An affordable soundbar is always a good option to consider, so JBL Bar 5.1 vs Yamaha YAS-109 comparison definitely makes sense. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 6.8 for YAS-109. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input and power, volume down, volume up, input, 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 2.0 for the Yamaha YAS-109. The output power is different and equal to 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1 versus 120 W for the YAS-109. Only the Yamaha YAS-109 has a built-in subwoofer. The Bar 5.1 has a wireless connection to separate subwoofer, and the YAS-109 - wired and wireless. The JBL Bar 5.1 got our rating of 8 out of 10, and the Yamaha YAS-109 6 for its audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
Only the Yamaha YAS-109 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 Yamaha YAS-109. 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.
Both models support voice control using Amazon Alexa. App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the YAS-109. 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 Yamaha YAS-109 6 out of 10.