Short answer: the Polk MagniFi Mini AX. It ranks #2 of 16 soundbars with a subwoofer by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $499; the JBL Bar 500MK2 ranks #6, rated 3.5/5, and costs $499.95, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the Polk MagniFi Mini AX: This tiny bar and its wireless sub sound far bigger than they look, and Wirecutter made it their top all-around pick after it beat larger bars in blind listening. The catch: Height and surround are processed, so overhead effects are subtle.
The case for the JBL Bar 500MK2: A slim bar with a 10 inch wireless sub that reaches deep, so movies get convincing rumble. The tradeoff: There are no up-firing or rear speakers, so Atmos height and surround effects are weak.
Buy the Polk MagniFi Mini AX. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Bar 500MK2 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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This tiny bar and its wireless sub sound far bigger than they look, and Wirecutter made it their top all-around pick after it beat larger bars in blind listening.
A slim bar with a 10 inch wireless sub that reaches deep, so movies get convincing rumble.
Prices on this page were last checked November 2, 2026 at 11:36 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk MagniFi Mini AX | JBL Bar 500MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $499.95 |
| Ranked | #2 of 16 in Soundbars With a Subwoofer | #6 of 16 in Soundbars With a Subwoofer |
| App | No | Yes (JBL One) |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Channels | 3.1 | 5.1 |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.1”H x 14.4”W x 4.1”D (79 x 366 x 104 mm) | 2”H x 37”W x 4.1”D (51 x 940 x 104 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Virtual (decodes Atmos, no up-firing drivers) | Virtual (decodes Atmos, no up-firing drivers) |
| Drivers | Bar: 5 drivers (2 x 0.75” tweeters, 3 x 2” mids); Sub: 5x7” down-firing woofer | Bar: 5 racetrack drivers, 4x 0.75” tweeters; Sub: 10” woofer |
| HDMI Input | No | 1 |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Included Subwoofer | Wireless, 5x7” driver | Wireless, 10” driver |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Speakers | Optional (Polk SR2) | No |
| Room Correction | No | Yes |
| Subwoofer Dimensions | 371H x 182W x 396D mm | 400H x 325W x 325D mm |
| Voice Assistants | No | No |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs (1.7 kg) | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect) | Yes (AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 750W total (bar 450W, sub 300W) |
| Subwoofer Weight | - | 8.1 kg |
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