It makes sense comparing JBL Bar 5.1 vs LG SL9YG because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 8 for SL9YG. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input and power, volume down, volume up, play/pause, microphone, 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 4.1.2 for the LG SL9YG. The output power is different and equal to 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1 versus 500 (overall) W for the SL9YG. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. Both models received our 8 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
Only the LG SL9YG 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 1/1 of the LG SL9YG. 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 in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the SL9YG. Multi-room is only available for the LG SL9YG.
Only the SL9YG has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the SL9YG. For multichannel surround JBL Bar 5.1 got a rating of 4, and LG SL9YG 8 out of 10.