ALERT
Best For
Best for Gaming
JBL Bar 500MK2
Better Sound Quality
JBL Bar 500MK2
Best Value
JBL Bar 500MK2
Best for True Wireless Surround Experience
JBL Bar 5.1
Best for Movies
JBL Bar 500MK2
The JBL Bar 5.1 and JBL Bar 500MK2 are both premium 5.1-channel soundbars designed to deliver a cinematic home entertainment experience, but they target slightly different buyers. The JBL Bar 5.1 stands out with its detachable wireless surround speakers for true rear-channel audio, while the JBL Bar 500MK2 focuses on modern technologies like Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0, Bluetooth 5.3, and a significantly higher 750W RMS output. If you're choosing between immersive physical surround sound and the latest audio processing features, this comparison will help you decide which model offers the better value for your setup.
Verdict
Choose the JBL Bar 500MK2 if you want newer audio technologies, higher power output, Dolby Atmos support, and better long-term compatibility with modern TVs. It is the better all-around option for most buyers. The JBL Bar 5.1 remains an excellent choice if true wireless rear surround speakers are your priority, offering a more traditional surround sound experience without requiring additional speaker purchases.
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | 51655.04 |
51595.90 |
| Brand | JBL |
JBL |
| Model No | Bar 500MK2 |
Bar 5.1 |
| Wired / Wireless | Home Theatre Speaker Specification |
Home Theatre Speaker Specification |
| Driver Type | Racetrack Driver |
Dynamic |
| Driver Diameter | Soundbar Transducer : 5X ( 42 mm X 80 mm ) Racetrack Drivers, 4X 20 mm Tweeters Subwoofer Transducer : 260 mm |
Subwoofer Transducer : 254 mm Soundbar Transducer : 6 x 2.25" Racetrack Drivers, 3 x 1.25" Tweeter |
| Impedance | NA |
NA |
| Sensitivity | NA |
104dB |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20KHz |
Frequency Response : 35Hz - 20KHz |
| Maximum Power Input | AC 100~240V, 50/60Hz |
AC 100 - 240V 50/60Hz |
| Maximum Power Output | 750 W ( RMS ) Surround Sound Channel Configuration : 5.1 Channel |
Total Output Power : 510 W ( RMS ) Surround Sound Channel Configuration : 5.1 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | NA |
<11dBm |
| Noise Cancelling | ||
| Aux Connectivity | Yes |
Yes |
| Weight | Soundbar Weight : 2.9 Kg Subwoofer Weight : 8.1 Kg Packaging Weight : 18.0 Kg |
Soundbar : 3.9 Kg Subwoofer : 13 Kg Surround Speaker : 0.6 Kg |
| Dimensions | Soundbar : 940 mm X 50.5 mm X 104 mm Subwoofer : 325 mm X 400 mm X 325 mm Packaging : 1020 mm X 395 mm X 490 mm |
Soundbar : 148 mm X 58 mm X 93 mm Subwoofer : 305 mm X 440 mm X 305 mm Surround Speaker : 165 mm X 59 mm X 93 mm |
| Available Colors | Black |
Black |
| Accessories | JBL Bar 500MK2 Home Theatre Speaker 1 X HDMI Cable Quick Start Guide 1X Main Soundbar Wall Mount Template 1X Wireless Subwoofer Safety Instruction & Warranty Card Remote Control With 2 X Batteries 2 X L-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket ( Main Bar ) Power Cords ( Up To 6pcs Depending On Region SKUs ) |
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Home Theatre Speaker Soundbar AUX Cable HDMI Cable Safety Sheet Optical Cable Warranty Card Quick Start Guide Wireless Subwoofer Wall Mount Bracket Kit Calibration Microphone Remote Control With Batteries 2 x Wireless Surround Sound Speakers Power Cables ( Up To 5pcs Depending On Region SKUs ) |
| Other Features | Easy Sound Calibration : So it'll deliver the best 3D surround effects, tuned specifically for your space and with any TV. Smart Details : From a creaking door to a faraway shout, experience every detail the way the filmmakers intended in a clear, balanced sound field, thanks to JBL's own advanced sound enhancement technology. 10" Wireless Subwoofer : Feel every on-screen crash, bang, and boom right in your chest | Dolby Atmos: Hear a plane soar overhead. Feel a crowd swarming past you. Or get carried away by the energy of your go-to dance playlist. MultiBeam 3.0 : The sound beams perfectly fill your room, delivering truly immersive, lifelike, and realistic sound reproduction | PureVoice 2.0: So you'll always hear every word, clearly and consistently, in cinema-quality sound. This Bundle Includes : JBL BAR 500 MK2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with a 10" Wireless Subwoofer. 1 Year Amber Protection in Addition to the Included Full 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Intended for Residential Use Only. Exclusively Offered by Walt's TV. |
1 Year manufacturer’s warranty. 510 W Powerful Deep Bass Sound. Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth. Works with your existing TV Remote Control. Thrilling bass from a 10†(250mm) wireless subwoofer. Detachable, battery-powered wireless surround speakers. JBL Surround Sound from 5.1 Channel 4K Ultra HD Soundbar. Free Installation, Replacement & On-Site Repair within 24 hours ( in Select cities).T&C Apply. JBL Sound shift allows you to instantly switch between sound from your TV and sound from your phone or tablet. |
Compare JBL Bar 500MK2 with:
Compare JBL Bar 5.1 with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which product is better for gaming?
The JBL Bar 500MK2 is better for gaming thanks to its Dolby Atmos support, higher 750W RMS output, and improved spatial audio performance.
Does Product 1 support Dolby Atmos?
No. The JBL Bar 5.1 delivers 5.1-channel surround sound with detachable wireless rear speakers but does not offer Dolby Atmos support.
Which soundbar has more powerful audio output?
The JBL Bar 500MK2 delivers 750W RMS compared to the JBL Bar 5.1's 510W RMS, making it the more powerful option for larger rooms.
Which model offers better surround sound?
If you prefer physical rear speakers, the JBL Bar 5.1 provides a more authentic surround experience with detachable wireless surround speakers. For virtual 3D audio and Dolby Atmos effects, the JBL Bar 500MK2 is the stronger choice.
Which soundbar has the newer Bluetooth version?
The JBL Bar 500MK2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, offering newer wireless connectivity than the JBL Bar 5.1, which uses Bluetooth 4.2.
Which JBL soundbar is the better long-term purchase?
For most buyers, the JBL Bar 500MK2 is the better long-term investment because it combines Dolby Atmos, newer connectivity, higher output power, and more advanced sound processing technologies.
Top Differences
- Sound Output: 510W vs 750W
- Channels: 510 vs 750
- Dolby Atmos: No vs Yes
- Bluetooth Version: 4.2 vs 5.3
- Frequency Response: Frequency Response : 35Hz - 20KHz vs 40Hz - 20KHz