JBL Bar 5.1 vs Polk Audio React review

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An affordable soundbar is always a good option to consider, so JBL Bar 5.1 vs Polk Audio React comparison definitely makes sense. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 4.8 for React. 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 2.0 for the Polk Audio React. The output power is different and equal to 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1 versus 30 (overall) W for the React. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. The Bar 5.1 has a wireless connection to separate subwoofer, and the React - wired. The JBL Bar 5.1 got our rating of 8 out of 10, and the Polk Audio React 4 for its audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.

Connectivity

Only the Polk Audio React 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 0/1 of the Polk Audio React. 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 5/10, respectively. App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the React. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.

Multichannel surround

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 Polk Audio React 6 out of 10.

Advantages JBL Bar 5.1 over Polk Audio React

Advantages Polk Audio React over JBL Bar 5.1