OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

JBL Bar 1300MK2 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,270N. of audio channels:?Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:eARC

JBL Bar 1300MK2 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 9 expert and video reviews and 8 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Bar 1300MK2
8.4/10

Overall score

Score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

35%

8.1

Technical score

30%

8.3

List score

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

9.7

Sentiment score

★Better than 98% of soundbars
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

Overall score

30%

3.8

Price

▼Worse than 91%
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

25%

7.9

Audio

18%

7.2

Formats

16%

7.9

Connectivity

14%

9.3

Controls

12%

8.1

HDMI

10%

8.7

Streaming

5%

7.6

Design

★Better than 92%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (9)
9 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 84%
8.3

List score

List score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (8)
List score: in 8 of 100 lists (8%)
★Better than 94%
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,270
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the JBL Bar 1300MK2

Based on 0 · 10

Reviewers love the surround sound, clear dialogue and detachable speakers, but many feel the price is too high.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the JBL Bar 1300MK2

Based on 60 owners sharing their experience in online comments

65%positive7%mixed28%negative

Owners mostly praise the powerful, immersive sound, while quiet rear effects and uneven subwoofer performance cause the biggest frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say the detached rear speakers are too quiet as surrounds even at max volume; some say calibrating makes it worse, so leaving it uncalibrated helps.7
  • Some owners say the subwoofer stays silent or only starts working above about volume 20, and bass lacks depth and chest-level impact.6
  • Some owners say dialogue is hard to make out clearly, and the centre voice channel is quieter than they would like.3
  • Rear speaker placement can be awkward3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #202 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar JBL Bar 1300MK2

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components:

25%

7.9

Audio

18%

7.2

Formats

16%

7.9

Connectivity

14%

9.3

Controls

12%

8.1

HDMI

10%

8.7

Streaming

5%

7.6

Design

8.1
Reviews score
8.5
List score
8.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

8.4

Overall score

30%

3.8

Price

7.0
N. of audio channels
?
Audio output power
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
33 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 33 Hz, lower than 82.1% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Max frequency
20,000 Hz
Market range: <19k Hz – >20k Hz
This soundbar reaches a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz, higher than 17.5% of soundbars and equal to 76.8% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 70% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 83.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 16.5% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 3 HDMI inputs, more than 99% of soundbars and equal to 1% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 71.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 57.7% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 17.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 63.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
HDMI version
?
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 71.5% of soundbars and the same as what 28.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
4K
This soundbar passes through 4K, which is higher resolution than 74.5% of soundbars and equal to 23.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 79% of soundbars and equal to 16.2% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
yes
This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in. 88.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 79.5% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
yes
This soundbar supports TIDAL Connect. 91.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 13% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
?
Height
?
Thickness
?
Weight
?
Build material
?
Show more

JBL Bar 1300MK2 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 3 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (3 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    3 vs 0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (8 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    8 in vs 6 in
  • Includes rear speakers
    This soundbar includes rear speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
  • 19.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 84% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (9)
    9 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.1
  • 13.7% higher list score
    List score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (8)
    List score: in 8 of 100 lists (8%)
    8.3 vs 7.3
  • 34.7% higher sentiment score
    9.7 vs 7.2
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (8 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    8 in vs 6 in
  • Includes rear speakers
    This soundbar includes rear speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 17 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (33 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    33 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • 3 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (3 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    3 vs 0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (4K vs none).
    4K vs none
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (60 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    60 fps vs none fps
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports TIDAL Connect
    This soundbar supports tIDAL Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Automatic room calibration
    This soundbar supports automatic room calibration, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • 11.55x more expensive
    JBL Bar 1300MK2 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£1,270 vs £110).
    £1,270 vs £110
  • 8.3% worse value for money
    JBL Bar 1300MK2 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.03 vs 7.6).
    7.03 vs 7.61
  • 11.55x more expensive
    JBL Bar 1300MK2 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£1,270 vs £110).
    £1,270 vs £110
  • 8.3% worse value for money
    JBL Bar 1300MK2 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.03 vs 7.6).
    7.03 vs 7.61
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Sameer Mitha
≈ estimated
15/09/2026
Hands-on review · movie and gaming tests
Verdict
JBL Bar 1300MK2 is an excellent choice for under-TV placement, though it is less suited to gaming.
9.0
MrYouWho
≈ estimated
22/04/2026
Hands-on review · movies, music, setup and app tests
Verdict
JBL Bar 1300MK2 turns a living room into a wireless home cinema and is a clear recommendation for movie fans.
9.5
Stu’s Reviews
≈ estimated
18/02/2026
Hands-on review · weeks of testing, sound and features
Verdict
JBL Bar 1300MK2 delivers outstanding cinema-like sound and features, though its upward effects are weaker in some rooms.
9.0
The Tech Shed
≈ estimated
27/01/2026
Hands-on review · sound, setup and detachable speakers
Verdict
JBL Bar 1300MK2 is a flexible surround system that does its job well, though charging, the app and the price are weak points.
9.0
Adam Purdroid
≈ estimated
30/11/2025
Hands-on review · sound tests, setup and features
Verdict
JBL Bar 1300MK2 is almost perfect and highly recommended, especially for anyone who wants easy setup.
9.0
ThisisHazno
≈ estimated
22/11/2025
Hands-on review · Dolby Atmos and movie scene tests
Verdict
JBL Bar 1300MK2 impresses the creator with its sound and bass, who calls the subwoofer truly amazing with no real drawbacks mentioned.
6.0
Smart Sound Mastery
≈ estimated
30/08/2026
Short issue video · Bluetooth use of detachable speakers
Verdict
JBL Bar 1300MK2's detachable speakers work well at home, but standalone Bluetooth use has a rattling flaw that needs fixing.
9.5
Smart Sound Mastery
≈ estimated
21/06/2026
First impressions · three weeks of daily use
Verdict
JBL Bar 1300MK2 is the best-sounding soundbar the creator has heard, though a rival wins on price-to-performance.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about JBL Bar 1300MK2

  • Three HDMI inputs suit a TV with a console and a streamer.
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both supported.
  • A center channel keeps dialogue clear in loud scenes.
  • The 8 in subwoofer goes down to 33 Hz.
  • The rear speakers detach and work as Bluetooth speakers elsewhere.
  • Chromecast, AirPlay, Wi-Fi and TIDAL Connect are built in.

What customers don't like about JBL Bar 1300MK2

  • The rear speakers need regular charging to stay wireless.
  • The subwoofer is large and heavy for a living room.
  • No USB audio input for playing music from a stick.
  • Bluetooth multipoint is missing, so a second phone cannot stay connected at once.
  • Height effects are weaker in rooms with vaulted ceilings.

Verdict

Three HDMI inputs make the JBL Bar 1300MK2 a sensible choice for a busy TV setup. It has a center channel, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, so dialogue comes out clearly and effects move around the room. The 8 in subwoofer gives strong, controlled bass, and it goes down to 33 Hz. The rear speakers come in the box and detach, so you can use them for surround sound or as Bluetooth speakers elsewhere in the house. Automatic room calibration does most of the setup, and the app adds EQ control. Chromecast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect are all built in. The trade-off is the premium price, and there is no USB audio input. It suits a film fan with several devices who wants every feature and is happy to pay the premium.

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