Soundbar comparison:
what is the difference in JBL soundbars?

Bring the cinema into your living room with a JBL soundbar. With a soundbar you enhance your TV's sound, expand it with powerful bass and take cinema sound to the next level with 360-degree surround sound. Who needs their TV speakers when you can have a soundbar?

JBL soundbars are easy to use and connect to your TV with just one optical or HDMI cable. You can also use them to stream music from your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi thanks to the built-in Chromecast, Airplay or Alexa MRM. Read more about our soundbars below, the differences between them and see which one suits you best.

What soundbars are there?

Not everyone looks for the same qualities in a soundbar. This is the reason why we have an extensive collection. Each of our soundbars has different specifications and can be used differently. Here's a short list: 

Small but powerful 

It's showtime. The all-in-one JBL Bar 300 turns your movies and TV shows into a true experience and lifts your games to the next level. MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® technologies deliver vivid 3D surround sound. While PureVoice technology optimizes voice clarity to ensure you never miss a word. When you're ready to unwind with music or a podcast, take your pick of over 300 streaming services and enjoy them using AirPlay, Alexa MRM, or Chromecast built-in™

Small subwoofers bring great sound 

What's on the menu tonight? Movies, music or gaming? The JBL Bar 500 brings your movies to life with MultiBeam™ and Dolby Atmos® 3D surround sound. While PureVoice technology optimizes voice clarity to ensure you never miss a word. Feel the thrilling bass from the wireless 10" subwoofer. And with AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM) and Chromecast built-in™, you've got over 300 easy streaming options to choose from, whether you want to dance or you're ready to relax. Whatever you're in the mood for, the JBL Bar 500's got you covered.

Compact surround sound system with extra speakers

Make movie night soar and let your music move you to new heights with 720W of total output power and thrilling bass from the 10" subwoofer. The JBL Bar 800 with Dolby Atmos® includes two up-firing drivers and detachable battery-powered surround speakers to create an immersive 3D cinema experience without having to draw extra cables. You'll never miss a word with our PureVoice technology, which ensures dialogues are clear even when other sounds are loud. And when you're ready to cut loose, stream your favourite music from AirPlay, Alexa MRM, or Chromecast built-in™. Your get-togethers will never be the same again.

Unique surround sound set-up 

Experience movies, music and games with sound that puts you right in the middle of the action, thanks to 880W of total output power and thunderous bass from the 10" subwoofer. The JBL Bar 1000 has MultiBeam™ and four up-firing drivers—two in the bar and two in the detachable battery-powered surround speakers — to envelop you in a sphere of Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X 3D surround sound with a wide, spacious soundstage with no need to draw extra cables. When you're ready for some music, stream your favourite playlist from AirPlay, Alexa MRM, and Chromecast built-in™ and it'll feel like the band is right there. Have a great night out without leaving your living room.

The most powerful Dolby atmos surround sound

You've never heard anything like the JBL Bar 1300 — in your living room or anywhere else. More than just a great soundbar, it’s a full sound system. It features MultiBeam™ and six up-firing drivers—four in the bar and two in the detachable battery-powered surround speakers—that deliver massive Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X 3D surround sound, centering you in your music, movies, and games. 1170W of total output power and thrilling bass from a 10” subwoofer is more than enough to make the room shake. Though, you'll never miss a word due to our PureVoice technology, which ensures the dialogue is clear even when other sounds are at their loudest. When you want to enjoy your favourite tunes choose streaming via either AirPlay, Alexa Multiroom Music (MRM), or Chromecast built-in™ which give you over 300 music streaming options. But that’s not all. You can even take one of the detachable speakers (or both for powerful stereo sound) out to your kitchen or patio and enjoy listening to your favourite music or podcast there. 

Wireless bluetooth, wifi or HDMI connection

Most of our soundbars come with the option to connect through WiFi or Bluetooth. This makes life easy and makes the set-up really fast. However, if you want to truly enjoy the Dolby surround sound you can connect your soundbar through a single HDMI cable thanks to the HMDI eARC connection. 

What is the best soundbar for me?

Which soundbar is best for you depends on what function you find important. Do you like to surround yourself with sound while watching a movie or do you prefer an extra deep bass? Below we have put them in these two categories for you.

An at home surround sound system for tv

JBL Bar 300 and 500 Surround soundbars with MultiBeam technology, True Wireless Surround Sound and two detachable speakers create the ultimate cinema experience at home. So hop on your sofa and enjoy your favourite film. 

High-end sound starts with a bass 

The JBL Bar 1000 and 1300 are truly all-in-one soundbars. With deep bass for your movies and music that pumps through the subwoofer, and the crystal clear sound that comes from the other speakers, you'll be surrounded by the best sound there is. 

Where do I place my soundbar for the best TV sound?

You can place your bar under the TV or hang it on the wall. It is important that the speaker stands or hangs freely. This allows the sound to spread properly. The subwoofer should also have enough space. For example, place it in a central location on the floor of the room.

The placement of your subwoofer and extra speakers is explained in our Quick Start guides. That way you'll always have the best sound in a matter of minutes. 

Ready to upgrade your TV speakers to a soundbar?

Are you thinking about buying a soundbar? Then you’ll soon transform your living room into a professional home theatre. JBL’s state-of-the-art soundbars will upgrade the sound of movies, games, music, and TV from ordinary to extraordinary!