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.
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.
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 |