Polk Audio Signa S4
Score: 73/100
JBL Bar 500
Score: 81/100Rankings
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 Signa S4 is a low-profile 3.1.2-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that brings Dolby Atmos immersion and clear dialogue to midsize rooms, while keeping setup simple and cost-effective.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 590 Wbest | |
— | 35 Hzbest | |
— | 20,000 Hzbest | |
1best | 1best | |
1best | — | |
5best | 5best | |
| ↓ lower better | 8.6 kgbest | 12.8 kg |
36 monthsbest | 12 months |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 8.6 kg | 12.8 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 36 months | 12 months |
Audio(2) | ||
Channel Configuration | 3.1.2 | 5.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X | Dolby Atmos |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Signa S4 for delivering high-value Dolby Atmos performance, clear dialogue, and a hassle-free setup, while noting the lack of smart-home integration, expandability, and network streaming as drawbacks.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the soundbar's dialogue clarity, powerful subwoofer, and quick installation, though they note the non-backlit remote, absence of voice-assistant support, and occasional Bluetooth disconnects.
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.
“Dialogue is crystal clear, even in loud action scenes.”
“The subwoofer hits harder than expected for its size.”
“Set up in under 10 minutes - just plugged in HDMI and it worked.”
