It makes sense comparing Yamaha SR-B20A vs JBL Bar 5.0 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, SR-B20A has a total rating of 3.8 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 Yamaha SR-B20A has 2.1 versus 5.0 for the JBL Bar 5.0. The output power is different and equal to 100 (overall) W for the SR-B20A versus 250 (overall) W for the Bar 5.0. Only the Yamaha SR-B20A 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. The Yamaha SR-B20A has 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 5.0. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the SR-B20A received a rating of 4/10 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.
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 Yamaha SR-B20A got a rating of 6, and JBL Bar 5.0 7 out of 10.