JBL Bar 2.1 Review
We liked JBL's Bar 3.1 enough to give it our Editors' Choice award, but at $499.95, it's not the most affordable soundbar on the market. If you're looking to spend less, consider the $299.95 JBL Bar 2.1. It offers a lot for the price, including a powerful soundbar, a relatively strong wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth connectivity, and a very functional remote. Sound quality is strong, with deep lows that can be dialed up or back, crisp highs that deliver audio cleanly, and several variations on the sound signature when adjusting bass or listening modes.
Design
The Bar 2.1 looks pretty similar to the archetypal black soundbar image you probably have in your mind. The bar itself measures 2.3 by 38 by 2.7 inches (HWD), weighs 4.2 pounds, and can be mounted on the wall or rested flat on a long surface (it has rubber feet to prevent movement). Across its top panel, there are controls for power, volume, and a button for switching between audio sources. The rest of the top and the entire fr...
The JBL Bar 2.1 soundbar comes with a wireless sub, adjustable listening modes, and a price that feels low for the system's overall quality.
Affordable; Powerful audio performance with strong, adjustable bass and bright highs; Useful remote; Various sound modes, including virtual surround; Bluetooth streaming
Light on accessories; Optical cable doesn't stay in place well