JBL Bar 500
Score: 81/100
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass
Score: 67/100Rankings
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 2.1 Deep Bass (MK2) offers 300 W total output with a powerful wireless subwoofer, delivering strong bass and clear dialogue in a compact, wall-mountable package. It lacks modern smart features such as Wi-Fi, eARC and Dolby Atmos, positioning it as an entry-level home-theater solution.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
590 Wbest | 300 W | |
35 Hz | 40 Hzbest | |
20,000 Hzbest | 20,000 Hzbest | |
1best | 1best | |
— | 1best | |
5best | 4.2 | |
| ↓ lower better | 12.8 kg | 9.972 kgbest |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
Wi‑Fi Support | true | false |
Video(1) | ||
HDMI eARC Support | true | false |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 12.8 kg | 9.972 kg |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Standby Power Consumption (W) | 2.0 W | 0.5 W |
Audio(5) | ||
Channel Configuration | 5.1 | 2.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos | MP3, WAV, Dolby Digital, JBL Surround Sound |
Total Power Output (W) | 590 W | 300 W |
Frequency Response (Low) (Hz) | 35 Hz | 40 Hz |
Subwoofer Power Output (W) | 300 W | 200 W |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers praise the Bar 2.1 Deep Bass for cinematic sound and powerful bass, but note the absence of smart capabilities and lack of Atmos.
Everyday users highlight the impressive bass and easy setup, while complaining about missing smart features and occasional distortion at high volumes.
“Bass is incredible for the size”
“Easy setup”
