Best Product Fit

Head-to-head

Polk MagniFi Mini AX vs JBL Bar 500 MK2: Polk fits narrow stands, JBL clears low screens and accepts a source directly

The short answer

Choose MagniFi Mini AX for a narrow opening or compatible Polk SR2 speakers you already own. Choose Bar 500 MK2 for a low screen and one extra HDMI input. Both can add optional rear speakers, with current firmware and a matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair required for JBL. Both packages include a separate subwoofer that needs floor space.

Before you choose

The reasoning and the trade-offs

The smaller bar can still block a lower screen

Polk saves 22.6 inches in width but stands 1.1 inches taller. A 3-inch gap below the screen clears JBL's stated body height and is shorter than Polk's 3.1-inch body.

What this is based on

37 - 14.4 = 22.6 inches narrower. 3.1 - 2 = 1.1 inches taller. Measurements exclude any extra mounting clearance.

Main trade-off

Polk MagniFi Mini AX

No HDMI source input.

Main trade-off

JBL Bar 500 MK2

The 37-inch bar needs much more horizontal space.

Polk MagniFi Mini AX

Polk MagniFi Mini AX

Choose it for
  • Fit a 14.4-inch bar in a narrow opening
  • Use compatible Polk SR2 surrounds you already own or plan to buy
Main trade-off
No HDMI source input.
See price & reviews on Amazon
JBL Bar 500 MK2

JBL Bar 500 MK2

Choose it for
  • Connect one HDMI source directly to the bar
  • Fit a lower 2-inch bar beneath the TV
Main trade-off
The 37-inch bar needs much more horizontal space.
See price & reviews on Amazon

Analysis updated , Catalog updated , Amazon.com / United States

About this comparison

Compare Polk MagniFi Mini AX and JBL Bar 500 MK2 for a narrow TV stand, subwoofer floor space, an extra HDMI device and later surround speakers.

Choose MagniFi Mini AX for a narrow opening or compatible Polk SR2 speakers you already own. Choose Bar 500 MK2 for a low screen and one extra HDMI input. Both can add optional rear speakers, with current firmware and a matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair required for JBL. Both packages include a separate subwoofer that needs floor space.

Winner by situation

Start with what you need it to do

  • My clear TV-stand width is 20 inches

    Polk's 14.4-inch body fits the width. JBL's 37-inch bar does not.

    Polk MagniFi Mini AX
    Better fit
    JBL Bar 500 MK2
    Not suitable

  • The screen is only 3 inches above the stand

    Polk is 3.1 inches high. JBL's stated bar height is 2 inches.

    Polk MagniFi Mini AX
    Caution
    JBL Bar 500 MK2
    Better fit

  • I need one additional HDMI source input

    JBL has one source input. Polk does not.

    Polk MagniFi Mini AX
    Not suitable
    JBL Bar 500 MK2
    Better fit

  • I want to add Polk SR2 rear speakers later

    The SR2 expansion is documented for Mini AX.

    Polk MagniFi Mini AX
    Better fit
    JBL Bar 500 MK2
    Not suitable

  • There is nowhere to put an external subwoofer

    Both selected packages include a separate powered bass box.

    Polk MagniFi Mini AX
    Not suitable
    JBL Bar 500 MK2
    Not suitable

What matters in practice

The differences that matter

The smaller bar can still block a lower screen

Polk saves 22.6 inches in width but stands 1.1 inches taller. A 3-inch gap below the screen clears JBL's stated body height and is shorter than Polk's 3.1-inch body.

How we reached this conclusion

37 - 14.4 = 22.6 inches narrower. 3.1 - 2 = 1.1 inches taller. Measurements exclude any extra mounting clearance.

Subwoofer floor shape can reverse the apparent size advantage

A 10-inch-wide, 16-inch-deep floor opening can contain Polk's stated 7.2 × 15.6-inch body, before clearance. JBL's 12.8-inch width exceeds it. A shallower opening may instead favor JBL.

How we reached this conclusion

Compare the two footprint dimensions individually. Polk: 7.2 W × 15.6 D. JBL: 12.8 W × 12.8 D. Body fit alone does not establish acoustic clearance.

JBL buys one source socket, not a full HDMI switch

One streamer can connect to Bar 500 MK2 directly. Two separate source devices cannot both occupy that one input without another switching path. Polk leaves both devices dependent on TV or external connections.

How we reached this conclusion

JBL lists 1 HDMI input. Polk lists a TV eARC connection with no separate HDMI source input.

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.

Polk MagniFi Mini AX

Does not meet these checks

Its 3.1-inch height exceeds the 3 inches below your picture.

JBL Bar 500 MK2

Meets these checks

37 inches wide and 2 inches high, with 1 separate HDMI source input. It leaves 11.0 inches of total spare width.

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
Polk MagniFi Mini AX

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 in a narrow opening

Checked facts

  • Bar width: 14.4 inches
  • Bar height: 3.1 inches
  • HDMI source input: None
  • Included subwoofer footprint: 7.2 × 15.6 inches
See price & reviews on Amazon
Choice B
JBL Bar 500 MK2

JBL, Bar 500MK2

JBL Bar 500 MK2

The Bar 500 MK2 adds a 10-inch subwoofer to a low-profile bar without rear speakers to position. Its cabinet fits beneath more low TVs than taller rivals, but the bass box still needs a place on the floor. Optional surrounds require current firmware and two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers, bought separately.

Best matched use
Connect one HDMI source directly to the bar

Checked facts

  • Bar width: 37 inches
  • Bar height: 2 inches
  • HDMI source input: 1
  • Included subwoofer footprint: 12.8 × 12.8 inches
See price & reviews on Amazon

Meaningful differences

What changes the fit

Meaningful differences between Polk MagniFi Mini AX and JBL Bar 500 MK2
What changesPolk MagniFi Mini AXJBL Bar 500 MK2Why it matters
Bar width14.4 inches37 inchesPolk fits substantially narrower spaces beneath the TV.
Bar height3.1 inches2 inchesJBL is lower, despite its much wider body.
HDMI source inputNone1JBL can take one video source before sending video to the TV.
Included subwoofer footprint7.2 × 15.6 inches12.8 × 12.8 inchesPolk is narrower but deeper. Measure the actual intended floor position.
Later rear speakersOptional Polk SR2 surroundsOptional matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair with current firmwareBoth have optional surround routes. Choose the compatible speaker family and include the extra pair in the budget.

What you give up

Every choice has a cost

If you choose Polk MagniFi Mini AX

  • Its 3.1-inch height can obstruct a low screen despite the narrow body.

If you choose JBL Bar 500 MK2

  • The included subwoofer is 12.8 inches wide.

Recommendation switch

The decision flips if...

The bar must fit within 20 inches of width

Choose Polk MagniFi Mini AX. Mini AX is 14.4 inches wide.

I need one direct HDMI source input

Choose JBL Bar 500 MK2. Bar 500 MK2 provides one.

I cannot place a separate subwoofer

Choose neither. Both selected packages include an external bass box.

What matters in practice

How to make the call

01

Measure width and height separately

Mini AX is unusually narrow, which helps when TV legs or furniture restrict horizontal space. That compact width does not make it the lower bar. Bar 500 MK2 may be easier to place below a screen that sits close to the stand, provided the wider body fits without obstructing the TV supports.

02

The subwoofer still needs a home

Both packages move bass duties to a separate wireless subwoofer. Wireless describes the audio link, not freedom from mains power. Polk's narrow, deep cabinet and JBL's squarer cabinet suit different floor openings. Leave the required ventilation and acoustic space rather than wedging either one tightly into a nominally matching compartment.

03

Choose the complete speaker system, then count sources

Polk SR2 surrounds can favor Mini AX if you already own them or specifically want that system. JBL now has an optional Cove route with current firmware: two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers, set up through JBL One. Compare the complete system prices rather than treating expansion as exclusive to Polk. If both plans fit the budget, JBL still adds one source input for a crowded TV.

Check these before buying

  • Measure bar width and screen clearance independently, including feet and any mounting bracket.
  • Reserve a mains-powered subwoofer position and check its width, depth and required clearance.
  • Verify source video formats against the JBL HDMI specifications before routing a console through it.
  • For JBL expansion, budget for two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers, bought separately. Check current firmware and JBL One setup before buying. Do not mix the speaker models.

What this comparison cannot tell you

  • We have not measured low-bass output or surround performance. Driver size and cabinet dimensions are installation facts, not sound-quality rankings.

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
Compared set
2 models
Source records
6 for the products shown
Catalog updated
Facts and source records used for the products in this recommendation
ProductNeeds matchedChecked factsSource records
Polk MagniFi Mini AX
  • Fit a 14.4-inch bar in a narrow opening
  • Use compatible Polk SR2 surrounds you already own or plan to buy
  • Bar width: 14.4 inches
  • Bar height: 3.1 inches
  • HDMI source input: None
  • Included subwoofer footprint: 7.2 × 15.6 inches
  • Later rear speakers: Optional Polk SR2 surrounds
JBL Bar 500 MK2
  • Connect one HDMI source directly to the bar
  • Fit a lower 2-inch bar beneath the TV
  • Bar width: 37 inches
  • Bar height: 2 inches
  • HDMI source input: 1
  • Included subwoofer footprint: 12.8 × 12.8 inches
  • Later rear speakers: Optional matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair with current firmware

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.

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