For its mid-range price, the JBL Link Bar’s performance is mediocre across all scenarios, from music listening to watching dialogue-centric shows. Although latency is low and the sound profile is balanced, you can pay a bit more for better soundstages and an integrated subwoofer.
The JBL Link Bar is a 2019 model budget-level stereo soundbar that delivers room-filling audio in a smaller package with a balanced and neutral sound profile for home theater setups. Unlike the best speakers in the market, the brand offers a built-in Android TV box inside this soundbar.
Additionally, just like the top-rated soundbars, it supports Google Assistant through its built-in microphone and doubles as a smart speaker. If you don’t need voice assistants and are looking for something a bit higher-end, be sure to explore our JBL Bar 9.1 review. It includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast support for wireless streaming.
The brand also boasts the presence of three HDMI (ARC) input ports that help this soundbar act as an HDMI hub, along with an auxiliary input and an ethernet jack. However, if you already have an HDMI hub, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module would be a far better option for you. Find out more about it in our Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module review.
Consensus
our Verdict
The JBL Link bar boasts multiple inputs, including three Full HDMI ports, an HDMI ARC, and Optical. It further accommodates wireless playback via Bluetooth, WiFi, and Chromecast built-in, and the audio is free of static. Tested latency with Full HDMI is low (-42ms) but high with ARC (121ms).
With a relatively narrow soundstage and the 2.0-channel’s downmixed surround, it lacks immersion during action scenes. The absence of a subwoofer takes away the satisfying thump from the audio, and there’s no Dolby Atmos. However, considering the somewhat neutral sound profile, dialogue delivery is moderately accurate.
A sleek remote controls all functions, but the bar doesn’t feel durable. Although input commands are responsive, you get limited EQ presets, and the bar has Google Home integration but no dedicated app for control.
Reason to Buy
An array of input choices
Crackle-free audio
Low latency with Full HDMI
Neutral sound profile
Fairly accurate dialogue reproduction
Reason to Avoid
Narrow soundstage
No Dolby Atmos
No subwoofer
Bar lacks durability
Limited EQ presets
JBL Link Bar Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
3.66"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.36"
Number of Audio Channels
2.0
Subwoofer
Optional (sold separately)
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Audio
Voice Assistant
Google Assistant
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
5.51 lbs
Width
40.2"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Bluetooth, Chromecast, Google Assistant, Remote Control, Wi-Fi
The JBL Link Bar is a 2019 model budget-level stereo soundbar that delivers room-filling audio in a smaller package with a balanced and neutral sound…
The JBL Link Bar is a 2019 model budget-level stereo soundbar that delivers room-filling audio in a smaller package with a balanced and neutral sound profile for home theater setups. Unlike the best speakers in the market, the brand offers a built-in Android TV box inside this soundbar.
Additionally, just like the top-rated soundbars, it supports Google Assistant through its built-in microphone and doubles as a smart speaker. If you don’t need voice assistants and are looking for something a bit higher-end, be sure to explore our JBL Bar 9.1 review. It includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast support for wireless streaming.
The brand also boasts the presence of three HDMI (ARC) input ports that help this soundbar act as an HDMI hub, along with an auxiliary input and an ethernet jack. However, if you already have an HDMI hub, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module would be a far better option for you. Find out more about it in our Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module review.
The JBL Bar 5.1 performs better than the JBL Link Bar when it comes to soundstage and bass, thanks to its much wider 5.1 channel…
The JBL Bar 5.1 performs better than the JBL Link Bar when it comes to soundstage and bass, thanks to its much wider 5.1 channel setup with a dedicated subwoofer. However, the JBL Link Bar has a built-in microphone to double as a Google Home smart speaker and an Android TV box, which the JBL Bar 5.1 lacks.
Thanks to its dedicated center channel speaker and a 3.0 channel setup, the Sonos Beam performs better than the JBL Link Bar in terms of…
Thanks to its dedicated center channel speaker and a 3.0 channel setup, the Sonos Beam performs better than the JBL Link Bar in terms of audio clarity, dialogues, and music playback. But, unlike the Sonos Beam, the JBL soundbar supports Chromecast and Bluetooth and also has a built-in Android TV box.
Equipped with a 3.0 channel setup, the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 performs better than the JBL Link Bar when it comes to dialogue clarity, and…
Equipped with a 3.0 channel setup, the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 performs better than the JBL Link Bar when it comes to dialogue clarity, and offers a more neutral and nuanced sound profile for music. And the Bose soundbar supports both Google Assistant and Alexa, while the JBL Link Bar only supports Google Assistant.
