TCL Q85H
Score: 82/100
JBL Bar 500MK2
Score: 77/100Rankings
The TCL Q85H is a flagship 7.1.4-channel soundbar system delivering up to 860 W peak power and immersive Atmos with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers. Its basic EQ presets and reliance on subwoofer placement can limit fine-tuning and consistency. Ideal for home-theater enthusiasts and gamers who need high output and low-latency features.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
7best | 5.1 | |
860 Wbest | 750 W | |
16.5 cm | 25.4 cmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 2.9 kgbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
105.4 cmbest | 94 cm | |
12.4 cmbest | 5.05 cm | |
6.8 cm | 10.4 cmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(4) | ||
Audio Channels | 7 | 5.1 |
Total Power Output (W) | 860 W | 750 W |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, PCM | Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X |
Subwoofer Driver Size (cm) | 16.5 cm | 25.4 cm |
Design(3) | ||
Soundbar Width (cm) | 105.4 cm | 94.0 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 12.4 cm | 5.05 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 6.8 cm | 10.4 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Q85H for its powerful 860W output, immersive Atmos height effects, low-latency gaming support, and sleek design, noting its full-bodied stereo response and minimal compression at high volumes. However, they point out that the EQ presets are simplistic and the processing can fall short in complex scenes compared to premium rivals.
Everyday users appreciate the immersive surround sound, deep bass, and straightforward wireless setup, often highlighting the dramatic improvement over older TCL models. Common themes include praise for easy installation and strong performance across media, while a few note the need for manual room calibration and wish for more advanced app controls.
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.
“Major improvement over my previous TCL Alto 8i”
