Taking a look at Sonos Playbar vs JBL Bar 5.1 features we can see that both soundbars have the same supported channel quantity of 5.1. At the same time, Sonos beats JBL with its 5.1 Built-in channels versus JBL’s 3.0.
No one boasts Built-in subwoofer, however, JBL has a Separate one (in the package) compare to Sonos.
Concerning streaming services here JBL has Apple Music (AirPlay), Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Spotify and other streaming services like Chromecast, Pandora, TuneIn, Deezer.
Sonos just has Apple Music (AirPlay), Spotify and other streaming services like SoundCloud, Pandora, Tuneln.
None of them have Voice control. But Sonos has the Connectivity with WI-FI, while JBL with Bluetooth.
Another disadvantage is that not the first contender nor the second has Multichannel surround (Dolby Atmos and DTS:X).
If you’re mounting Sonos on the wall, you’ll see a much wider swathe of gray-metal, but you’ll also see the logo prominently. As with many of their products, the Sonos logo on the Playbar can be read perfectly front to back, back to front, or even upside down. So, no matter how you have it oriented, it won’t look odd. The flat rubber strips that act as feet for the unit to sit on also look good, forgoing the usual four-point system for something a little sleeker. This actually serves to block any cables running behind the speaker, hiding them from sight. Sonos clearly paid a lot of attention to design when building the soundbar.
The JBL Bar 5.1 is surprisingly cheap-looking for its price tag. It's mostly plastic in its design, and while it feels robust, the buttons and screen aren’t as slick as you’ll find on competitors.
Specification | Sonos Playbar | JBL Bar 5.1 |
---|---|---|
Streaming Services | ||
Amazon Music | ||
Google Play Music | ||
Apple Music (airplay) | ||
Other Streaming Services | SoundCloud, Pandora, Tuneln | Chromecast, Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer |
Spotify | ||
Connectivity | ||
Optical Digital Input/output | 1 | 1 |
Hdmi Arc | 1 | |
Hdmi Input/output | 3/0 | |
Ethernet (rj45) | 2 | |
Subwoofer Output | - | 1 |
Bluetooth | ||
Headphone Output | ||
Wi-fi | ||
Analog Audio Input/output (rca) | 1/0 | |
Coaxial Digital Input/output | ||
Usb | 1 | |
Features | ||
Microphone | ||
App Control | ||
Voice Control | ||
Multi-room | ||
Remote Control | ||
Audio Features | ||
Supported Channel Quantity | 5.1 | 5.1 |
Built-in Channels | 3.0 | 5.1 |
Amplification Type | active | active |
Separate Speaker Connections | wireless | wireless |
Separate Speaker (in Package) | 2 | |
Dimensions | ||
Weight, Kg/pounds | 5.4/11.9 | 3.9/8.6 (4.5/9.9 with detachable speakers) |
Size (h X W X D), Cm/in | 3.3 x 35.4 x 5.5/8.5 x 90 x 14 | 5.8 x 114.8 x 9.3/2.3 x 45 x 3.7 (5.8 x 131.3 x 9.3/2.3 x 51.7 x 3.7 with detachable speakers) |
User Manual | ||
Manual | playbar.pdf | bar-5-1.pdf |
General | ||
Soundbar Buttons | play/pause, volume up, volume down | power, volume down, volume up, input |
Connection To Source | wired, wireless | wired, wireless |
Placement Type | table-top | table-top, wall-mountable |
Subwoofer | ||
Separate Subwoofer Connections | wireless | wireless |
Separate Subwoofer (in Package) | 1 | |
Built-in Subwoofer | ||
Multichannel Surround | ||
Dts:x | ||
Dolby Atmos |