Multi-room is only available for the JBL Bar 5.0.

Multichannel surround

Only the Bar 5.0 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround JBL Bar 5.1 got a rating of 4, and JBL Bar 5.0 7 out of 10.

Advantages JBL Bar 5.1 over JBL Bar 5.0

Advantages JBL Bar 5.0 over JBL Bar 5.1