It makes sense comparing JBL Bar 2.1 vs Samsung HW-N850 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, Bar 2.1 has a total rating of 6 out of 10 versus 8.6 for HW-N850. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, source and power, input, volume down, volume up, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the JBL Bar 2.1 has 2.1 versus 5.1.2 for the Samsung HW-N850. The output power is different and equal to 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1 versus 372 (overall) W for the HW-N850. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. Both models received our 7 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs. Spotify support is available on the HW-N850.
These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The JBL Bar 2.1 has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 2/0 of the Samsung HW-N850. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the Bar 2.1 received a rating of 8/10 versus 7/10, respectively.
App control is available for the HW-N850. A built-in microphone is present in each model. Multi-room is only available for the Samsung HW-N850.
Only the HW-N850 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HW-N850. For multichannel surround JBL Bar 2.1 got a rating of 4, and Samsung HW-N850 9 out of 10.