ZVOX SB380 vs JBL Bar 2.1 review
The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - ZVOX SB380 vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, SB380 has a total rating of 4 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input and power, volume down, volume up, source, respectively.
Audio features
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the ZVOX SB380 has 3.1 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 45 W for the SB380 versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. Only the ZVOX SB380 has a built-in subwoofer. The ZVOX SB380 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 2.1 7 for its audio features and specs.
Streaming services
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.
Connectivity
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 SB380 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.
Multichannel surround
None of soundbars equipped with Dolby Atmos multichannel audio decoder. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround, each of the opponents received 4 points out of 10.
Advantages ZVOX SB380 over JBL Bar 2.1
- Built-in subwoofer
Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over ZVOX SB380
- Separate subwoofer in package
- WI-FI enabled
- Bluetooth enabled
- Audio return channel (HDMI ARC) support
- Microphone
Common
Product
Model
Brand
Reviews
General
Placement type
Connection to source
Soundbar buttons
Audio features
Built-in channels
Amplification type
Output power, W
Separate speaker (in package)
Separate speaker connections
Subwoofer
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connections
Streaming services
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services
Connectivity
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
NFC
HDMI input/output
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output
USB
Coaxial digital input/output
Analog audio input/output (RCA)
Headphone output
Subwoofer output
Features
Voice control
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room
Multichannel surround
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)
DTS:X
DTS (other)
Dimensions
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in
Weight, kg/pounds
Other
Release year
Soundbars SoundStrokes Art comparison rating
- 4ZVOX SB380
- 6JBL Bar 2.1
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