US
JBL

JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar

  • 5.1 virtual surround soundbar
  • 10" wireless subwoofer
  • 550 watts of power
  • 4K pass-through, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music
  • Bluetooth range of 10 meters
  • HDMI cable, remote, wall bracket in the box
  • 40.1 inches wide, 29.7 pounds
  • 1 year manufacturer warranty

Updated 23 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A single soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that creates a wide soundstage using MultiBeam technology and streams over Chromecast, AirPlay and Alexa. Rear speakers are virtual, not physical.

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ASIN: B07WFXNWZMModel: JBL2GBAR51IMBLKAM

Overview

Not a full set of separate speakers, this JBL unit is one bar plus a cordless bass box that builds surround sound from MultiBeam technology. It connects to a television by HDMI and streams music through built-in services.

The reason to buy is big sound from a simple two-piece setup with streaming and multi-room options. The limit is that the surround is simulated, and the listing mixes some unrelated fields, such as the battery life and floor-standing entries.

Who it's for

Movie and gaming fans with a television who want a quick upgrade without running speaker wire will use the bar and subwoofer. Owners wanting true discrete surround speakers, or a documented battery feature, should look at a separate speaker system.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Virtual surround sound
  • Chromecast, AirPlay and Alexa support
  • HDMI cable and wall bracket included
Cons
  • Surround effects are virtual
  • Heavy for a soundbar
  • Remote needs batteries
  • Some fields look carried over

Performance notes

MultiBeam technology bounces sound off room surfaces to simulate surround speakers, so results depend on the room shape. The wireless subwoofer carries low frequencies and can be placed away from the bar. Streaming services run through the built-in network features.

Specifications

BrandJBL
ModelJBL2GBAR51IMBLKAM
Dimensions & fit
Item Dimensions D X W X H3.9"D x 40.1"W x 2.3"H
Item Weight29.7 pounds
Speaker Size10 inches
Subwoofer Diameter25.4 centimeters
Capacity & performance
Audio Output ModeSurround
Bluetooth Range10 meters
Speaker Maximum Output Power550 watts
Power & efficiency
Battery Average Life30 hours
Power SourceCorded Electric
Construction & materials
ColorBlack
Enclosure MaterialRacetrack drivers, Subwoofer, Tweeters
Compatibility & installation
Compatible DevicesGaming Console, Smartphone, Television
Connectivity Technologywired, wireless
Mounting TypeFloor Standing
Included components
Unit Count1 Count
Warranty & support
Warranty Description1 year manufacturer
Warranty TypeFull Warranty
Other details
Additional FeaturesBass Boost, Multi Room Audio, Subwoofer
Antenna LocationFor Televisions
Control MethodVoice
Controller TypeAmazon Alexa
Frequency Response20 KHz
Is WaterproofFALSE
Number Of Audio Channels5.1
Number Of Batteries2 AAA batteries required.
Speaker TypeSoundbar
Specific Uses For ProductHome theater setup, Movie and TV watching, Gaming
Water Resistance LevelNot Water Resistant
Wireless TechnologyAirplay, Alexa, Bluetooth, Chromecast

Frequently asked questions

Does the JBL Bar 5.1 have real rear speakers?

No. The title says built-in virtual surround, and the description credits MultiBeam technology.

Does the JBL Bar 5.1 work with Alexa and AirPlay?

The description lists Chromecast built-in, AirPlay and Alexa Multi-Room Music.

Is the JBL Bar 5.1 subwoofer wireless?

Yes. The title says wireless subwoofer, and the subwoofer connectivity is listed as wireless.