JBL Bar 5.1 vs Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review
An affordable soundbar is always a good option to consider, so JBL Bar 5.1 vs Bose Smart Soundbar 900 comparison definitely makes sense. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 8.4 for Smart Soundbar 900.
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 5.1.2 for the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. The Bar 5.1 has a wireless connection to separate subwoofer, and the Smart Soundbar 900 - wired. Both models received our 8 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
Connectivity
Only the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 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 Bose Smart Soundbar 900. 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 9/10, respectively. App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the Smart Soundbar 900. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Multichannel surround
Only the Smart Soundbar 900 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround JBL Bar 5.1 got a rating of 4, and Bose Smart Soundbar 900 6 out of 10.
Advantages JBL Bar 5.1 over Bose Smart Soundbar 900
- Separate subwoofer in package
Advantages Bose Smart Soundbar 900 over JBL Bar 5.1
- WI-FI enabled
- Microphone
- Compatible with Dolby Atmos
Common
Product
Model
Brand
Reviews
General
Placement type
Connection to source
Soundbar buttons
Audio features
Built-in channels
Amplification type
Output power, W
Separate speaker (in package)
Separate speaker connections
Subwoofer
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connections
Streaming services
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services
Connectivity
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
NFC
HDMI input/output
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output
USB
Coaxial digital input/output
Analog audio input/output (RCA)
Headphone output
Subwoofer output
Features
Voice control
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room
Multichannel surround
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)
DTS:X
DTS (other)
Dimensions
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in
Weight, kg/pounds
Other
Release year
Soundbars SoundStrokes Art comparison rating
- 7.2JBL Bar 5.1
- 8.4Bose Smart Soundbar 900
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