Main trade-off
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
There are no HDMI source inputs.
Head-to-head
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 vs JBL Bar 500 MK2: JBL adds a direct HDMI source and Wi-Fi, Sony adds physical height drivers
The short answer
Choose Sony Bar 6 for upward-firing height drivers in a simple TV setup. JBL 500 MK2 adds Wi-Fi music and an HDMI input in a lower-profile bar.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Check the real width under the TV
HT-B600 measures 37.4 inches across the central bar, compared with 37 inches for Bar 500MK2. The gap is 0.4 inches before any docked rear speakers.
What this is based on
Absolute cabinet width difference = |37.4 - 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.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Choose it for
- Want physical upward-firing height drivers
- Use the TV as the source hub
- Main trade-off
- There are no HDMI source inputs.
JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Choose it for
- Stream music over Wi-Fi
- Need a direct HDMI source input
- Main trade-off
- No separate rear speakers are included.
About this comparison
Choose Sony Bar 6 for upward-firing height drivers in a simple TV setup. JBL 500 MK2 adds Wi-Fi music and an HDMI input in a lower-profile bar.
Sony keeps the setup centered on the television
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Want physical upward-firing height drivers
Bar 6 receives TV audio through eARC and has no extra HDMI source input. Its included subwoofer and upward-firing drivers suit a simple TV-first arrangement.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Not suitable
Stream music over Wi-Fi
The separate HDMI input can take a compatible player while the output connects to the TV. Wi-Fi music also lets it work independently of a Bluetooth phone connection.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Not suitable
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Better fit
Check the complete setup
The Sony is 2.52 inches high against JBL at 2 inches. Neither measurement includes the space needed for cables or a clear path for any upward-firing sound.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
JBL gains half an inch of screen clearance
The 500 MK2 bar is 0.52 inches lower than Bar 6 while adding one HDMI source input and Wi-Fi music.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Check the real width under the TV
HT-B600 measures 37.4 inches across the central bar, compared with 37 inches for Bar 500MK2. The gap is 0.4 inches before any docked rear speakers.
How we reached this conclusion
Absolute cabinet width difference = |37.4 - 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
HT-B600 accepts 0 direct HDMI sources, 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: 0 and 1. TV passthrough and supported video modes still need checking.
JBL gains half an inch of screen clearance
The 500 MK2 bar is 0.52 inches lower than Bar 6 while adding one HDMI source input and Wi-Fi music.
How we reached this conclusion
2.52 - 2.00 = 0.52 inches. Bar 6 HDMI inputs 0 and Wi-Fi false, JBL HDMI inputs 1 and Wi-Fi true.
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.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
Does not meet these checks0 separate HDMI source inputs cannot take the 1 device you want to connect to the bar.
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
Sony, HT-B600
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
The Bar 6 includes a separate subwoofer and upward-firing drivers without asking you to choose an entire speaker ecosystem. It is a straightforward bar-and-sub option, but your TV must handle all HDMI source switching.
- Best matched use
- A supplied subwoofer and physical height drivers without rear-speaker placement
Checked facts
- 3.1.2-channel package includes a separate subwoofer.
- Bar measures 950 × 64 × 110 mm.
- Subwoofer measures 210 × 388 × 388 mm.
- HDMI eARC connects the TV, with no separate HDMI source input.
- Upward-firing drivers provide the two height channels.
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 | Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 | JBL Bar 500 MK2 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 37.4 in | 37 in | Detachable rear speakers can add width when docked. |
| Bar height | 2.52 in | 2 in | Measure the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 0 | 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 | No | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming are different connection paths. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- The included subwoofer needs its own floor space and power.
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
Sony keeps the setup centered on the television
Bar 6 receives TV audio through eARC and has no extra HDMI source input. Its included subwoofer and upward-firing drivers suit a simple TV-first arrangement.
JBL adds another route for a source device
The separate HDMI input can take a compatible player while the output connects to the TV. Wi-Fi music also lets it work independently of a Bluetooth phone connection.
Height may decide which fits below the screen
The Sony is 2.52 inches high against JBL at 2 inches. Neither measurement includes the space needed for cables or a clear path for any upward-firing sound.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 | 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.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
Want physical upward-firing height drivers
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 500 MK2
Stream music over Wi-Fi
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.