Save $100 on Our Favorite Soundbar and Subwoofer Combo | WIREDSkip to main contentMenuSECURITYPOLITICSTHE BIG STORYBUSINESSSCIENCECULTUREREVIEWSMenuAccountAccountNewslettersBest LaptopsApple MacBook NeoHome Security CamerasBest Coffee Subscriptions Best Camera BagsDeals DeliveredSecurityPoliticsThe Big StoryBusinessScienceCultureReviewsChevronMoreExpandThe Big InterviewMagazineEventsWIRED InsiderWIRED ConsultingNewslettersPodcastsVideoLivestreamsMerchSearchSearchBrad BourqueGearMar 25, 2026 1:24 PMSave $100 on Our Favorite Soundbar and Subwoofer ComboThe JBL Bar 500MK2 boasts Dolby Atmos support and easy setup and streaming.Courtesy of JBLCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyAre you sick of that thin, tinny sound blasting from the back of your television while you're watching your favorite action flick? Any dedicated sound system would be an upgrade, but the JBL Bar 500MK2, one of our favorite soundbar and subwoofer kits, will turn your next movie night into a proper theater night with Dolby Atmos, profound bass, and a compact design that fits anywhere. It's currently marked down to just $550 on Amazon, a $100 discount from the usual price.Photograph: Parker HallCourtesy of JBLChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistJBLBar 500MK2$650 $550 (15% off) Amazon$675 $575 (15% off) WalmartFor such a small soundbar, the Bar 500MK2 puts out quite a lot of sound. Between the soundbar and subwoofer, you're looking at what JBL claims is 750 total watts of output, and it sure sounds like it. For how few drivers are actually under the hood, the Dolby Atmos implementation is truly impressive. Our reviewer Parker Hall specifically called out its performance in racing games and movies, placing the audio perfectly within the space even as cars rush by.Where a lot of soundbars are happy to stop with just the bar itself, a subwoofer can make a huge difference, particularly in rumbling sounds, thanks to its claimed 40-Hz floor. It's substantial both physically and in terms of its audio, with its 18-pound body pumping out full, warm sound that helps boost the bar's already immersive profile.It has all the other trappings of a soundbar at this price point as well. It happily works with basically any form of casting you can imagine, including Apple Airplay and Google Cast, and if you want to put on some tunes, you can use Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, or Roon Ready to get the party started. With its HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, it’s easy to hook up to your console or Blu-Ray player without worrying about any bottlenecks.If you're ready to upgrade your viewing experience with something more substantial, head over to Amazon to nab the JBL Bar 500MK2 for its discounted $550 price. We've also tested more soundbars than you could imagine and keep a list of our favorites updated with the best options for every type of viewer. If you're just looking for a good deal, the Amazon spring sale is in full swing, and we've rounded up other great deals like this one.CommentsBack to topTriangleBrad Bourque is a contributor for WIRED with a focus on computing hardware and peripherals. He’s a lifelong Oregonian and an avid Portland Thorns and Timbers supporter. On his days off, you can find him riding his ebike around Portland or taking his dog to the park. ... 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The JBL Bar 500MK2 soundbar and subwoofer combination offers a significant upgrade to home entertainment, particularly for users seeking an immersive audio experience. According to Brad Bourque, the system’s design, featuring Dolby Atmos support and a compact footprint, addresses a common frustration – the thin, tinny sound often produced by televisions. The kit’s key strength lies in its ability to deliver substantial audio output, with a combined 750 watts of power, thanks to the integrated subwoofer boasting a 40-Hz floor. Bourque specifically highlighted the Bar 500MK2’s performance in applications like racing games and films, noting its precise audio placement even amidst dynamic movement, such as vehicles speeding across the screen. The subwoofer itself, weighing 18 pounds, contributes significantly to the immersive quality, pumping out warm, full sound. Beyond the core audio performance, the soundbar incorporates a suite of connectivity features relevant to modern viewing setups. It readily integrates with popular casting technologies including Apple Airplay and Google Cast, alongside Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready for music playback. Furthermore, its HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through capabilities permit seamless integration with consoles and Blu-ray players without compatibility issues. The JBL Bar 500MK2 is currently available on Amazon for $550, representing a $100 discount from its usual price. This discounted offering positions the system as a viable option for those seeking to elevate their home theater experience without necessarily committing to a high-end, dedicated audio system. The review emphasizes its suitability for a broad range of viewers, particularly those desiring a substantial sound upgrade for movies and games.