The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - LG SL5Y vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, SL5Y has a total rating of 5 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, function and power, volume down, volume up, source, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. Soundbars have the same number of channels on 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 400 (overall) W for the SL5Y versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. 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.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.
Only the JBL Bar 2.1 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 SL5Y received a rating of 7/10 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.
None of soundbars equipped with Dolby Atmos multichannel audio decoder. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround LG SL5Y got a rating of 6, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.