It makes sense comparing Sony HT-A5000 vs JBL Bar 5.0 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, HT-A5000 has a total rating of 7.8 out of 10 versus 8.2 for Bar 5.0.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-A5000 has 5.1.2 versus 5.0 for the JBL Bar 5.0. The output power is different and equal to 450 (overall) W for the HT-A5000 versus 250 (overall) W for the Bar 5.0. Only the Sony HT-A5000 has a built-in subwoofer. The Sony HT-A5000 got our rating of 8 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.0 5 for its audio features and specs.
Spotify is available on each of the soundbars. Both devices can play streaming audio from Pandora, SoundCloud.
These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Each soundbar has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the HT-A5000 received a rating of 7/10 versus 10/10, respectively.
App control is available for the Bar 5.0. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 5.0. Multi-room is only available for the JBL Bar 5.0.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-A5000. For multichannel surround Sony HT-A5000 got a rating of 10, and JBL Bar 5.0 7 out of 10.