It makes sense comparing Samsung HW-Q950T vs JBL Bar 5.1 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, HW-Q950T has a total rating of 8.4 out of 10 versus 7.2 for Bar 5.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: multi function, volume down, volume up, microphone and power, volume down, volume up, input, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Samsung HW-Q950T has 9.1.4 versus 5.1 for the JBL Bar 5.1. The output power is different and equal to 546 (overall) W for the HW-Q950T versus 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Samsung HW-Q950T got our rating of 9 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.1 8 for its audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
Only the Samsung HW-Q950T can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Samsung HW-Q950T has 2/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 3/0 of the JBL Bar 5.1. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, each of the soundbars received a rating of 8/10.
App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the HW-Q950T. Multi-room is only available for the Samsung HW-Q950T.
Only the HW-Q950T has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HW-Q950T. For multichannel surround Samsung HW-Q950T got a rating of 9, and JBL Bar 5.1 4 out of 10.