OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£230N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:ARC

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 1 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

35%

5.8

Technical score

30%

5.8

List score

25%

5.8

Reviews score

10%

8.4

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 80% of soundbars
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

▼Worse than 85%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

6.6

Connectivity

14%

5.6

Controls

12%

6.3

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

▼Worse than 51%
5.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 74% of models

5.8

Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (8.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.1. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 74%
5.8

List score

List score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 103 lists (1%)
▲Better than 64%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2

Based on 25 owners sharing their experience in online comments

44%positive16%mixed40%negative

Owners praise the deep, powerful bass, while weak or uneven bass and recurring hardware failures frustrate many.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report the subwoofer cutting out on high bass notes, going silent while paired, or not powering on at all, and resets did not help.6
  • Some owners say bass is weaker than expected, not extraordinary, and one finds it harsh and less impressive than a cheaper rival soundbar.5

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #175 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

25%

6.3

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

6.6

Connectivity

14%

5.6

Controls

12%

6.3

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

5.8
Reviews score
5.8
List score
5.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

7.1
N. of audio channels
2.1
This soundbar offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 42.2% of soundbars and equal to 27.6% of soundbars.
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
40 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 40 Hz, lower than 65.6% of soundbars and equal to 13% of soundbars.
Max frequency
20,000 Hz
Market range: <19k Hz – >20k Hz
This soundbar reaches a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz, higher than 17.5% of soundbars and equal to 76.8% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 30.3% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 16.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 16.5% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 58.8% of soundbars and equal to 37.4% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 28.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 42.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 17.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 36.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
1.4
This soundbar has HDMI 1.4, which is more capable than 38.1% of soundbars and equal to 18.7% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 24.7% of soundbars and the same as what 46.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
1080p
This soundbar passes through 1080p, which is higher resolution than 73.2% of soundbars and equal to 1% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
?
Show more
AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 19.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 11.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 20.8% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 13% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
?
Height
?
Thickness
?
Weight
?
Build material
plastic
This soundbar is built from plastic, which is more premium than 3% of soundbars and equal to 92.6% of soundbars.
Show more

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (1080p vs none).
    1080p vs none
  • 0.5 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    6.5 in vs 6 in
  • Newer HDCP support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (1.4 vs none).
    1.4 vs none
  • 16.7% higher sentiment score
    8.4 vs 7.2
  • 10 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (40 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • 16.7% higher sentiment score
    8.4 vs 7.2
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 0.5 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    6.5 in vs 6 in
  • 10 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (40 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (1080p vs none).
    1080p vs none
  • Newer HDCP support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (1.4 vs none).
    1.4 vs none
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • 20.5% lower list score
    List score
    5.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 103 lists (1%)
    5.8 vs 7.3
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No dialogue enhancement
    This soundbar does not support dialogue enhancement, the average soundbar does.
  • 18.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 74% of models

    5.8

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (8.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.1. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.8 vs 7.1
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • 20.5% lower list score
    List score
    5.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 103 lists (1%)
    5.8 vs 7.3
  • 18.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 74% of models

    5.8

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (8.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.1. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.8 vs 7.1
  • 7.8% worse value for money
    JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.06 vs 7.6).
    7.06 vs 7.61
  • 2.09x more expensive
    JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£230 vs £110).
    £230 vs £110
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No dialogue enhancement
    This soundbar does not support dialogue enhancement, the average soundbar does.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Tricks Tips Fix
≈ estimated
30/01/2026
Hands-on review · sound test and connectivity
Verdict
The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 sounds among the best at its price, though its feature support is limited.
Not graded
Not graded
Shop video
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2

  • A 6.5 in subwoofer gives strong punch.
  • A bass button on the remote adjusts the level.
  • Sound is crisp and clear, with good bass.
  • HDMI ARC, one HDMI input, optical and Bluetooth cover most sources.
  • The subwoofer is included.
  • Dolby Digital support suits most TV sound.

What customers don't like about JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2

  • There is no app, so the sound cannot be tuned from a phone.
  • There is no customisable EQ and no automatic room calibration.
  • Rear or side speakers cannot be added.
  • Dialogue enhancement is missing.
  • It sounds best only when wall-mounted at ear level.

Verdict

The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 suits anyone who wants real punch from a TV without a full surround setup. Its 6.5 in subwoofer gives strong bass for films and action scenes, and a bass button on the remote sets the level. Music and films come through crisp and clear. HDMI ARC, one HDMI input, optical and Bluetooth give plenty of options. It sounds best when mounted on the wall at ear level. The trade-off is control. There is no app, no custom equaliser and no room calibration, and rear or side speakers cannot be added later. Dialogue enhancement is also missing, and there is no USB audio input. It fits a buyer who wants a fuller sound from a single box and does not need to tune it.

Compare JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 with other soundbars

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Graphic comparison of JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 and other soundbars

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