Bose Solo 5 VS JBL Bar 5.1
Bose Solo 5
  • Brand - Bose
  • APP CONTROL - true
  • REMOTE CONTROL - true
JBL Bar 5.1
  • Brand - JBL
  • APP CONTROL - true
  • REMOTE CONTROL - true

Best Affordable Bars: JBL Bar 5.1 vs Bose Solo 5

JBL Bar 5.1 vs Bose Solo 5

Features

Both of these models are created by well renowned famous brands that are familiar to any audiophile. The major difference is that JBL Bar 5.1 vs Bose Solo 5 has a much better channel and sound quality. For example, it has 5.1 channel quality as well as 5.1 built-in channels. While Solo 5 only has 2.0 contradicting number 5 in the name.

JBL comes with a wireless sub plus a single wireless speaker. While the Bose bar does indeed come solo with no woofer or speakers. Bose does not have any streaming services support built-in as well. Compare it to JBL with their streaming service feature built-in supporting TuneIn, Deezer, Pandora, Spotify, Chromecast, Amazon, Google Play and Apple music. Pretty cool.

Neither of the subs has Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Also, neither works with Alexa or other voice control features. Both have no Wi-Fi but have a Bluetooth, JBL has a USB, Woofer and HDMI inputs. But it is nice to know that both of them come with the remotes and with separate smartphone or tablet apps for both Android and iOS.

Design

Both of the bars have similar placement options. You can wall mount your bar or place it on the tabletop next to the TV. Bose Solo 5 doesn’t have any buttons versus JBL Bar 5.1 that has power, input and volume switches.

Bose Solo 5 vs JBL Bar 5.1 is much heavier having a sub plus a speaker in a package. 3.7 pounds compared to 9.9 pounds in a package. Both of the units are designed in a similar black minimalistic timeless style. They will look appropriate in any living room, office or workshop.

The JBL bar itself is whooping 114 inches long. Compare it to only 55 inches for Bose and you will have a much better idea of the placement options, power, and productivity of both units.

Pros & Cons

Bose Solo 5

VS

Pros

    • The included remote is excellent and dead simple to use.
    • Its sound quality is unambiguously better than a TV's built-in speakers.
    • It's still reasonably priced, especially for Bose.

Cons

    • It lacks a front-panel display.

JBL Bar 5.1

VS

Pros

    • Truly wireless 5.1 surround sound.
    • Easy to set up and use.
    • Impressive vocal clarity.

Cons

    • The music feels flat.
    • Plastic design.

Specifications

Specification Bose Solo 5 JBL Bar 5.1
Features
App Control
Voice Control
Multi-room
Remote Control
Microphone
Dimensions
Weight, Kg/pounds 1.7/3.7 3.9/8.6 (4.5/9.9 with detachable speakers)
Size (h X W X D), Cm/in 7 x 54.9 x 8.6/2.8 x 21.6 x 3.4 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)
Audio Features
Built-in Channels 2.0 5.1
Amplification Type active active
Separate Speaker Connections wireless
Separate Speaker (in Package) 2
Supported Channel Quantity 2.0 5.1
Streaming Services
Google Play Music
Apple Music (airplay)
Other Streaming Services has not Chromecast, Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer
Spotify
Amazon Music
Connectivity
Hdmi Arc 1
Hdmi Input/output 3/0
Ethernet (rj45)
Subwoofer Output - 1
Bluetooth
Headphone Output
Wi-fi
Analog Audio Input/output (rca) 1/0
Coaxial Digital Input/output 1/0
Usb 1
Optical Digital Input/output 1 1
User Manual
Manual solo-5.pdf bar-5-1.pdf
General
Soundbar Buttons has not power, volume down, volume up, input
Connection To Source wired, wireless wired, wireless
Placement Type table-top, wall-mountable table-top, wall-mountable
Subwoofer
Separate Subwoofer Connections wireless
Separate Subwoofer (in Package) 1
Built-in Subwoofer
Multichannel Surround
Dts:x
Dolby Atmos

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