JBL is a leader in immersive audio, and their new line of smart soundbars with Dolby Atmos are here to deliver a new level of home entertainment. Their goal is to bring cinema-quality sound to your home in the form of a simple, sleek soundbar with a smaller footprint than your typical home audio system.
Whether you’re watching your favorite movies or TV shows, gaming, sports, or listening to music, these JBL smart soundbars will have you feeling like you’re in the center of the action.
JBL’s Legacy of Hi-Fi Audio and Engineering Excellence
JBL has a rich legacy of engineering excellence spanning over 75 years, producing high-quality, high fidelity audio products. The company was founded by James Bullough Lansing in 1946 – hence the moniker, JBL – and has become a household name.
You’ve seen the JBL logo on small, portable Bluetooth speakers, gaming headsets, high-end home audio systems, and even commercial speakers. JBL’s speakers and sound systems have been used in iconic concerts and recording studios worldwide, and the brand has set a high standard for audio engineering in the industry.
If it’s a JBL, it’s almost certainly good.
Our friendly neighborhood editor and self-declared audiophile, Art Feierman, originally started selling JBL speakers back in the early 1970s, and has owned several pairs, including a JBL soundbar which he has provided comments later in this article.
JBL’s “Bar” Smart Soundbars
JBL’s new line of smart soundbars includes five models, each more impressive than the last, especially when we get to the models with the soundbar plus detachable surround speakers – a feature makes these soundbars a cut above the competition.
Before we get into what sets the individual models apart, there are features each has in common. All five models have built-in Wi-Fi, which keeps the software up to date.
They have integrated AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast that allows seamless streaming of over 300 music services, as well as internet radio and podcasts – all in high definition. Each soundbar has Dolby Atmos for full and vibrant surround sound.
The speakers come with PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement technology, which utilizes JBL’s own unique algorithm to enhance vocal clarity. This feature separates the vocals from the rest of the soundscape – music, sound effects, etc. – that threaten to swallow the dialogue.
With these soundbars, you can rest assured that you will hear every word. They all have HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision Passthrough. Uncompressed Dolby Atmos surround sound travels through a single HDMI cable that also offers 4K video from a compatible gaming console or video player.
Using the JBL One App, you can tweak the EQ and customize the sound to your preferences. The app is your one-stop shop to set up and personalize the soundbar and peruse the integrated music services.
To further ensure the audio is “just right,” there is an audio calibration feature to deliver the best sound for your space. These smart soundbars work with your voice-enabled speakers – Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You can ask them to stream your music to your soundbar and have a hands-free music experience.
JBL Bar 300
The JBL Bar 300 is the first model in the new lineup, and it offers 260 watts of output power. This soundbar is self-contained, with no separate subwoofer, so it is ideal for smaller spaces.
Don’t worry – you’re not sacrificing much without that subwoofer, as the JBL Bar 300 still offers punchy bass from its built-in bass port.
Feel the action in your favorite movie scenes, experience the magic of your music, and enjoy an immersive game experience all for a minor investment of $399.95.
JBL Bar 300 Specs
Price: $399.95
Power Supply: 100-240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz
Networked Standby Power: < 2.0 W
Total Speaker Output: 260W
Soundbar Transducer: 4x (46×90)mm Racetrace Drivers, 2x 0.75” Tweeters
Frequency Response: 50Hz – 20kHz (-6dB)
Audio Inputs: 1 Optical, Bluetooth, USB Type-A 5V DC, 0.5A (USB Playback for US Version, Other Versions are Service only)
Soundbar Dimensions: 32.3” x 2.2” x 4.1” (W x H x D)
Soundbar Weight: 5.5 lbs
Supporting Audio Format: MP3
MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 Sampling Rate: 16 -48 kHz
MP3 Bitrate: 80 – 320 kpbs
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Bluetooth Profile: A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.5
Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth Transmitter Power: <15 dBm (EIRP)
Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHZ/5GHz)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 2412 – 2472 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and Others 13 Channels)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: < 20 dBm (EIRP)
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 5.15 – 5.35GHz, 5.470-5.725GHz, 5.725 – 5.825GHz
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: 5.15-5.25GHz <23dBm, 5.25-5.35GHz & 5.47-5.725GHz <20dBm, 5.725-5.825GHz <14dBM (EIRP)
What’s in the Box?
- 1x Soundbar
- Remote Control with 2x Batteries
- Power Cords (Up to 4pcs depending on region SKUs)
- 1x HDMI Cable
- 2x L-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket with Screws
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Instruction and Warranty Card
- Wall Mount Template
JBL Bar 500
The second model in the new JBL product line is the JBL Bar 500. This soundbar comes with a 10” wireless subwoofer for defined bass, allowing you to hear low-end details in your movies and music.
With 590 watts of output power, Dolby Atmost and MultiBeam Surround Sound, and PureVoice, you can transform your living room into a home theater for just $599.95. That separate subwoofer really packs a punch on action scenes, so grab your favorite film or game as soon as you get it to test it out.
JBL Bar 500 Specs
Price: $599.95
Power Supply: 100-240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz
Networked Standby Power: < 2.0 W
Total Speaker Output: 590W
Soundbar Output: 290W
Subwoofer Output: 300W
Soundbar Transducer: 4x (46×90)mm Racetrace Drivers, 3x 0.75” Tweeters
Subwoofer Transducer: 10”
Frequency Response: 35Hz – 20kHz (-6dB)
Audio Inputs: 1 Optical, Bluetooth, USB Type-A 5V DC, 0.5A (USB Playback for US Version, Other Versions are Service only)
Soundbar Dimensions: 40” x 2.2” x 4” (W x H x D)
Subwoofer Dimensions: 12” x 17.3” x 12” (W x H x D)
Soundbar Weight: 6.2 lbs
Subwoofer Weight: 22 lbs
Supporting Audio Format: MP3
MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 Sampling Rate: 16 -48 kHz
MP3 Bitrate: 80 – 320 kpbs
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Bluetooth Profile: A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.5
Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth Transmitter Power: <15 dBm (EIRP)
Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHZ/5GHz)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 2412 – 2472 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and Others 13 Channels)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: < 20 dBm (EIRP)
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 5.15 – 5.35GHz, 5.470-5.725GHz, 5.725 – 5.825GHz
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: 5.15-5.25GHz <23dBm, 5.25-5.35GHz & 5.47-5.725GHz <20dBm, 5.725-5.825GHz <14dBM (EIRP)
2.4 G Wireless Transmitter Frequency Range: 2406 – 2484MHz
2.4 G Wireless Transmitter Power: <10dBm (EIRP)
What’s in the Box?
- 1x Main Soundbar
- 1x Wireless Subwoofer
- Remote Control with 2x Batteries
- Power Cords (Up to 8pcs depending on region SKUs)
- 1x HDMI Cable
- 2x L-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket with Screws
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Instruction and Warranty Card
- Wall Mount Template
JBL Bar 700
The JBL Bar 700 is the newest middle range model, offering 620 watts of output power from the soundbar, a 10” subwoofer and detachable battery-powered surround speakers. This is a true home theater experience for $899.95, delivering the Dolby Atmos experience wirelessly.
Enjoy deep bass and clear dialogue, all in surround sound. Get ready for some real immersion, whether you’re watching movies, TV, sports, playing video games, or listening to your favorite music.
JBL Bar 700 Specs
Price: $899.95
Sound System: 5.1 Channel
Power Supply: 100-240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz
Networked Standby Power: < 2.0 W
Total Speaker Output: 620W
Soundbar Output: 240W
Surround Speaker Output: 2x 40W
Subwoofer Output: 300W
Soundbar Transducer: 3x (46×90)mm Racetrack Drivers, 3x 0.75” Tweeters
Surround Speaker Transducer: 1x (46×90)mm Racetrack Driver
Subwoofer Transducer: 10”
Frequency Response: 35Hz – 20kHz (-6dB)
Audio Inputs: 1 Optical, Bluetooth, Chromecast Built-in, AirPlay and Alexa MRM, USB Type-A 5V DC, 0.5A (USB Playback for US Version, Other Versions are Service only)
Soundbar Dimensions: 34.8” x 2.2” x 4.7” (W x H x D)
Detachable Surround Speaker Dimensions (Each): 5.7” x 2.2” x 4.7” (W x H x D)
Subwoofer Dimensions: 12” x 17.3” x 12” (W x H x D)
Soundbar Weight: 7.04 lbs
Detachable Surround Speaker Weight: 1.4 lbs
Subwoofer Weight: 22 lbs
Supporting Audio Format: MP3
MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 Sampling Rate: 16 -48 kHz
MP3 Bitrate: 80 – 320 kpbs
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Bluetooth Profile: A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.5
Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth Transmitter Power: <15 dBm (EIRP)
Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHZ/5GHz)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 2412 – 2462 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and Others 13 Channels)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: < 20 dBm (EIRP)
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 5.15 – 5.35GHz, 5.470-5.725GHz, 5.725 – 5.825GHz
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: 5.15-5.25GHz <23dBm, 5.25-5.35GHz & 5.47-5.725GHz <20dBm, 5.725-5.825GHz <14dBM (EIRP)
2.4 G Wireless Transmitter Frequency Range: 2406 – 2484MHz
2.4 G Wireless Transmitter Power: <10dBm (EIRP)
Lithium Battery: 3.635V, 3283mAh
What’s in the Box?
-
1x Main Soundbar
-
2x Detachable Wireless Surround Speakers
-
1x Wireless Subwoofer
-
Remote Control with 2x Batteries
-
2x Power Cords
-
1x HDMI Cable
-
2x L-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket (Main Bar) + 2x U-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket (Surround Speakers) Kit with Screws
-
4x Side Caps
-
Quick Start Guide
-
Safety Instruction and Warranty Card
-
Wall Mount Template
JBL Bar 1000
The JBL Bar 1000 takes immersion up a notch. It is the JBL’s higher end model, with 880 watts of total output power. With a 10” subwoofer, MultiBeam and four up-firing drivers (two in the soundbar itself and two in the detachable battery-powered speakers), you’ll experience a wide, spacious soundscape in true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound.
The Bar 1000 takes sound to a whole new level and delivers rich sound for all your home entertainment tastes for $1,199.95. The detachable surround speakers are meant to be placed behind you to get the full experience.
JBL Bar 1000 Specs
Price: $1,199.95
Sound System: 7.1.4 Channel
Power Supply: 100-240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz
Networked Standby Power: < 2.0 W
Total Speaker Output: 880W
Soundbar Output: 440W
Surround Speaker Output: 2x 70W
Subwoofer Output: 300W
Soundbar Transducer: 5x (46×90)mm Racetrack Drivers, 3x 0.75” Tweeters, 2x 2.75” Up-Firing Full Range Drivers
Surround Speaker Transducer: 0.75” Tweeters, 2.75” Up-Firing Full-Range Drivers
Subwoofer Transducer: 10”
Frequency Response: 33Hz – 20kHz (-6dB)
Audio Inputs: 1 Optical, Bluetooth, USB Type-A 5V DC, 0.5A (USB Playback for US Version, Other Versions are Service only)
Soundbar Dimensions: 34.8” x 2.2” x 4.9” (W x H x D)
Detachable Surround Speaker Dimensions (Each): 6.1” x 2.2” x 4.9” (W x H x D)
Subwoofer Dimensions: 12” x 17.3” x 12” (W x H x D)
Soundbar Weight: 8.2 lbs
Detachable Surround Speaker Weight: 3.1 lbs
Subwoofer Weight: 22 lbs
Supporting Audio Format: MP3
MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 Sampling Rate: 16 -48 kHz
MP3 Bitrate: 80 – 320 kpbs
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Bluetooth Profile: A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.5
Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth Transmitter Power: <15 dBm (EIRP)
Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHZ/5GHz)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 2412 – 2472 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and Others 13 Channels)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: < 20 dBm (EIRP)
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 5.15 – 5.35GHz, 5.470-5.725GHz, 5.725 – 5.825GHz
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: 5.15-5.25GHz <23dBm, 5.25-5.35GHz & 5.47-5.725GHz <20dBm, 5.725-5.825GHz <14dBM (EIRP)
2.4 G Wireless Transmitter Frequency Range: 2406 – 2484MHz
2.4 G Wireless Transmitter Power: <10dBm (EIRP)
Lithium Battery: 3.635V, 3283mAh
What’s in the Box?
- 1x Main Soundbar
- 2x Detachable Wireless Surround Speakers
- 1x Wireless Subwoofer
- Remote Control with 2x Batteries
- Power Cords (Up to 8pcs depending on region SKUs)
- 1x HDMI Cable
- 2x L-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket (Main Bar) + 2x U-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket (Surround Speakers) Kit with Screws
- 4x Side Caps
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Instruction and Warranty Card
- Wall Mount Template
JBL Bar 1300X
The top-tier soundbar of the new JBL lineup is the JBL Bar 1300X. This one is a beast. With 1170 watts of total output power, it is designed to be a full sound system. The Bar 1300X has a 12” subwoofer, MultiBeam and six up-firing drivers with four in the soundbar itself and two in the detachable battery-powered surround speakers.
Enjoy Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound for a truly immersive soundscape that envelops the entire room. For movies, TV, sports, video games, and music, you’ll find this soundbar does the job and then some. You can even take one of your detachable speakers to another room or outside with you to listen to music or a podcast.
The JBL Bar 1300X is available for $1,699.95 and is perfect for those who want all of the perks of a home theater system in the convenience of a soundbar.
JBL Bar 1300X Specs
Price: $1,699.95
Sound System: 11.1.4 Channel
Power Supply: 100-240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz
Networked Standby Power: < 2.0 W
Total Speaker Output: 1170W
Soundbar Output: 650W
Surround Speaker Output: 2x 110W
Subwoofer Output: 300W
Soundbar Transducer: 6x (46×90)mm Racetrack Drivers, 5x 0.75” Tweeters, 4x 2.75” Up-Firing Full Range Drivers
Surround Speaker Transducer: (46×90)mm Racetrack Driver, 0.75” Tweeter, 2.75” Up-Firing Full-Range Driver, 2x (48×69)mm Rounded Rectangle Passive Radiators
Subwoofer Transducer: 12”
Frequency Response: 33Hz – 20kHz (-6dB)
Audio Inputs: 1 Optical, Bluetooth, USB Type-A 5V DC, 0.5A (USB Playback for US Version, Other Versions are Service only)
Soundbar Dimensions: 39.8” x 2.4” x 5.5” (W x H x D)
Detachable Surround Speaker Dimensions (Each): 8” x 2.4” x 5.5” (W x H x D)
Subwoofer Dimensions: 14.4” x 18.9” x 14.4” (W x H x D)
Soundbar Weight: 9.5 lbs
Detachable Surround Speaker Weight: 2.75 lbs
Subwoofer Weight: 34.5 lbs
Supporting Audio Format: MP3
MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 2/3, MPEG 2 Layer 3, MPEG 2.5 Layer 3
MP3 Sampling Rate: 16 -48 kHz
MP3 Bitrate: 80 – 320 kpbs
Bluetooth Version: Main Bar – 5.0, Detachable Surround Speaker – 5.2
Bluetooth Profile: Main Bar – A2DP 1.2 and AVRCP 1.5, Detachable Surround Speaker – A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6
Bluetooth Transmitter Frequency Range: 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth Transmitter Power: <15 dBm (EIRP)
Wi-Fi Network: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHZ/5GHz)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 2412 – 2472 MHz (2.4 GHz ISM Band, USA 11 Channels, Europe and Others 13 Channels)
2.4 G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: < 20 dBm (EIRP)
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Frequency Range: 5.15 – 5.35GHz, 5.470-5.725GHz, 5.725 – 5.825GHz
5G Wi-Fi Transmitter Power: 5.15-5.25GHz <23dBm, 5.25-5.35GHz & 5.47-5.725GHz <20dBm, 5.725-5.825GHz <14dBM (EIRP)
2.4 G Wireless Transmitter Frequency Range: 2406 – 2484MHz
2.4 G Wireless Transmitter Power: <10dBm (EIRP)
Lithium Battery: 3.635V, 3283mAh
What’s in the Box?
- 1x Main Soundbar
- 2x Detachable Wireless Surround Speakers
- 1x Wireless Subwoofer
- Remote Control with 2x Batteries
- Power Cords (Up to 8pcs depending on region SKUs)
- 1x HDMI Cable
- 2x L-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket (Main Bar) + 2x U-Shape Wall-Mount Bracket (Surround Speakers) Kit with Screws
- 2x Side Caps
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Instruction and Warranty Card
- Wall Mount Template
Editor’s Experience
Our editor, Art Feierman, owns the JBL Bar 5.1. He says:
“It’s longer than many soundbars in size and can either be mounted under a TV or placed on a tabletop.
The most interesting feature is the removable end speakers, which are battery powered when removed. I routinely remove them and place them in the back of my living room to provide ‘surround sound’ – it works fine. The remote has separate volume controls for the rear speakers vs front when separated. Also, it comes with a pretty hefty sized subwoofer (which I hide in the back of the room, below the wall opposite the TV and soundbar).
Sound quality, overall, is very good. I would say it’s better for movies (i.e. action adventure than pure music listening). It’s definitely not audiophile quality sonic accuracy. Lower midrange tends to be a bit week, so vocals (especially male) tend to sound a little more distant than they probably should.
Going back 50 years to when I was selling high end audio in California, including JBL, McIntosh, ESS, Magnaplaner, SAE, etc., JBL has always been a top-quality brand, known for high quality construction and sound. Way back then, JBLs were often described as favoring a bright high end. Interestingly, that’s true for this soundbar.
Overall I’m most pleased with it. I have a much higher-end sound in my home theater, and this soundbar works just great for general viewing of my big LG OLED TV, sports and action movies. (Crank up that subwoofer to shake the room!)
For a sound system add-on that tends to sell on the high side of $500, I have found it to be an overall good value. Plan B was to buy a soundbar with rear speakers that I would mount to the wall, which just wasn’t a plan that was going to fly in my living room. But, placing the rear speakers on the back bar and kitchen counter to fill the room with sound, when needed, works out just fine.”
This new line of JBL soundbars has seen upgrades to the audio, such as the PureVoice technology for dialogue and Dolby Atmos, so you can expect an uptick in quality.
Conclusion
JBL offers five impressive models of smart soundbars with features to satisfy home entertainment needs across the board. With Dolby Atmos, PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement Technology, HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision Passthrough, and customizable EQ through the JBL One app, these are soundbars cinephiles are sure to love, especially the higher end models that come with the detachable battery-powered speakers.
The built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Alexa MultiRoom Music, and Chromcast for high-quality music and podcast streaming is an attractive feature for those building out their smart home.
Prices range from a low $399.95 for the Bar 300 to a reasonable $1,699.95 for the Bar 1300X, so there is a soundbar for every budget. Whether you’re just starting out with high-fidelity sound, or you’re a seasoned audiophile, JBL has you covered.
