OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

JBL Bar 300 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£280N. of audio channels:5.0Audio output power:260 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

JBL Bar 300 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Bar 300
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

95%

7.3

Technical score

5%

8.1

Reviews score ( 9 · 11)

Reviews score 5% · 8.1 · based on 20 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
â–²Better than 88% of soundbars
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

★Better than 96%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

25%

5.5

Audio

18%

6.4

Formats

16%

8.5

Connectivity

14%

9.1

Controls

12%

8.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.8

Smart features

5%

6.9

Design

â–²Better than 88%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Grades by review (20)
9 reviews: 7 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 62%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of soundbar JBL Bar 300

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components:

25%

5.5

Audio

18%

6.4

Formats

16%

8.5

Connectivity

14%

9.1

Controls

12%

8.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.8

Smart features

5%

6.9

Design

7.3
Reviews score
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

7.9
Brand name
JBL
N. of audio channels
5
This soundbar offers 5 audio channels, more than 85.6% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Audio output power
260 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 260 W of audio output power, more than 89.1% of soundbars and equal to 1.2% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
50 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, lower than 51.2% of soundbars and equal to 13.4% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 79.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Atmos effect is virtualized; no up-firing drivers.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 27.1% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6, which is newer than that of 97.3% of soundbars and the same as that of 2.7% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is newer than that of 38.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 47.6% of soundbars.
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Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
2
This soundbar uses HDMI 2, which is newer than that of 58% of soundbars and the same as that of 15.4% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 78.7% of soundbars and the same as what 21.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
4K
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 4K, which is higher than that of 80.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 17.2% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 82.4% of soundbars and equal to 14.4% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
yes
This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in. 88.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
yes
This soundbar supports TIDAL Connect. 91% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect support added via firmware update.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Available via the JBL One app.
Show more
Width
820 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 820 mm wide, wider than 61.2% of soundbars.
Height
56 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 56 mm high, shorter than 88.2% of soundbars and equal to 5.4% of soundbars.
Thickness
103.5 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 103.5 mm thick, thicker than 70.6% of soundbars.
Weight
2,500 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2,500 g, more than 62.2% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more

JBL Bar 300 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Atmos effect is virtualized; no up-firing drivers.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.0 vs 2.0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This soundbar supports Chromecast built-in, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, 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.
  • 16.9% better value for money
    JBL Bar 300 has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.88 vs 6.7).
    7.88 vs 6.75
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    5.0 vs 2.0
  • 2 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (6 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    6 vs 4
  • 3.71x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (260 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    260 W vs 70 W
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more equalizer bands
    This soundbar offers more equalizer bands than the average soundbar (3 vs 2). The average soundbar offers 2 equalizer bands.
    3 vs 2
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Atmos effect is virtualized; no up-firing drivers.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3
  • 4 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (6 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    6 vs 2
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Higher pass-through resolution
    This soundbar supports 4K for HDMI pass-through resolution, while the average soundbar supports 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
  • Newer HDCP version
    This soundbar uses 2.3 for HDCP version, while the average soundbar uses none.
    2.3 vs none
  • 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.
    Chromecast built-in multi-room support. Alexa Multi-Room Music support.
  • Supports TIDAL Connect
    This soundbar supports tIDAL Connect, the average soundbar does not.
    TIDAL Connect support added via firmware update.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the JBL One app.
  • 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.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • 1 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    1 vs 0
  • Easier firmware updates
    This soundbar uses over-the-air, USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    over-the-air, USB vs app-based, USB
  • 11 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (56 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    56 mm vs 67 mm
  • 2 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2023 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    February 19, 2023
    2,023 vs 2,021
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (1x1.81 x 3.54" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    1x1.81 x 3.54" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    Yes? (USB playback is available on the US version; for other regions, it is for service only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-3 to 3 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -3 to 3 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    yes (Available in the US version; for others, USB is for service only)
  • 17.5 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (103.5 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    103.5 mm vs 86 mm
  • 2.95x more expensive
    JBL Bar 300 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£280 vs £95).
    £280 vs £95
  • 58 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (820 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    820 mm vs 762 mm
  • 2.95x more expensive
    JBL Bar 300 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£280 vs £95).
    £280 vs £95
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (1x1.81 x 3.54" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    1x1.81 x 3.54" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-3 to 3 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -3 to 3 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    Yes? (USB playback is available on the US version; for other regions, it is for service only)
  • 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.
    yes (Available in the US version; for others, USB is for service only)
  • Narrower lip-sync adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower lip-sync adjustment range than the average soundbar (0-250 ms vs 0-300 ms). The average soundbar offers a lip-sync adjustment range of 0-300 ms.
    0-250 ms vs 0-300 ms
  • 17.5 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (103.5 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    103.5 mm vs 86 mm
  • 500 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,500 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,500 g vs 2,000 g
  • 58 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (820 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    820 mm vs 762 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
TheBetterBuy
≈ estimated
26/06/2024
Hands-on review · sound, connections and app
Verdict
JBL Bar 300 is clearly recommended, especially for the price and small rooms, though its bass is limited.
9.0
Wanna Buy It
≈ estimated
10/10/2023
Hands-on review · sound, bass, volume and apartment use
Verdict
JBL Bar 300 is great for apartments and quiet listening, though its bass and large-room volume fall short.
8.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
23/06/2023
Hands-on review · sound tests, design and app
Verdict
JBL Bar 300 is a solid all-in-one choice for small to medium rooms, with limits on bass and loudness.
8.0
Tech Jamo
≈ estimated
09/06/2023
Hands-on review · gaming test and product tour
Verdict
JBL Bar 300 does the job and beats TV speakers, but it lacks real bass.
9.0
Technotin
≈ estimated
10/05/2023
Hands-on review · calibration, sync and Dolby Atmos tests
Verdict
JBL Bar 300 is a good-value compact soundbar with pleasant sound, though Atmos needs an HDMI connection.
8.0
Full Transparency
≈ estimated
08/04/2023
Hands-on review · details, features and sound test
Verdict
JBL Bar 300 is a solid budget upgrade over TV speakers, but without a subwoofer it lacks extra power.
4.0
TotallydubbedHD
≈ estimated
05/01/2023
Hands-on review · sound, design and rival comparison
Verdict
JBL Bar 300 is a complete package, but its price is too high given better alternatives, especially those with a subwoofer.
Not graded
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
homecinemachoice.com
✓ explicit
08/08/2023
Listening test · Compact 5.0 soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 is a compact one-box bar with punchy bass and a clean app, but it has no separate subwoofer and no true overhead sound.
8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
26/03/2024
Test room review · Feature-rich soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 offers clear dialogue and punchy bass, but its midrange sounds hollow and it is less musical than the best.
8.0
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
06/11/2022
Listening test · Connected soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 offers plenty of streaming options and a second HDMI output, but its sound is slightly nasal and otherwise pleasant and full.
8.0
hifi.de
✓ explicit
15/08/2024
Hands-on test · All-in-one soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 is a simple, reliable TV soundbar with clear dialogue and a solid app, but without a subwoofer its bass lacks depth.
7.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
28/11/2022
Hands-on test · All-in-one soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 sounds balanced with generous bass when surround virtualization is off, but it distorts at high volume and its Atmos effect is barely noticeable.
8.4
charlestech.fr
✓ explicit
18/05/2024
Hands-on test · Compact bar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 is a complete, practical bar that needs no separate subwoofer, but its plastic grille and top panel use lower-grade materials.
8.0
gymcaddy.net
≈ estimated
23/06/2023
Video review · Self-contained soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 is a compact soundbar with clear dialogue and an easy-to-use app, but without upward speakers or a subwoofer its surround feels limited.
9.0
letemsvetemapplem.eu
≈ estimated
29/06/2024
Hands-on test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 is a small soundbar with clear dialogue and rich bass, but it fills a room less than the Bar 500 or 800 the reviewer tested.
7.5
hifipicks.com
✓ explicit
07/12/2024
Full review · Compact all-in-one soundbar
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300 is a compact, easy-to-set-up soundbar with clear dialogue and a built-in bass port, but bass is weaker than bars with a separate subwoofer.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about JBL Bar 300

  • Impressive bass performance for an all-in-one unit without a dedicated subwoofer
  • Compact and sleek design that fits easily under most TVs without obstructing the screen
  • Simple and straightforward setup process, often completed in minutes
  • Excellent feature set for the price, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4K Dolby Vision passthrough
  • Built-in automatic room calibration effectively optimizes sound for the specific environment
  • Clear dialogue performance, enhanced by dedicated PureVoice technology

What customers don't like about JBL Bar 300

  • Virtual Dolby Atmos lacks the vertical immersion of systems with physical upward-firing drivers
  • Limited sub-bass extension compared to soundbars that include a separate subwoofer
  • Sound can be overly bright or piercing at high frequencies, which may be fatiguing for some
  • Inability to expand the system later with additional wireless rear speakers or a subwoofer
  • Occasional software or connectivity issues, such as audio dropouts or difficulty syncing with TVs
  • The included HDMI cable is often cited as being too short for many setups

Verdict

The JBL Bar 300 is a compact, 5.0-channel all-in-one soundbar featuring 260W of total output power and a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz. It integrates four 46x90mm racetrack drivers and two 20mm tweeters to deliver virtual Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam surround sound without a separate subwoofer. Main characteristics include an HDMI eARC port with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough, built-in Wi-Fi supporting AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast, alongside PureVoice technology for dialogue enhancement. Pros include its space-saving design (82cm width), easy room calibration, and strong bass performance for its size. However, notable cons include the lack of upward-firing drivers for true overhead Atmos effects and limited sub-bass extension compared to systems with a dedicated subwoofer.

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