ALERT
Best For
Best Overall
JBL Bar 500MK2
Best for Dolby Atmos
JBL Bar 500MK2
Best for Movies
JBL Bar 500MK2
Best for Connectivity Features
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
Best Value
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround and JBL Bar 500MK2 are both 5.1-channel soundbar systems with a wireless 10-inch subwoofer, but they take different approaches to home theater sound. The Bar 5.1 Surround delivers 550W RMS and focuses on virtual surround sound, while the newer Bar 500MK2 steps up to 750W RMS and adds Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0, PureVoice 2.0 and automatic sound calibration. The Bar 5.1 Surround has useful 4K HDR10/Dolby Vision passthrough and built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2, whereas the Bar 500MK2 offers newer Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and stronger cinematic features.
Verdict
The JBL Bar 500MK2 is the better overall choice for most buyers, especially those prioritizing Dolby Atmos, stronger output and immersive movie sound. Its 750W RMS system, MultiBeam 3.0, PureVoice 2.0 and sound calibration give it a more advanced feature set. The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround remains a good option for buyers who value Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Dolby Vision passthrough, particularly if it is available at a significantly lower price.
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | 51595.90 |
51655.04 |
| Brand | JBL |
JBL |
| Model No | Bar 5.1 Surround |
Bar 500MK2 |
| Wired / Wireless | Home Theatre Speaker Specification |
Home Theatre Speaker Specification |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
Racetrack Driver |
| Driver Diameter | Subwoofer Transducer : 254 mm Soundbar Transducer : 5 X 4690†Racetrack Drivers + 2 X 1.25†Side-Firing Tweeters |
Soundbar Transducer : 5X ( 42 mm X 80 mm ) Racetrack Drivers, 4X 20 mm Tweeters Subwoofer Transducer : 260 mm |
| Impedance | NA |
NA |
| Sensitivity | 103dB |
NA |
| Frequency Response | Frequency Response : 40Hz - 20KHz |
40Hz - 20KHz |
| Maximum Power Input | AC 100 - 240V 50/60Hz |
AC 100~240V, 50/60Hz |
| Maximum Power Output | Soundbar Output Power : 5 X 50 W Soundbar Output Power : 300 W Total Output Power : 550 W ( RMS ) Surround Sound Channel Configuration : 5.1 |
750 W ( RMS ) Surround Sound Channel Configuration : 5.1 Channel |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | <11dBm |
NA |
| Noise Cancelling | ||
| Aux Connectivity | Yes |
Yes |
| Weight | Soundbar : 2.85 Kg Subwoofer : 10.62 Kg Packaging : 16.8 Kg |
Soundbar Weight : 2.9 Kg Subwoofer Weight : 8.1 Kg Packaging Weight : 18.0 Kg |
| Dimensions | Soundbar : 1018 mm X 58 mm X 100 mm Subwoofer : 305 mm X 440 mm X 305 mm Packaging : 1105 mm X 382mm X 488 mm |
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 |
| Available Colors | Black |
Black |
| Accessories | JBL Bar 5.1 Surround Home Theatre Speaker Soundbar HDMI Cable Safety Sheet Warranty Card Quick Start Guide Wireless Subwoofer Remote Control With Batteries Wall-Mount Bracket Kit With Screws Power Cords ( Up To 8pcs Depending On Region SKUs ) |
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 ) |
| Other Features | Connector Type : HDMI. Now with alexa multi-room audio. An impressive 550w of total system power. Built-in chromecast, airplay2 and bluetooth. 10"" wireless subwoofer delivers deep, thrilling sound. 4k pass-through with hdr 10 and dolby vision provides the best resolution. Jbl surround sound brings an immersive virtual 5.1 sound experience for your tv without any extra wires or speakers. |
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. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which product is better for gaming?
The JBL Bar 500MK2 is the better choice for gaming because of its higher 750W RMS output, Dolby Atmos support and more advanced surround processing.
Does the JBL Bar 500MK2 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes. The JBL Bar 500MK2 supports Dolby Atmos for a more immersive three-dimensional sound experience.
Which soundbar has more power?
The JBL Bar 500MK2 has 750W RMS total output, compared with 550W RMS for the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround.
Which product has better wireless connectivity?
The JBL Bar 500MK2 has newer Bluetooth 5.3, while the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround uses Bluetooth 4.2. The Bar 5.1 Surround additionally supports built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2.
Which JBL soundbar is better for movies?
The JBL Bar 500MK2 is better for movies thanks to Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0, which are designed to improve immersion and dialogue clarity.
Is the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround still worth buying?
Yes, if it is substantially cheaper. Its 550W output, wireless 10-inch subwoofer, virtual 5.1 surround sound, 4K passthrough and Chromecast/AirPlay 2 support still make it a capable home-theater option.
Top Differences
- Sound Output: 5W vs 750W
- Channels: 5 vs 750
- Bluetooth Version: 4.2 vs 5.3
- Frequency Response: Frequency Response : 40Hz - 20KHz vs 40Hz - 20KHz
- Subwoofer Size: 254 mm vs 5 mm