JBL Bar 500
Score: 81/100
Sony HTS60
Score: 80/100Rankings
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 Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 delivers a true 5.1 surround experience with a powerful subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, integrating tightly with Bravia TVs, but it lacks true height channels and modern wireless streaming features.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
590 W | 1,000 Wbest | |
35 Hzbest | — | |
20,000 Hzbest | — | |
1best | — | |
5 | 5.3best | |
| ↓ lower better | 12.8 kg | 2.608 kgbest |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 2 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 | 2.608 kg |
Audio(2) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos (virtualized), DTS:X (virtualized), S-Force PRO, Vertical Surround Engine |
Total Power Output (W) | 590 W | 1000 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 system for delivering genuine 5.1 immersion, deep bass and clear dialogue, especially when paired with Sony Bravia TVs, while noting the lack of true height speakers and the cumbersome USB-only firmware update process.
Everyday users love the cinematic impact, punchy bass and clear speech, but complain about firmware update failures, the need to power rear speakers, and the absence of Wi-Fi-based streaming.
“Explosions and music have real punch - you feel the bass in your chest.”
“Dialogue is always clear, even during loud scenes.”
“Rear speakers make a huge difference - sounds like it's coming from behind you.”
