As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar
- Best budget: JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 2.1-Channel Soundbar
- Best premium: JBL Bar 1300X 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar
- Best for detachable surround without DTS:X: JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar
- JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar adds DTS:X and 7.1.4-channel audio for bigger, more enveloping surround sound.
- JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar has detachable rear speakers and Dolby Atmos at a simpler feature level.
- Both leading picks include a wireless 10-inch subwoofer and detachable battery-powered surround speakers.
- JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar is a practical alternative for buyers who want a subwoofer but do not need detachable surrounds.
- Choose by room layout, surround needs and connection features rather than power figures alone.
JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar is the stronger surround-sound pick, while JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar delivers a simpler Atmos setup with detachable rear speakers. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice depends on whether you value extra height and DTS:X support or want a capable, less complex system.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven JBL soundbars. On paper and in owner reviews, detachable speakers are the defining convenience: place them behind the listening area for movie night, then return them to the bar when the room needs less equipment. The guide below separates full surround systems from compact all-in-one and subwoofer options.
How We Picked
- Compared official channel configurations, amplifier output and subwoofer size to show the scale of each system.
- Prioritized practical differences, including detachable surround speakers, up-firing drivers and DTS:X support.
- Checked connection and streaming features such as HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and supported casting options.
- Used owner feedback and product documentation to identify setup considerations and common strengths without claiming research.
- Selected soundbars across premium, midrange and compact categories so shoppers can match the system to their room.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Channels | Total output | Wireless subwoofer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar | Immersive movies and flexible surround placement | 7.1.4 | 880 watts | 10 inches |
| JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar | Dolby Atmos surround at a simpler feature level | 5.1.2 | 720 watts | 10 inches |
| JBL Bar 1300X 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar | Large rooms and full-featured home theaters | 11.1.4 | 1,170 watts | 12 inches |
| JBL Bar 700 5.1-Channel Soundbar | Detachable surrounds without a height-channel setup | 5.1 | 620 watts | 10 inches |
| JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar | Straightforward TV and movie upgrades | 5.1 | 590 watts | 10 inches |
| JBL Bar 300 5.0-Channel Soundbar | Small rooms and minimal equipment | 5.0 | 260 watts | No separate subwoofer |
| JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 2.1-Channel Soundbar | Simple TV upgrades with a dedicated subwoofer | 2.1 | 300 watts | 6.5 inches |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar is the best overall pick for movie fans who want detachable surrounds and DTS:X, with 880 watts of total output.
Best for: Immersive movies and flexible surround placement
- Channels
- 7.1.4
- Total output
- 880 watts
- Wireless subwoofer
- 10 inches
- Surround speakers
- Detachable, battery-powered
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Detachable rear speakers simplify placement
- Wireless 10-inch subwoofer adds low-frequency impact
- The larger system needs more setup space than an all-in-one bar.
Is the JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar is worth considering for a home theater with room for a subwoofer and detachable surrounds. The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar's 880-watt output, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support suit immersive movie playback.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar
The JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar is the best fit for viewers who want detachable surrounds and Dolby Atmos without the Bar 1000’s DTS:X support, with 720 watts of output.
Best for: Dolby Atmos surround at a simpler feature level
- Channels
- 5.1.2
- Total output
- 720 watts
- Wireless subwoofer
- 10 inches
- Surround speakers
- Detachable, battery-powered
- Detachable surrounds support flexible placement
- Up-firing drivers help create height effects
- Wireless subwoofer is included
- Does not support DTS:X.
Is the JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar is a strong choice for buyers who want Dolby Atmos and rear speakers without stepping up to the Bar 1000’s broader format support. The 720-watt system includes a 10-inch subwoofer.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
JBL Bar 1300X 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar
The JBL Bar 1300X 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar is the best premium pick for large rooms and expansive surround sound, with 1,170 watts of total output.
Best for: Large rooms and full-featured home theaters
- Channels
- 11.1.4
- Total output
- 1,170 watts
- Wireless subwoofer
- 12 inches
- Surround speakers
- Detachable, battery-powered
- 11.1.4-channel layout supports an expansive sound field
- 12-inch subwoofer delivers substantial bass capability
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- The full system takes more floor and placement space.
Is the JBL Bar 1300X 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Bar 1300X 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar suits home theater buyers who want a larger channel layout and a 12-inch subwoofer. The JBL Bar 1300X 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar's 1,170-watt output and detachable surrounds make it the most expansive system in this guide.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
JBL Bar 700 5.1-Channel Soundbar
The JBL Bar 700 5.1-Channel Soundbar is the best fit for listeners who want detachable surrounds without up-firing drivers, with 620 watts of output.
Best for: Detachable surrounds without a height-channel setup
- Channels
- 5.1
- Total output
- 620 watts
- Wireless subwoofer
- 10 inches
- Surround speakers
- Detachable, battery-powered
- Detachable surrounds provide flexible placement
- Wireless subwoofer is included
- MultiBeam processing widens the sound presentation
- Lacks the Bar 800’s 5.1.2 up-firing channel layout.
Is the JBL Bar 700 5.1-Channel Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Bar 700 5.1-Channel Soundbar is a good match for buyers who value physical rear speakers over up-firing height channels. The 620-watt system includes detachable surrounds and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar
The JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar is the best value-oriented choice for buyers who want a wireless subwoofer but not detachable rear speakers, with 590 watts of output.
Best for: Straightforward TV and movie upgrades
- Channels
- 5.1
- Total output
- 590 watts
- Wireless subwoofer
- 10 inches
- Surround approach
- MultiBeam processing
- Includes a 10-inch wireless subwoofer
- MultiBeam widens the front soundstage
- Less placement work than a surround-speaker system
- Does not include detachable rear speakers.
Is the JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar is worth considering for a simpler living-room upgrade with fuller bass. The JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar's 590-watt output and 10-inch wireless subwoofer support movies and TV, while MultiBeam processing widens the front soundstage.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
JBL Bar 300 5.0-Channel Soundbar
The JBL Bar 300 5.0-Channel Soundbar is the best compact pick for listeners who want a single-bar setup, with 260 watts of total output.
Best for: Small rooms and minimal equipment
- Channels
- 5.0
- Total output
- 260 watts
- Separate subwoofer
- None
- Surround approach
- MultiBeam processing
- Single-bar design keeps the setup compact
- MultiBeam processing creates a wider presentation
- Supports Wi-Fi streaming features
- No separate subwoofer for stronger low bass.
Is the JBL Bar 300 5.0-Channel Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Bar 300 5.0-Channel Soundbar is a sensible choice for smaller rooms where a separate subwoofer is unwanted. The 260-watt single-bar system uses MultiBeam processing to widen sound and keeps installation relatively simple.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 2.1-Channel Soundbar
The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 2.1-Channel Soundbar is the best basic pick for buyers focused on TV dialogue and added bass, with 300 watts of output.
Best for: Simple TV upgrades with a dedicated subwoofer
- Channels
- 2.1
- Total output
- 300 watts
- Wireless subwoofer
- 6.5 inches
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.3
- Wireless subwoofer adds dedicated bass
- Straightforward 2.1-channel setup
- Bluetooth supports wireless audio playback
- No detachable surround speakers or height channels.
Is the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 2.1-Channel Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 2.1-Channel Soundbar suits buyers who want a basic soundbar with a separate subwoofer. The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 2.1-Channel Soundbar's 300-watt output and 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer add bass without the extra speakers of larger systems.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, the JBL Bar 1000 or JBL Bar 800?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar is the better fit for broader format support, while the JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar offers a more streamlined Atmos system. The Bar 1000 has 7.1.4 channels and supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; the Bar 800 has 5.1.2 channels and supports Dolby Atmos.
Both systems include a wireless 10-inch subwoofer and detachable, battery-powered rear speakers. Those shared features make each one more flexible than a soundbar that relies only on virtual surround processing. The Bar 1000’s extra channels and DTS:X compatibility are useful when a movie or show uses those formats. The Bar 800 keeps the core appeal—height effects and movable rear speakers—while trimming the channel layout.
Do the JBL Bar 1000 and JBL Bar 800 have detachable speakers?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar and JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar both include 2 detachable, battery-powered surround speakers. The speakers attach to the ends of each bar for charging and detach for placement behind the listening area.
That layout gives owners a physical rear-channel option without routing speaker wire across the room. Battery life and room layout matter when choosing where to place the speakers, and owners need to return them to the bar for charging. For everyday TV viewing, the speakers can remain docked; for a movie session, placing them behind the seating area brings rear audio closer to the listener. JBL Bar 700 5.1-Channel Soundbar also has detachable surrounds, while JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar uses front-bar processing instead.
What is the difference in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while the JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. The difference matters when source content is encoded in DTS:X and a buyer wants the soundbar to decode that format.
Dolby Atmos content can use height effects to give compatible soundtracks a sense of space above and around the listening area. The Bar 1000’s 7.1.4 layout includes four height channels, compared with two in the Bar 800’s 5.1.2 layout. The Bar 800 remains a capable Atmos option, but shoppers with a library of DTS:X discs or files should favor the Bar 1000. JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar produces virtual Atmos effects rather than using the same up-firing channel arrangement.
Which JBL soundbar suits a small room or simple setup?
The JBL Bar 300 5.0-Channel Soundbar is the simplest choice for a small room, with a 260-watt single-bar design and no separate subwoofer. Buyers who want a subwoofer with minimal surround setup can consider the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 2.1-Channel Soundbar.
The Bar 300 keeps the floor clear and uses MultiBeam processing to broaden the front sound presentation. Bass remains more limited than on systems with a dedicated subwoofer. The Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 adds a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer but does not provide detachable rear speakers or height channels. For larger rooms, the JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar adds a 10-inch subwoofer and a wider channel layout. Match the soundbar to available space as well as the television.
Which JBL soundbar is best for a Black Friday 2026 shortlist?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar is the best all-round shortlist pick, while the JBL Bar 1300X 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar is the premium choice for buyers who want the largest system here. The JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar is the direct alternative for Dolby Atmos and detachable surrounds.
Start by deciding whether rear speakers will be used in the room. If yes, compare the Bar 1000, Bar 800 and Bar 700. If a subwoofer is wanted without extra rear speakers, compare the Bar 500 and Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2. A single-bar setup points to the Bar 300. Review the connection panel and TV compatibility before choosing, especially for HDMI eARC and 4K video passthrough needs. The right fit is the model whose formats, speakers and footprint suit the household.
Buying Guide
Choose the right channel layout
A 7.1.4 system such as the JBL Bar 1000 has more surround and height channels than a 5.1.2 system such as the JBL Bar 800. More channels provide more speaker positions; they do not guarantee better sound in every room. Check the room layout and listening position.
Decide whether you will place rear speakers
The JBL Bar 1000, JBL Bar 800 and JBL Bar 700 include detachable surrounds. Choose a model with those speakers if you can place them near the seating area and remember to return them to the bar for charging. Otherwise, a front-focused system can be easier to live with.
Match the subwoofer to your space
The JBL Bar 1000, JBL Bar 800, JBL Bar 700 and JBL Bar 500 pair with 10-inch wireless subwoofers. The JBL Bar 1300X has a 12-inch subwoofer, while the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 uses a 6.5-inch unit. The JBL Bar 300 has no separate subwoofer.
Check formats and TV connections
Pick the JBL Bar 1000 if DTS:X support is important; the JBL Bar 800 supports Dolby Atmos but not DTS:X. Before buying, confirm the television has the HDMI eARC or other connection you need, and check whether the soundbar supports the video and streaming features in your setup.
FAQ
Is the JBL Bar 1000 better than the JBL Bar 800?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar is better for buyers who want DTS:X support and a 7.1.4 layout. The JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar is a strong alternative for Dolby Atmos, detachable surrounds and a simpler channel configuration.
Does the JBL Bar 800 support DTS:X?
The JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar does not support DTS:X. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and includes detachable rear speakers, two up-firing channels and a wireless 10-inch subwoofer for a flexible home cinema setup.
How many watts does the JBL Bar 1000 have?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar has 880 watts of total output. The system pairs that output with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, detachable battery-powered surround speakers and a wireless 10-inch subwoofer.
Does the JBL Bar 1000 include a subwoofer?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar includes a wireless 10-inch subwoofer. The separate subwoofer handles low-frequency audio, while the bar and detachable surround speakers provide the system’s main and rear channels.
Which JBL soundbar has detachable rear speakers?
The JBL Bar 1000 7.1.4-Channel Soundbar, JBL Bar 800 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar and JBL Bar 700 5.1-Channel Soundbar have detachable, battery-powered surround speakers. The JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar and JBL Bar 300 5.0-Channel Soundbar do not include detachable rear speakers.
Which JBL soundbar is best for a small room?
The JBL Bar 300 5.0-Channel Soundbar is a compact single-bar choice for a small room, with 260 watts of output and no separate subwoofer. Choose the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass MK2 if a wireless subwoofer is more important than a minimal footprint.