It certainly doesn’t hurt that JBL provides this thing with a number of connectivity options as well. Once installed, the sound bar will have good audio playback transmitted via Apple Airplay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth, and can act as part of a group of speakers from various rooms when playing music through Amazon’s Alexa.
Having not heard Barra 5.0 in action, we still cannot judge how well JBL delivered its engaging audio claims – this is, after all, a $ 400 kit. Consider us cautiously optimistic for now, but it’s worth noting that other companies have tried to produce an equally wide sound through all-in-one soundbars, with varying degrees of success. Still, there is something to be said for JBL’s zeal for simplicity here – Bar 5.0 may well be a great choice for people looking to experience their media for more than just TV speakers when it launches in the spring 2021.