The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Samsung HW-Q90R vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, HW-Q90R has a total rating of 8.2 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The set of control buttons for competitors is the same and is: power, volume down, volume up, source.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Samsung HW-Q90R has 7.1.4 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 512 (overall) W for the HW-Q90R versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Samsung HW-Q90R got our rating of 9 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 2.1 7 for its audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support is available on the HW-Q90R.
These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Samsung HW-Q90R has 2/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 2.1. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the HW-Q90R received a rating of 7/10 versus 8/10, respectively.
App control is available for the HW-Q90R. A built-in microphone is present in each model. Multi-room is only available for the Samsung HW-Q90R.
Only the HW-Q90R has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HW-Q90R. For multichannel surround Samsung HW-Q90R got a rating of 10, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.