So you‘ve decided to upgrade your home entertainment system with an immersive soundbar. Smart move!
But now comes the tough decision – which soundbar brand?
You‘ve narrowed it down to two excellent yet very different options:
- Bowers & Wilkins – renowned British audio brand making high-end speakers for 50+ years
- JBL – delivers premium sound engineering in affordable packages
We know…it can get overwhelming sorting through the specs and models to determine whether to splurge on Bowers & Wilkins or opt for JBL‘s better value.
Not to worry! We‘re going to break down the key differences between B&W and JBL soundbars across all the essential factors – no AV alphabet soup or acoustic jargon, we promise!
Ready to figure out the right soundbar option for your personal home theater setup and budget? Let‘s dive in…
B&W vs JBL Soundbars: Quick Comparison
Before analyzing each brand in detail, here‘s a high-level overview so you know what makes Bowers & Wilkins and JBL unique:
Bowers & Wilkins
- Obsessed with audio performance and quality
- Pursues acoustic perfection – best components, meticulous tuning
- Gorgeous, integrated industrial designs
- Leading edge streaming and voice features
- Premium pricing ($1000+) but exceptional performance
JBL
- Focuses on big, loud, engrossing sound
- Leans more mainstream than audiophile
- Simple, flexible soundbar + separate sub designs
- Packs latest wireless & smart tech innovations
- Far more affordable without compromising power
Make sense so far? Now let‘s explore each area more in depth so you can determine which approach better matches your expectations and room set up.
Sound Quality & Performance
As you probably know, sound quality makes or breaks any speaker. So how do B&W and JBL models actually sound when it comes to important factors like clarity, frequency range, volume and bass?
Bowers & Wilkins
Thanks to custom drivers, diamond tweeters and innovative audio processing tech like Digital Signal Processing, Bowers & Wilkinson soundbars output sublime, natural sound with striking detail and accuracy:
- Crisp highs without harshness – even at high volumes
- Warm mid-range – dialogue sounds rich and lifelike
- Controlled bass via integrated subs – enhances without muddy boominess
According to enthusiasts, B&W‘s precise audio simply sounds more real, placing you at the heart of the music or movie scene.
JBL
Relying on Harman Kardon‘s sophisticated audio engineering capabilities, JBL soundbars emphasize loud, engrossing sound with intense bass rather than reference-grade accuracy:
- Powerful clarity for thrilling movie effects and music
- Striking bass punch (10" wireless sub included) rattles your theater seats
- Wider sweet spot so sound pops even off-axis
Reviewers describe JBL‘s lively sound as downright addicting – perfect for action flicks or rocking playlists!
The Bottom Line?
If you seek sheer sonic perfection, Bowers & Wilkins is tough to top. But JBL also impresses with huge, engaging sound suited perfectly for blockbusters and beats.
Now let‘s explore how their designs and components differ…
Configuration & Component Comparison
Another key difference between B&W vs JBL lies in how each brand architects their soundbar systems…
Bowers & Wilkins
Pursuing audio art as much as performance, Bowers & Wilkins soundbars employ an integrated configuration with all speaker components encased within a single elegant cabinet:
- Subwoofer seamlessly built-in
- No need for separate sub box or surround speakers
- Sleek, unified design – made to be displayed not hidden
So B&W models can sit beautifully below your wall-mounted TV while delivering immersive 3.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos sound. Simple, right?
JBL
Alternatively, JBL soundbars focus strictly on the main soundbar unit with all bass frequencies covered by a separate wireless subwoofer included in the box:
- 8-10 inch subs deliver earth-shaking low end
- Allows main soundbar to concentrate solely on mids/highs
- Sub position/tune for max impact – even hidden out of sight
This flexible approach lets you position that compact JBL soundbar upfront where it looks slick under your TV while the sub cranks out sofa-rumbling bass from across the room.
The Bottom Line?
If you fancy a unified, almost sculptural soundbar package, B&W has you covered. But JBL‘s system with separate sub makes it easy to optimize bass performance for your space.
Moving on the smart features and connectivity…
Smart & Wireless Capabilities
With built-in streaming platforms and voice assistants all the rage these days, what do B&W and JBL offer to satisfy the connected soundbar shopper?
Bowers & Wilkins
Despite being legacy hi-fi guys, even Bowers & Wilkins has evolved to meet surging demand for wireless audio and smart assistants.
Their latest Formation line debuting with the Formation Bar provides:
- Seamless Spotify Connect for instant music streaming
- Apple Airplay 2 for iOS device integration
- Alexa built-in for intuitive voice control
- Slick B&W control app ties it all together
So you enjoy all your streaming tunes and voice commands without compromising an ounce of audio fidelity.
JBL
JBL practically stuffs every advanced wireless and smart feature into their soundbars, leveraging Harman Kardon‘s bleeding-edge tech:
- Airplay, Chromecast, Alexa MRM – full app/platform support
- Next-gen HDMI eARC connections
- Automatic audio calibration and virtualization
- Google Assistant and Bixby compatibility
That means you can cast, stream, and yell voice commands to your heart‘s content with any device!
The Bottom Line
If you seek a fuss-free premium streaming hub, B&W checks the boxes without overwhelming you. But if you crave ALL the bells & whistles, JBL is a wireless connectivity powerhouse!
Last but not least, let‘s tackle the almighty price/value equation…
Price Points & Overall Value
Bowers & Wilkins occupies the premium soundbar tier without apology. Flagship B&W models retail from $1000 to $1600:
- Formation Bar – $999
- Panorama 3 – $1499
But for the money, you secure unrivaled acoustic engineering and construction. If you can afford B&W, you won‘t be disappointed.
JBL on the other hand utilizes Harman Kardon‘s technical might to translate great audio innovation into affordable consumer packages:
- Bar 2.1 Deep Bass – $299
- Bar 5.0 Multibeam – $399
So while perhaps not hitting the sonic heights of B&W gear, JBL provides tremendous value, easily beating competitors at the same price points.
The Bottom Line
With JBL you‘ll enjoy great, immersive audio for hundreds less. But cost no barrier? B&W rewards spending more.
B&W vs JBL Soundbars: The Verdict
We‘ve covered a lot of ground comparing Bowers & Wilkins and JBL soundbars models when it comes to:
- Sound quality
- Design & configuration
- Smart wireless tech
- And pricing
So which brand should YOU choose?
Choose Bowers & Wilkins If You Want:
- Audio perfection with unrivaled clarity
- An integrated, sculptural soundbar design
- Leading edge wireless streaming capabilities
Pick JBL For:
- Huge engrossing sound that hits hard
- Flexible setup with separate wireless subwoofer
- Very advanced features without the premium price
Either way we hope this comprehensive B&W vs JBL comparison helps you decide on the right soundbar solution tailored to your personal home theater dreams and budget!
Let us know if you have any other questions. Enjoy that cinematic sound!
