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 5.0 MultiBeam Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£280N. of audio channels:5.0Audio output power:250 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 8 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

95%

7.5

Technical score

5%

8.1

Reviews score ( 0 · 8)

Reviews score 5% · 8.1 · based on 8 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.
★Better than 90% of soundbars
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 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
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

★Better than 96%
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

25%

5.9

Audio

18%

6.9

Formats

16%

7.9

Connectivity

14%

9.7

Controls

12%

8.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.3

Smart features

5%

7.3

Design

★Better than 90%
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Grades by review (8)
8 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.
▲Better 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.

What owners say about the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

Based on 74 owners sharing their experience in online comments

42%positive12%mixed46%negative

Owners praise its full, spacious sound and value, while setup failures and uneven dialogue keep the experience mixed.

What owners dislike

  • On streaming and Blu-ray, owners find dialogue quiet while action effects and bass are too loud; some must turn the centre up.7
  • Owners often cannot join Wi-Fi through the JBL app or Google Home, and some find only an Ethernet connection works.5
  • Some owners find the bass weak, while others hear rattling or garbled bass at high volume and boomy bass in small rooms.5
  • Owners report no-signal screens when an Apple TV connects through the bar by HDMI, and TV sound sometimes never reaches the bar.5
  • Some owners say the sound is flat or artificial, and that their TV's built-in speakers or a Sonos sound richer, deeper and more natural.4
  • Owners find the bass and sync menus hidden behind timed remote button presses, and some took months to find them.4
  • Sound sometimes cuts out or mutes at random, especially with Atmos content, and can switch over to the TV speakers.3
  • Owners report it slipping into standby after about ten minutes, sometimes not starting with the TV, or switching back on after being turned off.3
  • Owners say pass-through never shows TrueHD, only Dolby Digital and DD+, and optical cannot be chosen while HDMI is connected.3

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

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Technical Specifications of soundbar JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

25%

5.9

Audio

18%

6.9

Formats

16%

7.9

Connectivity

14%

9.7

Controls

12%

8.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.3

Smart features

5%

7.3

Design

7.5
Reviews score
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

8.0
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
250 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 250 W of audio output power, more than 86.8% of soundbars and equal to 1.7% 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
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83% of soundbars include this feature.
Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
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.
Dolby Atmos streaming on this model uses Dolby Digital Plus.
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 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is older than that of 61.6% of soundbars and the same as that of 24.9% of soundbars.
Show more
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
eARC
This soundbar uses HDMI eARC, which is newer than that of 73.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 17% 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
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
709 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 709 mm wide, narrower than 54.3% of soundbars.
Height
58 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 58 mm high, shorter than 82.4% of soundbars and equal to 3.2% of soundbars.
Thickness
101 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 101 mm thick, thicker than 67.4% of soundbars.
Weight
2,800 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2,800 g, more than 68.6% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic, metal
This soundbar uses plastic, metal for the build material, which is different from that of 95.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 4.3% of soundbars.
Show more

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam 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
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • 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.
    Dolby Atmos streaming on this model uses Dolby Digital Plus.
  • 18.4% better value for money
    JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.99 vs 6.7).
    7.99 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
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 3.57x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (250 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    250 W vs 70 W
  • 1 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    5 vs 4
  • 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 TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
    Dolby Atmos streaming on this model uses Dolby Digital Plus.
  • 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.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG 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.
    AirPlay 2 multi-room support. Chromecast built-in multi-room support. Alexa Multi-Room Music support.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, 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.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
    Auto-volume mode.
  • 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.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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
  • Premium build material
    This soundbar uses plastic, metal for build materials, while the average soundbar uses plastic.
    plastic, metal vs plastic
  • 9 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (58 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    58 mm vs 67 mm
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    yes (for music playback in certain regions, service only in EU versions)
  • 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 (1 to 5 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    1 to 5 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    yes (Available in the US version; for other versions, USB is for service only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (5x1.89" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    5x1.89" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • 2.95x more expensive
    JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is more expensive than the average soundbar (£280 vs £95).
    £280 vs £95
  • 2.95x more expensive
    JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is more expensive than the average soundbar (£280 vs £95).
    £280 vs £95
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (1 to 5 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    1 to 5 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (5x1.89" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    5x1.89" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • 1 fewer supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    1 vs 2
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    yes (for music playback in certain regions, service only in EU versions)
  • 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 other versions, USB is for service only)
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 800 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,800 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,800 g vs 2,000 g
  • 15 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (101 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    101 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
Nick Borodenko
≈ estimated
02/02/2022
Independent review · bass, Dolby Atmos and connection tests
Verdict
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is a stylish soundbar with enough bass, though its virtual Atmos adds little.
9.0
Alan Ross - The Anti Shill!
≈ estimated
19/12/2021
Full review · sound tests, Atmos and calibration
Verdict
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is a compact soundbar that sounds bigger than expected for its size, though it is not true surround.
9.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
19/05/2021
Hands-on review · sound, features and connectivity
Verdict
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is very easy to recommend for its bass, though it lacks an app and subwoofer expansion.
9.0
Juan Camacho
≈ estimated
17/11/2022
Short review · reasons to buy
Verdict
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is a great choice for its price, with good sound, Bluetooth and easy setup.
8.0
Mr Mx Tech -English
≈ estimated
24/07/2022
Short review · sound, connections and feature overview
Verdict
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam offers good bass and clear sound for the price, though it lacks an app and subwoofer support.
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Brand video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
25/02/2021
Not graded yet
trustedreviews.com
24/05/2021
Not graded yet
homecinemachoice.com
25/05/2021
Not graded yet
radiotimes.com
10/08/2021
Not graded yet
avforums.com
03/01/2022
Not graded yet
t3.com
28/06/2022
Not graded yet
techgearlab.com
16/03/2026
Not graded yet
rtings.com
28/05/2021
Not graded yet
stuff.co.nz
19/07/2021
Not graded yet
androidpolice.com
31/01/2022
Not graded yet
goosed.ie
23/06/2021
Not graded yet
lbtechreviews.com
16/02/2021
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What customers like about JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

  • 5.0-channel layout with Dolby Atmos gives it a more immersive presentation than basic soundbars
  • eARC, HDMI input, AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and voice-assistant support make it feature-rich
  • Automatic room calibration and dialogue enhancement help it adapt better to real rooms
  • 250 W output is strong for a compact single-bar design

What customers don't like about JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

  • No separate subwoofer or rear speakers included
  • No DTS:X support
  • No AUX or USB audio input for older source gear
  • It is still a single-bar solution, so deep bass and rear separation remain limited versus larger systems

Verdict

The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is a compact all-in-one soundbar featuring 250W of total power, five 48x80mm racetrack drivers, and four 75mm passive radiators that deliver surprisingly punchy bass without a separate subwoofer. It utilizes proprietary MultiBeam technology and Virtual Dolby Atmos to create a wide, immersive 3D soundstage from a single 70.9cm wide unit, complemented by HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision pass-through and extensive wireless connectivity including Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music. Main pros include its space-saving design, easy automatic room calibration, and strong vocal clarity; however, it lacks dedicated up-firing drivers for true overhead Atmos effects, has no option to add an external subwoofer or rear speakers, and does not support DTS audio formats.

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