It makes sense comparing VIZIO M51ax-J6 vs JBL Bar 5.0 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, M51ax-J6 has a total rating of 5.4 out of 10 versus 8.2 for Bar 5.0. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, source, demo, volume down, volume up 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 M51ax-J6 has 5.1 versus 5.0 for the JBL Bar 5.0. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The VIZIO M51ax-J6 got our rating of 7 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.0 5 for its 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 M51ax-J6 received a rating of 8/10 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 M51ax-J6. For multichannel surround VIZIO M51ax-J6 got a rating of 8, and JBL Bar 5.0 7 out of 10.