When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound in 2024, soundbars offer an increasingly compelling mix of convenience and performance. Today, we're comparing two very different approaches: the compact JBL Bar 300 ($349) and the premium LG S95TR ($999) systems.
The soundbar market has evolved dramatically in recent years. What started as simple stereo upgrades has grown into sophisticated audio systems that can rival traditional home theater setups. The key developments driving this evolution are:
These two soundbars represent different philosophies in addressing these advances. Let's explore how they approach the challenge of better TV sound.
The JBL Bar 300 takes a minimalist approach, using advanced processing to create virtual surround sound from a single unit. Released in late 2022, it represents JBL's attempt to maximize performance from a compact form factor.
The LG S95TR, launched in early 2024, takes the opposite approach. It's a full-featured system with separate speakers that physically surrounds you with sound. This creates a more traditional home theater experience but requires more space and setup effort.
Your room layout dramatically impacts which system will work better:
The JBL performs impressively for its size. Its "MultiBeam" technology (which uses carefully aimed speakers to bounce sound off walls) creates a surprisingly wide soundstage. While it can't match a true surround system, it provides noticeably better spatial audio than typical TV speakers.
The LG system, with its 9.1.5 channel configuration (9 surround channels, 1 subwoofer, 5 height channels), delivers a more cinema-like experience. The physical separation between speakers creates genuine surround sound rather than simulated effects. This is particularly noticeable with Dolby Atmos content, where sounds can appear to come from precise locations around and above you.
Testing both systems with common content types reveals their strengths:
Movies:
TV Shows:
Music:
Both soundbars offer modern connectivity options:
JBL Bar 300:
LG S95TR:
The JBL Bar 300 delivers impressive bang-for-buck at $349. It's particularly strong for:
The LG S95TR at $999 justifies its premium for:
Both systems benefit from recent advances:
JBL Bar 300:
LG S95TR:
Consider these key factors when choosing:
For most users upgrading from TV speakers, the JBL Bar 300 provides excellent value and noticeable improvement. Its compact design and simple setup make it an easy recommendation for typical living rooms.
However, if you're serious about home theater or have a dedicated media room, the LG S95TR delivers a superior experience that justifies its higher price. The physical speaker separation and powerful processing create a more convincing surround sound experience that rivals traditional home theater setups.
Both systems are likely to improve through firmware updates, but their basic capabilities are fixed by hardware. The JBL's virtual surround will always be limited compared to physical speakers, while the LG's multiple speakers will always require more space and setup effort.
Consider your long-term needs when choosing. If you might move to a larger space or become more serious about home theater, the LG system provides more room to grow. If simplicity and space efficiency are lasting priorities, the JBL remains an excellent choice.
The key is matching the system to your specific needs rather than assuming more expensive equals better for your situation. Both products excel in their intended use cases, making either one a solid choice for the right user.
| JBL Bar 300 5.0 Soundbar ($349) | LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel Soundbar ($999) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how sound is distributed around your room | |
| 5.0 channels (all in one bar) | 9.1.5 channels (separate subwoofer and rear speakers) |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and sound quality at higher levels | |
| 260W (sufficient for small/medium rooms) | 810W (fills large spaces easily) |
| Physical Setup - Consider your room layout and installation preferences | |
| Single bar, 32.3" wide | Main bar 49.2" wide plus wireless sub and rear speakers |
| Dolby Atmos Implementation - Impacts overhead sound effects quality | |
| Virtual Atmos via processing | True Atmos with dedicated up-firing speakers |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movie impact and music depth | |
| Built-in bass ports (decent for casual use) | Separate powered subwoofer (theater-quality bass) |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your specific space | |
| Basic auto-calibration | Advanced AI room correction with multiple presets |
| Special Features - Added capabilities that might matter to you | |
| MultiBeam virtual surround, built-in Chromecast | WOW Orchestra (works with LG TV speakers), WOWCAST wireless |
| Ideal Use Case - Helps match to your needs | |
| Apartments, small rooms, TV focus | Dedicated home theater, movie enthusiasts, larger rooms |
The LG S95TR ($999) is significantly better for home theater use due to its dedicated surround speakers, true up-firing Atmos channels, and powerful subwoofer. The JBL Bar 300 ($349) is more suited for casual TV viewing.
The JBL Bar 300 costs $349, while the LG S95TR is priced at $999, a $650 difference that reflects their different capabilities and target audiences.
The JBL Bar 300 is ideal for apartments due to its compact single-unit design and virtual surround sound that works well in smaller spaces. The LG S95TR requires more room for optimal speaker placement.
The LG S95TR includes a wireless subwoofer in the package. The JBL Bar 300 doesn't have a subwoofer but includes built-in bass ports that provide adequate bass for casual viewing.
The LG S95TR delivers a more cinematic experience with true surround sound and better bass impact. While the JBL Bar 300 performs well, it can't match the immersive experience of physical surround speakers.
Both soundbars support streaming via WiFi and Bluetooth. They include Chromecast built-in and AirPlay support, making them equally capable for music streaming.
The JBL Bar 300 has a simpler setup since it's a single unit. The LG S95TR requires more setup time to position multiple speakers but offers wireless connectivity for clean installation.
Yes, but differently. The LG S95TR uses physical up-firing speakers for true Atmos effects, while the JBL Bar 300 creates virtual Atmos through digital processing.
The LG S95TR is better suited for large rooms due to its higher power output and physical speaker separation. The JBL Bar 300 is designed for small to medium-sized rooms.
Neither requires mounting - both can sit on a TV stand. The JBL Bar 300 is particularly flexible due to its compact size, while the LG S95TR needs space for multiple components.
Both perform well, but the LG S95TR has a dedicated center channel speaker for superior dialogue clarity. The JBL Bar 300 uses PureVoice technology to enhance dialogue through its integrated speakers.
Both support HDMI eARC for low latency, but the LG S95TR provides a more immersive gaming experience with true surround sound and better positional audio. The JBL Bar 300 is suitable for casual gaming.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - safeandsoundhq.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - mm.jbl.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - support.jbl.com - dell.com - walmart.com - techradar.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - trustedreviews.com - zdnet.com - rtings.com - lg.com - lambcotvandappliance.com - valueelectronics.com - romomattressfurniture.com - dolby.com - youtube.com
