JBL Bar 5.1 vs Sony HT-S400 comparison definitely makes sense. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 4.4 for HT-S400.
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 2.1 for the Sony HT-S400. The output power is different and equal to 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1 versus 330 (overall) W for the HT-S400. 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 Sony HT-S400 6 for its audio features and specs. Spotify support is available on the Bar 5.1.
Both models do not have WI-FI support. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The JBL Bar 5.1 has 3/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 0/1 of the Sony HT-S400. 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 7/10, respectively. App control is available for the Bar 5.1. None of the models under consideration have a built-in microphone. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
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 5.1 got a rating of 4, and Sony HT-S400 5 out of 10.