The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - KEF HTF7003 vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, HTF7003 has a total rating of 5 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1.
The KEF HTF7003 has the passive amplification type, the JBL Bar 2.1 - active. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the KEF HTF7003 has 3.0 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 100 W for the HTF7003 versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. The KEF HTF7003 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 2.1 7 for its audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.
Only the JBL Bar 2.1 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Only the Bar 2.1 has Bluetooth support. Only the Bar 2.1 supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). For connectivity, the HTF7003 received a rating of 4/10 versus 8/10, respectively. Compared soundbars have no app control. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 2.1. 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.