Main trade-off
Samsung HW-Q800F
Rear speakers are not included.
Head-to-head
Samsung HW-Q800F vs JBL Bar 500 MK2: Samsung saves subwoofer floor space, JBL clears a lower and narrower TV
The short answer
Choose Q800F for upward-firing height channels and a smaller subwoofer footprint. JBL 500 MK2 fits a lower TV stand with a shorter, narrower bar.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Check the real width under the TV
HW-Q800F/ZA measures 43.73 inches across the central bar, compared with 37 inches for Bar 500MK2. The gap is 6.73 inches before any docked rear speakers.
What this is based on
Absolute cabinet width difference = |43.73 - 37|. Allow additional space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A detached central bar measurement does not include removable rear speakers.
Main trade-off
JBL Bar 500 MK2
No separate rear speakers are included.
Samsung HW-Q800F
- Choose it for
- Want physical upward-firing height drivers
- Need a smaller subwoofer cabinet footprint
- Main trade-off
- Rear speakers are not included.
JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Choose it for
- Fit a low gap beneath the screen
- Want a narrower bar with a subwoofer included
- Main trade-off
- No separate rear speakers are included.
About this comparison
Choose Q800F for upward-firing height channels and a smaller subwoofer footprint. JBL 500 MK2 fits a lower TV stand with a shorter, narrower bar.
Samsung uses more room under the television
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Want physical upward-firing height drivers
Q800F includes physical upward-firing drivers, while 500 MK2 does not. The Samsung drivers still need an unobstructed path toward a suitable ceiling.
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Not suitable
Fit a low gap beneath the screen
At 37 inches wide and 2 inches high, 500 MK2 can fit a tighter opening. Its virtual height presentation does not use the same upward-firing driver arrangement.
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Better fit
Check the complete setup
JBL subwoofer cabinet measures 12.8 by 12.8 inches, Samsung 9.8 by 9.8. Include that floor space rather than comparing only the piece under the TV.
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
Q800F saves about 41% of the subwoofer cabinet footprint
Samsung occupies about 96 square inches against JBL at 164, before cable and ventilation clearance.
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Check the real width under the TV
HW-Q800F/ZA measures 43.73 inches across the central bar, compared with 37 inches for Bar 500MK2. The gap is 6.73 inches before any docked rear speakers.
How we reached this conclusion
Absolute cabinet width difference = |43.73 - 37|. Allow additional space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A detached central bar measurement does not include removable rear speakers.
Count the source connections before adding a switch
HW-Q800F/ZA accepts 1 direct HDMI source, while Bar 500MK2 accepts 1. Other players need suitable TV inputs or a separately chosen switch.
How we reached this conclusion
Count HDMI source inputs only, excluding the HDMI output/eARC TV connection. Inputs recorded: 1 and 1. TV passthrough and supported video modes still need checking.
Q800F saves about 41% of the subwoofer cabinet footprint
Samsung occupies about 96 square inches against JBL at 164, before cable and ventilation clearance.
How we reached this conclusion
9.8 × 9.8 = 96.04 square inches. 12.8 × 12.8 = 163.84. (1 - 96.04 / 163.84) × 100 = 41.4%.
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.
Samsung HW-Q800F
Meets these checks43.73 inches wide and 2.38 inches high, with 1 separate HDMI source input. It leaves 4.3 inches of total spare width.
JBL Bar 500 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.
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
Samsung, HW-Q800F/ZA
Samsung HW-Q800F
The Q800F suits a room where you want a separate subwoofer and upward-firing sound without placing speakers behind the sofa. Its single HDMI input passes 4K at 60 Hz, so a high-refresh console belongs on the TV.
- Best matched use
- A bar-and-sub setup with no rear speakers to position
Checked facts
- 5.1.2-channel bar with a supplied wireless subwoofer and no rear speakers.
- One HDMI source input, one eARC TV connection and optical input.
- Manufacturer specifies 4K 60 Hz passthrough.
- Bar measures 1,110.7 × 60.4 × 120 mm.
- Subwoofer measures 249 × 251.8 × 249 mm.
Choice B
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
- A low TV and separate bass without rear-speaker clutter
Checked facts
- 5.1-channel package includes a 10-inch subwoofer.
- Bar measures 37 × 2 × 4.1 inches.
- One HDMI source input and one eARC TV connection.
- Five racetrack drivers and four tweeters form the soundbar array.
- Wi-Fi music, PureVoice 2.0 and automatic sound calibration are supported.
- Firmware 26.33.11.82.00, released August 19, 2026, adds Cove grouping. Optional expansion requires two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers and JBL One setup. The speakers are sold separately.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Samsung HW-Q800F | JBL Bar 500 MK2 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 43.73 in | 37 in | Detachable rear speakers can add width when docked. |
| Bar height | 2.38 in | 2 in | Measure the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 1 | 1 | The TV eARC connection is separate from these source inputs. |
| Separate subwoofer included | Yes | Yes | A built-in bass driver is not the same as an included separate subwoofer. |
| Rear speakers included | No | No | Check mains power or charging needs for the included rear speakers. |
| Upward-firing drivers | Yes | No | These need a suitable ceiling and a clear upward path. |
| Wi-Fi music | Yes | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming are different connection paths. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Samsung HW-Q800F
- The source input is limited to 4K 60 Hz passthrough.
If you choose JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Atmos height is virtual, with no upward-firing drivers in the listed driver array.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Samsung uses more room under the television
Q800F is 43.73 inches wide and 2.38 inches high. Its upward-firing drivers also need an unobstructed path toward a suitable ceiling.
JBL makes the central bar easier to place
At 37 inches wide and 2 inches high, 500 MK2 can fit a tighter opening. Its virtual height presentation does not use the same upward-firing driver arrangement.
The smaller bar comes with a larger floor box
JBL subwoofer cabinet measures 12.8 by 12.8 inches, Samsung 9.8 by 9.8. Include that floor space rather than comparing only the piece under the TV.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- These conclusions use published specifications and the stated calculations. They are not a hands-on performance test.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current soundbars comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Compared set
All 31 models remain in view on this guide. The answer comes from the facts and trade-offs shown on the page.
31 matching models from 31 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countNo matcher need is preselected here. Open the matcher to add the needs that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung HW-Q800F | No positive match recorded for these needs |
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| JBL Bar 500 MK2 | No positive match recorded for these needs |
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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.
Samsung HW-Q800F
Want physical upward-firing height drivers
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 500 MK2
Fit a low gap beneath the screen
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.