If you're thinking about upgrading your TV sound this year, JBL just gave you five new reasons to pay attention. The company has launched its 2025 Bar MK2 series—a refreshed lineup of soundbars that range from simple all-in-one units to a full-blown home theater setup with detachable wireless speakers and over 2,000 watts of power.
Whether you want to keep your setup clean or go all-in on surround sound, there’s something in this new lineup for different spaces and budgets. Let’s break down what’s new and how each soundbar compares.
JBL’s new lineup includes five models:
All models support Dolby Atmos in some form, and the higher-end ones (1300MK2 and 1000MK2) also support DTS:X. JBL says the remaining models will get DTS Virtual:X later this year through a software update.
Streaming support is solid across the board: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, along with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon. All soundbars also work with the JBL One app, which lets you stream high-res audio or control everything from your phone.
The 1300MK2 is JBL’s new flagship, and it packs serious specs. We're talking 29 drivers, a redesigned subwoofer with two 8-inch woofers, and six up-firing speakers for true Dolby Atmos height effects. Total power? A whopping 2,470 watts.
One standout feature is AI Sound Boost, which uses machine learning to adjust sound in real-time. For example, if a big explosion is coming up in a movie, the system can redirect power to make it hit harder, without muddying dialogue or distorting the bass.
You also get Bluetooth-enabled detachable rear speakers, which can work as standalone speakers or even in other rooms using a new feature called Broadcast. This lets you bring the movie or music with you—no need to pause when you grab a snack from the kitchen.
The Bar 1300MK2 also includes two HDMI inputs, eARC support, and will be available in October 2025 for $1,699.95 in the U.S.
If you want surround sound but don’t need everything the 1300MK2 offers, the 1000MK2 is next in line. It keeps true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, still includes up-firing drivers and a 10-inch subwoofer, but drops the Bluetooth functionality in the detachable speakers. It’s priced at $1,199 and launches in June 2025.
The 700MK2 trims things down even further. It drops the up-firing drivers and uses virtual Atmos instead of true height effects. DTS:X will be added later through a firmware update. Still, you get detachable rears and a subwoofer, giving you a 7.1-channel setup without as many physical speakers. This one comes in at $899.
For people who want good sound without the extra boxes and cables, the Bar 500MK2 might be the sweet spot. It offers 5.1 channels with a dedicated 10-inch subwoofer and 750 watts of power. You still get virtual Atmos and support for all major streaming platforms. At $649, it could be a solid pick for living rooms and smaller apartments.
The 300MK2 is even simpler. It’s a 5.0-channel soundbar with no subwoofer and no rears—just one compact speaker under your TV. But it still offers a lot for its size: 450W of power, virtual Atmos, and access to JBL’s SmartDetails and PureVoice 2.0 features. At $449, it’s aimed at folks who want better sound without any setup hassle.
No matter which soundbar you choose, there are a few things you’ll find across the lineup:
With this lineup, JBL seems to be targeting just about every type of home theater user. If you want a plug-and-play system with big sound and immersive effects, the Bar 1300MK2 and 1000MK2 are ready to go head-to-head with competitors like the Samsung Q990F or the Sonos Arc Ultra.
On the other hand, the Bar 500MK2 and 300MK2 are better fits for people upgrading from basic TV sound, or anyone who wants a cleaner setup without extra speakers.
Everything except the flagship is launching by June 2025, while the 1300MK2 is expected to arrive in the fall.
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