JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N950 review

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An affordable soundbar is always a good option to consider, so JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N950 comparison definitely makes sense. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 8.6 for HW-N950. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input and power, input, 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 7.1.4 for the Samsung HW-N950. The output power is different and equal to 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1 versus 512 (overall) W for the HW-N950. 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 Samsung HW-N950 9 for its audio features and specs.

Streaming services

Each of rivals supports AirPlay. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars. Both devices can play streaming audio from Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer, Chromecast.

Connectivity

Only the Samsung HW-N950 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 2/0 of the Samsung HW-N950. 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.

Features

Both models support voice control using Amazon Alexa. App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the HW-N950. Multi-room is only available for the Samsung HW-N950.

Multichannel surround

Only the HW-N950 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HW-N950. For multichannel surround JBL Bar 5.1 got a rating of 4, and Samsung HW-N950 7 out of 10.

Advantages Samsung HW-N950 over JBL Bar 5.1