JBL Bar 500
Score: 77/100
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos
Score: 83/100Rankings
The Bose Smart Soundbar delivers Dolby Atmos and AI Dialogue Mode in a slim form factor, with built-in Alexa and extensive wireless connectivity. It lacks ADAPTiQ calibration and may be under-powered for larger rooms, and the wall-mount bracket is sold separately. Perfect for small-to-medium living rooms seeking an all-in-one smart sound solution.
The JBL Bar 500 offers a 5.1-channel experience with 590 W total power, Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam virtual surround, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. It misses HDMI eARC and true rear speakers, which can limit high-end audio fidelity. Best suited for apartment dwellers wanting immersive sound without the complexity of multiple speakers.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5.1best | 5 | |
590 Wbest | — | |
10.24 inbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 6.173 lbbest | 6.909 lb |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
4best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Audio Channels | 5.1 | 5 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 6.1729 lb | 6.909 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 101.7×5.6×10.35 cm cm | 5.6×69.4×10.4 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the JBL Bar 500 for its massive 590 W output, deep 35 Hz bass from the 10-inch wireless subwoofer, and the combination of MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos that creates convincing 3D sound without rear speakers. They also highlight PureVoice for crystal-clear dialogue and praise the easy wireless subwoofer setup via the JBL One app. However, they note the lack of HDMI eARC, limited input selection, and the inherent limitations of virtual surround compared to true discrete rear channels.
Everyday users love the thundering bass, immersive Atmos height effects, and clear dialogue that make movies and games more engaging. Common complaints focus on occasional Bluetooth lag, subwoofer hum when placed poorly, limited HDMI/optical inputs, and the desire for rear speakers to complete a true surround experience.
Professional reviewers commend the Smart Soundbar for delivering a remarkable sound-to-size ratio, with its five-speaker array and TrueSpace upmixing providing immersive audio despite the compact chassis. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and Alexa adds convenience, but critics note the lack of ADAPTiQ calibration and a lower speaker count than Bose's higher-end Ultra model, making it a solid mid-range choice rather than a flagship.
Everyday users praise the compact design, Dolby Atmos effect, and voice-control convenience, while noting the limited speaker count and desire for a wall-mount bracket. Overall sentiment is positive for the feature set relative to size and price.
“The thundering bass from the 10" sub makes movies feel like a theater.”
“PureVoice makes dialogue crystal clear, so I never have to crank up the volume.”
