Main trade-off
JBL Bar 300 MK2
The body is 22.6 inches wider than Polk's.
Head-to-head
JBL Bar 300 MK2 vs Polk MagniFi Mini AX: JBL stays in one low enclosure, Polk saves width but adds a subwoofer
The short answer
Choose Bar 300 MK2 for a single enclosure, a lower bar and one direct HDMI source. Choose Mini AX for a much narrower bar, a supplied subwoofer or a wired analog source. Both support network music and optical TV audio, so the main decision is where the hardware and video connections will go.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
A narrow opening and a low screen can favor opposite bars
At 20 inches of available width, only Polk's body fits. If height is the tighter constraint, JBL's bar is 1.1 inches lower.
What this is based on
20 - 14.4 = 5.6 inches of remaining total width for Polk. JBL exceeds the opening by 37 - 20 = 17 inches. Height difference is 3.1 - 2 = 1.1 inches. Required clearance is additional.
Main trade-off
Polk MagniFi Mini AX
The separate subwoofer needs its own location and power.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Choose it for
- Keep the initial setup to one bar without a separate bass box
- Connect one compatible HDMI source directly to the bar
- Main trade-off
- The body is 22.6 inches wider than Polk's.
Polk MagniFi Mini AX
- Choose it for
- Fit a 14.4-inch bar between closely spaced TV legs
- Start with a supplied subwoofer and a 3.5 mm analog input
- Main trade-off
- The separate subwoofer needs its own location and power.
About this comparison
Compare JBL Bar 300 MK2 and Polk Mini AX for one-box installation, a narrow TV stand, a direct HDMI source and a supplied subwoofer.
Choose Bar 300 MK2 for a single enclosure, a lower bar and one direct HDMI source. Choose Mini AX for a much narrower bar, a supplied subwoofer or a wired analog source. Both support network music and optical TV audio, so the main decision is where the hardware and video connections will go.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
I do not want a separate subwoofer enclosure
The JBL offer is one bar. Polk's selected package includes a separate bass box.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Better fit
- Polk MagniFi Mini AX
- Not suitable
Only 20 inches of body width are available
JBL is 37 inches wide. Polk is 14.4 inches before placement allowances.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Not suitable
- Polk MagniFi Mini AX
- Better fit
One HDMI video source must plug into the bar
JBL has one source input. Polk has none.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Better fit
- Polk MagniFi Mini AX
- Not suitable
A 3.5 mm analog source must connect directly
Polk provides that input. JBL's documented audio inputs do not include analog.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Not suitable
- Polk MagniFi Mini AX
- Better fit
The screen sits close to the stand
JBL's two-inch body is lower, but the actual screen edge and placement requirements must still be measured.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Caution
- Polk MagniFi Mini AX
- Caution
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
A narrow opening and a low screen can favor opposite bars
At 20 inches of available width, only Polk's body fits. If height is the tighter constraint, JBL's bar is 1.1 inches lower.
How we reached this conclusion
20 - 14.4 = 5.6 inches of remaining total width for Polk. JBL exceeds the opening by 37 - 20 = 17 inches. Height difference is 3.1 - 2 = 1.1 inches. Required clearance is additional.
Polk moves part of the installation away from the television
Its narrow bar is paired with a separate powered subwoofer. The system therefore needs two speaker locations even when the space under the TV is very small.
How we reached this conclusion
The selected JBL package contains one soundbar. The Polk package contains a bar and wireless subwoofer, whose listed footprint is 7.2 by 15.6 inches. Wireless audio does not remove its power requirement.
The extra HDMI socket changes a crowded TV's wiring
JBL can take one compatible player before sending video to the TV. Polk offers no equivalent source input, so a full television may need an external switch or a different connection plan.
How we reached this conclusion
JBL's US table lists one HDMI video input and one eARC output. Polk lists one HDMI eARC connection with no separate video-source input. The specific signal format still requires checking.
Try your real numbers
Will the soundbar fit under your TV?
Measure the clear space in front of your TV. Count devices you want to plug into the soundbar, not devices already connected to the TV. The numbers below are examples until you enter yours.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
Meets these checks37 inches wide and 2 inches high, with 1 separate HDMI source input. It leaves 11.0 inches of total spare width.
Polk MagniFi Mini AX
Does not meet these checksIts 3.1-inch height exceeds the 3 inches below your picture.
Use an open top surface, not an enclosed cubby. Detachable speakers are counted in the docked width. Allow extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks physical dimensions and port counts, not Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough or your TV’s audio-format support.
Choice A
JBL, Bar 300MK2
JBL Bar 300 MK2
The Bar 300 MK2 keeps the low cabinet and Wi-Fi features of the 500 MK2 without a separate subwoofer. It also accepts one HDMI source directly, which is useful if the TV is already short of ports. Optional surrounds require current firmware and two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers, bought separately.
- Best matched use
- Keep the initial setup to one bar without a separate bass box
Checked facts
- Supplied speaker package: One soundbar
- Main-bar width: 37 inches
- Main-bar height: 2 inches
- HDMI video-source inputs: 1
Choice B
Polk Audio, MagniFi Mini AX
Polk MagniFi Mini AX
The Mini AX is the smallest bar here by width, making it useful between closely spaced TV feet. The included subwoofer moves part of the system onto the floor, so the tiny bar does not mean a one-box setup.
- Best matched use
- Fit a 14.4-inch bar between closely spaced TV legs
Checked facts
- Supplied speaker package: Soundbar and wireless subwoofer
- Main-bar width: 14.4 inches
- Main-bar height: 3.1 inches
- HDMI video-source inputs: None
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | JBL Bar 300 MK2 | Polk MagniFi Mini AX | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplied speaker package | One soundbar | Soundbar and wireless subwoofer | JBL needs no separate bass-box position in the selected package. |
| Main-bar width | 37 inches | 14.4 inches | Polk requires 22.6 fewer inches of horizontal space. |
| Main-bar height | 2 inches | 3.1 inches | JBL sits 1.1 inches lower, before placement allowances. |
| HDMI video-source inputs | 1 | None | JBL can accept one compatible source while Polk leaves source switching to the television. |
| Analog audio input | No analog input in the listed connections | 3.5 mm input | Polk provides a direct route for a suitable wired analog source. |
| Physical rear-speaker expansion | Optional matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair with current firmware | Optional Polk SR2 surrounds | Both have optional surround routes. JBL needs current firmware and a matching Cove pair, while Polk uses compatible SR2 speakers. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose JBL Bar 300 MK2
- No analog audio input is listed. Optional Cove expansion costs extra and requires current firmware plus two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers.
If you choose Polk MagniFi Mini AX
- The bar is taller and offers no separate HDMI source input.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
The supplied system must remain one enclosure
Choose JBL Bar 300 MK2. Bar 300 MK2 supplies one soundbar without a separate subwoofer.
The clear body width is 20 inches
Choose Polk MagniFi Mini AX. Polk's 14.4-inch body fits that width before clearance checks, while JBL's does not.
Two HDMI sources must stay connected directly to the bar
Choose neither. JBL has one source input and Polk has none.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Look at width and height separately
JBL's wider body can be easy to position under a low screen yet impossible between narrow TV feet. Polk solves the width problem but rises another 1.1 inches. Draw the available opening or measure it directly before choosing. A body that clears the furniture still needs the manufacturer's unobstructed placement space.
Include the subwoofer in the room plan
Mini AX gives you its matching subwoofer from the start. That is useful when a separate bass enclosure is part of the intended setup, but it needs a location and mains outlet. Bar 300 MK2 keeps the supplied speaker hardware beneath the TV. The package difference does not establish which produces better bass in your room.
Count sources before choosing the audio connection
Both can receive television audio and network music. JBL's separate HDMI input matters when a compatible player needs a direct route into the bar, while Polk's analog input solves a different wiring problem. Check the source's resolution, refresh rate and HDR requirements before assuming any HDMI input will pass its preferred mode.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- We have not measured bass output, speech clarity or surround effects. The comparison does not infer universal HDMI-format support from the presence of an input socket.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current soundbars comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 300 MK2 |
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| Polk MagniFi Mini AX |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
Keep the initial setup to one bar without a separate bass box
See price & reviews on AmazonPolk MagniFi Mini AX
Fit a 14.4-inch bar between closely spaced TV legs
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.