If you want a JBL soundbar with big bass and wide sound, these five picks cover the lineup.
They run from the flagship Bar 1300XMK2 to a simple 2.1 set, so you can match your room and budget.
| Feature | JBL Bar 1300XMK2 | JBL Bar 1000MK2 | JBL Bar 500MK2 | JBL Bar 300MK2 | JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
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| Channels | 11.1.4 | 7.1.4 | 5.1 | 5.0 | 2.1 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (DTS:X) | Yes (DTS:X) | Yes (DTS Virtual:X) | Yes (DTS Virtual:X) | No (Dolby Digital) |
| Subwoofer | 12 in wireless, included | 10 in wireless, included | 10 in wireless, included | None (built-in bass) | 6.5 in wireless, included |
| Detachable Speakers | Yes, battery-powered | Yes, battery-powered | No | No | No |
| Key Feature | 1570W max, Wi-Fi streaming | 480W RMS, MultiBeam 3.0 | 750W max, MultiBeam 3.0 | 450W max, all-in-one | 300W max, simple setup |
| Popularity | Strong monthly sales | Strong monthly sales | Strong monthly sales | Popular all-in-one | Steady value seller |
| Soundbar Width | 40.6 in (55.3 in docked) | 33.6 in (47.4 in docked) | 37 in | 37 in | 38 in |
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| Product | Image | Feature 1 | Feature 2 | Feature 3 | Feature 4 | Feature 5 | Feature 6 | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 1300XMK2 | |
11.1.4 | Yes (DTS:X) | 12 in wireless, included | Yes, battery-powered | 1570W max, Wi-Fi streaming | Strong monthly sales | |
| JBL Bar 1000MK2 | |
7.1.4 | Yes (DTS:X) | 10 in wireless, included | Yes, battery-powered | 480W RMS, MultiBeam 3.0 | Strong monthly sales | |
| JBL Bar 500MK2 | |
5.1 | Yes (DTS Virtual:X) | 10 in wireless, included | No | 750W max, MultiBeam 3.0 | Strong monthly sales | |
| JBL Bar 300MK2 | |
5.0 | Yes (DTS Virtual:X) | None (built-in bass) | No | 450W max, all-in-one | Popular all-in-one | |
| JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass | |
2.1 | No (Dolby Digital) | 6.5 in wireless, included | No | 300W max, simple setup | Steady value seller | |
1. JBL Bar 1300XMK2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Detachable Speakers, Wireless 12 Inch Subwoofer
The Bar 1300XMK2 is JBL’s flagship system.
It has 11.1.4 channels, a 12-inch wireless subwoofer, and detachable surround speakers.
The speakers pop off the bar and run on batteries.
At 40.6 inches wide, it suits TVs of 55 inches and larger.
Features
- 11.1.4 channels with up to 1570W of power
- 12-inch wireless subwoofer included
- Detachable wireless surround speakers
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MultiBeam 3.0, and PureVoice
- Wi-Fi streaming, Ethernet, multiple HDMI inputs, and eARC
Pros
- Huge, room-filling sound with big bass
- Wireless surrounds with no cables across the room
- Complete streaming support
- Detachable speakers double as portable Bluetooth speakers
Cons
- The largest and heaviest system here
- Surround speakers need recharging
- Flagship pricing
If you want JBL’s biggest sound and a huge sub, the Bar 1300XMK2 is the one.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. JBL Bar 1000MK2 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers
The Bar 1000MK2 is the best-balanced JBL system.
It has 7.1.4 channels, a 10-inch wireless sub, and detachable surrounds.
It’s a strong seller, with hundreds of units bought each month.
At 33.6 inches wide, it suits mid-size TVs.
Features
- 7.1.4 channels with 480W RMS output
- Detachable wireless surrounds with up to 10 hours of battery life
- 10-inch wireless subwoofer included
- Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MultiBeam 3.0
- 3 HDMI inputs and eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough
Pros
- True wireless surround at a smaller size than the 1300XMK2
- Three HDMI inputs
- A compact 33.6-inch bar
- Detachable speakers add real surround
Cons
- Surround speakers need recharging
- Leaving the rears docked sounds less immersive
- Wireless rears can add slight latency
If you want flexible wireless surround without the flagship size, the Bar 1000MK2 fits.
Check its current price on Amazon
3. JBL Bar 500MK2 5.1-Channel Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0
The Bar 500MK2 is the big-bass value system.
It delivers 5.1 channels, 750W max power, and a 10-inch wireless sub.
It sells in volume, with hundreds of units bought each month.
At 37 inches wide, it suits TVs of about 50 inches.
Features
- 5.1 channels with 750W max output
- 10-inch wireless subwoofer included
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
- MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0
- HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough
Pros
- A big subwoofer for its price class
- A wide soundstage from MultiBeam
- Simple setup with the JBL ONE app
- Easy app setup with the JBL ONE app
Cons
- No rear speakers included
- Height effects are virtual
- Only one HDMI input
If you want big bass and wide sound at a mid-range level, the Bar 500MK2 is a strong value.
Check its current price on Amazon
4. JBL Bar 300MK2 5.0 Channel All-in-One Soundbar with Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0
The Bar 300MK2 packs Atmos into one compact bar.
There’s no separate subwoofer, but 450W of power gives it punchy bass.
It’s a popular pick for small living rooms.
At 37 inches wide, it suits TVs of about 50 inches.
Features
- 5.0 channels with 450W max output
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
- MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, optical, and USB
- 37-inch bar with Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
Pros
- Atmos in a single compact bar
- No subwoofer to place
- Wi-Fi streaming and app control
- Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect built in
Cons
- Bass is lighter than a bar-and-sub system
- Height effects are virtual
- No rear speakers
If you want Atmos without extra boxes, the Bar 300MK2 is a compact, capable pick.
Check its current price on Amazon
5. JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass (MK2) 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
The Bar 2.1 Deep Bass is JBL’s simple bar-and-sub set.
A 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer adds real bass.
It’s a steady seller for smaller TVs.
At 38 inches wide, it suits TVs of 50 inches and larger.
Features
- 2.1 channels with a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer
- 300W max output
- HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth
- 38-inch bar with a wall-mount bracket
- Dolby Digital decoding
Pros
- Easy setup and strong bass for the price
- Flexible wireless sub placement
- A wall-mount bracket is included
- A simple route to real bass
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos
- No Wi-Fi streaming
- No rear speaker support
If you want a simple set with real bass, the Bar 2.1 Deep Bass keeps it easy.
Check its current price on Amazon
Buying Guide
JBL bars range from simple 2.1 sets to flagship 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos systems.
Choose detachable speakers if you want true wireless surround.
Pick Atmos if you stream many movies.
Check the subwoofer size and make sure it fits your room.
Measure your TV stand against the bar’s width before buying.
Tips For Choosing And Setting Up Your JBL Soundbar
Place the subwoofer near the front wall, then move it until the bass sounds even.
Charge the detachable speakers fully before you use them for surround.
Run the JBL ONE app setup after you place the bar.
Use HDMI eARC for the best Dolby Atmos quality.
Dock the detachable speakers on the bar when you’re not using them.
Place the bar centered under the TV for the best dialogue.
Turn on PureVoice if dialogue gets lost in loud scenes.
Keep the subwoofer away from corners if bass sounds boomy.
Update the bar’s software through the JBL ONE app.
If you’re still comparing brands, our guides to the best LG soundbars, best Sonos soundbars, and best Harman Kardon soundbars are a good next step.
For more movie-night picks, see our best immersive soundbars and best cinematic soundbars.
FAQ
Which JBL soundbar is best overall?
The Bar 1000MK2 is the best balance of power and size.
The Bar 1300XMK2 is the biggest and boldest.
The Bar 500MK2 is the better value pick.
Do JBL soundbars support Dolby Atmos?
The 1300XMK2, 1000MK2, 500MK2, and 300MK2 do.
The Bar 2.1 Deep Bass does not.
How long do the detachable speakers last?
The Bar 1000MK2’s speakers run up to 10 hours per charge.
You can dock them on the bar when idle.
Do I need a subwoofer with a JBL bar?
The 300MK2 works on its own.
Most others include a wireless sub for deeper bass.
Placement near the front wall often matters more than size.
What is MultiBeam?
It’s JBL’s way of bouncing sound off your walls.
That widens the soundstage beyond the bar.
On a tighter budget? Start with our best Dolby Atmos soundbars under $500 or best Dolby Atmos soundbars under $1000 list.
Conclusion
Any of these five JBL soundbars will bring bold, wide sound to your TV.
If you want the biggest system, the Bar 1300XMK2 leads.
If you want the best balance, the Bar 1000MK2 is the pick.
And if you want simple and compact, the Bar 300MK2 or 2.1 Deep Bass fit.
Whichever you choose, you’ll hear the punch JBL is known for.
Check your TV width and floor space first, and the choice gets easy.
Want to keep exploring? Our best Yamaha soundbars, best Bose soundbars, and best Samsung soundbars cover even more options.