JBL Bar 1000
Score: 80/100
JBL Bar 500
Score: 81/100Rankings
The JBL Bar 500 delivers a compelling 5.1-channel experience with Dolby Atmos, strong total power and a wireless subwoofer, while offering a wide range of streaming and smart-home integrations. Its sleek design and app-driven setup make it user-friendly, though the lack of true rear speakers and occasional firmware issues may deter audiophiles.
The JBL BAR 1000 (non-renewed) mirrors the premium 7.1.4-channel soundbar experience with detachable wireless surrounds and a powerful subwoofer, adding a higher surround-speaker output and a full 1-year warranty. It delivers immersive Atmos sound but still suffers from limited battery life on the surrounds and lacks HDMI 2.1 features. Ideal for movie lovers who prioritize audio immersion over gaming-specific HDMI capabilities.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
880 Wbest | 590 W | |
33 Hz | 35 Hzbest | |
20,000 Hzbest | 20,000 Hzbest | |
3best | 1 | |
1best | — | |
5best | 5best | |
| ↓ lower better | 18.8 kg | 12.8 kgbest |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Video(1) | ||
HDMI Inputs | 3 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 18.8 kg | 12.8 kg |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Standby Power Consumption (W) | 2 W | 2.0 W |
Audio(4) | ||
Channel Configuration | 7.1.4 | 5.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos |
Total Power Output (W) | 880 W | 590 W |
Frequency Response (Low) (Hz) | 33 Hz | 35 Hz |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the JBL BAR 1000 a top-tier home-theater solution, lauding its immersive Atmos performance, solid construction, and the flexibility of detachable wireless surrounds. They do note the absence of HDMI 2.1 and high-resolution audio support as drawbacks for gamers and audiophiles.
Everyday users love the powerful, room-filling sound and the convenience of wireless surrounds, often mentioning the deep bass and clear dialogue. Common complaints revolve around the limited battery life of the surrounds, occasional dropouts, and the lack of HDMI 2.1 and high-res USB playback.
Professional reviewers praise the Bar 500 for its effective MultiBeam virtualization, deep bass from the 10" subwoofer, and hassle-free integration with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and voice assistants, while noting that virtual surround cannot fully replace true discrete rear speakers and HDMI eARC can be temperamental on some TVs.
Everyday users appreciate the powerful sound, strong bass and easy app-driven setup, highlighting the wireless subwoofer and broad streaming options as major strengths, but complain about the missing AUX input, Bluetooth latency and occasional firmware-related shutdowns.
