| Name | JBL Bar 500 | Sonos Beam gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| MSRP | $599.95 | $499 |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| Availability | Available | Available |
| Current price | Amazon, JBL | Sonos, Amazon |
| Speaker configuration | ||
| Audio channels | 5.1 | 3.0 |
| Expandable up to: | - | 7.1.4, (Atmos rears, 2 subs) Virtualization used for extra surround channels. Added subwoofers play same subwoofer channel. |
| Woofers (mid or full-range) - total | 4: 4× 46×90 mm | 4: 4× unknown size |
| Tweeters - total | 3: 3×20 mm | 1: 1× unknown size |
| Subwoofers | 1× 10″ | 0 |
| Audio specifications | ||
| Watts RMS | 590 W | Not specified |
| Frequency range | 35 Hz - 20 kHz | Not specified |
| DTS:X support | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos support? | Virtual | Virtual |
| Surround sound? | Virtual | No |
| Other 3D audio formats? | MultiBeam | None |
| Other (notable) sound features? | PureVoice Dialogue | Speech Enhancement (use app) |
| Sound calibration? | Yes | Yes (Trueplay) |
| Connectivity & ports | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | ❌ |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 4 |
| Ethernet port (RJ45) | ✔ | ✔ |
| 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? | JBL One app | Sonos S2 |
| Voice assistant? | Indirectly (no built-in mic) | Yes |
| Chromecast built-in? | ✔ | ❌ |
| AirPlay? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alexa cast? | ✔ | ❌ |
| Multiroom? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless subwoofer(s)? | Yes (included) | Optional: max 2 subwoofers; 2× Sonos Sub or Sub Mini |
| Wireless surrounds? | ❌ | Optional: max 2 surrounds, Era 300 for Dolby Atmos |
| Physical specifications | ||
| Speakers in set: | Soundbar, wireless subwoofer | Soundbar |
| Size (cm W×H×D): | 101.7×5.6×10.35 (soundbar), 30.5×44.04×30.5 (subwoofer) | 65.1×6.90×10 |
| Size (inch W×H×D): | 40×2.2×4, 12×17.3×12 (subwoofer) | 25.625×2.7×3.94 |
| Weight (kg): | 2.8, 10 (subwoofer) | 2.8 |
| Weight (lbs): | 6.2, 22 (subwoofer) | 6.2 |
| Wall mountable? | Yes | Yes |
| Color options: | Black | Black, white |
| Accessories in the box | Remote, HDMI cable, wall mounting kit | HDMI cable, optical to HDMI adapter |
| More info | ||
| Model number | BAR 500 | BEAM2##1 |
| User guide / manual | Owner's manual | User Guide |
| Official site link | JBL.com | Sonos.com |
JBL Bar 500 vs Sonos Beam Gen 2
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