JBL Bar 500: 5.1-Channel Soundbar with MultiBeam and Dolby Atmos, Black
5.1-channel with Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam spatial audio -- the best balance of features and price in the mid-range tier.
Updated
- 5.1-channel with Dolby Atmos via MultiBeam virtual surround
- Wireless subwoofer included for real low-end performance
- HDMI eARC ensures full-bandwidth audio from compatible TVs
- Strong buyer feedback at a mid-range price point
Best For / Not For
Best for
- Medium to large living rooms where surround audio makes a difference
- Buyers who stream Dolby Atmos content on Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV+
- First-time soundbar buyers who want to skip the budget tier entirely
Not for
- Small rooms where the 5.1 processing offers diminishing returns
- Buyers committed to the Sonos ecosystem who want multi-room integration
- Ultra-premium home theater setups where separates outperform any soundbar
Key Details
How MultiBeam Actually Works
JBL's MultiBeam technology uses angled drivers inside the bar to bounce sound off side walls, creating the perception of audio coming from beside and behind the listener. This works best in rectangular rooms where the side walls are relatively close and parallel to the seating position. In open-plan rooms with no adjacent walls, or in very wide rooms where the soundbar is centered on a large expanse, the effect is less pronounced. If your living room matches the rectangular target configuration, MultiBeam delivers credible surround without rear speakers. If your room is irregular or open, manage expectations accordingly.
Dolby Atmos height simulation is a similar story. The JBL Bar 500 does not have upward-firing drivers -- it simulates height channels through signal processing. The result is an expanded soundstage that sounds more three-dimensional than standard stereo, but it is not the same as the height audio you get from a soundbar with dedicated upward-firing tweeters. For most viewers watching streaming content, the processed height effect is a meaningful upgrade from flat stereo. For enthusiasts who A/B tested a true height-channel soundbar, the difference is audible.
JBL Bar 500 vs. Sonos Beam Gen 1
The Sonos Beam Gen 1 costs more and offers tighter Sonos ecosystem integration with TruePlay acoustic tuning but only Dolby Digital Plus -- not full Dolby Atmos. The JBL Bar 500 at a lower price delivers Dolby Atmos processing and 5.1 channels. If Dolby Atmos support and a larger soundstage matter to you, the JBL wins at this price tier. If you already own Sonos speakers and want seamless multi-room integration with your existing setup, the Sonos Beam is the better ecosystem fit despite the audio format limitation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- MultiBeam creates convincing spatial audio from a single bar
- Dolby Atmos support through HDMI eARC delivers the full uncompressed format
- Wireless subwoofer included for real low-end bass
- App control via JBL One app allows EQ and surround tuning
Cons
- MultiBeam surround effect varies by room shape and wall materials
- Size of the bar may not fit below some TVs on standard TV stands
Bottom Line
Buy the JBL Bar 500 if you want the best combination of Dolby Atmos, 5.1-channel audio, and value in the mid-range soundbar tier. It packs Dolby Atmos, 5.1 channels, and a wireless subwoofer at a mid-range price, which makes the total package competitive at higher price points.
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