The audio equipment industry is one of the most competitive sub-sectors of the larger consumer electronics industry. It comprises numerous brands with proud traditions, loyal fanbases, and innovative ideas for improving audio experiences.
Sony and JBL are among the most popular electronics manufacturers. They manufacture some of the most heavily marketed and readily accessible audio equipment in the entire industry. Some of their most notable products include their respective lines of soundbars.
Sony soundbars are notable for their intense and immersive sound quality, while JBL soundbars are distinguishable by their powerful bass. Both companies make high-quality audio equipment, hence the need to break down their features and qualities to determine which brand makes better soundbars. Read on for an in-depth analysis of Sony vs. JBL soundbars.
Sony vs. JBL Soundbars: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Sony | JBL | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Stylish and modern | Sleek, contemporary, and understated |
| Sound Quality | Clear and immersive sound | Thunderous bass and incredible treble |
| Connectivity | HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity | Wi-Fi, HDMI, and Bluetooth connectivity |
| Smart Features | Voice control, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 | Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Voice control |
| Virtual Assistants | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri |
| Subwoofers | Separate wireless subwoofer or in-built subwoofer depending on model | Separate wireless subwoofer |
| Multi-Room Audio | Supported via the Music Center (SongPal) app | JBL Multi-Room Feature, Amazon Alexa Multi-Room Music |
- 3.1ch Dolby Atmos DTS: X and Vertical Surround Engine
- Immersive AE (Audio Enhancer) upscale audio closes to 7.1.2 for each sound
- The wireless subwoofer delivers a powerful bass sound
- Sound modes to customize listening
- Multiple easy connections
Sony vs. JBL Soundbars: What’s the Difference?
Finding a soundbar that matches your audio quality requirements becomes complicated when you start comparing products from two rival companies, let alone the product lineup of one company. Sony and JBL make incredible soundbars with unique features, designs, aesthetics, and performance. Below is a categorized review of common aspects most consumers will look into when comparing Sony vs. JBL soundbars.
Brand Reputation and History
Sony Group Corporation is a Japanese company founded by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita in 1946 during the reconstruction after World War II. The company traces its roots to the manufacture of audio devices, with its primary products during its first decade of operation being transistor radios and tape recorders.
From such humble beginnings with about twenty employees at its founding, today Sony employs over one hundred thousand employees globally. The company has grown to become one of the largest manufacturers of consumer products. Some notable products include TVs, cameras, speakers, headphones, and gaming devices globally.
Regarding reputation, consumers know Sony for producing devices with impeccable audio quality. Many appreciate the company’s ability to create devices with immersive surround sound and cinematic sound.
On the other hand, JBL is an American audio equipment maker owned by Harman International. It is a subsidiary of the South Korean company Samsung Electronics. James Bullough Lansing, an audio engineer, founded JBL in the mid-1940s making it one of the oldest companies solely focusing on manufacturing audio equipment.
Today, JBL makes headphones, gaming headsets, car speakers, wireless Bluetooth speakers, and soundbars, among other devices. The company’s age has allowed it to develop a rich reputation for making high-quality audio equipment. Its devices are particularly notable for their ability to capture and recreate heavy bass sounds.
Prices
Sony has a reputation for making devices that appeal to consumers at varying price points, and the same applies to their soundbars. The company offers some affordable entry-level options, such as the Sony HT-S100F, which retails at $99.99.
- Tweeter built in, with 2-channel speaker
- Bluetooth enabled
- USB port
- Bass Reflex style speaker for an especially deep sound
- S-Force Pro Front Surround sound feature included
Sony’s mid-range soundbar prices range from $399.99 for the HT-G700 and $699.99 for the HT-A3000. Lastly, Sony’s high-end sounders include the HT-A5000 and HT-A7000, which retail at $999.99 and $1,399.99, respectively. This means almost every audio systems enthusiast can afford a Sony soundbar. The difference will be in the expected audio quality.
On the other hand, JBL soundbars tend to be more expensive than Sony soundbars. It can be challenging to find an entry-level JBL soundbar for less than $150. Currently, JBL’s lowest-priced soundbar is the Bar 2.0 All-in-One which sells for $199.95. You can also buy the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam selling for $249.95.
For the company’s mid-range selection, you can opt for several products above $300, including the Bar 5.1 Surround selling for $399.95, or a pricier option like the Bar 700 for $899.95. Lastly, JBL’s flagship soundbar, the Bar 1300X, launched at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show retails for $1,699.95.
- 4K passthrough
- Built-in Chromecast, AirPlay2, and Bluetooth
- 10 inches long
- HDR 10 and Dolby Vision
Sony and JBL offer a wide selection of soundbars at different prices, ideal for the brand-conscious consumer wishing to upgrade without shifting brands. However, Sony makes more affordable soundbars than JBL, which tends to attract the more cost-conscious consumer.
Design
©BobrinSKY/Shutterstock.com
Sony and JBL employ a variety of design elements in the manufacture of their soundbars. The designs evolve depending on the model, with the more expensive models having polished designs, while the less expensive models have less elaborate designs.
Sony’s entry-level soundbars have straightforward designs that do not necessarily stand out in a room but offer functionality. For example, Sony’s most affordable soundbar, the HT-S100F, has a simple, rectangular, and brick-like design with a smooth top. Its front has speakers on either end, while one of the corners at its back has been cut out to offer accessibility to HDMI, USB, and optical ports.
On the other hand, Sony has invested more in the design of their mid-range and flagship soundbars. The flagship soundbars have contemporary and sleek designs that immediately denote their price range. For instance, the Sony HT-A5000 has a minimalistic and modern design that appreciates the beauty of simplicity over the showiness of ornate designs.
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- 360 Spatial Sound adapts to your environment
- 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to enhance your gaming experiences
- Use Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to integrate with other connected devices
Regarding design, JBL soundbars are understated to blend into their environments. The company’s entry-level soundbars have a mesh-like front and a smooth top with buttons for power and volume. Conversely, pricier JBL soundbars have detachable surround speakers on both ends that one can place anywhere in the room. In addition, they come with a wireless subwoofer that resembles a cube.
Sound Quality
Though design and price play a substantial role in determining whether users buy a soundbar, sound quality is the most integral factor in their decision-making process. A soundbar should not only blend into your interior design, but it should also make listening to music and watching movies worthwhile experiences.
Sony soundbars produce a clear, immersive sound ideal for cinematic experiences. The tuning on the soundbars’ speakers delivers a balanced sound, with neither the treble nor the bass seeming to overwhelm the other. However, you can change the equalizer settings to suit your preferences. In addition, Sony soundbars have features such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and DTS that help produce 3D sound with precise positioning and depth. They also have S-Force Pro Front Surround to make surround sound and 360 Spatial Sound and Sound Field Optimization that help the device adapt to a user’s environment and deliver appropriate sound.
On the other hand, JBL speakers are renowned for delivering some of the best basses in the audio equipment manufacturing industry. The same applies to JBL soundbars which offer booming bass ideal for gamers and watching intense action or thriller movies. JBL is adept at ensuring the bass does not overwhelm the listener by providing counterbalancing measures that result in a rich, immersive, and thrilling audio experience.
Like in Sony soundbars, you can also play around with the equalizer settings in JBL soundbars using the JBL One app, resulting in a custom audio output. JBL soundbars also have Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for 3D sound delivery and surround sound features. Sony and JBL deliver high-quality sound, but the JBL soundbars offer a slightly more entertaining and captivating audio experience.
- 5-channel Multibeam soundbar
- Enjoy immersive and exciting 3D sound experience
- Delivers a deep, punchy bass
- Wireless music streaming via Bluetooth
- AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in
Connectivity
Connectivity options are crucial when choosing a soundbar. You want a soundbar that will connect with most of the devices in your home; otherwise, it becomes a pointless acquisition.
Typically, Sony soundbars offer all the traditional connectivity options. They have USB ports to support music playback from flash drives and Bluetooth to support audio playback from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Sony soundbars also have optical audio ports and HDMI ports. Not all soundbars have HDMI eARC, with the more affordable models having earlier versions, that is, HDMI ARC for plugging into TVs.
JBL soundbars offer similar connectivity options to Sony soundbars. You will find devices with USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, optical ports, and HDMI ports. However, the more affordable JBL models do not support Wi-Fi connectivity, which prevents wireless audio streaming and limits communication via voice assistants.
Compatibility
©SENKI/Shutterstock.com
Aside from connectivity options, compatibility is another crucial factor to consider before deciding between a Sony or JBL soundbar. The ideal soundbar should seamlessly connect to devices from the same manufacturer and those from different or rival companies.
Sony sells one of the most compatible soundbars in the market. Through their HDMI ARC/eARC ports, Sony soundbars can connect to any TV, PC, or laptop with an HDMI port. Using the optical audio port, you can also connect them to a subwoofer from almost any manufacturer. Lastly, Sony soundbars support Sony’s Music Center/Songal app that lets users play music from multiple streaming platforms.
Similarly, JBL soundbars offer compatibility with multiple video and audio devices thanks to HDMI and optical input connectivity. However, unlike Sony, which offers wireless subwoofers with select models, JBL offers all soundbars above $400 with a wireless subwoofer. Moreover, JBL soundbars are compatible with the JBL One App, which allows you to set up your audio preferences and curate your music playlists for a more personalized music experience.
Smart Features
Depending on the model one uses, common features in Sony and JBL soundbars include Chromecast built-in and Apple Airplay for wireless connect viewing. However, Sony soundbars offer Spotify Connect, unlike JBL soundbars which connect with Spotify through other platforms like the JBL One app.
Both companies also offer soundbars with multiroom audio, allowing users to connect multiple speakers in multiple rooms to one device and play the same or different content through each speaker. The Music Center app facilitates and helps control multiroom functions for Sony soundbars, while JBL soundbars rely on the Amazon Alexa Multiroom Music feature to power the process.
Lastly, both companies offer soundbars with voice control, meaning users can dictate what they want to consume from anywhere in the room. Sony and JBL devices are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice assistants. However, JBL goes a step further by offering Siri.
- Power output: 820W
- DTS and Dolby Atmos (with X decoding) built-in
- Surround speakers (detachable and battery-powered) included
- A 300W, 10-inch powered subwoofer allows you to experience real, deep, bass
- Supports Dolby Vision with Ultra HD 4K pass-through
Sony vs. JBL Soundbars: 6 Must-Know Facts
- JBL offers soundbars with 2.0, 2.1, 5.0, 5.1, 9.1, 7.1.4, and 11.1.4 channel options.
- Sony offers soundbars with different sound configurations including 7.1.2, 5.1.2, 5.1, 3.1, 2.1, and 2.0 channels.
- Sony has specialized features compatible with PlayStation 5, like Auto Tone HDR Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode.
- Both Sony and JBL soundbars come with an easy-to-use remote control.
- JBL soundbars are more costly than Sony soundbars due to their superior build quality.
- Sony and JBL soundbars offer several connectivity options depending on the model, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, and optical audio ports.
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
When choosing a soundbar for your home there are a few important factors that you should consider. The most important is obviously the sound quality, and you should choose a soundbar that has a clear, precise sound. Features such as Dolby Atmos will further enhance the audio capabilities of the device.
Other factors to consider include the connectivity and compatibility of the soundbar as it should be able to connect to a wide range of devices. You should also consider the size of the room that you’re going to install it in as this will affect the size of the soundbar that you need as well as the last factor — the price of the device.
Sony vs. JBL Soundbars: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
©ApoGapo/Shutterstock.com
Choosing soundbars made by two reputable audio equipment manufacturing companies is challenging. As noted by the review, both Sony and JBL make high-quality soundbars. However, subtle differences can sway consumers to choose products from one brand over the other.
For instance, JBL soundbars produce thunderous bass that leaves you asking for more, while Sony soundbars deliver balanced sound that suits almost any occasion. JBL soundbars also have a more sophisticated design than Sony soundbars, whose simplistic design guarantees they will fit right into your living space. Overall, we consider JBL products superior; however, we would not fault anyone for choosing the Sony soundbars as they deliver impeccable sound quality.
- Sony HT-G700
- 3.1ch Dolby Atmos DTS: X and Vertical Surround Engine
- Immersive AE (Audio Enhancer) upscale audio closes to 7.1.2 for each sound
- The wireless subwoofer delivers a powerful bass sound
- Sound modes to customize listening
- Multiple easy connections
- Sony S100F
- Tweeter built in, with 2-channel speaker
- Bluetooth enabled
- USB port
- Bass Reflex style speaker for an especially deep sound
- S-Force Pro Front Surround sound feature included
- JBL Bar 5.1
- 4K passthrough
- Built-in Chromecast, AirPlay2, and Bluetooth
- 10 inches long
- HDR 10 and Dolby Vision
- Sony HT-A5000
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- 360 Spatial Sound adapts to your environment
- 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to enhance your gaming experiences
- Use Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to integrate with other connected devices
- JBL BAR 5.0
- 5-channel Multibeam soundbar
- Enjoy immersive and exciting 3D sound experience
- Delivers a deep, punchy bass
- Wireless music streaming via Bluetooth
- AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in
- JBL Bar 9.1
- Power output: 820W
- DTS and Dolby Atmos (with X decoding) built-in
- Surround speakers (detachable and battery-powered) included
- A 300W, 10-inch powered subwoofer allows you to experience real, deep, bass
- Supports Dolby Vision with Ultra HD 4K pass-through
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
