JBL’s Dolby Atmos soundbars pair a main bar with a wireless subwoofer, but the surround setup varies widely. Some models use virtual surround processing, while others include detachable speakers you can place behind your seat. The right choice depends on how immersive you want your movies to sound, how much room you have, and whether clear dialogue or deep bass matters most to you.
This guide compares five JBL options, from the simpler Bar 500MK2 to systems with detachable surround speakers. The listed specifications and features are the basis for these recommendations; check the product listing for current availability and bundle details.
Quick Comparison
| Soundbar | Channels and surround | Subwoofer | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 500MK2 | 5.1; Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam 3.0 | 10-inch wireless | 750W max output and PureVoice 2.0 |
| JBL Bar 1300XMK2 | 11.1.4; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X | 12-inch wireless | Detachable wireless surround speakers |
| JBL Bar 700MK2 | 7.1; Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X | 10-inch wireless | Detachable surround speakers and 780W max output |
| JBL Bar 1000MK2 | 7.1.4; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X | 10-inch wireless | Up-firing drivers and detachable surrounds |
| JBL Bar 500MK2 with protection plan | Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam 3.0 | 10-inch wireless | Bar 500MK2 bundle with added protection plan |
Our Picks: Best Jbl Dolby Atmos Soundbars With Subwoofer reviews
JBL Bar 500MK2: A Strong All-in-One Starting Point
The Bar 500MK2 is a 5.1-channel soundbar system with Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0, and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. Its listed maximum output is 750 watts. This model is a practical pick if you want fuller movie sound and a separate bass unit without moving up to a system with detachable rear speakers.
MultiBeam 3.0 is designed to spread sound across the room, while Dolby Atmos adds compatible spatial audio effects. PureVoice 2.0 adjusts dialogue based on the scene and listening volume, which may help when quiet speech is difficult to hear over action. The soundbar also includes room calibration, SmartDetails sound enhancement, and JBL ONE app controls.
For music, the supplied description lists support for AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready. That range makes the Bar 500MK2 more flexible than a soundbar used only for TV audio. Its main trade-off is that it relies on the soundbar’s surround processing rather than separate rear speakers placed behind you.
Pros:
- 10-inch wireless subwoofer for added low-frequency impact
- Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam 3.0 sound processing
- PureVoice 2.0 and room calibration are included
- Several listed music-streaming options and JBL ONE app controls
Cons:
- Does not include the detachable surround speakers found on the Bar 700MK2, Bar 1000MK2, and Bar 1300XMK2
- The listed output is a maximum figure, not a measure of typical listening volume
Verdict: Choose the Bar 500MK2 if you want Dolby Atmos, a substantial wireless subwoofer, and streaming features without the added setup of detachable rear speakers.
JBL Bar 1300XMK2: The Most Complete Surround Package
The Bar 1300XMK2 is JBL’s most ambitious option in this group. It is listed as an 11.1.4-channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, a 12-inch wireless subwoofer, and 1,570 watts of maximum output. Its detachable wireless surround speakers lift off the ends of the bar and can be placed behind your listening position.
That design gives you more flexibility than a system that keeps all its speakers at the front of the room. The product information also describes portable Bluetooth mode, so the detachable speakers can be paired with a Bluetooth device after movie time. MultiBeam 3.0 is intended to create a wide soundstage, and PureVoice 2.0 is designed to keep dialogue clear at different volumes.
This is the strongest fit for someone who wants a more involved home-theater setup and expects to use the rear speakers. Its extra channels and larger subwoofer make it the biggest system in this selection, but also the one to consider most carefully for room layout and budget. If you would rarely position the detachable speakers behind you, the less elaborate Bar 500MK2 may be a better match.
Pros:
- 11.1.4-channel configuration with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Detachable wireless surrounds can be placed behind the seating area
- 12-inch wireless subwoofer and 1,570W listed maximum output
- Detachable speakers also support portable Bluetooth mode
Cons:
- The larger feature set may be unnecessary if you mainly want a simple soundbar upgrade
- Getting the most from the detachable speakers requires placing them around your seating area
Verdict: Pick the Bar 1300XMK2 if you want JBL’s most expansive channel setup here, detachable rear speakers, and the largest listed subwoofer.
JBL Bar 700MK2: Detachable Surround Sound in a 7.1 System
The Bar 700MK2 offers a 7.1-channel setup with detachable wireless surround speakers and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. JBL lists 780 watts of maximum output. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, with MultiBeam 3.0 intended to create a wide soundstage from the front of the room.
The detachable speakers are its key advantage over the Bar 500MK2. You can place them behind your seat for a more direct surround effect, then return them to the soundbar when they are not in use. PureVoice 2.0 is included to optimize dialogue based on the scene and volume, which may suit TV dramas and films where quiet speech can be hard to follow.
Compared with the Bar 1000MK2 and Bar 1300XMK2, the Bar 700MK2 has a lower listed channel count and does not claim true up-firing Atmos speakers in the supplied details. It still provides a flexible surround arrangement, but it is not the most complete choice if overhead effects and a higher channel configuration are your priority.
Pros:
- Detachable wireless speakers provide a rear-surround option
- 10-inch wireless subwoofer and 780W listed maximum output
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
- PureVoice 2.0 and MultiBeam 3.0 are included
Cons:
- Lower channel count than the Bar 1000MK2 and Bar 1300XMK2
- Its listed features do not specify the up-firing speaker arrangement found on the Bar 1000MK2
Verdict: The Bar 700MK2 is a sensible middle choice if you want detachable rear surrounds but do not need the highest channel count in this group.
JBL Bar 1000MK2: True Atmos Height Effects and Wireless Rears
The Bar 1000MK2 is a 7.1.4-channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its soundbar has four up-firing speakers, and its detachable wireless speakers can be placed behind your seating area. A 10-inch wireless subwoofer supplies bass, while the listed output is 480 watts RMS.
Those up-firing drivers set this model apart from the Bar 700MK2 based on the supplied specifications. Together with the rear speakers, they are intended to create a more direct sense of height and surround sound. MultiBeam 3.0 spreads audio across the room, and PureVoice 2.0 is designed to make dialogue easier to hear. JBL also describes rechargeable batteries in the detachable speakers.
The Bar 1000MK2 is a strong option if you want the physical rear-speaker setup and height-focused sound features, but do not need the Bar 1300XMK2’s 11.1.4-channel configuration or 12-inch subwoofer. The stated 480W is an RMS figure, so it should not be compared directly with products listing maximum output as if the numbers were measured the same way.
Pros:
- 7.1.4-channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Four up-firing speakers and detachable wireless rear speakers
- 10-inch wireless subwoofer
- PureVoice 2.0 and MultiBeam 3.0 are included
Cons:
- Its 480W RMS output figure is not directly comparable with models listing maximum output
- For listeners who will not use rear speakers, the Bar 500MK2 has a simpler setup
Verdict: Choose the Bar 1000MK2 if up-firing Atmos speakers and detachable wireless surrounds matter more to you than the largest subwoofer or highest channel count.
JBL Bar 500MK2 Bundle: The Soundbar Plus Added Protection
This listing pairs the Bar 500MK2 Dolby Atmos soundbar with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and an added protection plan. The soundbar features MultiBeam 3.0, PureVoice 2.0, SmartDetails, and room calibration. It is essentially the same core soundbar configuration as the standalone Bar 500MK2, rather than a separate surround-sound model.
The bundle may appeal if you are already considering the Bar 500MK2 and want an added protection option included with the purchase. The supplied description says the plan is in addition to the included manufacturer warranty, but it does not provide the full terms. Review the listing details carefully so you understand the plan’s length, coverage, and exclusions before choosing the bundle.
Because the soundbar itself is similar to the standalone Bar 500MK2, the main comparison is not about audio features. Consider whether the bundled protection is useful to you, and compare the complete listing details with the standalone option. It still does not have detachable rear speakers, so it is not the pick for a physical surround setup.
Pros:
- Includes the Bar 500MK2 soundbar and 10-inch wireless subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0, and PureVoice 2.0 are listed
- Includes an added protection plan alongside the manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Audio features are broadly similar to the standalone Bar 500MK2
- Protection plan terms should be checked on the product listing before purchase
Verdict: Consider this bundle if you want the Bar 500MK2 and value the added protection option, but compare its listing terms with the standalone soundbar before deciding.
How to Choose a JBL Dolby Atmos Soundbar With a Subwoofer
Decide Whether You Want Separate Rear Speakers
A soundbar with MultiBeam processing can create a wider soundstage from the front of your room, but it does not put physical speakers behind you. The Bar 700MK2, Bar 1000MK2, and Bar 1300XMK2 include detachable wireless surrounds that you can place behind your seat. If you want the simplest arrangement, the Bar 500MK2 keeps the system focused around the bar and subwoofer.
Look at the Channel Layout and Atmos Features
The channel figures help show how elaborate each system is, but they do not tell the whole story on their own. The Bar 1000MK2 lists a 7.1.4 setup and four up-firing speakers, while the Bar 1300XMK2 lists 11.1.4 channels and Dolby Atmos with DTS:X. If you want height effects, check for specific speaker details as well as the Atmos label. Your source content and room can also affect what you hear.
Match the Subwoofer to Your Bass Priorities
All five listings include a wireless subwoofer. The Bar 500MK2, Bar 700MK2, Bar 1000MK2, and bundle list a 10-inch subwoofer; the Bar 1300XMK2 lists a 12-inch unit. A larger driver and higher output figures may be appealing if deep movie bass is a priority, but the supplied specs do not establish how any model will sound in your particular room.
Compare Power Figures Carefully
Some listings give maximum output, while the Bar 1000MK2 specifies 480 watts RMS. These measurement labels are not interchangeable, so avoid treating the numbers as a direct ranking of real-world loudness. Use the power figures as product specifications, then weigh channel layout, speaker placement, and the features you will actually use.
Consider Dialogue and Setup Features
PureVoice 2.0 is listed on the Bar 500MK2, Bar 700MK2, Bar 1000MK2, and Bar 1300XMK2. It is designed to optimize dialogue based on the sound in the scene and the volume setting. The Bar 500MK2 description also lists easy sound calibration and JBL ONE app controls. If clear speech or app-based adjustments matter to you, confirm that the specific model or bundle you select includes the features you want.
Check Streaming and Bundle Details
The standalone Bar 500MK2 description names AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready. Streaming features can differ by model, so check the individual listing rather than assuming every JBL bar supports the same services. For the protection-plan bundle, read the plan terms and compare the full package with the standalone soundbar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which JBL soundbar in this list has the most channels?
The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is listed as an 11.1.4-channel system, the highest channel count among these five options. It also includes detachable wireless surround speakers and a 12-inch wireless subwoofer.
Which models include detachable surround speakers?
The Bar 700MK2, Bar 1000MK2, and Bar 1300XMK2 list detachable wireless surround speakers. The Bar 500MK2 and its protection-plan bundle do not list detachable rear speakers.
Do all five products include a subwoofer?
Yes. The product information lists a wireless subwoofer with each option. Four list a 10-inch subwoofer, while the Bar 1300XMK2 lists a 12-inch subwoofer.
Which option has up-firing speakers?
The Bar 1000MK2 description specifically states that its soundbar has four up-firing speakers. The Bar 1300XMK2 is listed as an 11.1.4-channel system, but check its product details for the speaker arrangement that matters to you.
Is the Bar 500MK2 bundle a different soundbar?
The bundle listing describes a Bar 500MK2 with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and an added protection plan. Its core soundbar features are similar to the standalone Bar 500MK2, so compare the bundle terms rather than expecting a different audio configuration.
Are maximum output and RMS output the same?
No. Maximum output and RMS are different ways of reporting power. The Bar 1000MK2 lists 480 watts RMS, while several other options list maximum output. Those numbers should not be treated as direct, like-for-like loudness comparisons.
Which JBL Dolby Atmos soundbar is best for a simple setup?
The Bar 500MK2 is the straightforward choice in this group if you want a soundbar and wireless subwoofer without detachable rear speakers. It adds Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0, PureVoice 2.0, and listed streaming features without the more involved surround arrangement of the larger systems.
Final Recommendation
For most people seeking a capable JBL Dolby Atmos soundbar with a subwoofer, the Bar 500MK2 is the balanced starting point: it combines a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, dialogue features, room calibration, and broad listed streaming support. If you specifically want speakers behind your seat, consider the Bar 700MK2. For the strongest emphasis on height effects and a more complete surround layout, compare the Bar 1000MK2 and Bar 1300XMK2, keeping their channel configurations and subwoofer sizes in mind.