OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

JBL Bar Studio Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:30 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

JBL Bar Studio Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 17 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Bar Studio
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components

95%

5.5

Technical score

5%

7.9

Reviews score ( 10 · 7)

Reviews score 5% · 7.9 · based on 17 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 59% of soundbars
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

▲Better than 59%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components

25%

4.6

Audio

18%

4.7

Formats

16%

7.3

Connectivity

14%

6.4

Controls

12%

5.7

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

7.5

Design

▲Better than 60%
7.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.9/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 53% of models
Grades by review (17)
10 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 7 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 53%
  • jbl-bar-studio
jbl-bar-studio
Where to buy
    N/A~ £160
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of soundbar JBL Bar Studio

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components:

25%

4.6

Audio

18%

4.7

Formats

16%

7.3

Connectivity

14%

6.4

Controls

12%

5.7

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

7.5

Design

5.5
Reviews score
7.9
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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
▲ Better than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

6.9
Brand name
JBL
N. of audio channels
2
This soundbar offers 2 audio channels, fewer than 43.6% of soundbars and equal to 56.4% of soundbars.
Audio output power
30 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 30 W of audio output power, less than 71.8% of soundbars and equal to 4% of soundbars.
Max SPL
90 dB SPL
Market range: <75 dB SPL – >105 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 90 dB SPL, lower than 70.3% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Min frequency
60 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 60 Hz, higher than 66.9% of soundbars and equal to 4.7% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% of soundbars include this feature.
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N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is older than that of 61.6% of soundbars and the same as that of 24.9% of soundbars.
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Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 35.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 31.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
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HDMI version
1.4
This soundbar uses HDMI 1.4, which is newer than that of 39.4% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 31.9% of soundbars and the same as what 46.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
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AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
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Width
614 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 614 mm wide, narrower than 63.3% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
58 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 58 mm high, shorter than 82.4% of soundbars and equal to 3.2% of soundbars.
Thickness
86 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 86 mm thick, thinner than 49.2% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Weight
1,400 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 1,400 g, less than 70.7% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more

JBL Bar Studio vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 9 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (58 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    58 mm vs 67 mm
  • 1 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    5 vs 4
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • Newer HDCP version
    This soundbar uses 1.4 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
    1.4 vs none
  • 600 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (1,400 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    1,400 g vs 2,000 g
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    5 vs 4
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Newer HDCP version
    This soundbar uses 1.4 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
    1.4 vs none
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 9 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (58 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    58 mm vs 67 mm
  • 600 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (1,400 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    1,400 g vs 2,000 g
  • 148 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (614 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    614 mm vs 762 mm
  • 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
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x1.5" & 2x2" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    2x1.5" & 2x2" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    yes (USB playback is available in the US version; for other versions, the USB port is for service only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 3.1 dB SPL lower max SPL
    This soundbar has a lower max SPL than the average soundbar (90 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    90 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 57.1% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (30 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    30 W vs 70 W
  • 4 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2017 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    October 2017
    2,017 vs 2,021
  • 4.29x less popular
    JBL Bar Studio is less popular than the average soundbar (1 vs 4.3).
    1 vs 4.29
  • 68.4% more expensive
    JBL Bar Studio is more expensive than the average soundbar (£160 vs £95).
    £160 vs £95
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x1.5" & 2x2" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    2x1.5" & 2x2" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • 3.1 dB SPL lower max SPL
    This soundbar has a lower max SPL than the average soundbar (90 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    90 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • 57.1% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (30 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    30 W vs 70 W
  • 8 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (60 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    yes (USB playback is available in the US version; for other versions, the USB port is for service only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 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
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 4 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2017 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    October 2017
    2,017 vs 2,021

Video reviews

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

9.0
Tech Tease
≈ estimated
29/03/2021
Hands-on review · unboxing, sound demo and feature walkthrough
Verdict
JBL Bar Studio is surprisingly loud and clear for its small size, with solid bass punch.
9.0
Rahul Soni
≈ estimated
29/12/2020
Teardown and unboxing · optical and Bluetooth tests
Verdict
JBL Bar Studio has fantastic bass, and its build quality, size and weight feel just right.
8.0
Shamik Ghosh
≈ estimated
13/08/2018
Hands-on review · setup, HDMI connection and sound test
Verdict
JBL Bar Studio is a simple, slim soundbar that feels satisfying for its price, though setup has a few hurdles.
8.0
Geekyranjit
✓ explicit
18/07/2018
Hands-on review · TV sound, ARC and surround mode
Verdict
JBL Bar Studio gives clear dialogue in a small package, but is not the pick for anyone wanting strong bass.
8.0
Aaron X Loud and Wireless
≈ estimated
23/05/2018
Unboxing and review · sound and controls
Verdict
JBL Bar Studio sounds great overall, but confusing controls and no indicator light hold it back.
7.0
Tech Germany
≈ estimated
15/10/2023
Comparison roundup · short overview of sound and setup
Verdict
JBL Bar Studio is worth considering if you want a compact soundbar that is easy to set up and sounds detailed.
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded
Shop video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
08/07/2020
Test room review · TV speaker upgrade
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio is a clear step up from TV speakers, but treble hardens at high volume and it lacks musical timing.
8.0
homecinemachoice.com
✓ explicit
16/07/2018
Hands-on review · Single-box stereo bar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio is a tidy stereo bar with well-projected dialogue and a full, punchy sound, a good fit for a simple second room.
8.0
witchdoctor.co.nz
✓ explicit
06/09/2018
Hands-on review · Subwoofer-free soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio improves weak TV speakers with clean dialogue and a wider sound, though its upper mids turn shrill at high volumes.
5.3
choice.com.au
✓ explicit
14/11/2025
Lab test · Soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio is a slim, lightweight soundbar, but it's discontinued and its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance was not tested.
9.0
areadvd.de
≈ estimated
14/12/2017
Listening test · All-in-one stereo bar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio is a compact all-in-one bar with clear dialogue and a wide film mode, though its bass lacks volume and punch.
5.8
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
06/05/2018
Group test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio is a small soundbar only worth buying for TVs with really poor sound, since its bass is weak and its remote is awkward to use.
8.0
on-mag.fr
✓ explicit
26/07/2019
Hands-on test · Compact stereo bar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio widens and fills out TV sound with dynamic bass that isn't overdone, and suits rooms up to 15–20 m².
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
27/05/2019
Hands-on test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio is a compact soundbar whose surround mode pulls voices and action into the picture, but it lacks deep bass and suits small rooms.
9.0
afdigitale.it
≈ estimated
10/07/2018
Hands-on test · Compact 2.0 soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio is a compact 2.0 soundbar with punchy bass that beats most TV speakers, but it turns harsh when loud and falls short with music.
8.3
speakerreviews.nl
✓ explicit
13/03/2020
Hands-on test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar Studio is a simple, punchy upgrade over built-in TV speakers, but it lacks deep bass and is too small for medium living rooms.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about JBL Bar Studio

  • Excellent value for money for a budget-friendly soundbar
  • Significant improvement over built-in TV speakers, especially for dialogue clarity
  • Compact, low-profile design that fits under most TVs without obstructing the screen
  • Very easy to set up with a single-cable connection (HDMI ARC or Optical)
  • Convenient control using an existing TV remote via HDMI CEC
  • Good build quality and inclusion of wall-mounting hardware

What customers don't like about JBL Bar Studio

  • Notorious 'audio cut-out' issue during quiet moments or low-volume scenes
  • Limited bass performance due to the lack of a dedicated external subwoofer
  • Treble can become 'tinny' or harsh when played at high volumes
  • Does not include an HDMI cable in the box, requiring a separate purchase
  • Lack of status indicator lights makes it difficult to see the current sound mode
  • Poor musical performance with a lack of dynamic expression and timing

Verdict

The JBL Bar Studio is a compact 2.0-channel soundbar designed to significantly improve standard TV audio within small to medium-sized rooms. It features two 2-inch woofers and two 1.5-inch tweeters, delivering a total power output of 30W and a frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz. Connectivity is versatile, including HDMI ARC, optical, 3.5mm analog, and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless streaming, while built-in dual bass ports provide enhanced low-end without a separate subwoofer. Main pros include its space-saving slim design, easy single-cable setup, and the ability to be controlled via most existing TV remotes. However, cons include a relatively low power output that may struggle in larger spaces, a lack of deep sub-bass typical of standalone subwoofers, and treble that can sound slightly tinny at high volumes.

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