Philips Fidelio FB1
Score: 82/100
JBL Bar 500MK2
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Philips Fidelio FB1 is a premium all-in-one 7.1.2 soundbar delivering powerful 310 W RMS output and immersive Dolby Atmos. Its marketing claim of a true 7.1.2 layout is disputed and a separate rear-speaker kit is needed for full surround. Best suited for medium-sized living rooms where design and integrated bass are priorities.
The JBL Bar 500MK2 is a 5.1-channel soundbar system delivering 750 W of total power, featuring Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X and a wireless 10-inch subwoofer for deep bass. While its power and feature set are impressive, the added subwoofer weight and likely premium price may be drawbacks for budget-focused buyers. Best suited for users seeking a high-impact home-theater experience without the complexity of separate rear speakers.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 5.1best | |
310 W | 750 Wbest | |
— | 25.4 cmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 7.2 kg | 2.9 kgbest |
2 yearsbest | 1 years | |
5best | — | |
22 cm | 94 cmbest | |
38 cmbest | 5.05 cm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Total Power Output (W) | 310 W | 750 W |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD, PCM, Dolby Digital, LPCM 2ch | Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X |
Wireless Subwoofer | false | true |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5 | 5.3 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty Period (years) | 2 years | 1 years |
Design(4) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 7.20 kg | 2.9 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 22.0 cm | 94.0 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 38.0 cm | 5.05 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 137.0 cm | 10.4 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the FB1 for its elegant, premium design, powerful 310 W RMS output, and comprehensive connectivity that includes eARC and multiple streaming options. They also commend the built-in room-calibration mic and the slim form factor that fits under large TVs. However, they criticize the marketing claim of a full 7.1.2 driver layout when the hardware is actually 5.1.2, and note that true surround sound still requires optional rear speakers or a separate subwoofer, which adds to the overall cost.
Professional reviewers commend the JBL Bar 500MK2 for its high power output and immersive Atmos experience, emphasizing its ability to fill medium-sized rooms with rich, cinematic sound despite a relatively lightweight chassis. The inclusion of a dedicated wireless subwoofer and advanced calibration tools are repeatedly cited as strengths, while no major drawbacks were identified in the available editorial content.
