It makes sense comparing Vizio M21d-H8 vs JBL Bar 5.0 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, M21d-H8 has a total rating of 5 out of 10 versus 8.2 for Bar 5.0. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, source, Bluetooth and power, source, volume down, volume up, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Vizio M21d-H8 has 2.1 versus 5.0 for the JBL Bar 5.0. Only the Vizio M21d-H8 has a built-in subwoofer. Both models received our 5 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs.
Spotify support is available on the Bar 5.0.
Only the JBL Bar 5.0 can 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 M21d-H8 received a rating of 6/10 versus 10/10, respectively. App control is available for the Bar 5.0. A built-in microphone is present in each model. Multi-room is only available for the JBL Bar 5.0.
Only the Bar 5.0 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround Vizio M21d-H8 got a rating of 5, and JBL Bar 5.0 7 out of 10.