The JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-S40T comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 5 for HW-S40T. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input and volume down, volume up, power, source, respectively.
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 2.0 for the Samsung HW-S40T. The output power is different and equal to 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1 versus 100 W for the HW-S40T. Only the Samsung HW-S40T has a built-in subwoofer. The JBL Bar 5.1 got our rating of 8 out of 10, and the Samsung HW-S40T 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 1/0 of the Samsung HW-S40T. Only the Bar 5.1 supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the Bar 5.1 received a rating of 8/10 versus 6/10, respectively. App control is available in every soundbar. 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 Samsung HW-S40T 5 out of 10.