JBL Bar 500 590W 5.1-Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar with 10" Wireless Subwoofer

2025-08-03T20:00:00

This is my second JBL bar and I love their products. We have this one in the bedroom and it gives off plenty of sound. As long as I need sound systems I will continue to buy their products.

JohnE

Originally posted at

2025-07-27T20:00:00

I bought this when it was on sale at Best Buy for $350.00. Best money I ever spent. Loving the sound quality. It has base you can really feel. Also works great with music. JBL you out done yourselves with this one

Tray21

Originally posted at

2025-07-25T20:00:00

Bought from Bestbuy last year and set up was easy and sound is great especially using JBL app equalizer. But now display screen became distorted about 5 months ago and I tried all the so called fixes. Now the the display screen doesn't come on at all and soundbar won't stay on more than 10 seconds. It's weird! All the strange things it does. It will calibrate but that's it now. Spend more time figuring out what's going on than using it. Bought brand new whit box in perfect condition.

Funnycar

Originally posted at

2025-02-17T19:00:00

I purchased this soundbar to replace my older JBL Link bar, after reading all the reviews I thought I was going to get blown away nope. After constantly adjusting the EQ, it still has a tinny sound to it I had contacted tech support after getting the run around and not really getting any answers that would help with the sound. I did think some of their solutions were a joke, one of them was to use the soundbar at full volume and the other was that I should contact support in Canada what? I asked why should I contact the Canadian support when I live in the US no response to that one. I have other JBL products the Xtreme 4 and Bluetooth earbuds and they sound awesome I just wish the bar 500 would sound the same. The 500 could have been such a great product but in my opinion, it falls short of that JBL sound I know from other products.

WB1233

Originally posted at

2025-01-31T19:00:00

I put this system i a 1500 sqft shop and i will say i am more than impressed with how it sounds. Working on cars and watching the big screen has never been nicer! Highly recommend.

Fast46

Originally posted at

2025-01-28T19:00:00

Bought to replace an underpowered old soundbar. My room has high ceilings and this fills the space better than I had hoped. Bass is thunderous. Dolby Atmos effects are pretty weak, although my high ceilings could be part of the problem there. If you want surround sound this ain't it, but it does what it does pretty well. Soundbar occasionally struggles with sound input changes but overall I am happy with it.

Beerambassador

Originally posted at

2024-12-03T19:00:00

I bought this almost a year ago so hopefully my warranty request is handled quickly. The sound out of the bar and subwoofer are excellent and it's nice not needing a bunch of satellite speakers. However, the subwoofer has had issues staying connected to the soundbar from day 1 and has gotten progressively worse as time goes on. I'm currently having to reconnect the subwoofer about three times a week and the process should be easy (just hold the bass button for more than three seconds and push volume down), but it often takes numerous attempts to get the soundbar to enter pairing mode with this route. I previously had a Samsung soundbar with subwoofer and only had to do this one time over the several years I owned it, so this is starting to feel like a downgrade compared to what I had.

scootermcgee

Originally posted at

2024-11-29T19:00:00

I'm not impressed. Had high hopes since this had a 10" sub while also carrying the JBL name. I've had much experience with other JBL products within the club and car stereo scenes over the last 20+ years. The mids and highs are not bad... This sub just sounds muddy and will not produce any deep rumbling notes whatsoever. Yes it does have bass, but its just not what I thought it would be. My Sony theater system with an 8" sub from 25 years ago blew this away hands down. Even my 2 PreSonus Eris 3.5" Studio Monitors along with the PreSonus Temblor T10" sub destroy this...night and day. If your'e looking for that low rumbling type of sound, definitely look into something else.

Gene B.

Originally posted at

2024-10-23T20:00:00

All I can say is the JbL 500 sounds is amazing and the sub hits hard even when watching movies or listening to music..5 stars all the way

Jsrt8

Originally posted at

2024-10-01T20:00:00

JBL Bar 500, purchased Sept '24. Has exceeded our expectations. Excellent sound for the price. Some surround sound effects. Very loud. Quality is solid. We have bass level set at 2 of 5 and it sounds great. Looks good mounted under our Samsung 75 QLED. Recommend.

Robzilla

Originally posted at

2024-08-08T20:00:00

I bought about 3 months ago the sound is very good

Hashghost

Originally posted at

2024-08-02T20:00:00

I've had a Bose Lifestyle surround sound system for the past 10+ years and was starting to have issues. I already owned a JBL BAR 5.0 soundbar in my garage and have always been extremely impressed with it. I also own two JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speakers that I've had for years. We sync those together outdoors when we have parties. I saw the JBL BAR 500 and decided to purchase it to replace my Bose system. It was so easy to setup and the sound is incredible!! Linking it to my WiFi was a breeze. The JBL app made everything so easy. I love the calibration feature and it works quite well. I've became a huge JBL fan and have been well pl asked with all their products.

Scottie31

Originally posted at

2024-07-13T20:00:00

Just received and it will not remain on Shuts down on its constantly, not useable

777renegade

Originally posted at

2024-06-22T20:00:00

Very disappointed in the BAR 500 sound bar. The subwoofer is just a bigger speaker and not tuned as a subwoofer, instead bass coming the of the speaker, all of the sound comes out, not just bass. When you turn the bass up all it does is make the sub the loudest speaker in the setup. Which means when the bass is in the highest setting of "5", it's just puking out loud noise instead of actual bass. When turning on Dolby Atmos, all it does is amplify the sound and make it louder. I had the last generation JBL 5.1 surround with detachable speakers but it stopped working. I would totally buy that again but it's sadly discontinued. It had different sound mixes changeable with the remote and most importantly the subwoofer was an actual subwoofer! The 5.1 surround and the bar 500 have the same subwoofer, but the 5.1 actually tuned the sub to act like a sub, when you turn the bass up using *30* levels it actually shakes my whole house!! The Bar 500 will be getting returned and I will be buying a different brand since this new line up all have the same 5 levels of bass which leads me to believe they will act the same way instead of increasing actual bass.

Mr S.

Originally posted at

2024-02-19T19:00:00

I recently had the opportunity to try out the JBL Bar 500 and I was thoroughly impressed with its performance. JBL does not disappoint as always! Build Quality: Sleek and sophisticated 10 Inch soundbar with 590W total output with pristine build quality. Features: It is loaded with 1. Multi Beam Technology with 6 front and side speakers. Sub Woofer that shakes your room. 2. Built In Chromecast, helping you to connect your audio apps directly to play music. 3. Alexa Multi Room Music, seamless integration with other echo devices: You can have your favorite tunes playing throughout the house. 4. Seamless voice integration 5. Can connect via HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 6. Room correction tool is a game changer to optimize the sound based on your surroundings. It worked wonders in my basement. Audio Quality: This Bar 500 provides exceptional audio with clear dimension, distortion-free bass for an immersive experience when watching movies. The crystal-clear sound setup and impactful bass enhance audio immersion, ensuring optimal performance and precise sound adjustments tailored to your preferences. Set Up: The Bar 500 stands out for its exceptional performance in setup, usability, and seamless app integration. It effortlessly syncs with the subwoofer and television, boasting a remote control that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Setting up Chromecast for top-notch music playback is a simple process, enhancing the overall entertainment experience. The JBL One app further enhances user convenience by streamlining setup procedures, providing regular updates, allowing for precise sound adjustments, and offering access to a variety of streaming services.

prince316

Originally posted at

2023-12-11T19:00:00

This thing is amazing! I wish I had made this purchase years ago instead of wasting money on the cheaper 5.1 sound bars. The subwoofer engulfs the old Sony I had, and the bar gets theater loud with good clarity. The first thing I did was put on a NASCAR race, and when the engine start command was given, you could feel the engines fire up! I took this to use at a party in a university conference room, and that party was poppin! Even down the hall, it sounded and felt like a party should.

JeremyF

Originally posted at

2023-11-21T19:00:00

Excellent product (when it was still working). My 1st issue is that it just stopped working, luckily it was still under warranty and they probably replaced it with a refurbished unit. Now im having issues again, but this time with the subwoofer. It just loses the bass for a few seconds and this happens every few minutes. Saw online that this was an issue for others as well. Unluckily warranty is already done. Whats worse is i dont think jbl sells a replacement subwoofer. With price range and brand name, product should have lasted a few more years

DreL

Originally posted at

2023-11-16T19:00:00

I bought this to replace the JBL BAR 2.1 as it was just lacking. I needed more, oomph. And i wanted to take advantage of the EQ on their App. I'm listening to it rn, and the bass is disappointing. Even with the EQ, which is too simple. It sounds woofy around the 70hz range and it's soo ugly. (Did a bass test on youtube) Bass response is not as smooth as i hoped it would be. Increasing the bass only makes it worse, sounds more muddy.. To think I'd pay $600 for an "ugprade", I'd expect more tweakablity of the sound. It could use independent EQ with frequency bands in Hz, and crossovers. There should be an advanced setting for people who want more control over audio. Not some over simplified nonsense. It sucks that with its 10" woofer, that it isn't any more deep or punchy than the BAR 2.1 with its 6.5" woofer. I also, don't appreciate so much of the mid frequencies coming through the subwoofer. *I want the Sub to play 65Hz and below and the sound bar to play 65Hz and up* I'm not sure if the room calibration is a factor in its underwhelming sound, but I'm not happy with what i have. On the other hand, the sound bar, sounds more substantial, mids n highs are ok. But nothing special. This might be okay for people who aren't used to or familiar with more complex setups and need better sound for their TV; those who have never had a sound sytem with any kind of bass. But if you're looking for something that has deep punchy, thunderous bass, then look elsewhere.

Kman915

Originally posted at

2023-11-08T19:00:00

I recently purchased the JBL Bar 500 soundbar, and I've been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The audio quality is exceptional, delivering clear and powerful sound with a deep bass that adds a cinematic feel to my movie nights. The design is sleek and modern, and it fits well in my living room setup. Setting it up was a breeze, and the remote control is intuitive. The variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI, and optical inputs, make it versatile for different devices. Overall, the JBL Bar 500 has significantly enhanced my audio experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system.

Ab123

Originally posted at

2023-11-06T19:00:00

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the JBL Bar 500 Surround Sound system, and let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations. This powerful soundbar truly delivers an immersive audio experience that will elevate your home entertainment to new heights. First and foremost, the sound quality of the JBL Bar 500 is nothing short of exceptional. With a total power output of 550 watts, this system fills the room with rich, detailed sound. The 5.1 channel configuration ensures that you can fully appreciate every nuance in your favorite movies, TV shows, or music. The surround sound effect truly creates a sense of depth, making you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. Setting up the JBL Bar 500 was an absolute breeze. With its wireless subwoofer and detachable wireless speakers, installation was quick and hassle-free. The subwoofer adds a powerful bass element that adds depth to the audio, while the detachable speakers can be placed strategically around the room to create a true surround sound experience. The whole system can be easily controlled with the included remote or through your mobile device using the JBL SoundShift technology. Not only does the JBL Bar 500 deliver outstanding audio performance, but it also offers a variety of connectivity options. With Bluetooth, you can effortlessly stream your favorite music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. The HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) simplifies the connection to your TV, allowing you to control the soundbar volume with your TV remote. Additionally, the USB port and optical input offer even more versatility when it comes to connecting your devices. Design-wise, the JBL Bar 500 is sleek and modern, seamlessly blending into any living room or media setup. The build quality is top-notch, and the control buttons on the soundbar are well-placed and easy to use. The wireless speakers are compact and stylish, adding a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic. In conclusion, the JBL Bar 500 Surround Sound system is an absolute game-changer when it comes to home audio. Its exceptional sound quality, easy setup, and versatile connectivity options make it a top choice for those seeking a truly immersive and cinematic audio experience. Whether you're a movie lover or a music enthusiast, the JBL Bar 500 will undoubtedly take your entertainment to the next level. #reviewclub

nathanl3601

Originally posted at

2023-11-04T20:00:00

Was sent this product to review and I am astonished at the quality of this product. Easy to set up/install, amazing sound quaility, my TV already has surround sound and THIS further adds to the affect. Never did I think that a product like this could.make such a difference to the sound quality of the TV, and on the plus side you can connect with Alexa so you can listen to your music. Absolutely brilliant piece of technology

Klr861394

Originally posted at

2023-11-02T20:00:00

The JBL Bar 500 is an exceptional soundbar that delivers top-notch audio quality while adding a touch of elegance to your entertainment setup. With its cutting-edge features and sleek design, this soundbar is a true game-changer for any home theater enthusiast. Audio Performance: One of the standout features of the JBL Bar 500 is its impressive audio performance. Offering a powerful 2.1 channel system with a total output power of 300 watts, this soundbar delivers rich, immersive sound that enhances your movie-watching or music-listening experience. The deep bass response ensures a cinematic feel, while the clear and detailed mid and high frequencies offer crisp dialogue and accurate sound reproduction. Design and Build Quality: In terms of design, JBL has truly hit the mark with the Bar 500. Its slim and sophisticated profile seamlessly complements any modern entertainment setup. The soundbar's matte finish and sleek lines give it a premium look that adds a touch of elegance to your living space. The wireless subwoofer, which can be discreetly placed anywhere in the room, further complements the overall aesthetic. Connectivity Options: The JBL Bar 500 offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it incredibly versatile. It supports Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Additionally, it features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connectivity, which allows you to seamlessly connect it to your TV and control the soundbar using your existing TV remote. With the USB input, you can also play music directly from a USB drive. User-Friendly Interface: JBL has made sure that operating the Bar 500 is a breeze. The soundbar comes with a compact remote control that provides easy access to various settings and audio modes. The LED display on the front panel provides clear information about the input source and volume level. Additionally, the soundbar comes with JBL's intuitive SoundShift feature, which automatically switches between audio sources when necessary. Additional Features: The JBL Bar 500 comes equipped with a range of additional features that enhance its overall appeal. The built-in Dolby Digital and JBL Surround Sound technologies ensure a truly immersive audio experience, whether you're watching a movie or playing video games. The soundbar also features a unique Night Mode, which optimizes the audio levels for late-night viewing, preventing any disturbance to others in your home. Conclusion: In conclusion, the JBL Bar 500 is an outstanding soundbar that offers a perfect balance of excellent sound quality, sleek design, and user-friendly features. Whether you're a movie enthusiast, a music lover, or a gamer, this soundbar is a worthwhile investment. With its immersive audio performance, wide range of connectivity options, and stylish design, the JBL Bar 500 truly stands out as one of the top choices in its category.

Vicote

Originally posted at

2023-11-02T20:00:00

JBL have really nailed it when it comes to this model. I was so excited to try a Soundbar + Subwoofer as surround sound solution. Setting up the soundbar through wifi took some time for me. Almost a plug-and-play device. Initial setup is simple but takes a little time. While the Bar 2.1 Deep Bass is ideal for smaller spaces, the Bar 500 is best suited for bigger areas. While the smart mode functions with TVs, the remote is extremely simple. The sound is louder, better and warmer. Bass ranges from 0 to 5, which is great for music (or musical intros). The app is amazing; This simplifies connecting to WiFi. The sound now comes! It sounds fantastic, and setting it up was simple. When installing, it essentially leads you through the process. To aid in setup, I strongly advise downloading the JBL One app. It was quite simple to connect to the sub. I want to use the WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities of the Bar 500 Black to stream music from the internet and from a smartphone playlist. A simple Bluetooth connection. I'm pleased with the Bar 500 Black's performance all around. An excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their television and music. The Dolby Surround is good but I reckon it could be better. It is noticeable with some movies and when you play music with Apple. I was engulfed in the action when I watched a Mission Impossible movie because of the technology in this sound bar. The bass from the subwoofer shook the whole house. If you're looking for an easy-to-install sound bar that will make you feel like you're in the movie you're watching, you should definitely get this for your home.

Yasir S.

Originally posted at

2023-10-31T20:00:00

When this arrived I had reservations, upon taking it out of the box. It didn't seem big enough to make a difference. We had lived without external sound for some years after our previous setup broke. Living with only internal tv sound has made this review easy to write. The sound is incredible. You can hear a lot of the background noises that you don't get from the tv. The depth of sound is excellent. There's no tinny sounds from the soundbar. This also worked with our relatively old TV which in my book is excellent as I don't need to upgrade my TV to experience great sound.

Selina91

Originally posted at

2023-10-30T20:00:00

I give the Bar 500 a 4.5 out of 5. I didn't want a system that was overly complex with speakers everywhere so this fit the bill. I'm very happy with the sound and the sub does a real nice job. I think this is a really nice set up for the money. I have had an issue with the soundbar not always working when I turn on the TV. I've had to unplug the soundbar and plug it back in and then it syncs back up. I also wish that the volume on the TV were better synced with the soundbar. If I go up one increment in volume on the soundbar it moves the TV sound up 3 increments. I'm hoping that a future software upgrade will fix this issue.

RobbieRex

Originally posted at

2023-10-30T20:00:00

I've had this for about 3 weeks now, and I'm sold. I've never had a sound bar before but I remember my parents loving theirs (this was going on a decade ago). I never really thought there was anything wrong with my TV sound but in comparison to how it is now it's completely different. The sound is warmer, better quality and it goes louder. The bass (which goes 0-5) is absolutely incredible for music (or musical intros). The app is brilliant, it lets you easily connect it to WiFi. This system also does Chromecast so if you want your friends to see how you're beating them at stuff on the Oculus...now they can. The system itself looks really well made, expensive. Even the remote control looks fancy. Overall, super easy to set up (from someone who is not good with technology), looks good in the living room, and performs really well. Very happy.

Xravia

Originally posted at

2023-10-29T20:00:00

This sound bar is great, first of all it is easy to set up to the TV and all the functions are straightforward! The sound quality is amazing and it is easy to adjust the sound quality within the jbl app! I'm very impressed with this soundbar the only downside is the size of the subwoofer it's huge and not easy to place anywhere! Other than that I think it's great

Richesr1

Originally posted at

2023-10-29T20:00:00

JBL 500 Soundbar is a great piece of kit. The sound it produces is powerful and crisp. The bass is mighty yet the whole spectrum of sound is well balanced whether it  is a whisper, speech or explosions you can hear them all clearly and without any distortions and also there is no need to adjust and readjust volume through a movie. The not so obvious display is awesome! It is packed with everything you might need - Atmos, Alexa, eARC, Wi-Fi, JBL app etc. The remote is simple, the JBL app is smart and easy to use. The few buttons on the top of the bar are surprisingly useful. Ionly did not figure out how to save users EQ setting  orif it is possible. Keep in mind that the subwoofer is square rather than thin and deep like most and even though it is obvious I actually noticed it when I barely squeezed it in between my TV shelf and the wall. The drawback I noticed is that the Atmos Surround is not that great so I investigated it and found that to fully enjoy what Atmos offers it is advised to pay an extra and get the bar fitted with up-firing speakers like JBL Bar 800.

Grove4S

Originally posted at

2023-10-28T20:00:00

After a month of extensive testing, I can confidently say that the JBL Bar 500 is a game-changer in the world of home audio. This review is the result of rigorous trials, ensuring an unbiased assessment of its capabilities. The speaker truly lives up to its claims, delivering an immersive audio experience that effortlessly transforms movies, music, and games into something extraordinary. It's like bringing the magic of the movie theatre directly into your living room. The JBL Bar 500 is a super powerful speaker that brings the magic of the movie theatre right into your living room! It makes everything sound amazing and is super easy to use. The sound comes from all around you, making you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. I tested this with action-packed movies and games, and it felt like I was actually in the scenes! The sound filled the room and gave me a truly immersive experience. This speaker is really, really strong. It makes everything sound super clear and loud. I played a variety of music genres, and each one came through with crisp clarity. There was no distortion, even at loud volumes. It's like turning up the volume to the max, but without any fuzziness. This sound bar is like having a super smart friend. It can talk to your phone and other smart devices without any trouble. So, you can play your favourite songs and shows easily. I connected it to my phone and played music from different apps, and it worked seamlessly. No hiccups or delays. Sometimes in movies, it's hard to hear what people are saying. But not with this speaker! It makes voices really clear, so you don't miss a word. I watched a dialogue-heavy movie, and every conversation was crystal clear. It was a game-changer for understanding the plot. The deep sounds in movies and music feel like a rumble in your chest. It makes everything more exciting. The wireless subwoofer is a game-changer. It added a whole new dimension to the audio experience. Action scenes had a thrilling impact, and music with deep beats was incredibly immersive. In a nutshell, the JBL Bar 500 is like having a superpower for your ears. It makes everything sound amazing and is super easy to use. If you want to feel like you're in the middle of all the action, this speaker is the way to go! With its powerful output, advanced technologies, and extensive connectivity options, it's a top-notch choice for any entertainment enthusiast.

GHZExperts

Originally posted at

2023-10-28T20:00:00

I've received this soundbar to test. Previously I've owned headphones from JBL and with it being a Harman brand, I was expecting no less than great. Imagine my slight disappointment after using this soundbar. First surprise right with the size of the box upon delivery. Massive! The subwoofer is somewhat obtrusive- possibly a justifiable size for a 300W output, yet beyond what I would expect. Surprise no. 2 - Bluetooth connection seems somewhat capricious-both with connecting to devices and the soundbar itself connecting to the subwoofer. Once you get going, it turns out to be a pretty decent bit of equipment- audiophiles may be disappointed (sound tends to come out canny, especially for mid-range sounds) , however for us mere mortals it's more than capable of performing. The bass is noticeably generous and not sounds do not get distorted much. Overall, a respectable soundbar, yet unreasonably ridiculous price makes it an average at best value for money.

happy_hamilton68311

Originally posted at