JBL Bar 500MK2 vs Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 and the JBL Bar 500MK2 are both bar-and-sub systems without dedicated satellites or up-firing drivers, but the JBL is the more complete all-rounder. Its 5.1 configuration uses side-firing drivers to create a wider soundstage, and its larger subwoofer delivers deeper, more controlled low-end rumble than the Sony's boomier, imprecise bass. The JBL also has HDMI In, video passthrough, Wi-Fi streaming, room correction, and a 7-band EQ, all of which the Sony lacks. That said, the Sony still has excellent dialogue clarity, broad Dolby and DTS support over eARC, and simpler BRAVIA TV integration, so it's a solid pick if you mostly want a compact TV-speaker upgrade.