10 Best Jbl Soundbars 2026 in the United States

The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is a powerful soundbar system designed to deliver immersive home entertainment with its 11.1.4 channel setup, including six upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos and detachable wireless surround speakers. This means you'll get rich, three-dimensional sound that fills your room, making movies, shows, and music feel more lifelike. Its 1570-watt output and a 12-inch wireless subwoofer provide deep bass and loud, clear audio. Connectivity is flexible, offering Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical, and USB options, so it works well with a wide range of devices like TVs, smartphones, and computers.

The detachable surround speakers are a standout feature—easy to remove and place behind you without wires, powered by built-in batteries that recharge when docked. This adds convenience and true surround sound without clutter. Additional sound modes like Night Listening make it easy to enjoy content quietly, and the JBL ONE app lets you personalize your sound and update features effortlessly. The design is sleek and modern, sized to fit comfortably under most TVs, and includes wall-mount brackets for flexible placement.

The system is quite heavy (over 46 pounds), which might make setup a bit challenging. Also, the detachable speakers require charging and have nonstandard batteries, so you’ll need to keep them powered for uninterrupted use. Its price and complexity may be more suited for serious home theater enthusiasts rather than casual listeners. If you want a high-end, feature-packed soundbar that transforms your living room into a cinematic experience with easy-to-use wireless surround speakers, the JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is a great choice.

The JBL BAR-1300X is a powerful and versatile soundbar system designed to create an immersive home theater experience. Its 11.1.4 audio channel setup, including detachable battery-powered surround speakers and a 12-inch wireless subwoofer, delivers rich, 3D surround sound with deep bass. This makes it a great pick for users who want cinema-like audio at home. The PureVoice technology enhances dialogue clarity, so spoken words stay clear even during intense action scenes.

Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and three HDMI inputs supporting 4K video, allowing easy connection to TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices. The soundbar also supports popular sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, adding to the immersive effect. It’s compatible with voice assistants and can be controlled via a remote or the JBL One app, which adds convenience. The design is sleek and fits easily on a tabletop with a low profile (about 2.4 inches high), and the surround speakers offer flexible placement with up to 12 hours of battery life.

It is not waterproof, so it’s best kept indoors. Weighing 9.5 pounds and measuring nearly 40 inches wide, it may require some space but will suit most living rooms. Customer reviews are strong, praising sound quality and ease of setup, and the included 5-year protection plan provides extra peace of mind. For those seeking an all-in-one surround sound system with easy calibration and various streaming options, the JBL BAR-1300X is a solid choice, primarily designed for home use rather than portable or outdoor scenarios.

The JBL Bar 500 is a robust 5.1-channel soundbar that stands out for its impressive Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam technology, delivering an immersive surround sound experience without needing additional speakers. With 590 watts of total power output, it transforms movies, games, and music into engaging audio experiences. The included 10" wireless subwoofer enhances the sound quality with deep, powerful bass, making action scenes more thrilling and music richer.

In terms of connectivity, this soundbar excels with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing access to over 300 streaming services through platforms like AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast. This feature is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a variety of audio content from the internet, including music and podcasts.

The PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement technology is a notable strength, as it improves voice clarity, ensuring that dialogue remains clear even amid complex sound effects. This can be especially beneficial during movie nights or while watching shows where dialogue is key. However, while the JBL Bar 500 offers excellent sound quality, its size may not be ideal for smaller spaces, as it measures just over 40 inches wide. Additionally, while it supports multiple connectivity options, it lacks water resistance, making it unsuitable for outdoor use or in more humid environments.