JBL Bar 500 Review

Summary / TL;DR

The JBL Bar 500 soundbar offers a solid audio experience for those seeking to enhance their home entertainment without investing in a full surround system. With a sleek design that fits well in modern living spaces, it delivers strong bass and clear highs, making it suitable for movie nights and music sessions. However, the mid-range frequencies can sometimes be overshadowed, especially at higher volumes.

Connectivity is straightforward with options like Bluetooth and HDMI ARC, allowing easy integration with most TVs and devices. The lack of an Ethernet port could be a downside for those with slower Wi-Fi. The setup process is user-friendly, although the absence of built-in voice assistant support might disappoint smart home enthusiasts.

Compared to competitors like the Sonos Beam and Bose Smart Soundbar 300, the JBL Bar 500 holds its own with robust sound output and simple setup, though it lacks some advanced features. Overall, it offers good value for money for users prioritizing sound quality and ease of use over smart features.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the JBL Bar 1000 or JBL Bar 300 or JBL Bar 800.

Introduction

The world of home audio is buzzing with options, but how do you find the right one for your space? Enter the soundbar: a sleek, compact solution for those craving quality sound without the hassle of a full-blown surround system. Soundbars are like the Swiss Army knives of audio, packing a punch in a slim package.

Today, we're zooming in on the JBL Bar 500. With its rock-solid reputation, JBL has been a go-to brand for audio enthusiasts everywhere. This model promises to deliver a big audio experience, perfect for those movie nights or just jamming out to your favorite tunes.

We all know that looks can be deceiving, but the JBL Bar 500 is more than just a pretty face. It’s designed to blend seamlessly with modern living spaces. It offers a range of features that aim to enhance your home entertainment setup. But does it truly deliver on its promises, or are there areas where it falls flat? Let's find out!

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Design and Build Quality

When you first lay eyes on the JBL Bar 500, it’s clear that this soundbar sports a sleek and modern design. It doesn't scream for attention, but rather fits seamlessly into almost any home entertainment setup. The soundbar's low-profile design makes it easy to tuck under your TV, creating a clutter-free look in your living room.

The build quality is robust; it feels solid without being overly heavy. The materials used are top-notch, with a matte black finish that resists fingerprints surprisingly well. While it doesn't have any flashy elements, the simplicity in its design is actually part of its charm. Think of it like a little black dress—simple yet sophisticated.

Construction Details

• Dimensions: Its dimensions are compact, making it an ideal choice even for smaller spaces.
• Weight: It's not too heavy, so moving it around if needed won't give your muscles a workout.
• Material: The combination of plastic and metal gives it a sturdy feel without making it bulkier than necessary.

The front is mostly covered with a grill, which not only protects the speakers but also adds to the overall aesthetic. On top, you'll find basic controls for volume and input selection, which can be handy if you misplace the remote.

One minor downside? The lack of a display screen. Instead, LED indicators on the front show which function is active. While it keeps the design clean, it can be a bit of a guessing game until you get used to what each indicator signifies.

Overall, the design and build quality strike a nice balance between style and function, ensuring that it both looks good and lasts long.

Sound Performance

Sound Performance

When it comes to sound performance, the JBL Bar 500 is like having your own personal concert at home. This soundbar packs a punch with its powerful audio output. Thanks to its multiple drivers, it delivers a rich and immersive experience that can fill most living rooms with ease. The bass is notably strong, providing those deep, thumping lows that make action scenes in movies pop. You won't need an extra subwoofer unless you're aiming to shake the walls—or maybe get a complaint from your neighbors! Highs are crisp and clear, which means dialogues and vocals come through without a hitch. Imagine listening to your favorite singer as if they're performing live, right there in your living room. However, mid-range frequencies can sometimes get overshadowed, especially when the volume's cranked up. It might result in a slight muddiness if you're listening to a complex soundtrack with a lot of instruments.

But for most users, this won't be much of a dealbreaker. The JBL Bar 500 also features various sound modes, which adjust the audio output to match the content you're watching. Whether it's a blockbuster movie or a mellow music playlist, there's a setting to suit your needs. These modes work like a charm and enhance your listening experience. So, who might not enjoy the sound performance? Hardcore audiophiles looking for studio-quality precision might find some limitations. But for everyday movie nights and streaming sessions, this soundbar does an impressive job. It's like having a musical maestro, conducting a symphony of sound, right in your home.

Connectivity and Compatibility

If you're all about that seamless connection, the JBL Bar 500 has got your back with its robust connectivity and compatibility options. Gone are the days when you had to fiddle around, trying to get things to work. This soundbar makes it as straightforward as plugging in a toaster!

Starting with the basics, the JBL Bar 500 offers Bluetooth connectivity, which is pretty much a standard these days. This lets you hook up your smartphone or tablet wirelessly, making it super convenient to stream your favorite playlists or podcasts directly. It's like having a personal DJ booth right in your living room. Although, don’t expect a DJ Khaled cameo.

For those who prefer a wired connection, there's an HDMI ARC port. It's a nifty feature that simplifies your setup by transmitting both audio and control signals. Using ARC, you can control the soundbar with your TV remote; no need to juggle between different remotes like you're performing a clumsy magic trick.

The JBL Bar 500 also comes with optical input and a USB port for playing media from thumb drives. This adds a nice touch for those moments when you want to revisit that forgotten playlist from 2010. Just remember, unlike your fridge, this soundbar doesn’t keep track of what’s inside your USB.

On the compatibility side, the soundbar easily connects with most modern TVs. However, if your TV is older or lacks certain ports, you might need a few extra cables or adapters. It’s a bit like trying to make a vintage car run on modern fuel—sometimes you need a little extra help.

The only downside? The soundbar lacks an Ethernet port, which means if your Wi-Fi is more sluggish than a snail on vacation, you might hit some buffering issues while streaming high-quality content. It's something to consider if you're a serious streamer or have a lot of connected devices jostling for bandwidth.

Overall, the connectivity and compatibility of the JBL Bar 500 are pretty solid for the average user. It's like having a Swiss army knife of port options, minus the bottle opener.

What's in the Box

```html So, you've just brought home your shiny new JBL Bar 500 and you're probably itching to get it set up. But before you start, let's take a quick look at what's inside the box. Trust me, you don’t want to miss any crucial bits.

• Soundbar Unit: The star of the show, of course. This sleek piece of tech is what delivers that fantastic sound you’re after.
• Wireless Subwoofer: For those deep bass notes that make movies and music come alive, this wireless subwoofer is ready to rock your world.
• Remote Control: Because who wants to get up every time to adjust the volume? The remote makes it super easy to navigate your sound settings from the comfort of your couch.
• HDMI Cable: Essential for connecting your soundbar to your TV. It's good to see that JBL thought to include this, saving you a trip to the store.
• Wall Mount Brackets: If you're planning on mounting your soundbar, these brackets will come in handy. They’re pretty straightforward to use, even for those not so DIY-savvy.
• Power Cables: Obviously, you need these to keep the party going. One for the soundbar and another for the subwoofer.
• User Manual and Quick Start Guide: Not everyone loves reading manuals, but these are worth a skim. They'll help you get the most out of your soundbar without any hiccups.

It's a pretty comprehensive package overall. However, some folks might wish for a digital optical cable as an additional connectivity option. But hey, you can't have everything, right? Everything else in the box is laid out to make setting up your audio experience as smooth as possible. So, take a quick inventory and get ready to enjoy some fantastic sound! ```

Setup and User Experience

Setting up the JBL Bar 500 is a breeze, making it a user-friendly option even for those who aren't tech wizards. Once you unbox the soundbar, you'll notice the clear, step-by-step guide included. You don’t need a fancy toolkit for this—just a few minutes of your time. Connecting the device is straightforward. The soundbar offers multiple connection options like HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth, ensuring you can hook it up to almost any TV or device. HDMI ARC is your best bet if you want the easiest setup and the best sound quality. Plug it in, and you're almost ready to start your movie marathon.

How does it perform once it's up and running? The user experience is pretty smooth. The remote is intuitive, with all the essential buttons clearly labeled. You’ll find options for adjusting the volume, changing inputs, and tweaking the sound modes. The layout is simple, so you won't need a manual to figure it out. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. If you have a smart home setup, you might feel a bit let down. The soundbar lacks built-in support for voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. So, if you're used to bossing your gadgets around with voice commands, this might feel like a step back in time. The sound modes are worth mentioning. They are easy to switch, allowing you to customize your listening experience depending on what you're watching.

Whether you're catching up on your favorite series or just in the mood for some tunes, there's a mode that fits. In short, the setup and user experience offer a no-fuss process. The soundbar doesn't require a degree in tech to operate, but it might not please those looking for smart home integration. For everyone else, it’s ready to roll right out of the box.

Competitor Comparison

In the world of soundbars, the JBL Bar 500 faces stiff competition. Let's pit it against some of its rivals to see how it stacks up.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The Sonos Beam is a popular choice, especially if you're in the ecosystem of Sonos products. Its key strength is in its smart features, including built-in voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. While the JBL Bar 500 does deliver impressive audio performance, the Sonos Beam has an edge with its smart home integration and sleek design. However, if you're craving a deeper bass experience, the JBL option might suit your taste better, thanks to its dedicated subwoofer.

Bose Smart Soundbar 300

Another strong competitor is the Bose Smart Soundbar 300. Bose is known for its stylish design and crisp sound quality. The Bose soundbar is excellent for dialog-heavy content, making it a favorite for movie buffs. On the other hand, the JBL model tends to offer a more powerful output, making it a solid pick for larger rooms that require more sound coverage. However, if you're someone who values a minimalist design, you might prefer the Bose's more unobtrusive look.

Samsung HW-Q60T

The Samsung HW-Q60T is another worthy opponent. It's part of Samsung's Q series and is favored for its adaptive sound technology that optimizes audio based on the content. While the JBL Bar 500 holds its own with a robust sound output, Samsung's offering has a slight advantage in terms of audio customization and sound modes. Nonetheless, JBL still appeals with its straightforward setup and user-friendly interface.

In summary, every soundbar has its strengths and trade-offs. The JBL Bar 500 shines in terms of overall sound performance and the simplicity of its setup. However, if you're looking for advanced smart features or specific design aesthetics, you might want to consider its competitors.

Value for Money

Determining value for money is like figuring out if a movie ticket was worth it after seeing the film. Did the experience justify the cost? The JBL Bar 500 is moderately priced in the soundbar market, and here's why it might be a smart buy or why you might think twice.

First off, let's talk about what you're getting for your bucks. The JBL Bar 500 delivers a pretty solid punch in terms of sound quality. Its performance is impressive with rich bass and clear dialogue, enhancing your movie nights and gaming sessions. If you're after an immersive audio experience without breaking the bank, this could be a winner.

However, it's important to consider what the competitors offer. Some soundbars in the same price range might offer additional features like extra speakers for surround sound or advanced sound modes. If those are crucial to you, it might be worth comparing.

On the flip side, the JBL Bar 500 scores high on connectivity and compatibility. It easily syncs with most devices, making it hassle-free to use. Plus, the straightforward setup means you won’t need an engineering degree to get it running.

Yet, some might find the lack of certain high-end features a bit of a letdown. If you're hoping for built-in assistants or ultra-high-resolution audio support, you might need to look at a higher price tier.

Ultimately, whether the JBL Bar 500 offers good value for money depends on your needs and expectations. It's like getting a reliable car that doesn't have all the fancy extras but gets you from A to B smoothly. For a straightforward, quality audio boost, it ticks most boxes. But if you’re after more bells and whistles, you might need to stretch your budget a bit further.

Video by: JBL

Conclusion

Wrapping up our review, the JBL Bar 500 soundbar emerges as a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio experience without breaking the bank. It strikes a commendable balance between performance and price, offering a robust sound quality that's sure to enhance your movie nights or music sessions.

However, it's not without its quirks. Some users might find the lack of certain advanced features a bit of a letdown, especially if you're a tech enthusiast who loves to tinker with settings. But for the average user, these omissions might go unnoticed.

The design is sleek and modern, fitting seamlessly into most living room setups. It’s compact, yet powerful enough to fill the room with sound. If aesthetics matter to you, the build quality won’t disappoint.

When it comes to connectivity, it ticks most boxes, allowing for seamless integration with various devices. The setup process is fairly straightforward, although a little more guidance in the manual wouldn’t hurt. For those who are less tech-savvy, a bit of patience might be needed during installation.

In terms of value for money, it stands its ground against competitors. While there are cheaper options out there, the sound performance and durability offered justify the price tag. It's like paying for a mid-range car that feels like a luxury ride.

All in all, if you’re in the market for a reliable, well-rounded soundbar, you might just find the JBL Bar 500 to be a worthy companion for your entertainment needs.

FAQ

How do I connect the JBL Bar 500 to my TV?

You can easily connect it using an HDMI ARC cable for the best audio quality. If your TV doesn’t support ARC, you can use an optical cable instead. Just make sure to switch the sound output on your TV to external speakers.

Can I control the soundbar with my TV remote?

Yes, you can! The JBL Bar 500 supports HDMI CEC, which allows your TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume when connected via HDMI. Talk about convenience!

Is there a mobile app for controlling the soundbar?

Definitely! You can use the JBL One app to control various settings, including sound modes and firmware updates. It's like having a remote in your pocket.

Does it support Bluetooth?

Absolutely. The soundbar has Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your phone or other devices. However, keep in mind that the range might be limited compared to Wi-Fi.

What kind of sound modes does it offer?

The JBL Bar 500 comes with several sound modes like Movie, Music, and Sports. Each mode tweaks the audio profile to suit the content you're watching or listening to.

Can it be wall-mounted?

Yes, it can be wall-mounted. The package includes a wall-mount kit, so you don’t need to make a trip to the store for extra hardware.

Is there a subwoofer included?

Yes, a wireless subwoofer is included to enhance the bass performance. No extra wires needed, just plug it in and it connects automatically.

Is voice control available?

Unfortunately, voice control isn't directly supported on the soundbar. But, if you have a smart device like Amazon Echo or Google Home, you can use it to control playback through Bluetooth.

What is the warranty period?

The JBL Bar 500 usually comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. It’s important to keep your purchase receipt handy in case you need to claim it.

Are there any major downsides?

While its sound performance is solid, some users might find the lack of integrated voice assistant a bit limiting. Also, the reliance on a separate app for advanced settings might not be everyone’s cup of tea. ```

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications