Compare JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs JBL Bar 500 MK2 Soundbar

Reviews describe the two-step calibration as effective and room-aware, with one reviewer calling it essential and another saying it works well even in awkward rooms.

AirPlay 2 support is repeatedly listed and treated as a core wireless streaming option.

AirPlay (often referenced as AirPlay 2) is repeatedly listed as supported, helping iOS users cast music and podcasts easily to the bar.

The JBL One app is generally described as easy and intuitive, though one review hit a brief calibration glitch that cleared after reopening.

App experiences are mostly positive (fast detection, firmware updates, easy control). A dissenting video review (covering the older Bar 500) reports EQ settings not persisting after power-off and limited preset saving.

Reviews consistently cite Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, and one video review also calls out LPCM support.

Dolby Atmos support is consistently referenced; some reviews also mention DTS Virtual:X, while at least one video review (older Bar 500) notes a lack of DTS support. Expect strong format coverage for mainstream movie streaming and discs, with some variability by generation.

An optical input is highlighted as a way to connect older TVs or older gear when eARC is not available.

The detachable rears are typically quoted at about 10 to 12 hours per charge, but several reviewers note the need to remember recharging them.

Evidence is mixed; one review says iPhone Bluetooth streaming worked great, while another could not get phone pairing to cooperate.

Bluetooth is consistently included for simple phone-to-bar playback, with Bluetooth 5.3 mentioned in one review. No widespread instability complaints appear in these transcripts.

One review specifically criticizes the subwoofer’s plastic cabinet because it can rattle under extreme bass load.

One setup review says the rear speakers were ready after a couple of hours of charging.

Chromecast is repeatedly listed as a supported casting option.

Chromecast/Google Cast streaming is repeatedly mentioned, enabling easy casting from Android and compatible apps/services.

Several reviews praise the system for knitting front, rear, and overhead effects into a seamless or cohesive soundfield.

Overall cohesion is strong for movies, but there are repeated notes that the subwoofer can lag slightly on fast music and that bar-to-sub blending is not always perfectly seamless in every room.

Reviewers generally describe the styling as simple and understated rather than flashy.

Reviews consistently describe a discreet, low-profile bar that fits under most TVs with minimal branding; at least one video review highlights multiple color options (including white) to better match room decor.

Multiple reviews say the system feels solid and well made, with strong magnets and premium-feeling construction.

Reviews repeatedly mention hearing small ambient or incidental sounds that cheaper systems miss.

Detail and effects definition are repeatedly noted, especially for Atmos movie scenes and gaming, where reviewers describe convincing placement and lifelike impact cues.

Dialogue is usually described as clear and easy to follow, though a few reviewers heard occasional muffling or difficulty in some content.

Dialogue clarity is a highlight in most reviews, credited to the center-channel tuning and PureVoice 2.0 which adapts to scenes and volume. One review of the older Bar 500 was less satisfied with movie dialogue clarity.

One review says dialogue loses some clarity when volume is pushed high, but this is framed as a mild limitation rather than constant distortion.

Height effects are a major strength, with multiple reviews describing convincing overhead movement, though not every reviewer thought it led the class.

The system is repeatedly praised for moving cleanly from quiet detail to explosive peaks without losing control.

Reviews consistently call the EQ and sound controls limited, usually citing a simple three-band EQ and few presets.

EQ controls (bass/treble and profiles) plus calibration tools are mentioned across reviews. Some users want deeper customization or more persistent presets depending on the generation being discussed.

Movie playback is often described as balanced and lively, but several music-focused reviews complain about tonal unevenness or lack of neutrality.

Reviews generally describe a clean midrange and detailed treble that avoids harshness, with voices and effects staying natural. Bass is often characterized as warm and weighty rather than ultra-tight and punchy.

One review confirms 4K60 passthrough works for gaming, but it is not presented as a cutting-edge gaming solution.

Reviews cite Google Cast and or Google Assistant ecosystem support as part of the streaming and smart-home feature set.

Multiple reviews explicitly note the lack of 4K/120 passthrough and other next-gen gaming features.

Multiple reviewers emphasize passthrough is not HDMI 2.1 and does not support 4K/120. Recommended workaround is to connect consoles directly to the TV and use eARC for audio back to the bar.

ARC and especially eARC support are consistent selling points and the preferred path for full Atmos playback.

HDMI eARC is repeatedly highlighted as the preferred TV hookup for full-feature audio and simple control via HDMI-CEC, supporting a cleaner one-cable setup.

Reviews portray the system as a strong all-in-one home theater hub, helped by its switching ability, multiple HDMI inputs, and full surround package.

Home theater integration is described as a strength: easy TV control integration (CEC/auto on-off), useful HDMI passthrough for sources when TV inputs are limited, and quick calibration options to adapt to the room.

The detachable surrounds are described as securely attaching and staying linked reliably to the main bar in testing.

Multi-room/grouping is referenced via JBL speaker grouping features and casting ecosystems, enabling playback across multiple compatible speakers in a home setup.

One review notes roughly a one-second delay after unpausing, but the app also provides lip-sync correction.

At least one reviewer notes audio sync controls are available (via app) to correct lip-sync delays when needed.

Reviewers consistently describe the system as very loud, room-filling, and capable of major output.

Overall output is described as high for the price and size, easily filling small-to-medium rooms. Reviewers cite strong slam for action movies and plenty of headroom without needing extreme volume settings.

One review specifically praises the ability to preserve quiet detail without constant volume adjustment.

Low-volume listening gets specific praise where PureVoice 2.0 is said to keep speech intelligible at night or in apartments without needing to crank the master volume.

The detachable modules are described as reliably staying connected, and reviews also mention stereo-pair style use cases.

The top-panel buttons are described as simple, easy to read, and straightforward for basic input and volume changes.

On-bar controls are intentionally minimal (typically volume and source). Some users appreciate the simplicity, while one reviewer disliked certain button behavior and preferred using the remote/app instead.

Reviews consistently mention an optical input as part of the connection set.

Optical input is mentioned as an available fallback connection. Reviewers also note optical can be limiting for carrying Atmos compared with HDMI eARC.

Opinions are mixed; some reviewers like the remote and find it complete, while others complain about hidden functions or missing dedicated buttons.

Remote control operation is generally described as straightforward, with dedicated calibration access in at least one review. Some sources also note CEC/TV-remote control integration for daily use.

Setup is usually described as easy and guided, especially through the app and calibration flow. Some reviewers still note a learning curve from the unusual detachable design or sparse printed instructions, even though the process is mostly manageable.

Setup is widely portrayed as straightforward: HDMI eARC to the TV, power for the bar and wireless sub, then quick calibration. Several reviews stress fewer steps than earlier generations and simple day-one usability.

Reviews report Alexa support, but typically via external smart speakers rather than a built-in assistant.

Voice assistant compatibility (Alexa/Google ecosystems) is mentioned, but at least one reviewer states it may require an external assistant device rather than being fully built-in on the bar itself.

App control, calibration, multiroom casting, detachable speaker modes, and other convenience features are repeatedly emphasized.

Height and spatial envelopment are often praised, but a few reviewers think the vertical projection falls short of the very best rivals.

Multiple reviewers caution that height effects are limited compared with soundbars that have dedicated upfiring speakers. You may hear some vertical cues, but the presentation is typically described as subtle rather than dramatic.

Spotify Connect or native Spotify control is repeatedly mentioned as available and functional, despite mixed treatment inside JBL’s own app.

Spotify Connect is explicitly described as seamless and reliable in multiple written reviews, with quick device selection from within the Spotify app.

The front LED or alphanumeric display is repeatedly praised for showing source, codec, volume, or battery-related information clearly.

A readable front display/LED feedback is highlighted as a usability win, including clear indications of input/volume and plain-English status messaging compared with ambiguous light codes on some competitors.

Directional placement and imaging accuracy are frequently praised, especially in spatial movie content.

Stereo focus is commonly described as strong, with vocals and on-screen action anchored confidently at center while maintaining clear separation across the front stage.

The large subwoofer is widely praised for deep, forceful bass, but several reviewers also note that it can be imprecise, overbearing, or a little flappy at extremes.

No summary yet.

Even with stereo or non-Atmos material, reviews say the bar can create a convincing room-filling surround effect through DSP or upmixing.

Virtual surround (MultiBeam/processing) is repeatedly described as convincingly wide and enveloping for rooms that cannot accommodate rear speakers. It improves immersion, but does not fully replace discrete rears for precision.

Reviews strongly approve of USB-C charging for the detachable speakers because it offers a more practical backup than redocking alone.

Reviewers generally think the package delivers strong value for a flagship setup, though some still see it as pricey.

Reviews confirm broad video passthrough support including 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10, but not full HDMI 2.1 gaming features.

Video passthrough support is repeatedly called out for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ via the HDMI input, generally reported as limited to 4K at 60 Hz.

Voices and vocals are usually described as clear and natural, especially with better-quality content.

One review says the bar connected to the home network without much fuss, supporting a generally positive view of Wi-Fi setup and streaming stability.

Wi-Fi streaming is generally presented as robust with broad casting support, though at least one review notes the absence of Ethernet on their unit and recommends considering room Wi-Fi coverage. Other videos describe Ethernet on a different generation, suggesting feature variance across models/sources.

Multiple reviews highlight the generous wired input set, especially the extra HDMI ports. eARC is repeatedly presented as the best-sounding wired path for full Atmos playback, with optical treated as more limited.

Connectivity is described as flexible, including HDMI eARC plus at least one HDMI input and optical, with some sources also noting USB playback. Ethernet presence varies by the specific unit/model discussed in different reviews.