Harman Kardon Controller vs JBL Premium Audio
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Harman Kardon Controller
Stream high-definition audio throughout your home with this app. It allows you to set up and customize compatible wireless speakers, create surround sound systems, and control audio playback from local or cloud sources.
- Stream HD audio wirelessly
- Set up and customize speakers
- Create 5.1 surround sound
- Control multi-room audio
- Stream local and cloud content
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The Harman Kardon Controller app works seamlessly with the Harman Kardon Omni 10+, Omni 20+, Omni 50+, Omni Bar+, Omni Adapt+, and Omni Adapt+Amp speakers to let you stream HD audio around your home. Use the Controller app to set up and customize your speakers, setup a true wireless 5.1 surround system, control audio in your house and stream local or cloud content in glorious HD audio.
JBL Premium Audio
Easily set up your JBL audio devices on Wi-Fi for seamless music playback. Stream podcasts, internet radio, and music from USB drives. Enjoy integrated access to popular services like Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Airplay.
- Quick Wi-Fi product setup
- Music playback from UPnP & USB
- Access to podcasts and internet radio
- Add favorite stations
- Spotify Connect integration
- Tidal Connect integration
- Airplay and Chromecast support
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The JBL Premium Audio App enables quick product setup on your Wi-Fi network and fast access to music playback. Once connected, you can access a world of music including: • A large catalog of podcasts and internet radio stations. Add Favorites for quick and convenient playback • Music playback from UPnP & USB drives • Once set up, your device provides access to Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Airplay, Chromecast and Roon Ready Note: For the best experience, please check your JBL device is running the latest firmware.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Harman Kardon Controller at every 2 months against JBL Premium Audio's every 8 months. Harman Kardon Controller also leads on ratings volume (100 vs 20). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Harman Kardon Controller holds the better App Store score, 1.8 against 1.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Harman Kardon Controller has 100 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 9% of Harman Kardon Controller's written reviews are positive against 4% of JBL Premium Audio's.
Harman Kardon Controller ships an update every 2 months, JBL Premium Audio every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on August 13, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Harman Kardon Controller | JBL Premium Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.8 (100 ratings) — better | 1.6 (20 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 9.2% of reviews — better | 4.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 100 — better | 20 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 8 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 14.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 64 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Harman International Industries | HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED |
Customer experience
Harman Kardon Controller
JBL Premium Audio
Bugs and requests
Harman Kardon Controller
Reported bugs
4 issues- Speakers frequently disconnect from WiFi
- App fails to detect or connect to speakers
- Music playback issues like skipping, popping, and abrupt stops
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
Requested features
4 requests- Add support for popular music streaming services
- Improve app stability and user experience
- Implement advanced features like EQ, gapless playback, and custom playlists
- Provide better integration with local music libraries
JBL Premium Audio
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Harman Kardon Controller
No in-app purchases
JBL Premium Audio
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Harman Kardon Controller free?
Is JBL Premium Audio free?
Which has better reviews, Harman Kardon Controller or JBL Premium Audio?
Do Harman Kardon Controller or JBL Premium Audio have ads?
Which is updated more often, Harman Kardon Controller or JBL Premium Audio?
Other comparisons
