JBL SB595 vs JBL Bar 500: Which Soundbar Delivers Better Value?

Are you torn between the JBL Cinema SB595 and the JBL Bar 500? You are not alone. Both soundbars come from one of the most trusted names in audio. Both promise big, immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support and a wireless subwoofer. Yet they serve different types of buyers.

The JBL SB595 is a 3.1.2 channel system with true Dolby Atmos and upward firing drivers. The JBL Bar 500 is a 5.1 channel system with MultiBeam technology and virtual Atmos effects. One focuses on height channels. The other focuses on surround width. Choosing between them can feel like a coin toss until you dig into the details.

This comparison breaks down every important difference. We cover sound quality, bass performance, design, connectivity, price, and more. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which soundbar fits your room, your budget, and your listening habits. Let’s get right into it.

Key Takeaways

• The JBL Cinema SB595 delivers 440W of total power with a 3.1.2 channel setup. It uses dedicated upward firing drivers for true Dolby Atmos height effects. This makes it a strong pick for movie fans who want overhead sound placement.
• The JBL Bar 500 pushes 590W of total power through a 5.1 channel configuration. It uses JBL’s MultiBeam technology with side firing drivers. This creates a wider surround sound field across the room.
• The SB595 comes with a compact 6.5 inch wireless subwoofer. It produces satisfying bass but lacks the deep rumble of larger subs. The Bar 500 packs a 10 inch wireless subwoofer that hits harder and lower.
• Connectivity differs between the two models. The SB595 offers HDMI eARC, HDMI in, optical, and Bluetooth. The Bar 500 adds Wi Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa support on top of HDMI eARC and Bluetooth.
• The Bar 500 typically costs more but offers smart features and a larger subwoofer. The SB595 costs less and focuses on pure Dolby Atmos accuracy. Your budget and feature priorities will guide the final decision.

JBL Cinema SB595 Overview

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The JBL Cinema SB595 is a 3.1.2 channel soundbar system that focuses on delivering authentic Dolby Atmos sound. It includes a soundbar unit and a wireless 6.5 inch subwoofer. The system pushes 440W of total power output, with 200W from the soundbar and 240W from the subwoofer.

What sets the SB595 apart is its dedicated upward firing drivers. These drivers bounce sound off the ceiling to create real height effects. You hear helicopters fly overhead. Rain seems to fall from above. This is true Dolby Atmos, not a virtual simulation.

The soundbar measures 39.4 inches wide, 3.8 inches deep, and 2.6 inches tall. It weighs just 7.1 pounds. The slim profile fits under most TVs without blocking the screen. A dedicated center channel driver handles dialogue with clarity. Voices stay crisp even during loud action scenes.

JBL designed this model for buyers who want genuine overhead audio at a competitive price point. Typical pricing falls between $239 and $360 depending on the retailer. That makes it one of the most affordable true Dolby Atmos soundbars available today.

JBL Bar 500 Overview

The JBL Bar 500 is a 5.1 channel soundbar that pairs with a large 10 inch wireless subwoofer. The total system power reaches 590W, split between 290W from the soundbar and 300W from the subwoofer. That is 150W more than the SB595.

JBL’s MultiBeam technology sits at the core of this soundbar. It uses side firing drivers to bounce audio off your walls. This creates a wide, enveloping surround effect without rear speakers. The result is a broader sound stage that fills the room from left to right.

The Bar 500 supports Dolby Atmos through virtual processing rather than physical upward firing drivers. It also features PureVoice technology for enhanced dialogue clarity. The soundbar measures 40 inches wide and weighs 6.2 pounds. The subwoofer is noticeably larger at 12 inches wide and 17.3 inches tall.

Built in Wi Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa make this a smart soundbar. You can stream music directly, control it with voice commands, and manage settings through the JBL One app. The Bar 500 usually retails between $350 and $480, placing it in a higher price bracket than the SB595.

Sound Quality Comparison

Sound quality is the most important factor for most buyers. Both soundbars deliver strong audio, but they achieve it differently.

The JBL SB595 has a slightly warm sound profile. Bass feels boosted, mids stay balanced, and treble sits slightly recessed. This tuning works well for movies. Explosions sound full. Music plays with a warm, pleasant character. The true Dolby Atmos drivers add real vertical dimension to the audio.

The JBL Bar 500 offers a cleaner, more neutral sound. Its seven driver array inside the soundbar produces clear separation between instruments and voices. The MultiBeam technology creates impressive horizontal width. Sound wraps around you from the sides rather than dropping from above.

User reviews on Reddit suggest the SB595 produces a more immersive Atmos effect for its price. Some users even preferred its sound over the newer JBL Bar 500 MK2. The Bar 500, meanwhile, wins praise for its wider sound stage and fuller room filling performance. Your preference depends on whether you value height effects or surround width more.

Bass Performance

Bass separates a good home theater experience from a great one. The subwoofer size difference between these two systems is significant.

The SB595 includes a 6.5 inch wireless subwoofer with 240W of power. It produces punchy, satisfying bass that works well in small to medium rooms. Movie explosions hit with decent impact. Music bass lines sound tight and controlled. However, it does not reach the lowest frequencies with the same authority as larger subs.

The Bar 500 includes a 10 inch wireless subwoofer with 300W of power. This is a big step up in bass capability. The larger driver moves more air. Low frequency effects feel deeper and more physical. You can literally feel action scenes rumble through the floor. Bass heavy music genres like hip hop and EDM sound noticeably fuller.

If deep, room shaking bass is your priority, the Bar 500 wins this category easily. The 10 inch sub simply outperforms the 6.5 inch sub in low end extension and physical impact. The SB595 sub is adequate for casual viewing but falls short for bass enthusiasts.

Top 3 Alternatives for JBL Cinema SB595

If the JBL SB595 does not check every box for you, these three alternatives deserve a look.

The Samsung HW-Q600C is a direct competitor. It offers a 3.1.2 channel setup with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. Samsung’s Q Symphony feature lets it sync with compatible Samsung TVs for a larger sound stage. It sits in a similar price range and includes a wireless subwoofer.

The Sony HT-S400 is an affordable 2.1 channel option. It features S Force PRO Front Surround sound and a powerful wireless subwoofer. It skips Dolby Atmos but delivers excellent bass and clear dialogue for the price. This is a great choice for budget conscious buyers.

The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX is an ultra compact soundbar with certified Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. It features Polk’s patented VoiceAdjust technology for dialogue clarity. Despite its small size, it delivers surprisingly big sound with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built in.

Channel Configuration

The channel setup defines how each soundbar distributes audio around your room.

The JBL SB595 runs a 3.1.2 channel configuration. The “3” represents left, center, and right channels. The “.1” is the wireless subwoofer. The “.2” refers to two upward firing Atmos drivers. This setup excels at front stage clarity and overhead effects. It does not include side firing drivers for surround sound.

The JBL Bar 500 runs a 5.1 channel configuration. It adds two extra channels through side firing drivers built into the soundbar. These extra channels create surround effects by bouncing sound off the walls to your left and right. The result is a wider, more immersive listening area.

For movie watching, the Bar 500’s surround channels make action scenes feel more alive. Sounds pan across the room. The SB595’s height channels add a different kind of immersion with overhead sound effects. Your room layout matters here. Side firing drivers need walls nearby to bounce sound effectively. Upward firing drivers need a flat ceiling within about 10 feet.

Dolby Atmos Experience

Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, but they deliver it in very different ways. This distinction matters a lot.

The SB595 uses true Dolby Atmos with physical upward firing speakers. These drivers send sound waves upward to bounce off the ceiling. The reflected audio reaches your ears from above. This creates genuine three dimensional sound placement. A helicopter in a movie sounds like it is actually flying over your head.

The Bar 500 uses virtual Dolby Atmos through digital signal processing. It analyzes the Atmos audio signal and uses its existing drivers to simulate overhead effects. The result is a wider, more diffuse sound field. It creates a sense of space and openness but does not pin sounds to specific overhead locations as precisely.

True Atmos supporters will lean toward the SB595 here. The physical upward firing drivers create more convincing height effects. Virtual Atmos on the Bar 500 still sounds impressive, especially in large rooms where the MultiBeam technology can work to full effect. But purists will notice the difference. The SB595 gives you what Dolby intended with object based audio placed above the listener.

Connectivity and Smart Features

Connectivity is where the JBL Bar 500 pulls ahead with a clear advantage.

The JBL SB595 keeps things simple. It offers HDMI eARC, one HDMI input, optical audio in, and Bluetooth. That covers the basics. You can connect your TV, a game console, or stream music from your phone. There is no Wi Fi, no voice assistant, and no app support.

The JBL Bar 500 loads up on smart features. It includes HDMI eARC, optical in, USB, Wi Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built in, and Amazon Alexa Multi Room Music support. The JBL One app lets you adjust EQ settings, update firmware, and manage multi room audio from your phone.

If you want to stream Spotify directly to your soundbar, ask Alexa to play music, or use AirPlay from your iPhone, the Bar 500 is the obvious choice. The SB595 limits you to Bluetooth streaming and wired connections. For buyers who just want to plug in and watch TV, the SB595’s simple setup is actually a benefit. Fewer features mean fewer things to troubleshoot.

Design and Build Quality

Both soundbars share JBL’s clean, modern design language. They look professional and blend into most living room setups.

The SB595 measures 39.4 x 3.8 x 2.6 inches and weighs 7.1 pounds. The front panel features a fabric grille with a small display. Indicator lights turn off during playback, which is a nice touch for dark room viewing. The compact 6.5 inch subwoofer fits easily beside furniture or under a table.

The Bar 500 measures 40 x 2.2 x 4 inches and weighs 6.2 pounds. It is slightly wider and deeper but a bit lighter than the SB595. The design features a similar fabric covered front. The 10 inch subwoofer is significantly larger at 12 x 17.3 x 12 inches and weighs 22 pounds. You will need more floor space for this sub.

Build quality on both units feels solid. The materials are durable and the finish looks premium for the price range. Wall mounting options exist for both soundbars. The SB595 has a slight advantage in overall compactness. If room space is limited, its smaller subwoofer makes placement easier.

Setup and Ease of Use

Getting your new soundbar running should be quick and painless. Both models keep the setup process straightforward.

The SB595 connects through HDMI eARC to your TV. Turn on the soundbar, and it automatically pairs with the wireless subwoofer over Bluetooth. Plug in the HDMI cable, and you are ready. The included remote control handles volume, input selection, bass level, and treble adjustment. The entire process takes about five minutes.

The Bar 500 offers more setup options because of its smart features. You can connect via HDMI eARC for TV audio. Then the JBL One app walks you through Wi Fi setup, room calibration, and streaming service connections. The app based setup adds a few extra minutes. However, the room calibration feature optimizes audio for your specific room.

The SB595 remote lets you adjust bass and treble from negative 3 to positive 3. The Bar 500 gives you more granular control through its app, including a full graphic EQ. If you prefer a plug and play experience, the SB595 is simpler. If you enjoy tweaking settings to perfection, the Bar 500 gives you better tools.

Movie and Music Performance

How do these soundbars perform with actual content? Let’s break it down by use case.

For movies, the SB595 shines with its Atmos height effects. Action films with overhead audio like Dolby Atmos demo tracks sound particularly impressive. Dialogue stays clear through the dedicated center channel. The smaller subwoofer handles most movie bass well, though you may miss the deepest rumbles during intense scenes.

For movies on the Bar 500, the wider sound stage creates a more cinematic feel. Surround effects pan smoothly across the room. The 10 inch subwoofer adds serious weight to explosions, car chases, and dramatic scores. PureVoice technology keeps dialogue intelligible even at low volumes.

For music, the SB595’s warm sound signature makes acoustic, jazz, and vocal tracks sound rich. The balanced midrange highlights instruments nicely. The Bar 500’s neutral tuning and wider sound stage suit genres like rock, pop, and electronic music. Its streaming capabilities let you play music without needing a phone as a middleman.

Both soundbars perform well for everyday TV viewing. News, sports, and reality shows sound clear and engaging on either system.

Price and Value for Money

Price often tips the scale in a close comparison. These two soundbars target different budget levels.

The JBL SB595 typically sells between $239 and $360. For that price, you get true Dolby Atmos with upward firing drivers, a dedicated center channel, and a wireless subwoofer. The value proposition is strong. Very few soundbars offer physical Atmos drivers at this price point. It delivers premium audio technology at a mid range price.

The JBL Bar 500 usually costs between $350 and $480. You pay more but get 150 extra watts, a much larger subwoofer, 5.1 surround channels, Wi Fi, smart assistant support, and app control. The extra features justify the higher cost for tech savvy buyers who want a connected home theater.

The SB595 offers better value per dollar if your main goal is Atmos accuracy. The Bar 500 offers better value if you want the most features, loudest output, and deepest bass. Neither is a bad purchase. Your personal priorities determine which one delivers the best return on your investment.

Who Should Buy the JBL SB595?

The SB595 fits a specific type of buyer. It rewards those who value authenticity over feature count.

Choose the SB595 if you love Dolby Atmos movies and want real overhead sound effects. The upward firing drivers create genuine height placement that virtual systems cannot match. Movie enthusiasts who watch Atmos content regularly will appreciate this system the most.

Budget conscious shoppers will find the SB595 appealing. It offers premium Atmos technology at a price that undercuts most competitors. You skip the smart features but keep the core audio quality.

The SB595 also suits buyers with smaller rooms. The compact 6.5 inch subwoofer and slim soundbar fit easily in bedrooms, apartments, and smaller living rooms. You do not need a large space for the sound to work well. The upward firing drivers perform best in rooms with ceilings under 10 feet.

Who Should Buy the JBL Bar 500?

The Bar 500 serves buyers who want a complete entertainment hub, not just a TV speaker upgrade.

Choose the Bar 500 if you want the widest sound stage. MultiBeam technology and side firing drivers create room filling surround sound. Large living rooms and open floor plans benefit the most from this wider dispersion. Action movies, sports broadcasts, and gaming sessions all feel more immersive.

Streaming fans and smart home users should pick the Bar 500. Built in Wi Fi, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Alexa support turn it into a standalone music system. You can stream playlists, control playback with your voice, and integrate the soundbar into your existing smart home setup.

Bass lovers will prefer the 10 inch subwoofer. It delivers deep, physical bass that you feel in your chest. If you watch a lot of action films, play bass heavy games, or listen to genres like hip hop and EDM, the Bar 500 provides the low end impact you want.

Final Verdict

Both the JBL Cinema SB595 and the JBL Bar 500 are excellent soundbars. They share the JBL brand quality but serve different needs.

Pick the SB595 for true Dolby Atmos, a lower price, and a compact footprint. Pick the Bar 500 for deeper bass, wider surround sound, smart features, and higher total power. Neither choice will disappoint you.

If you watch mostly Dolby Atmos movies in a small to medium room, the SB595 gives you the best Atmos experience for the money. If you want a versatile system that handles movies, music, and smart home integration in a larger space, the Bar 500 is the smarter investment.

Think about what matters most to you: true overhead Atmos or wide surround sound, compact size or deep bass, simple setup or smart features. Your answer will lead you to the right soundbar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the JBL SB595 better than the JBL Bar 500 for Dolby Atmos?

The JBL SB595 delivers a more authentic Dolby Atmos experience. It uses physical upward firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling. The Bar 500 uses virtual Atmos processing through its existing drivers. For genuine overhead effects, the SB595 is the better choice.

Does the JBL Bar 500 have Wi Fi and smart features?

Yes. The JBL Bar 500 includes Wi Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast built in, and Amazon Alexa Multi Room Music support. You can stream music directly, use voice commands, and control settings through the JBL One app.

Which soundbar has better bass, the SB595 or Bar 500?

The JBL Bar 500 has significantly better bass. Its 10 inch wireless subwoofer with 300W of power outperforms the SB595’s 6.5 inch subwoofer. The Bar 500 reaches lower frequencies and delivers more physical bass impact.

Can I wall mount both the JBL SB595 and JBL Bar 500?

Yes. Both soundbars support wall mounting. Their slim profiles allow them to sit flush under a wall mounted TV. Check each model’s specifications for the exact mounting hardware required.

Which JBL soundbar is better for a small room?

The JBL SB595 works better in small rooms. Its compact 6.5 inch subwoofer fits tight spaces easily. The upward firing Atmos drivers perform best in rooms with lower ceilings. The Bar 500’s side firing drivers need walls nearby and benefit from larger spaces.

Are the JBL SB595 and Bar 500 compatible with gaming consoles?

Both soundbars connect to gaming consoles through HDMI. The Bar 500 supports HDMI eARC and additional inputs. The SB595 offers HDMI eARC and one HDMI input. Both handle gaming audio well, though the Bar 500’s wider surround may give a slight edge in competitive gaming.

Last update on 2026-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API