JBL Bar 5.1 VS Samsung HW-N950
JBL Bar 5.1
  • Brand - JBL
  • APP CONTROL - true
  • REMOTE CONTROL - true
Samsung HW-N950
  • Brand - Samsung
  • APP CONTROL - true
  • REMOTE CONTROL - true

JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N950 – Devices of Different Price Range

JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N950

Features

The check of JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N950 is aimed to compare soundbars without built-in woofers but with a wireless sub in the package. The BL Bar 5.1 is much cheaper, but it’s not a Wi-Fi capable device. At the same time, the Samsung HW-N950 costs more but has only two HDMI inputs versus JBL Bar 5.1’s two inputs. Both soundbars come with two satellite speakers that make them closer to a surround sound system.

When testing Samsung HW-N950 vs JBL Bar 5.1 in terms of their sound quality, it should be said that this Samsung creates a perfect soundfield when both watching movies and listening to audio. With respect to the JBL Bar 5.1, while watching movies, the unit provides absolute clarity for both different whispered voices and secondary soundtrack components. It makes them sound balanced and immersive. However, in general, this model is focused on movies more than on music content since its mids are too weak.

The Bar 5.1 has Bluetooth and allows listening to music from the other Bluetooth-capable devices wirelessly. It also comes with a SoundShift option to listen to music from any of the soundbar inputs and toggle between them.

The HW-N950 features 7.1.4-channel configuration and, unlike the JBL Bar 5.1, it supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Design

The cabinet of the JBL Bar 5.1 is mostly plastic and it’s covered with a perforated grille. A small display on the front panel shows the unit’s status. The buttons are on the top and the ports are on the back panel. Its height allows placing it in front of the TVs without hiding a part of their screens. However, it’s a bit wider than other similar soundbars and requires enough place on the surface.

The Samsung HW-N950 is rather massive since it includes 17 speakers. The soundbar has a rectangular shape and minimalist design. Its building is sturdy since it has metal grilles at the top, front and sides. It’s designed for TVs with no less than 55-inch screens.

Pros & Cons

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.

Samsung HW-N950

VS

Pros

    • It comes with Amazon Alexa.
    • The unit passes through 4K 60hz, HDR, and Dolby Vision.

Cons

    • It lacks a dedicated microphone or an app that makes the room EQ rather basic.

Specifications

Specification JBL Bar 5.1 Samsung HW-N950
Streaming Services
Apple Music (airplay)
Other Streaming Services Chromecast, Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer Chromecast, Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer
Spotify
Amazon Music
Google Play Music
Connectivity
Hdmi Input/output 3/0 2/0
Ethernet (rj45)
Subwoofer Output 1 -
Bluetooth
Headphone Output
Wi-fi
Analog Audio Input/output (rca) 1/0
Coaxial Digital Input/output
Usb 1 1
Optical Digital Input/output 1 1
Hdmi Arc 1 1
Features
Voice Control Alexa
Multi-room
Remote Control
Microphone
App Control
Dimensions
Size (h X W X D), Cm/in 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) 8.1 x 122.4 x 13.4/3.2 x 48.2 x 5.3
Weight, Kg/pounds 3.9/8.6 (4.5/9.9 with detachable speakers) 8.8/19.4
Audio Features
Amplification Type active active
Separate Speaker Connections wireless wireless
Separate Speaker (in Package) 2 2
Supported Channel Quantity 5.1 7.1.4
Built-in Channels 5.1 7.1.4
Subwoofer
Separate Subwoofer Connections wireless wireless
Separate Subwoofer (in Package) 1 1
Built-in Subwoofer
User Manual
Manual bar-5-1.pdf hw-n950.pdf
General
Soundbar Buttons power, volume down, volume up, input power, input, volume down, volume up
Connection To Source wired, wireless wired, wireless
Placement Type table-top, wall-mountable table-top, wall-mountable
Multichannel Surround
Dts:x
Dolby Atmos

Popular Comparison

versus
VIZIO SB3821-C6

VIZIO SB38

VIZIO SB3821-C6

VIZIO SB38

versus
Sony HT-Z9F

Sony HT-Z9

Sony HT-Z9F

Sony HT-CT

versus
Yamaha YAS-207

Yamaha YAS

Yamaha YAS-207

Yamaha YAS