VIZIO All-in-One 2.1 Soundbar SE vs JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass Soundbar

Buy the VIZIO SE if your TV is a VIZIO and you want an all-in-one bar with no separate sub box, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and a cleaner wall. Buy the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass if you want real low-end from a dedicated 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer and more input options. The VIZIO is the tidier, more feature-rich bar for small rooms; the JBL goes louder and deeper and is the better pick for movie impact. Owners rate the VIZIO well but note its bass is modest for its size, while JBL owners praise the sub and complain about Bluetooth 4.2 and HDMI 1.4.

• Choose the VIZIO All-in-One 2.1 Soundbar SE if you own a compatible VIZIO TV, want one compact bar with no subwoofer box on the floor, and care about Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
• Choose the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass if you want a separate wireless subwoofer for real bass depth and need optical, RCA, USB or Ethernet inputs alongside HDMI.