JBL Link Bar

8 reviews

May, 2024

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 8 reviews of JBL Link Bar. The average rating for this product is 3.0/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other products in the same category for all reviews.

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other products in the same category the JBL Link Bar is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 92/100 = Excellent quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 8 reviews)

Expert Reviews

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Showing 1 - 6 of 6 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (2)

Expert review by : Ted Kritsonis (techradar.com)

JBL Link Bar review

What if you could solve two issues with your TV at the same time? You could improve on the sound quality by setting up a sound bar, and also get an acclaimed smart TV platform to view the content you like most. That’s the premise behind...

Android TV included Good sound performance Plenty of ports

Google Assistant is slow No surround sound expansion Bugs still need squashing

The JBL Link Bar packs in admirable sound quality but comes at the cost of some staple features you would expect in an Android TV device.

Oct, 2019

Partner Source

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Expert review by : What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)

JBL Link Bar review

An excellent one-box upgrade for non-smart TVs

Android TV built-in ; Solid, clear and natural sound ; Vast array of inputs

Not as cinematic as rivals ; Currently lacks some apps

An excellent one-box upgrade for non-smart TVs, but the Link Bar isn’t the very best soundbar at this price

Sep, 2019

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Expert review by : Jon Porter (theverge.com)

JBL Link Bar review: three devices rolled into one average soundbar

A soundbar, a smart speaker, and a streaming box in one

Voice controlling music is as good as any smart speaker ; Good range of connectivity ; Weighty, punchy sound

Voice commands are slow, and badly optimized for video content ; Insists on turning on TV when you’re listening to music ; Limited selection of streaming apps in the UK ; Sound lacks refinement

The JBL Link Bar aims to combine the functionality of a soundbar, an Android TV streaming box, and a Google Assistant smart speaker. But are you getting three devices seamlessly merged together, or a Frankenstein’s monster?

Oct, 2019

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Expert review by : Tim Gideon (pcmag.com)

JBL Link Bar

The JBL Link Bar integrates Android TV and Google Assistant in a soundbar that delivers quality audio, but it sounds tame without the optional subwoofer.

Crisp, bright audio. Android TV and Google Assistant. Streams via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Includes multiple HDMI inputs and optical input.

Sounds thin without optional subwoofer. Some Android TV/Google Assistant bugs. TV screen is required for many functions.

The JBL Link Bar feels somewhat incomplete. From a features perspective, it does more than pretty much any other soundbar we've tested thanks to Android TV. As a speaker, though, it feels like it's missing too much of the audio experience without a...

Aug, 2019

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Ty Pendlebury (cnet.com)

JBL Link Bar brings Google Assistant, better TV sound for $400

JBL has partnered with Google on a sound bar that offers both voice control and Android TV streaming apps.

Aug, 2018

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Expert review by : Jared Newman (techhive.com)

JBL Link Bar review: A soundbar, Google Assistant, and Android TV rolled into one big compromise

The JBL Link Bar combines a soundbar with Google Assistant and Android TV, but not without major drawbacks.

Very easy to set up ; Convenient hands-free Android TV control ; Crisp high-frequency sound and clear bass (a wireless subwoofer is available as an option)

No support for optional surround speakers (wired or otherwise) ; Some Android TV apps have frame-rate limitations and choppiness issues ; HDMI passthrough adds too much lag to use with game consoles ; At this time, this implementation of Android TV...

Granted, the JBL Link Bar is cheaper than the total bill for all the devices it aims to replace (namely, a soundbar, a smart speaker, and an Android TV box). The Sonos Beam costs the same, for example, but you’ll need to spend anywhere from $40 for a...