JBL LINK BAR
SoundbarProduct Gallery
Product Overview
JBL LINK BAR is a powerful soundbar that supports Android TV and Google Assistant: It transforms any TV into a smart TV, complete with sound performance worthy of the JBL marque.
LINK BAR also has Chromecast built-in to cast video and audio via your smart devices from apps such as YouTube and Netflix.
An optional subwoofer JBL SW10 is available to extend the low-frequency performance of the LINK BAR.
Ratings
What we found
Pros
- Android TV and Google Assistant integration
- Easy to set up and use
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa
Cons
- Doesn't sound as good without subwoofer
What external reviewers found
External score 56%
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Sleek design
- Powerful audio performance with deep bass depth and clear highs
Cons
- Lack of apps
- Lacks high dynamic range (HDR) support
- No Google Assistant or Google Play support
- No Chromecast support
- Limited app selection
- No Dolby Vision or DTS:X
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Price Comparison
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Specifications
Related Products
External Reviews
androidauthority[1]
Reviewer score 51% (normalized by Neofiliac)JBL teamed up with Google to afford users full Google Assistant integration. You can access the virtual assistant by saying, “Hey Google,” and the soundbar's microphone array will register your command. Just like using Chromecast, though, the process is slow: command execution can take as long as three seconds.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Excellent sound quality
- Built-in Google Assistant
Cons
- No support for Chromecast or Android TV
- Can't be grouped with other smart speakers
cnet[2]
Reviewer score 36% (normalized by Neofiliac)The $400 JBL Link Bar is the only sound bar with a full media-streaming operating system built-in. The Google Assistant integration should be the glue that binds the product together, but in practice the system lagged too much or simply failed to respond to my voice commands. With some further updates it's possible the Link Bar could succeed where the Google Nexus Q failed.
Pros
- Very good sound quality
- Google Assistant built-in
Cons
- Lags behind rivals
- Doesn't respond to voice commands
digitaltrends[3]
Reviewer score 65% (normalized by Neofiliac)The JBL Link Bar is one of the best sounding subwoofer-less soundbars we've spent time with. The 40-inch Link Bar offers a bold and dynamic soundstage, bringing an enjoyable depth and nuance to the on-screen action. Despite the above-average sound, unfortunately, you aren't getting the best value in this context.
Pros
- Excellent sound
- Alexa, Google Assistant, and Chromecast built-in
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Lacks high dynamic range (HDR) support
pcmag[4]
Reviewer score 54% (normalized by Neofiliac)The JBL Link Bar is a bright, clear, sculpted soundbar with some very rich lows, but no real sub-bass. Particularly with music, the Link Bar can get quite loud. The experience wouldn't feel limited if other, screen-free options were just as easily accessible and controllable.
Pros
- Powerful audio performance with deep bass depth and clear highs
- Supports Google Assistant and Google Play
Cons
- No subwoofer
- No Google Assistant or Google Play support
techradar[5]
Reviewer score 55% (normalized by Neofiliac)JBL's Link Bar runs Android TV, but not all apps are available. Google Assistant is slower here than it is on other devices using the same platform. The sound bar would be an upgrade to any TV's audio, simply because it's clearer at louder volumes and spreads sound better at all times. The included remote is pretty easy to learn.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Android TV support
Cons
- No Chromecast support
- Lack of apps
whathifi[6]
Reviewer score 77% (normalized by Neofiliac)The JBL Link Bar combines a 100W speaker system with Android TV. Google Assistant is built-in and enables voice control via the microphone integrated into the bar itself, and Chromecast allows you to stream content via your phone's apps. Amazon Prime Video is due to be added shortly and JBL is working on getting iPlayer on board, but it's a shame they're not there from the off.
Pros
- Punchy, punchy sound
- Android TV integration
Cons
- No Dolby Vision or DTS:X
- Limited app selection
References
- ^ JBL Link Bar review: The smartest speaker in its class. [androidauthority].
- ^ JBL Link Bar review: Solid sound and Android TV smarts, but Google's a step too slow. [cnet].
- ^ JBL Link Bar soundbar review: The sin of ambition. [digitaltrends].
- ^ JBL Link Bar Review. [pcmag].
- ^ JBL Link Bar review. [techradar].
- ^ JBL Link Bar review. [whathifi].
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