| Name | JBL Bar 5.1 Surround | JBL Bar 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| MSRP | $599.95 | $599.95 |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Availability | Discontinued | Available |
| Current price | Amazon, JBL | Amazon, JBL |
| Speaker configuration | ||
| Audio channels | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Expandable up to: | - | - |
| Woofers (mid or full-range) - total | 5: 5× unknown size | 4: 4× 46×90 mm |
| Tweeters - total | 2: 2×1.25″ | 3: 3×20 mm |
| Subwoofers | 1× 10″ | 1× 10″ |
| Audio specifications | ||
| Watts RMS | 550 W | 590 W |
| Frequency range | 40 Hz - 20 kHz | 35 Hz - 20 kHz |
| DTS:X support | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos support? | Virtual | Virtual |
| Surround sound? | Virtual | Virtual |
| Other 3D audio formats? | MultiBeam | MultiBeam |
| Other (notable) sound features? | None | PureVoice Dialogue |
| Sound calibration? | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity & ports | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Ethernet port (RJ45) | ✔ 1× | ✔ |
| HDMI (e)ARC out port? | 1× eARC | 1× eARC |
| HDMI in ports? (passthrough) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Optical port? (TOSLINK) | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3.5 mm AUX port? | ❌ | ❌ |
| USB-A port? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Other audio ports | None | None |
| Wireless setup & control | ||
| Official app? | None (setup only) | JBL One app |
| Voice assistant? | Indirectly (no built-in mic) | Indirectly (no built-in mic) |
| Chromecast built-in? | ✔ | ✔ |
| AirPlay? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alexa cast? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multiroom? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless subwoofer(s)? | Yes (included) | Yes (included) |
| Wireless surrounds? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Physical specifications | ||
| Speakers in set: | Soundbar, wireless subwoofer | Soundbar, wireless subwoofer |
| Size (cm W×H×D): | 101.8×5.8×10, 30.5×44.04×30.5 (subwoofer) | 101.7×5.6×10.35 (soundbar), 30.5×44.04×30.5 (subwoofer) |
| Size (inch W×H×D): | 40.1×2.3×3.9, 12×17.3×12 (subwoofer) | 40×2.2×4, 12×17.3×12 (subwoofer) |
| Weight (kg): | 3.06, 10.62 (subwoofer) | 2.8, 10 (subwoofer) |
| Weight (lbs): | 6.75, 23.41 (subwoofer) | 6.2, 22 (subwoofer) |
| Wall mountable? | Yes | Yes |
| Color options: | Black | Black |
| Accessories in the box | Remote, HDMI cable, wall mounting kit | Remote, HDMI cable, wall mounting kit |
| More info | ||
| Model number | Bar 5.1 CNTR | BAR 500 |
| User guide / manual | Owner's manual | Owner's manual |
| Official site link | JBL.com | JBL.com |
JBL Bar 5.1 vs JBL Bar 500
Legend:
Great/yes
Good
Not good
Bad/no
More soundbar comparisons: