Firstly this sound bar is a killer soundbar at the price point (usually around $349 on sale in Amazon). It’s hard to find a good 5.1 soundbar with good subwoofer at this price.
I got this on prime early access deal (2nd prime day) for $288, and it was a no brainer at this price! Without prime sale, it’s usually around 299-349, still a great price.
Now let’s talk sound quality:
I watched Andrew Robinson’s review about this sound bar (please watch it, it’s the only good technical review available from a proven audiophile YouTuber). He praised it well and recommended it and called it the budget sound bar king, even better than the klipsch 600.
I was waiting for prime day sale to buy it…
Once I got it in, set up was simple. For all iOS users, download the “JBL Bar set up” app, to add the sound bar to Wi-Fi. It’s very simple that way!
Subwoofer was pre paired (it should be from factory, don’t know why some people are saying it was not paired!! But it’s easy to pair).
Connected the tv input (Sony x900f for me) and it was up and running.
Next make sure to do the calibration, it steps up the sound quality considerably. I made sure “smart mode” was “on”, this mode applies JBL sound processing and smartly and effectively turns any stereo input to 5.1
I was surprised! The smart mode actually sounds very good, it widens the sound stage, and you actually feel the surround sound effect. For my room, I actually get the bouncing effect from the side firing tweeters pretty well, nevertheless, sound stage is pretty wide, and you won’t feel like listening to a 2.1 channel sound.
Bass was adequate, I tried between 3 and 4, ended up at 3 since it’s pretty balanced there.
The sound bar has 5 front firing full range drivers, no tweeter pairs, but I was surprised: there was good and clear treble in the sound and midrange was also very manageable (clear). Dialogues are nice and clear and clearly seems like it comes from the center driver (mimicking the center channel), even at Smart mode ON.
People complain that there are no adjustment options, to be honest you don’t need any! Bass can be adjusted from 1-5, and that’s all you need. The eq settings are nicely tuned from factory and to be very honest, I don’t feel like I have to make any changes.
I do own a full Sonos Arc set up (5.2.2) and feel like this JBL bar is pretty good at what it does: providing simple 5.1 sound at a reasonable price without offering gimmick features.
I also heard people complaining about longevity, so I also got the 3 year plan from Amazon for $33, totally worth it! Peace of mind. Recommend everyone getting it cause you never know when electronics fail. $33 is a bargain.
I ordered the soundbar 600 before, returned it cause it clearly sounded a 2.1 sound bar even with surround option “on” and loudness was not adequate. This JBL, which is cheaper, sounds day and night better and I love it! It’s nice and loud, sound stage is wide, and everything is perfectly pre tuned from factory.
To sum up, don’t read the negatives, no one can guarantee you anything when it comes to electronics. The sound bar is actually very good, and you won’t be disappointed. But do recommend the 3 year plan ($33), for peace of mind. Even with the added pan, total price is very good and lower than other gimmick sound bars… great job JBL, and thanks Andrew Robinson for an honest video! Check his review out, you will get the real picture…
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From the manufacturer
JBL BAR5.0 Multibeam
Experience 3D Spacious Surround Sound at Home
Dolby Atmos and JBL Multibeam Decoding / JBL Sound Quality without the need for an additional Subwoofer / Works with your favorite voice assistants / 4K Passthrough with Dolby Vision / Automatic Calibration / Bluetooth Streaming
JBL BAR5.0 Multibeam
Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam surround sound
Built-in Virtual Dolby Atmos gives you an immersive and exciting 3D sound experience, while JBL MultiBeam technology creates a wide soundstage by projecting incredible sound to every corner of the room without the need for multiple speakers. Enjoy movies or games with a whole new dimension.
JBL BAR5.0 Multibeam
JBL Sound without the need for a separate subwoofer
Your home cinematic experience is enhanced and intensified with deep, punchy bass, thanks to four passive radiators built-in.
JBL BAR5.0 Multibeam
Stream All Your Favorite Content
With AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in, you can stream all your favorite online content in amazing sound quality, with a simple finger tap.
Additional Features
Bluetooth Streaming
With the compact JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar, you can enjoy wireless music streaming via Bluetooth from your phone or tablet.
4K with Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision coupled with 4K pass through will allow you to enjoy pristine video quality to match your audio.
Multibeam Calibration
Calibrate the soundbar with the best surround sound audio effect based on your own room design and layout.
Voice Control
Use your favorite voice assistant to connect and control with a simple voice command. *Please note that a separate voice assistant device is required.
From the brand
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For over 75 years, JBL has helped people own their sound with Headphones, speakers and audio gear designed around expression. From the history-making stages of Woodstock to the thrilling sports stadiums, music venues and movie theaters you visit today, JBL amplifies truly unforgettable experiences.
Booming bass, rich detail and the freedom to feel the moment, wherever you are.
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Theater Quality Surround Sound
Hear extraordinary sound effects from everywhere in the room, without the need for extra surround speakers.
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Bring Entertianment To Life
Create a JBL home theater sound setup like the pros. Experience a home audio experience that truly immerses you in sound.
Compare with similar items
This Item  JBL BAR5.0 5-Channel Multibeam Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Virtual Grey, Black | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $189.99 | $599.95 | $179.95 | $299.99 | $199.95 | $999.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 12 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 12 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 12 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 12 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Mar 13 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | BuyFromUs2012 | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| speaker size | — | 10 inches | 600 millimeters | 94.61 centimeters | 7 centimeters | 46.18 inches |
| power source | Corded Electric | AC adapter or DC power supply | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
| connectivity tech | wired, wireless | Bluetooth | wired, wireless | wired, wireless | Bluetooth, Auxiliary, HDMI, Optical | Wi-Fi, HDMI, Bluetooth |
| speaker type | Soundbar, Surround Sound | Soundbar | Soundbar,Subwoofer | Soundbar,Subwoofer | Soundbar,Subwoofer | Soundbar |
| mounting type | Floor Standing, Shelf or Wall Mount | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | Wall Mount | Tabletop Mount |
| weight | 2.8 kilograms | 2.8 kilograms | 3.97 pounds | 1 pounds | 7.1 pounds | 12.7 pounds |
| control method | voice | voice | voice, remote | remote | — | application, voice |
| model name | JBL BAR5.0 | JBL Bar 500 | SR-C20A | HTX8500 | SR-B20A | Arc Ultra |
| surround channels | 5 | 5.1 | Virtual 5.1" or "Virtual 7.1 | 2.1, 7.1.2 | — | 9.1.4 |
| woofer diameter | 0.08 meters | 10 inches | 66.04 centimeters | — | — | — |
| subwoofer diameter | 1.89 inches | 10 inches | 3 inches | — | 0 inches | — |
Good but Not Quite Perfect
I knew I needed to replace my old bar but my budget was limited to about $300. Shortly before Black Friday I saw this a a reasonable price and did some research and decided to purchase. For sure it blew my old out of the park and for the price I don't think one could do any better. Voice is clear, a problem with my old, and the mid range smooth, clear and very easy to listen to. The sub is great and with down and rear ports it has good sound dispersion. Over all I fits my need for now but a couple cons I would like to see. First the sub does not have continuas smooth sound control but breaks it up to five presets. It does put out plenty of solid base but the gaps between the presets could tighter. On another side I do not see any real or substantial 5.1 sound dispersion. I realize that its not true surround but, as is implied, I would expect to have some spatial distribution. I know the room has some effect on this but this is small/medium room so would was hoping.
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
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ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ LLERAReviewed in Mexico on February 22, 2025
BARRA JBL
Style: Bar 5.1Verified Purchase -
GosstragosReviewed in Mexico on December 12, 2023
Excelente bocina
Style: Bar 5.0Verified Purchase
Una bocina muy muy buena para un precio tan bajo, los materiales son de excelente calidad y el sonido aún mejor, funciona muy bien con mi TV a través de earc, es compacta pero suena genial la recomiendo mucho, NO ES BOCINA INTELIGENTE solo funciona como dispositivo de salida por chrome cast o Alexa, la conectas a wifi o por ethernet y se configura con el control remoto, no tiene una app es lo malo.GosstragosExcelente bocina
Reviewed in Mexico on December 12, 2023
Images in this review
- sandokhan cleareReviewed in Canada on July 13, 2023
Solid addition to home
Style: Bar 5.1Verified Purchase - H8MACHINEReviewed in Canada on March 9, 2023
Good and bad, not for next gen game consoles
Style: Bar 5.0Verified Purchase - ShannonReviewed in Canada on August 28, 2024
Full dynamic sound at a great price.
Style: Bar 5.0Verified Purchase
