JBL Bar 500
Score: 81/100
LG S40TR
Score: 87/100Rankings
The LG S40TR is a 4.1-channel soundbar system with a powerful wireless subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, AI-driven sound modes and seamless integration with LG TVs via the WOW Interface.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
590 Wbest | 400 W | |
35 Hzbest | — | |
20,000 Hzbest | — | |
1best | 1best | |
5 | 5.3best | |
| ↓ lower better | 12.8 kg | 10.024 kgbest |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2 W | 0.5 Wbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Wi‑Fi Support | true | false |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 12.8 kg | 10.0235 kg |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Standby Power Consumption (W) | 2.0 W | 0.5 W |
Audio(4) | ||
Channel Configuration | 5.1 | 4.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, LPCM, Dolby Atmos |
Total Power Output (W) | 590 W | 400 W |
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 commend the S40TR for its powerful, cinematic soundstage, robust Dolby and DTS decoding, and premium build, while noting the lack of Wi-Fi and voice-assistant features as a shortfall for a 2024-era sound system.
Everyday users praise the immersive surround experience, deep bass and dialogue clarity, but report Bluetooth lag, a dated ThinQ app and the need to power rear speakers with AC cords.
