Sonos Arc Ultra Black
Score: 82/100
JBL Bar 500MK2
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Sonos Arc Ultra provides premium 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound with 14 drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, and integrated voice assistants. Its premium price and lack of detailed EQ may deter budget-focused buyers. Perfect for Sonos users wanting high-end performance in a single bar.
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 | |
— | 750 Wbest | |
— | 25.4 cmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.76 kg | 2.9 kgbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
117.4 cmbest | 94 cm | |
7.95 cmbest | 5.05 cm | |
11.05 cmbest | 10.4 cm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Audio Channels | 9.1.4 | 5.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS compatible | Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X |
Wireless Subwoofer | false | true |
Design(4) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 5.76 kg | 2.9 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 117.4 cm | 94.0 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 7.95 cm | 5.05 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 11.05 cm | 10.4 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Arc Ultra as a clear step up from the original Arc, highlighting its richer driver array, Sound Motion bass technology and the ability to deliver high volume without noticeable compression. The soundbar's support for Dolby Atmos and a wide range of wireless protocols, combined with TruePlay room correction, earns it high marks for versatility. However, critics note the lack of any graphic EQ or granular tone controls and the limited low-frequency output of the built-in subwoofer as notable drawbacks.
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.
