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10 Best Jbl Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

JBL Bar 1300XMK2-11.1.4 Channel soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers & Dolby Atmos® & DTS:X®, 1570W max Output Power & a 12" Wireless subwoofer (Black)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Audio Channels
Sound Modes

Most important from
18 reviews

Audio Channels
Delivers outstanding sound quality that surpasses expectations.
Sound Modes
Combines advanced features like Dolby Atmos and wireless surround speakers seamlessly.

The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 stands out as a premium soundbar system designed for those who want immersive home theater sound with minimal hassle. It features an impressive 11.1.4 channel setup with detachable wireless surround speakers, allowing you to easily create a full surround sound experience without extra wires. With a powerful 1570 watts output and a 12-inch wireless subwoofer, it delivers deep bass and clear sound that can fill large rooms. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which means you get realistic, three-dimensional audio that makes movies and music more engaging.

Connectivity options are extensive, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, optical, and USB, making it compatible with most devices and streaming services. The JBL ONE app adds convenience by letting you customize sound settings and update software easily. Features like MultiBeam 3.0 ensure wide sound coverage, while PureVoice 2.0 helps highlight dialogue so you don’t miss important lines. Unique modes like night listening and broadcasting with detachable speakers add versatility for different listening situations.

In terms of design, the soundbar is sleek and relatively slim (just over 55 inches wide and 2.3 inches tall), fitting well with most TVs. The detachable rear speakers are lightweight and rechargeable, which adds flexibility but also means you’ll need to remember to charge them regularly. The unit is quite heavy (nearly 63 pounds), so setup might require some care. While it comes with a higher price and more complex setup than simpler soundbars, it is a compelling choice for those seeking a top-tier, wire-free Dolby Atmos experience with strong bass and smart features.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,390
Audio Channels
Sound Modes

Most important from
18 reviews

Audio Channels
Delivers outstanding sound quality that surpasses expectations.
Sound Modes
Combines advanced features like Dolby Atmos and wireless surround speakers seamlessly.
#2

JBL Bar 9.1 - Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos, Black

Rating
9.7
Audio Channels
Power Output
Connectivity Options

Most important from
1877 reviews

Audio Channels
The JBL Bar 9.1 offers an impressive surround sound experience with exceptional sound quality and deep bass.
Power Output
The bass is powerful enough to shake the house, enhancing the impact of movies and music.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth, HDMI, and Wi-Fi connectivity options add to the system's versatility and convenience.
Size and Design
The detachable, battery-powered surround speakers provide a true wireless experience and are convenient to use.

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a powerful soundbar system designed to enhance your home audio experience, especially for those who enjoy movies and music in a surround sound format. With an impressive 820 watts of output power and built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding, it delivers a cinematic sound experience. The detachable, battery-powered surround speakers add a great touch, allowing for real surround sound without the hassle of wires, which can be a big plus for users who prefer a cleaner setup. Coupled with a robust 300W, 10" wireless subwoofer, the bass is deep and impactful, making it suitable for action movies and music with heavy bass lines.

The connectivity options are also flexible, featuring Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and optical connections, which means you can easily connect various devices. The Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision is perfect for those with modern TVs, ensuring you get the best picture quality along with superb audio. However, the system does require a corded power source, which may limit some placement options.

On the downside, some users may find the size and weight of the soundbar a bit cumbersome if they’re looking for a sleek, minimalistic design. While the soundbar performs well, it might not be suitable for very small rooms due to its output power and bass capabilities. Additionally, setting up the system may require some patience, especially for those who aren't as tech-savvy. The sound calibration feature, while useful, might not work perfectly in every room, depending on the shape and acoustics.

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a strong contender for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar that delivers impressive surround sound and deep bass, particularly suited for movie lovers and gamers. Just be mindful of its size and your setup space before making a decision.

Rating
9.7
Audio Channels
Power Output
Connectivity Options

Most important from
1877 reviews

Audio Channels
The JBL Bar 9.1 offers an impressive surround sound experience with exceptional sound quality and deep bass.
Power Output
The bass is powerful enough to shake the house, enhancing the impact of movies and music.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth, HDMI, and Wi-Fi connectivity options add to the system's versatility and convenience.
Size and Design
The detachable, battery-powered surround speakers provide a true wireless experience and are convenient to use.
#3

JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 Channel soundbar System with Dolby Atmos®, MultiBeam™ 3.0 & PureVoice 2.0, 750W with 10" Sub, Easy Sound Calibration, and Works with Voice Assistant-Enabled Speakers (Black)

Rating
9.4
Audio Channels
Power Output (Wattage)
Connectivity Options

Most important from
44 reviews

Audio Channels
The bass is incredibly powerful and the center channel delivers phenomenal sound straight out of the box without any complex setup.
Power Output (Wattage)
Volume levels are extensive, and the sound remains clear and powerful even at lower settings, making it suitable for various listening environments.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward—just plug in the soundbar and subwoofer, connect via HDMI eARC, and the system integrates seamlessly with TV remotes for effortless control.
Subwoofer
The bass is incredibly powerful and the center channel delivers phenomenal sound straight out of the box without any complex setup.
Sound Modes
The built-in calibration uses subtle sounds to adapt audio to your room, enhancing the surround sound experience effectively.

The JBL Bar 500MK2 is a powerful 5.1 channel soundbar system designed to bring a cinema-like audio experience into your home. It delivers a strong 750 watts of total power, supported by a 10-inch wireless subwoofer that adds deep, punchy bass, making it great for movies, music, and gaming. Thanks to Dolby Atmos and JBL’s MultiBeam 3.0 technology, the sound surrounds you from all directions, creating an immersive 3D effect that makes action scenes and music more engaging. The PureVoice 2.0 feature helps make dialogues clearer, so you won’t miss quiet lines during a movie. Its easy sound calibration adjusts audio based on your room’s layout, which is handy for less technical users wanting good sound without manual tuning.

Connectivity is versatile, supporting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI eARC, optical, and USB, allowing smooth connections with various devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and smartphones. It also integrates with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri for hands-free control. The soundbar is relatively large and weighs about 24 pounds, so it’s best suited for medium to large rooms and must be placed on a sturdy surface or mounted on a wall.

This JBL soundbar fits well for users looking to upgrade their home theater setup with rich surround sound and smart features. However, those seeking a compact or budget option might want to explore simpler models, as its size and price might be more than casual listeners need.

Rating
9.4
Audio Channels
Power Output (Wattage)
Connectivity Options

Most important from
44 reviews

Audio Channels
The bass is incredibly powerful and the center channel delivers phenomenal sound straight out of the box without any complex setup.
Power Output (Wattage)
Volume levels are extensive, and the sound remains clear and powerful even at lower settings, making it suitable for various listening environments.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward—just plug in the soundbar and subwoofer, connect via HDMI eARC, and the system integrates seamlessly with TV remotes for effortless control.
Subwoofer
The bass is incredibly powerful and the center channel delivers phenomenal sound straight out of the box without any complex setup.
Sound Modes
The built-in calibration uses subtle sounds to adapt audio to your room, enhancing the surround sound experience effectively.

Buying Guide for the Best Jbl Sound Bars

When choosing a JBL sound bar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Sound bars can greatly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and find a sound bar that meets your expectations.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 channel sound bar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, opt for a higher channel configuration. For general TV watching or music, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel may suffice.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output, measured in watts, indicates the sound bar's ability to produce loud and clear audio. Higher wattage generally means more powerful sound. Sound bars can range from around 100 watts to over 500 watts. If you have a large room or prefer louder volumes, look for a sound bar with higher wattage. For smaller spaces or moderate listening levels, a lower wattage sound bar will be adequate.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC provides the best audio quality and allows for easy control with your TV remote. Optical input is a good alternative if your TV doesn't support HDMI ARC. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming from your phone or other devices. Consider your existing setup and how you plan to use the sound bar when evaluating connectivity options.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or want to feel the rumble of explosions in movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer is a good choice. For more balanced audio or if space is limited, a sound bar without a subwoofer may be sufficient.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar's performance for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, or dialogue. These modes adjust the audio output to enhance the listening experience. If you frequently switch between different types of content, look for a sound bar with multiple sound modes. This feature can help you get the best audio quality without manually adjusting the settings each time.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your living space. Sound bars come in various lengths and heights, so measure the space where you plan to place it. A longer sound bar may provide better stereo separation, while a more compact design can be easier to fit into tight spaces. Additionally, consider the aesthetic design to ensure it complements your TV and room decor.

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