JBL is one of the most well-known and respected brands when it comes to audio equipment. They have been producing high-quality speakers and sound systems for decades. In recent years, JBL has also become a top manufacturer of soundbars.
JBL soundbars stand out for their stellar audio performance and innovative features. They utilize advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to create immersive, multidimensional soundscapes. The sound is crisp, clear, and finely balanced across the frequency range. Even at high volumes, distortion is minimal.
But with so many models available, how do you determine which JBL soundbar is right for you? In this guide, we highlight the top 5 best JBL soundbars on the market today. We break down their designs, features, performance, pros and cons, and value to help you find your perfect match.
How to Choose the Best JBL Soundbar
Before jumping into the reviews, let‘s go over what specs and factors you should consider when shopping for a JBL soundbar:
Soundbar Setup
JBL offers soundbars in different channel configurations:
- 2.1 – Two left/right channel speakers and a subwoofer. Good for smaller rooms.
- 3.1 – Left/right/center channel speakers and a subwoofer. Better surround imaging.
- 5.1 – Left/right/center channel speakers, surround speakers, and a subwoofer. True surround sound experience.
The more channels, the more immersive audio you‘ll get. So choose based on your room size and budget.
Power Output
This measures a soundbar‘s loudness capabilities, indicated in watts. Higher power allows a soundbar to fill larger rooms with sound cleanly. Low-powered bars may distort at high volumes.
Sound Formats
Look for support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X – these unlock a taller, multidimensional listening experience. The more advanced surround formats a JBL bar supports, the better.
Connectivity
Modern soundbars include HDMI, optical input, Bluetooth, WiFi, and even Chromecast or Airplay built-in. Having multiple connection options makes hooking up your devices easier.
The 5 Best JBL Soundbars
Now let‘s get into the top models worth considering from JBL‘s lineup of excellent soundbars:
1. JBL Bar 9.1
- Best Overall
The JBL Bar 9.1 is perhaps the most feature-packed soundbar on the market today. It‘s a true wireless 5.1.4 system powered by four up-firing speakers, dual detachable surround speakers, and a compact 300W subwoofer.
You get native Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for incredible surround effects from all directions. The soundstage projected by the Bar 9.1 is impressively wide and tall – you‘ll hear audio elements distinctively placed all throughout the room.
Dialogue comes through focused and clear, while sound effects pan seamlessly side to side. Explosions pack a punch thanks to the 10" subwoofer‘s deep bass response. Altogether it‘s an intensely cinematic experience.
Streaming music over WiFi, Bluetooth, Chromecast or Airplay 2 is easy with the Bar 9.1 too. One HDMI eARC connection handles uncompressed audio passthrough from your TV.
There‘s also an auto-calibration feature that custom tunes the system to your room‘s acoustics. For the ultimate cinema-at-home setup, the Bar 9.1 is second to none.
- 820W system power
- 5.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
- Wireless surround speakers and subwoofer
- WiFi/Bluetooth/Chromecast/Airplay 2
- HDMI eARC
Pros
- Jaw-dropping surround sound
- Streaming-friendly
- Auto room calibration
Cons
- Expensive
- Large footprint
2. JBL Bar 5.1
- Best Value for Money
The JBL Bar 5.1 delivers a thrilling 5.1 surround sound experience at a reasonable price point. You get dedicated left, right and center channel speakers built into the soundbar itself. Wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer connect to the rear for encapsulating audio.
With 510W of power pumped through ten total drivers, the Bar 5.1 fills spaces with beautifully layered, room-filling sound. Effects pan smoothly between channels and declarative dialogue emanates from the center speaker. Low frequencies go deep thanks to the 10" down-firing sub.
Dolby Digital and DTS decoding give movies and music expanded depth and spaciousness. Conveniently, the Bar 5.1 Surround comes with a standalone battery pack so you can keep the rear speakers powered up wirelessly.
For buyers wanting true separation between surround channels without the cost of Atmos-enabled models, the Bar 5.1 hits a sweet spot of affordability and performance.
- 510W power
- 5.1 channel system
- Dolby Digital/DTS support
- Wireless surround speakers
- HDMI ARC connectivity
Pros
- Genuine surround sound
- Great value for money
- Wireless rears and sub
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
3. JBL Bar 3.1
- Best Soundbar Under $300
The JBL Bar 3.1 provides thunderous audio in an ultra-slim package. You get left, right and center channel speakers contained within the bar itself. A powerful 10" wireless subwoofer delivers crushing low-end bass.
In total the system outputs 450W of room-filling sound. Dolby Digital processing gives movies, music and games expanded presence. The Bar 3.1 decodes native Dolby formats found on Blu-ray discs and streaming services.
For physical connections, there‘s one HDMI input plus an HDMI ARC port for simplified TV connectivity. You also get optical, USB and Bluetooth support. Control is easy with included remote or by using your TV remote.
If you want huge cinematic audio on a budget, the JBL Bar 3.1 is a force to be reckoned with. Dialogue is clear and focused while effects envelope the listening space. Low frequencies truly shake the room. Honestly, no other $300 soundbar comes close in terms of well-rounded performance.
- 450W power
- 3.1 channel system
- Dolby Digital audio
- 10" wireless subwoofer
- Ultra-slim design
Pros
- Huge immersive sound
- Great price for performance
- Easy wireless sub integration
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
4. JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass
- Best Soundbar Under $200
As its name implies, the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass soundbar delivers seriously pounding low-end audio. The key is a 6.5" subwoofer integrated right into the bar cabinet – no external wireless sub required.
Augmenting the sub are two angular full-range drivers, creating an expansive left/right soundstage. Dialogue plays focused through the center while effects pan sharply side to side. The Bar 2.1 decodes native Dolby Digital for added depth and spaciousness.
With a total power output of 300W, this slim-profile soundbar has no issues getting loud enough for larger rooms. Distortion is rare even maxed out thanks to JBL‘s efficient amplifier technology.
For buyers wanting huge audio impact on a budget, the Bar 2.1 represents outstanding value. No other model under $200 gives you this combination of thunderous bass and clear stereo imaging. It‘s a single-box solution that outperforms most entry-level systems.
- 300W power
- Integrated 6.5" subwoofer
- 2.1 channel Dolby Digital
- Slim, low-profile design
- Multiple connectivity options
Pros
- Huge bass from built-in sub
- Very affordable price
- Solid stereo performance
Cons
- No separate subwoofer
- No surround speakers
5. JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One
- Best Budget Soundbar Under $100
If you simply want to elevate your TV‘s awful built-in speakers on the tightest of budgets, the JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One is a perfect choice. Despite costing less than $100, it delivers remarkably full and detailed audio from its integrated left/right driver array.
Voices are focused and clear – you‘ll no longer struggle to understand dialogue. Effects like explosions gain added punch and clarity compared to lackluster TV speakers. Streaming music over the Bar 2.0‘s Bluetooth connection fills the room with vibrant stereo sound.
While bass performance is understandably limited without an integrated sub, the Bar 2.0 still outputs a balanced, refined sound that‘s far beyond your television‘s capability. It makes for a simple, inexpensive audio upgrade.
- 80W power
- 2.0 channel system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wall-mountable design
- Dialogue and clarity focused
Pros
- Very affordable
- Much better than TV speakers
- Compact, streamlined design
Cons
- No subwoofer
- Lacks surround sound
Soundbar Buying Advice
To wrap up this guide on the best JBL soundbars, let‘s recap some helpful buying pointers:
- Choose a setup (2.1, 3.1, 5.1) suited to your room size and budget
- Prioritize higher power output and channel count for bigger spaces
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provide more immersive surround effects
- Look for HDMI ARC, WiFi, Bluetooth and Chromecast connectivity
- On a tight budget? Start with a basic 2.0 or 2.1 model first
- Carefully measure the area where you‘ll place your soundbar
We hope these JBL soundbar reviews and this advice gives you confidence to pick out an awesome new model to enhance your entertainment experience!
FAQ About JBL Soundbars
How is a soundbar different from my TV‘s built-in speakers?
Soundbars contain much more advanced speaker components and audio processing technologies compared to a TV‘s rudimentary speakers. This allows them to create highly accurate stereo or surround soundstages that clarify dialogue, sharpen effects, produce fuller frequency ranges, and get louder without distortion. They bring genuine cinema-quality sound to your home!
Do I need a separate subwoofer with a soundbar?
Not necessarily – many soundbars now integrate a subwoofer right into the cabinet itself, saving you space while still providing powerful bass. However, an external standalone wireless sub paired with a soundbar gives you greater flexibility in placement while ramping up bass impact even further due to the larger cabinet size.
What‘s the benefit of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on soundbars?
These advanced audio formats unlock more immersive, object-based surround sound that conveys localization – the ability to pinpoint audio elements moving distinctively all around your room. Soundbars supporting Atmos/DTS:X produce a taller, deeper soundstage for next-level realism. They truly place you inside the movie or music environment. If intense cinematic atmosphere is a priority, try choosing a JBL model equipped with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X compatibility.
