Sony HT-S400 Black
Score: 76/100
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Sony HT-S400 is a 2.1-channel soundbar delivering 330 W total power with a wireless subwoofer and a compact low-profile design. It lacks true surround channels and offers limited connectivity, notably no HDMI input. Ideal for TV viewers seeking simple setup and dialogue clarity.
The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass (MK2) offers a powerful 300 W 2.1-channel system with a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer and Dolby Digital virtual surround, delivering strong bass in a compact footprint. Its trade-offs include the lack of HDMI ARC, modern Bluetooth 5.x, and built-in voice assistants, limiting its connectivity and smart-feature set. It is best for budget-conscious buyers who want punchy bass and simple wireless setup.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2.1best | 2.1best | |
330 Wbest | 300 W | |
16 cm | 16.5 cmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.4 kg | 2.14 kgbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
3best | — | |
90 cm | 96.5 cmbest | |
6.4 cmbest | 5.6 cm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Total Power Output (W) | 330 W | 300 W |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital | Dolby Digital, MP3, WAV |
Subwoofer Driver Size (cm) | 16 cm | 16.5 cm |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
HDMI ARC/eARC | true | false |
Design(4) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 2.4 kg | 2.14 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 90 cm | 96.5 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 6.4 cm | 5.6 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 8.8 cm | 8.5 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers, such as Crutchfield, position the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 as the best budget sound bar for 2025, praising its 300W output, compact footprint, and wireless subwoofer that delivers strong bass. JBL's own materials stress the "deep, thrilling bass" and room-filling power, while noting the virtual surround processing via Dolby Digital.
