These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) ranks #9 of 27 all-in-one soundbars by sound quality at $488; the JBL Bar 500MK2 ranks #6 of 16 soundbars with a subwoofer by sound quality at $499.95.
Why pick the Sonos Beam (Gen 2): The Beam fits under smaller TVs yet sounds balanced and clear, with dialogue that stays easy to follow. Watch for: Atmos height is simulated rather than fired at the ceiling, so overhead effects are subtle.
What the JBL Bar 500MK2 does well: A slim bar with a 10 inch wireless sub that reaches deep, so movies get convincing rumble. The catch: There are no up-firing or rear speakers, so Atmos height and surround effects are weak.
Buy the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) ($488) for an all-in-one soundbar; the JBL Bar 500MK2 ($499.95) suits a soundbar with a subwoofer instead.
Want more options? Browse the full TV Soundbars rankings.
The Beam fits under smaller TVs yet sounds balanced and clear, with dialogue that stays easy to follow.
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
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | JBL Bar 500MK2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $488.00 | $499.95 |
| Ranked | #9 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars | #6 of 16 in Soundbars With a Subwoofer |
| App | Yes (Sonos) | Yes (JBL One) |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Channels | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| DTS:X | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 2.7”H x 25.6”W x 3.9”D (68 x 651 x 100 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 (1 tweeter, 4 elliptical midwoofers) plus 3 passive radiators | Bar: 5 racetrack drivers, 4x 0.75” tweeters; Sub: 10” woofer |
| HDMI Input | No | 1 |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Included Subwoofer | None (optional Sonos Sub or Sub Mini) | Wireless, 10” driver |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Speakers | Optional (Sonos Era 100 or One SL) | No |
| Room Correction | Yes (Trueplay) | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa, Sonos Voice Control | No |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Sonos app streaming) | Yes (AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 750W total (bar 450W, sub 300W) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Subwoofer Dimensions | - | 400H x 325W x 325D mm |
| Subwoofer Weight | - | 8.1 kg |
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