JBL Soundbar Review
Our verdict
The JBL Bar 700 MK2 is a 7.1-channel soundbar rated at 780W, priced at $649.95, matching the Bar 500 MK2 in price but stepping up to seven channels and additional wattage. At 86 ratings and a 4.6-star average, early buyers are as happy with it as they are with the 500 MK2, and the extra channels give it an edge for larger rooms.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Buyers who want true 7.1 surround sound in a single-bar form factor and have a larger room where the additional channels will make an audible difference.
Skip if
Your room is small or medium-sized where the extra two channels over a 5.1 bar would not be perceptible, or you need Dolby Atmos overhead effects.
- Channels 7.1
- Power 780 W
- Speaker type Soundbar
- Connectivity Hdmi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Mounting Wall Mount
- Color Black
- Priced 105% above the category median ($316.79 across 62 tracked models)
- Power of 780 W - higher than 91% of the 63 models we track
- Weight of 32.0 lb - heavier than 88% of the 63 models we track
Pros
- 7.1-channel configuration for wider surround coverage
- 780W rated output across seven channels
- Same price as the 5.1 Bar 500 MK2, more channels for the money
- HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi all included
- 4.6-star average from early buyers
Cons
- 86 reviews is still a relatively small sample for a $649.95 buy
- No height channels for Dolby Atmos overhead audio
- 32 lb system weight makes repositioning awkward
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 86 owner ratings
-
Popularity1.7/5
86 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other AV receivers and amplifiers, soundbars, home theater speakers, subwoofers, surround sound systems and Blu-ray players we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Bar 700 MK2 spans 45.8 inches and stands 5 inches tall, slightly wider and taller than the Bar 500 MK2. At 32 pounds the system is heavier, reflecting the additional hardware needed to support seven discrete channels. The 780W rated output gives it 30W more than the 500 MK2, which in a 7.1 arrangement means more power distributed to surround channels.
HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi round out a complete connectivity package. Like the Bar 500 MK2, the Wi-Fi support means you are not limited to Bluetooth range for network music. HDMI keeps TV audio clean and handles audio return channel passthrough without signal degradation.
At 86 reviews and 4.6 stars the early momentum mirrors the Bar 500 MK2. Both bars arrive at the same price, so the decision between them is about channel count and room size rather than budget. If your space can benefit from two additional surround channels, the 700 MK2 is the clearer choice.
Specifications
| Channels | 7.1 |
|---|---|
| Power | 780 W |
| Speaker type | Soundbar |
| Connectivity | Hdmi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Mounting | Wall Mount |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 5 X 45.8 X 2 In |
| Weight | 32.0 lb |
Performance notes
7.1-channel system rated at 780W. Main bar dimensions are 5 x 45.8 x 2 inches, system weight 32 lb. Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. Wall mount supported. No upward-firing drivers in this configuration.
What buyers say
86 ratings at 4.6 stars mirrors the Bar 500 MK2's score, suggesting JBL's MK2 lineup is landing well with buyers. The 86-review pool is solid enough to suggest consistency, though it will take a few more months of reviews to fully confirm the pattern.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Bar 700 MK2 better than the Bar 500 MK2 at the same price?
It depends on your room. The 700 MK2 adds two surround channels over the 500 MK2 and 30W more power. In a larger room where surround speakers can create a true envelopment effect, the extra channels are worth it. In a small room, the difference may be hard to notice and the 500 MK2 is equally capable.
Does the Bar 700 MK2 include a wireless subwoofer?
The 7.1 configuration suggests a subwoofer is part of the system. As with other JBL MK2 bars, the subwoofer connects wirelessly to the main bar but still requires a separate power outlet. Confirm the exact package contents on JBL's product page before ordering.
What streaming services can I use with the Wi-Fi connection?
Wi-Fi-equipped JBL bars in the MK2 range typically support several streaming protocols depending on firmware, which can include Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, or Spotify Connect. Check the current JBL product listing and firmware notes for the confirmed list of supported services, as these can be added via updates.