Is JBL by Harman the same as JBL?
Yes — JBL by Harman and JBL refer to the same brand in practice. JBL is the consumer-facing audio brand that sits under Harman International Industries, which in turn is part of Samsung Electronics. There isn’t a separate “JBL by Harman” product line that is distinct from JBL in everyday use.
This article explains how JBL fits within Harman’s corporate structure, what the branding phrasing means in marketing, and what buyers should look for when shopping for JBL products.
Brand structure: JBL under Harman’s umbrella
JBL is a long-standing audio brand that operates within Harman International Industries. In 2017, Harman was acquired by Samsung Electronics, making JBL part of Samsung’s broader electronics portfolio. In most consumer contexts, JBL remains the primary brand visible on products, while “by Harman” appears only as branding to signal the engineering heritage of Harman’s brands.
Branding nuances and consumer signaling
Some marketing materials or older packaging may display “JBL by Harman” to emphasise the Harman engineering lineage. This does not create a separate product line or a different JBL entity; it’s a branding choice that links the product to Harman’s portfolio and technology.
Common branding cues you might encounter:
- JBL appears as the main product brand on speakers, headphones, and accessories.
- HARMAN is the corporate family name that encompasses JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, and other brands.
- Samsung Electronics owns Harman (and thereby JBL) since 2017, integrating the brand into Samsung’s ecosystem.
- Occasionally, materials may use “JBL by Harman” to highlight Harman’s engineering heritage, but this does not imply a separate JBL product line.
For shoppers, the presence of the phrase “by Harman” should not distract from the product’s specifications, warranty terms, or overall JBL branding.
Implications for shoppers
When buying JBL products, focus on model numbers, features, battery life, durability, and warranty rather than the marketing suffix. The branding is largely cosmetic and intended to convey lineage, not to indicate a different product category. Always verify the official specs on JBL’s site or a trusted retailer listing.
Summary
JBL is the brand you know for speakers and audio gear, and Harman is the corporate umbrella (owned by Samsung since 2017) that includes JBL among other brands. “JBL by Harman” is branding that may appear in some contexts to signal Harman’s engineering heritage, but it does not represent a separate entity or a distinct line from JBL. For consumers, product performance and warranty remain the key considerations.
Who owns JBL Harman?
Samsung owns JBL because it purchased Harman International, the parent company of JBL, in 2017. Harman continues to operate as an independent subsidiary of Samsung, and JBL is one of its many audio brands, which also include Harman Kardon and AKG.
- Samsung acquired Harman: In 2017, Samsung completed its purchase of Harman International for $8 billion.
- Harman operates independently: Harman was allowed to continue operating as an independent subsidiary following the acquisition.
- JBL is a subsidiary of Harman: JBL is a brand that operates under Harman International.
- Other brands: Harman also owns other audio brands like Harman Kardon, AKG, and Mark Levinson.
Is JBL Harman legit?
JBL is owned by Harman Kardon, so expect the same for their products too. These guys make the best audio devices out there, but if you do get a rotten apple, you'll be left without support for months. Please consider this before investing 10-15k on their premium speakers.
Are JBL and JBL Harman the same?
Their professional products include live PA systems, studio monitors, and loudspeakers for cinema. JBL is a subsidiary of Harman International, which is owned by Samsung Electronics.
Who is the sister company of JBL speakers?
Harman markets its products under various brands, including AKG, AMX, Arcam, Becker, BSS Audio, Crown, dbx, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Martin, Revel, and Soundcraft.
