LG vs JBL Soundbars: Which Has Better Connectivity?

Connectivity basics on a soundbar listing

A soundbar listing names the ways you can connect it to your TV and other devices. The main terms are HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI carries audio from your TV to the bar, Bluetooth streams music from a phone, and Wi-Fi can connect the bar to your home network for app control and multiroom audio.

The most important port is HDMI with Audio Return Channel (ARC) or enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). ARC sends TV audio back to the soundbar over the same HDMI cable. eARC is the newer version and supports higher-bandwidth audio formats. The HDMI page explains that eARC simplifies connectivity and supports the most advanced audio formats. If your TV has an eARC port, a soundbar with eARC can use it. If your TV only has ARC, a bar with eARC still works, but it will use the ARC connection.

Bluetooth is listed as a version number, like 5.0 or 5.3. The Bluetooth technology overview describes Bluetooth Classic as the radio used for wireless audio streaming, which is what a soundbar uses for phone music. The version number tells you the generation, but the listing rarely states the codec, so you cannot compare audio quality between bars from the version alone.

Wi-Fi on a soundbar means it can join your home network. This enables app control, software updates, and sometimes multiroom audio with other speakers from the same brand. Not all soundbars have Wi-Fi; many rely on Bluetooth only. If you want to stream from a phone without keeping it near the bar, or if you want to control the bar from an app, look for Wi-Fi on the listing.

LG soundbar connectivity terms

LG soundbars often list HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and sometimes Wi-Fi. The LG site shows soundbars as a product category, but individual listings vary. A typical LG bar might say "HDMI eARC" and "Bluetooth 5.0" in the title. Some LG models also support Wi-Fi for multiroom with other LG speakers.

When you read an LG listing, look for the port list. HDMI eARC is the key term for TV audio. If the listing says only "HDMI ARC," that is the older version. Bluetooth is almost always present, but the version number may not be stated. Wi-Fi appears on higher-tier LG models, often with a note about the LG app or multiroom.

For a TV with eARC, an LG bar with eARC can handle the highest-quality audio your TV can send. If your TV only has ARC, the bar will still work, but it will not use the eARC features. The HDMI page notes that eARC ensures full compatibility between audio devices and upcoming HDMI 2.2 products, so choosing eARC can be a future-proofing step.

JBL soundbar connectivity terms

JBL soundbars also list HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and sometimes Wi-Fi. JBL is a brand under the same parent as Harman Kardon, and its listings often emphasize Bluetooth and HDMI. Some JBL bars include Wi-Fi for multiroom with other JBL or Harman speakers.

On a JBL listing, check for "HDMI eARC" or "HDMI ARC" in the title or bullet list. Bluetooth is common, but the version may not be stated. Wi-Fi appears on models that support app control or multiroom. If the listing does not mention Wi-Fi, the bar likely uses Bluetooth only for wireless streaming.

JBL bars with eARC can connect to a TV's eARC port for high-bandwidth audio. If your TV lacks eARC, the bar will still work over ARC. The HDMI page explains that eARC is backward compatible, so you can use an eARC bar with an ARC TV, but you will not get the higher bandwidth.

Comparing LG and JBL on stated details

To compare LG and JBL soundbars, read the connectivity section of each listing. Look for three things: HDMI version (ARC or eARC), Bluetooth version if stated, and Wi-Fi presence. The listing title may not include all of these, so check the bullet list or the maker's page.

If both bars have HDMI eARC and Bluetooth, the connectivity is similar. The difference may be in Wi-Fi. If one bar has Wi-Fi and the other does not, the Wi-Fi bar offers app control and possibly multiroom. If you do not need those, Bluetooth is enough for phone music.

The HDMI page highlights that eARC supports the most advanced audio formats and is part of the HDMI 2.2 specification. If you plan to use a TV with eARC and want to pass through high-quality audio, choose a bar with eARC. If your TV is older with only ARC, a bar with ARC will work, but you may not need the extra bandwidth.

Bluetooth version numbers are not a reliable way to compare soundbars. The Bluetooth overview explains that Bluetooth Classic is used for audio streaming, but the version number alone does not tell you about audio quality. The listing may not even state the version, so focus on whether Bluetooth is present, not the number.

Check your TV before you choose

Before picking between LG and JBL, look at your TV's ports. Find the HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC. If your TV has eARC, a soundbar with eARC can use it. If your TV only has ARC, a bar with eARC will still work, but it will use the ARC connection. The HDMI page notes that eARC is backward compatible, so you can connect an eARC bar to an ARC TV.

If your TV has no HDMI ARC port, you may need to use optical or Bluetooth. Optical is a digital audio cable that carries TV audio but not the highest-bandwidth formats. Bluetooth can carry audio from the TV if the TV supports Bluetooth output, but that is less common. Check your TV's manual for its audio output options.

For a second TV or a bedroom setup, you might not need eARC. A bar with HDMI ARC or even optical can work. The Soundbar ARC vs Optical article explains the difference. If you are unsure, the Best HDMI ARC Soundbars in 2026 guide lists bars with ARC or eARC.

What to pick for your situation

The choice between LG and JBL comes down to the specific model and your TV. If your TV has eARC, pick a bar with eARC to get the best audio return. If you want to stream music from your phone, make sure the bar has Bluetooth. If you want app control or multiroom, look for Wi-Fi.

For a living room TV with eARC, a bar with eARC and Wi-Fi gives you the most flexibility. For a bedroom TV with only ARC, a bar with ARC and Bluetooth is enough. For a gift, consider the recipient's TV and whether they use an app to control audio.

The Best Soundbar (2026) guide compares bars on stated details. The Best Premium Soundbars in 2026 guide covers higher-tier models with more connectivity options. The Best HDMI ARC Soundbars in 2026 guide lists bars with ARC or eARC.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Does LG or JBL have better HDMI connectivity?

Both brands offer HDMI ARC and eARC on many models. The better choice depends on your TV. If your TV has eARC, a bar with eARC can use it. If not, a bar with ARC works. Check the listing for the HDMI version.

Can I use a JBL soundbar with an LG TV?

Yes, soundbars are not brand-locked. As long as the bar has an HDMI ARC or eARC port that matches your TV, it will work. Bluetooth also works with any TV that supports Bluetooth audio output.

What does Wi-Fi on a soundbar do?

Wi-Fi connects the bar to your home network. This enables app control, software updates, and sometimes multiroom audio with other speakers from the same brand. It is not required for basic TV audio.

Is Bluetooth version important on a soundbar?

The version number is less important than whether Bluetooth is present. The Bluetooth overview explains that Bluetooth Classic is used for audio streaming. The version alone does not tell you about audio quality, and listings often omit it.