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JBL Bar 1000 Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3
Reviewed Mar 21, 2023 at 10:17 am
Latest change: Writing modified Sep 25, 2024 at 02:20 pm
JBL Bar 1000 Picture
7.8
Mixed Usage
8.2
Dialogue/TV Shows
7.7
Music
7.6
Movies

The JBL Bar 1000 is a premium 7.1.4 setup released in 2022. Like the JBL Bar 9.1, it stands out from the crowd thanks to its unique satellites, which you can attach and remove from the bar based on your preferences. Since they're truly wireless, you can set them up anywhere without worrying about plugging them into an outlet. Unlike the JBL Bar 700, these satellites come with up-firing drivers, too, which is great for listening to height content like Dolby Atmos.

Our Verdict

7.8 Mixed Usage

The JBL Bar 1000 is very good for mixed usage. This 7.1.4 setup offers a versatile performance that can please many different listeners. Voices and lead instruments in your favorite tunes reproduce with clarity, and thanks to its discrete center, dialogue in movies and TV shows is clear and easy to follow. Plus, its sub brings lots of rumble in the bass for action-packed scenes. Its detachable satellites give you lots of flexibility in your setup, too, though you'll have to recharge them occasionally.

Pros
  • Graphic EQ.
  • Room correction tool.
  • Extended low-bass.
  • Truly wireless satellite speakers.
Cons
  • No bass and treble adjustments.
  • Need to recharge satellites.
8.2 Dialogue/TV Shows

The JBL Bar 1000 is great for dialogue-centric content like sitcoms and podcasts. Its discrete center channel is designed to improve vocal reproduction, so you can easily follow along with the characters in your favorite shows. Plus, there's a dialogue enhancement tool on hand to make voices crisper, if you like. With lots of wireless playback support, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast, you can easily stream podcasts and audiobooks right to the bar.

Pros
  • Graphic EQ.
  • Room correction tool.
  • Dialogue enhancement feature.
Cons
  • No bass and treble adjustments.
7.7 Music

The JBL Bar 1000 is good for music. Like most premium bars on the market, it has a room correction feature that calibrates the bar's output based on your room's unique acoustics. Its default sound is fairly balanced, making it suitable for listening to many different genres. There's a touch of extra brightness, but you can always adjust its sound using the graphic EQ in the JBL ONE app. It gets plenty loud, too. While the sub brings the rumble in bass-heavy genres, we noticed some fluttering with tracks that had a lot of bass mixed in, which impacts the overall clarity of your audio.

Pros
  • Graphic EQ.
  • Room correction tool.
  • Extended low-bass.
Cons
  • No bass and treble adjustments.
7.6 Movies

The JBL Bar 1000 is good for movies. This 7.1.4 setup supports many audio formats that are common on streaming platforms and Blu-rays, including Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. Thanks to its two satellite speakers, you get a clear and real feel, with sound effects that stretch into the space all around you. Since they're truly wireless, too, you can place them anywhere you want for the best possible sound. Dialogue is clearly reproduced as well, and the bar's sub brings plenty of rumble for those action-packed scenes. However, you may notice some fluttering with these bass-heavy scenes, as we did during our tests.

Pros
  • Room correction tool.
  • Extended low-bass.
  • Truly wireless satellite speakers.
Cons
  • Need to recharge satellites.
  • 7.8 Mixed Usage
  • 8.2 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 7.7 Music
  • 7.6 Movies
  1. Updated Sep 25, 2024: Updated Stereo Dynamics results with new methodology from Test Bench 1.3. Added text to the Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical boxes.
  2. Updated Sep 19, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench Update 1.3. If applicable, we've retested stereo sound based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, we've expanded our audio latency tests to the following boxes: Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical. You can see the full changelog here.
  3. Updated Jul 10, 2023: Added market comparison with the JBL Bar 500 to the Dimensions - Satellites box.
  4. Updated Jun 19, 2023: Following TBU 1.2, added more information to the Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC, Audio Format Support: HDMI In, and Audio Format Support: Optical boxes.
  5. Updated Jun 09, 2023: Updated the 4k Max Refresh Rate result to 60Hz.
  6. Updated Jun 02, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
  7. Updated May 11, 2023: Added market comparison with the JBL Bar 1300X in the Height (Atmos) box.
  8. Updated Mar 21, 2023: Review published.
  9. Updated Mar 16, 2023: Early access published.
  10. Updated Mar 13, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
  11. Updated Mar 09, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  12. Updated Feb 28, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The JBL Bar 1000 is available in Black, and you can see the label for the model we tested here.

If you come across another version of this soundbar, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The JBL Bar 1000 is a premium Dolby Atmos soundbar with many premium sound enhancement tools like room correction. It stands out, thanks to its detachable rear speakers, which let you remove the ends of the bar to place the satellites in the room around you. You have fewer wires in your setup as a result, though you'll have to recharge the satellites every once in a while. It has some extra features compared to the JBL Bar 9.1, including dialogue enhancement and Spotify Connect support.

See also our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best soundbars for movies.

Samsung HW-Q990C

The Samsung HW-Q990C is a better overall setup than the JBL Bar 1000. The Samsung feels better-built, can get louder with less compression, and it has better surround as well as height performances. It also correctly supports a wide array of formats. That said, the JBL has unique truly wireless satellites, which some people may prefer, and you can charge them by connecting them to the ends of the bar. 

JBL Bar 9.1

The JBL Bar 1000 is a touch better than the JBL Bar 9.1 overall. The 1000 is a newer model with some extra features, including Spotify Connect support. Unlike the 9.1, it has a dialogue enhancement tool and two extra HDMI In ports. Sound-wise, there isn't much difference between these bars, even though the 1000 comes with two extra surround channels. They both upmix stereo content, but the 9.1 has better focus, so sound effects are more accurately localized within the soundstage.

Sonos Arc

The JBL Bar 1000 is a premium setup with speakers and a subwoofer, so you may find it more worthwhile to compare it to the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc or the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers. The Sonos Arc review is relevant for the standalone bar only, and while it does quite well, its surround sound isn't on par with these more premium setups.

JBL Bar 1300X

The JBL Bar 1300X is better than the JBL Bar 1000. The 1300X is an 11.1.4 setup, meaning that it comes with more channels than the 7.1.4 1000. Both bars boast similar designs, but the 1300X offers better sound quality, especially with Dolby Atmos content. It's able to reproduce more height, so you get the feeling of effects coming from above and behind you. Plus, the 1300X's satellites can be used as Bluetooth speakers, which is a cool touch.

JBL Bar 500

The JBL Bar 1000 is better than the JBL Bar 500. Both setups have similar features, such as the manufacturer's Smart Mode sound enhancement feature. However, the 1000 has satellite speakers, offering better surround sound. Plus, it has up-firing drivers for true Dolby Atmos support.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module and the JBL Bar 1000 are both very premium soundbars, and you may prefer one over the other. The Bose is better built with built-in voice assistant support, though its satellites aren't truly wireless like the JBL's. It has a better stereo soundstage performance, too. Even though it comes with two fewer surround channels and two fewer up-firing drivers, the Bose still does well with surround content. However, it doesn't have Full HDMI In ports like the JBL and doesn't support DTS content, either.

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers and the JBL Bar 1000 are both very premium soundbars with different strengths. The Sonos is a bit more expensive, but it's much better built and has built-in voice assistant support. Plus, it offers a wider and more immersive soundstage performance. Even though it comes with two fewer surround channels than the JBL, it still offers great performance with surround content. However, it doesn't support Bluetooth like the JBL and lacks Full HDMI In ports, too. Depending on your listening habits, you may find that the JBL is the better value overall.

Samsung HW-Q930B

The Samsung HW-Q930B is a bit better than the JBL Bar 1000, though they're both very versatile soundbars. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup, meaning it comes with two extra surround channels than the JBL. It also has more sound enhancement features, including bass and treble adjustments, and a more bass-heavy sound out-of-the-box. Plus, there's built-in voice assistant support, whereas you have to attach a third-party device to the JBL to control it with your voice. You may prefer the JBL bar's design since its satellites are truly wireless, unlike the Samsung model's.

Samsung HW-Q990B

The Samsung HW-Q990B is better than the JBL Bar 1000, though both of these premium soundbars offer different strengths. The Samsung is better-built, with built-in voice assistant support. It has more sound enhancement features, including bass and treble adjustments, and it gets louder overall. The JBL still gets quite loud and supports third-party voice assistant devices. Plus, the JBL's smaller, detachable satellites might be better suited for your living space.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The JBL Bar 1000 is a sleek soundbar that comes with detachable satellite speakers like the JBL Bar 9.1. The satellites easily connect to the bar since they're magnetized, but you can remove them to place them around your living room if you prefer. You can see what the bar looks like without the satellites attached here. When they're detached, you can use the included endcaps to protect the connectors, which is a nice touch. Also, there's a raised surface on top of the bar with a few physical controls.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes
Enclosure
Ported

The subwoofer has a similar design to the JBL Bar 9.1's sub. It's elevated on four plastic pegs, with its speaker located underneath. The port is in the rear.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
Yes

The satellites are made of the same material as the bar. Similarly, they have a metal grille to protect the drivers inside. Their four-pin connectors let you attach them to the bar to recharge, but you can also charge them using their included USB-C ports. When disconnected, you can use the included endcaps to protect the connectors. The manufacturer says that the satellites' battery will last up to ten hours, though this can vary depending on the type of content you listen to as well as the volume level. It'll take about 3.5 hours for the empty battery to fully recharge, according to the manual.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 36.7" (93.1 cm)
Height 2.2" (5.6 cm)
Depth 5.0" (12.6 cm)

The standalone bar fits between the legs of most 55" TV stands and isn't very tall, so it won't obscure your TV screen. With the satellites attached, of course, it'll take up a bit more space—the width of the bar with the satellites docked is 47" (119.5 cm).

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width 12.0" (30.5 cm)
Height 17.2" (43.6 cm)
Depth 12.0" (30.5 cm)

The sub's size is similar to that of a desktop computer, and since it connects to the bar wirelessly, you have a lot of flexibility when placing it in your living room.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width 7.0" (17.9 cm)
Height 2.2" (5.6 cm)
Depth 4.9" (12.5 cm)

The satellites are long instead of small, similar to those that come with the JBL Bar 9.1. Since they're battery-powered, you can place them anywhere in your living room. If you want a bar without satellites instead, the JBL Bar 500 is a good alternative.

Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
Yes

You can also mount the bar to your wall if you prefer. The mounting brackets for both the bar and the satellites are included with your purchase, which is a nice touch.

8.0
Design
Build Quality

The JBL Bar 1000 has great build quality. The bar and the satellites have a similar build, with hard plastic as well as metal grilles to help protect the drivers inside. Unlike the JBL Bar 9.1, endcaps are in the box, so when you remove the satellites, you can place them on the bar to protect the connectors. The subwoofer also feels quite durable and solid.

Design
In The Box

  • Quick Start guide
  • Remote with batteries (2x AAA)
  • 2x power cables (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • HDMI cable (3.9 ft / 1.2m)
  • 2x L-shape Wall-mount bracket (for the main bar)
  • 2x U-shape Wall-mount bracket (for the satellites)
  • Template for mounting + screws
  • 2x side caps for the soundbar (when satellites are detached)
  • 2x side caps for satellites (when detached from the soundbar)

Sound
8.2
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Channels
7.1.4
Tested Preset
Standard
Slope
0.49
Standard Error
3.03 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
27.9 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

The JBL Bar 1000 has a great stereo frequency response. Like most premium bars on the market, it comes with a room calibration feature that automatically adjusts the bar's sound based on the unique acoustics of your room. Its sound is pretty balanced overall, with a touch of extra brightness in the treble. As a result, it's suitable for listening to many different types of audio content. The extended bass is great for bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop, too, though we did notice some fluttering with certain tracks with a lot of low-bass mixed in. If you prefer a different sound, you'll find a 3-band EQ to switch up its performance.

Unlike most soundbars, when this setup plays stereo content, audio is present on all channels. This means that while most bars only play stereo audio from the left and right stereo channels, this bar also plays sound from its front-firing and up-firing drivers. It's designed to create a more immersive sound, but depending on your preferences, you may feel like it sounds fake or forced.

8.4
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
3
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
Slope
-0.11
Standard Error
2.52 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
27.9 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

The JBL Bar 1000's default subwoofer level is set at 3. To obtain a more even stereo frequency response, we recommend lowering the treble band on the 3-band EQ to reduce the added bit of brightness. It's not something you can adjust from the app, so you'll have to download the JBL ONE app. You can see from this image here that there aren't numbers associated with the different treble levels, but instead, you slide the level up and down based on your preferences.

7.5
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.80 dB

The JBL Bar 1000 has a good stereo soundstage. The soundstage is perceived to be a bit wider than the bar itself, though it doesn't have any tricks to make it seem larger than that. Overall, the focus is adequate, so you can pinpoint where most sound effects originate within the soundstage. However, it's not as clear on the far ends of the soundstage since it seems like the bar is trying to push the effects unnaturally.

7.6
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
94.3 dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
1.19 dB
DRC @ Max Volume
3.52 dB

This bar gets plenty loud, so you have no trouble filling larger or more open spaces with sound. However, when you push it to max volume, there's a fair bit of compression.

7.7
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
0.46
Std. Err.
3.01 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
75.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.29
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.36

The JBL Bar 1000's center channel performance is very good. It's a 7.1.4 setup, meaning there's a discrete center channel designed to improve vocal reproduction in the mix. The channel's frequency response is pretty even with extra brightness. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand, so you can follow all the action playing out on screen.

7.1
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-1.41
Std. Err.
4.78 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
74.3 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.29
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.90
7.1 Rears
Yes

The JBL Bar 1000 has two truly wireless satellite speakers, which the manufacturer recommends you place parallel to the front wall. These satellites are designed to bring a more clear and real feel to 5.1 surround sound content, like Dolby Digital. Sound effects like voices and explosions are more accurately localized within the soundstage as a result. The frequency response on these channels is a bit bass-heavy, too, so while you notice the thump and rumble in the mix, sound effects also sound a bit boomy.

6.0
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Slope
-0.72
Std. Err.
4.37 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
63.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.66
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.32

This 7.1.4 setup has four up-firing drivers—two on the bar itself, and one on each of the two satellites. They're designed to ricochet audio off the ceiling and back down towards you to create the illusion of height, resulting in a more immersive sound overall. With a pretty balanced frequency response on these channels, sound effects replicate with accuracy and clarity.

Subjectively, the JBL Bar 1000 brings a powerful sound with height content like Dolby Atmos. The dedicated sub brings plenty of thump and rumble to accentuate action-packed scenes, like car chases and explosions. It can replicate a good amount of detail, too. However, some finer elements are missing from the surround content, like the buzz of a neon sign. It also struggles to simulate effects that are meant to come from overhead, like drones flying above you, especially when compared to more premium models like the JBL Bar 1300X.

8.3
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Bass Adjustment
No
Treble Adjustment
No
EQ
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes

The JBL Bar 1000 comes with lots of sound enhancement features to help make the most of your audio content. As with most premium setups, there's a room correction feature to adjust its output based on your room's unique acoustics—you can read about the two-step calibration process here. The Smart Mode preset acts as a virtual surround tool to bring added richness to sound effects in the mix. If you don't like spikes in volume between programs, you can activate the Night Mode feature by holding the Mute button on the remote for five seconds, then pressing the '-' button. Detaching the satellites gives you access to rear and surround level adjustments.

This bar is compatible with the JBL ONE app. In it, you'll find a 3-band graphic EQ to customize its sound to your liking. Since the app acts as a remote, you can access many of the same customization features found on the remote there, too.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
1
HDMI Out
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
3
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
1
Ethernet
1
Subwoofer Output
No

You can connect the bar to your TV using Optical or HDMI, and there's even an HDMI cable included with your purchase for your convenience. If you want to use the bar as a hub between different devices, like for video passthrough, there are even three Full HDMI In ports available. USB audio playback is available with US models, like our unit, but other region-specific versions are limited to firmware updates through their USB port.

7.3
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby Digital Plus
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

Over HDMI ARC, the bar supports many audio formats commonly found on streaming platforms and Blu-rays, like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. However, with Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus, content intended for the left and right surround channels plays from the respective satellites and the bar's surround channels simultaneously. This is true regardless of whether Smart Mode is turned on or off. This means that sound effects aren't quite as accurately localized within the soundstage— for example, a car meant to race past you on the left seems like it's coming from both the left satellite and the bar at the same time, rather than moving from the satellite to the bar.

7.3
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby Digital Plus
Incorrect Implementation
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

The bar supports lots of common audio formats via Full HDMI In. You can watch common 5.1 surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and lossless and object-based formats like Dolby Atmos. However, the same issue is present with Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus content over this connection. Content intended for either the left or right surround channel simultaneously plays on the respective satellite and the bar.

7.8
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
DTS
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

Over Optical, you can play both Dolby Digital and DTS content. Dolby Digital is more common on streaming platforms, whereas you're more likely to find DTS with Blu-rays. Again, there's incorrect implementation present with Dolby Digital content, as effects meant for the right and left surround channels play simultaneously from both the satellites and the bar rather than from the satellites alone.

6.3
Connectivity
Audio Latency: ARC
PCM-2.0 ch
95 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
104 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
108 ms
Dolby Digital
125 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
137 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
131 ms

Using its HDMI ARC connection, audio latency is passable. It's not particularly low with any audio formats, so you may encounter sync issues between your audio and video, though different devices and apps compensate for this differently.

5.7
Connectivity
Audio Latency: HDMI In
PCM-2.0 ch
96 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
103 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
121 ms
Dolby Digital
144 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
142 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
143 ms

The JBL Bar 1000 has a disappointing latency performance via its HDMI In port, so if you opt for this connection type, it's possible you'll experience sync errors between your audio and video. You can always use the bar's Audio Sync function to manually adjust for this, though.

6.9
Connectivity
Audio Latency: Optical
PCM-2.0 ch
151 ms
Dolby Digital
215 ms

Latency over an optical connection is okay. It's much lower with Dolby Digital content, but you may encounter sync issues with PCM 2.0 content. You can always use the bar's Audio Sync function to manually compensate for this latency.

8.5
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
30Hz
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
Yes
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes

You can use the JBL Bar 1000 as a hub between devices, like your gaming console and TV. It supports most common resolutions up to 4k @ 60Hz, though it's not able to passthrough a smoother and more natural-looking 120Hz display at a 4k resolution. Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology support is handy to reduce screen tearing in your games, too.

10
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
Chromecast built-in
Yes
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Spotify Connect
Yes

With incredible wireless playback support, you have many options for streaming audio right from your mobile devices to the bar without needing to plug them in.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Yes

The display on the front of the bar shows different settings as you adjust them. For example, you can see the volume level, the input you're on, as well as the bass and rear levels.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

On top of the bar, there are a few simple controls. You can adjust the volume or change the input. An indicator light next to the controls also helps you keep track of the bar's status.

Additional Features
Remote

The remote is fairly simple and lets you control most of the bar's features. Additional tools like the graphic EQ are only available through the JBL ONE app, which you can also use as a remote from your phone.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
No

While there aren't any built-in voice assistants, if you own a third-party device with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri support, you can plug it into the bar to control it with your voice.