
In our review of the JBL Cinema SB241, we found its sound quality lacking, particularly in terms of bass performance.
The JBL Cinema SB271, while visually similar and equipped with the same features, comes at a higher price point.
Does this additional cost justify the JBL Cinema SB271 as a worthwhile option? Should you consider purchasing it? This JBL Cinema SB271 review will answer all your questions about this soundbar.
Quick Summary: The JBL Cinema SB271 delivers clear and immersive sound. While it excels in clarity for movies and shows, it lacks deep, heavy bass, which may disappoint bass enthusiasts. Overall, it offers solid performance and good value for money, but it does not deliver the bass some users may desire.
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Immersive audio for TV and movies
- Premium design and build
- Easy to install and use
- Reliable HDMI ARC and optical performance
- Dolby Digital support
Cons
- Lacks deep, heavy bass
- No display, only LED indicator
- Limited sound customization
- No AUX port
JBL Cinema SB271 Specifications
• 220W Output, Dolby Digital Support |
• Dedicated Wireless Subwoofer with 5.25 Inches Diameter, 2 Tweeter, 2 Speakers |
• 2.1 Channel |
• Compatible with tablets, laptop, TV, and smartphones |
• Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI ARC, Optical Connection, USB Port |
• Smart Standby Mode, Predefined EQ, Dedicated Voice Mode, Compatible with TV Remote |
• 35.5D x 18.5W x 94.5H Centimeters Dimensions |
• 6 kg 650 g Weight |
• Check Best Price |
Design and Build Quality

The JBL Cinema SB271 exudes a premium feel and appearance. Its compact design allows it to fit comfortably beneath the TV, even in tight spaces.
While the dedicated subwoofer is not the smallest, it is compact enough to be placed in a reasonably sized area.
The soundbar features a metal front grill, while the remaining body is crafted from plastic. Despite this, the JBL SB271 maintains a premium quality.
Its design is simple and straightforward, with all ports located on the back and touch-sensitive buttons positioned on the top of the soundbar. These buttons allow for effortless operation without the need for physical pressure.
Overall, the JBL Cinema SB271 delivers a premium look and feel, as one would expect from a reputable brand like JBL.
Sound Quality and Performance
There’s a lot to discuss regarding the sound quality of the JBL Cinema SB271.
Firstly, when using the soundbar with an HDMI ARC or optical cable, you’ll experience better, fuller, and more detailed sound output compared to Bluetooth, where some sounds may feel less defined.
As for the actual sound quality, your level of satisfaction may depend on your personal preference for audio output.
When listening to music or watching movies, the sound quality is excellent, offering a lot of detail and crispness. The vibrant, ‘crunchy’ sound enhances the overall listening experience, making it highly enjoyable.
The vocals, treble, and sound separation are impressive, as you’d expect from JBL.
However, the bass is deep but not pronounced. What does that mean?
In simple terms, you can feel the bass, but it’s not as prominent. Even at high volumes, it won’t create vibrations. The overall bass response is flat, which may disappoint bass enthusiasts.
That said, the benefit of controlled bass is that it doesn’t interfere with the vocals or treble, resulting in excellent sound clarity.
Another point worth noting is that this soundbar retains its clarity at both low and high volumes, with no noticeable distortion even at high levels.
JBL designed this soundbar primarily for video devices like TVs, and it shows. When connected to a TV using ARC or an optical cable, you’ll experience clear, immersive sound that significantly enhances the viewing experience.
While you can use the JBL SB271 with your smartphone, it is primarily built for TVs.
One clarification: this soundbar supports Dolby Digital, not Dolby Atmos. While Dolby Atmos offers a more immersive, 3D-like experience, Dolby Digital delivers a solid 2D performance. The Dolby Digital on the JBL SB271 is still very effective.
So overall, if you prioritize sound clarity and enjoy music genres that don’t rely heavily on bass, you’ll absolutely love this soundbar. However, if you’re looking for strong, vibration-inducing bass, this won’t be the right choice for you.
You might also like the Realme Buds T310 review.
Ease of Setup and Installation
The JBL Cinema SB271 is easy to set up and install. Simply connect the soundbar to your TV using the HDMI ARC cable and pair the subwoofer to the soundbar via Bluetooth.
Once everything is connected, you’re ready to go.
While JBL offers free installation services in select cities, the setup process is straightforward enough for most people to handle without much technical expertise.
However, if you plan to wall-mount the soundbar, you may need a screwdriver and potentially some external assistance.
Connectivity Options
The JBL Cinema SB271 offers several connectivity options, including Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI ARC, an optical connection, and a USB port.
However, despite having multiple options, the practical connectivity is somewhat limited. For example, the USB port is strictly for service purposes and cannot be used to connect a pen drive, which may be disappointing for some users.
Additionally, the Bluetooth connectivity is just decent. We noticed occasional disconnections without any apparent reason, and the sound quality over Bluetooth isn’t as good as it is with HDMI ARC or optical connections.
Moreover, the absence of an AUX port is a notable omission, as many users might expect this feature.
This leaves you with two main practical connectivity options—HDMI ARC and optical—both of which provide reliable performance.
So, while the JBL Cinema SB271 offers a variety of connectivity options, the truly useful ports are more limited than they appear.
Remote Control and User Interface

The remote control for the JBL Cinema SB271 has 14 buttons, which allow you to switch between movie, music, and news modes, as well as access voice mode.
However, it lacks dedicated buttons for adjusting bass, treble, or vocals, which could be a drawback for those wanting more precise control over the sound output.
Similar to the Cinema SB241, one of the main drawbacks of the SB271 is the lack of a display on the soundbar. Instead, it features a single LED light that blinks when switching modes or when any button on the remote is pressed.
This also means there’s no way to see the exact volume level, which can be frustrating when trying to adjust the sound accurately.
Price and Value for Money
The JBL Cinema SB271 typically retails for under Rs 15,000, but during sales, it can be found for around Rs 11,000.
At that price, its value for money depends on your specific needs. If you’re primarily looking for a soundbar to enhance movie and TV show experiences, it offers great value.
However, if you’re a music enthusiast, particularly if you enjoy genres with heavy bass, this soundbar may fall short. While the bass is decent, it likely won’t satisfy those who prefer more pronounced, deep bass.
Honestly, if you can find this soundbar for around Rs 11,000 or less, it’s a good value for money. However, if it’s priced higher, you should explore other options.
You might also like the Acer Aspire Lite Ryzen 5 review.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
After carefully analyzing customer reviews and feedback, the overall response to the JBL Cinema SB271 has been positive. The soundbar has earned an overall rating of 4 stars, which is considered excellent for any product.
However, a closer look reveals that some users have expressed dissatisfaction, particularly those who prefer heavy bass.
On the other hand, users who prioritize sound clarity with decent bass have praised the soundbar.
So, while the user experience is somewhat mixed, the majority of users have expressed satisfaction with the JBL Cinema SB271.
Conclusion and Pros & Cons
Due to its sound profile, the Cinema SB271 is well-suited for TVs, providing an immersive audio experience when watching shows or movies.
Additionally, it won’t disturb your neighbors with bass vibrations, even during late-night viewing.
However, if you’re looking for powerful, thumping bass and want to feel the vibrations, this soundbar is not the right choice for you.
Pros
- Excellent clarity
- Immersive audio for TV and movies
- Premium design and build
- Easy to install and use
- Reliable HDMI ARC and optical performance
- Dolby Digital support
Cons
- Lacks deep, heavy bass
- No display, only LED indicator
- Limited sound customization
- No AUX port
FAQs
1. Is the JBL SB271 good?
Yes, the JBL SB271 is a good soundbar, especially for enhancing TV audio. It delivers clear and detailed sound, making it well-suited for movies and shows. However, it may not satisfy those who prefer deep, heavy bass.
2. Does the JBL Cinema SB271 support Dolby Atmos?
No, the JBL Cinema SB271 does not support Dolby Atmos. It comes with Dolby Digital Audio, which provides a solid audio experience but does not offer the immersive 3D sound that Dolby Atmos delivers.
3. Is there a warranty on the JBL Cinema SB271?
Yes, the JBL Cinema SB271 comes with a one-year warranty.
4. Does the soundbar have an AUX input?
No, the JBL Cinema SB271 does not have an AUX input.
5. Is there an app available for controlling the JBL Cinema SB271?
No, there is no dedicated app available for controlling the JBL Cinema SB271. The soundbar is primarily operated using the included remote control and touch buttons.
That concludes our JBL Cinema SB271 review. If you still have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comments section.
We’d also love to hear your thoughts on whether you agree or disagree with this review.