Samsung HW-QS700F vs JBL Bar 500MK2: Which Soundbar Is Better? - RTINGS.com

FEEDBACK

Products

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Apr 13, 2026 07:24 PM

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Apr 13, 2026 07:49 PM

Samsung HW-QS700F Picture

JBL Bar 500MK2 Picture

Channels 3.1.2

Channels 5.1

Recommended in 1 article:
5.1

Our Verdict

Samsung HW-QS700F

JBL Bar 500MK2

The JBL Bar 500MK2 is a compact 5.1 system that can offer a compelling alternative to the Samsung HW-QS700F's 3.1.2 configuration. The JBL has a more balanced sound overall, with a wider stereo soundstage and a better 5.1 surround performance (though neither bar comes with discrete rear speakers). The JBL lacks dedicated up-firing Atmos drivers, though, which gives the Samsung the edge when it comes to Atmos performance. While both bars have similarly comprehensive wireless playback support and sound customization options, the JBL is more compact in its design, making it easier to position within your living room.

Variants

HW-QS700F (Black)

Bar 500MK2 (Black)

Review

See Samsung HW-QS700F Review

See JBL Bar 500MK2 Review

Check Price

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Main Differences for

Mixed Usage

Threshold

0.10

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

JOIN NOW to see main differences

Full Comparison

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

Dialogue/TV Shows

0.0

0.0

Music

0.0

0.0

Movies

0.0

0.0

Design

Style - Bar

Style photo - bar

Samsung HW-QS700F Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Style - Subwoofer

Style photo - sub

Samsung HW-QS700F Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sub Wireless

Locked

Locked

Enclosure

Locked

Locked

Style - Satellites

Style photo - satellites

Samsung HW-QS700F Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Satellite Wireless

Locked

Locked

Dimensions - Bar

Dimensions photo - bar

Samsung HW-QS700F Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Height

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Dimensions - Subwoofer

Dimensions photo - sub

Samsung HW-QS700F Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Height

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Dimensions - Satellites

Dimensions photo - satellites

Samsung HW-QS700F Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

N/A

N/A

Height

N/A

N/A

Depth

N/A

N/A

Mounting

Bar Mounting Holes

Samsung HW-QS700F Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Satellite Mounting Holes

Samsung HW-QS700F Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Mountable Bar

Locked

Locked

Bar Brackets Included

Locked

Locked

Mountable Satellites

Locked

Locked

Satellite Brackets Included

Locked

Locked

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Build quality photo

Samsung HW-QS700F Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

In The Box

In The Box photo

Samsung HW-QS700F In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response

N/A

N/A

Stereo Setup

Samsung HW-QS700F Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Raw Frequency Response

Samsung HW-QS700F Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response Small

Samsung HW-QS700F Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Channels

Locked

Locked

Tested Preset

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Standard Error

Lock dB

Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration

N/A

N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated

Samsung HW-QS700F Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Suggested Preset

Locked

Locked

Suggested Bass Setting

Lock

Lock

Suggested Treble Setting

Lock

N/A

Slope

Lock

Lock

Standard Error

Lock dB

Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Stereo Soundstage

N/A

N/A

Crosstalk

Samsung HW-QS700F Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Crosstalk Error

Lock dB

Lock dB

Stereo Dynamics

N/A

N/A

Dynamic Range Compression

Samsung HW-QS700F Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB

Lock dB

Lock dB

DRC @ Max Volume

Lock dB

Lock dB

Center

N/A

N/A

Center Setup

Samsung HW-QS700F Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

Samsung HW-QS700F Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Surround 5.1

N/A

N/A

Surround Setup

Samsung HW-QS700F Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

Samsung HW-QS700F Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

7.1 Rears

Locked

Locked

Height (Atmos)

N/A

N/A

Height Setup

Samsung HW-QS700F Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

H Frequency Response

Samsung HW-QS700F H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Sound Enhancement Features

N/A

N/A

Room Correction

Locked

Locked

Dialogue Enhancement

Locked

Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode

Locked

Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Bass Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Treble Adjustment

Locked

Locked

EQ

Locked

Locked

Surround Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Rear Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Height Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Virtual Surround

Locked

Locked

Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Samsung HW-QS700F Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Samsung HW-QS700F Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Optical Audio In

Locked

Locked

HDMI Out

Locked

Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth

Locked

Locked

Full HDMI In

Locked

Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

Locked

Locked

RCA In

Locked

Locked

USB for Files

Locked

Locked

Ethernet

Locked

Locked

Subwoofer Output

Locked

Locked

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Audio Format Support: HDMI In

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Audio Format Support: Optical

N/A

N/A

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Audio Latency: ARC

N/A

N/A

ARC Latency Video

Samsung HW-QS700F ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

PCM-2.0 ch

Lock ms

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby Digital

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos

Lock ms

Lock ms

Audio Latency: HDMI In

N/A

N/A

HDMI Latency Video

Samsung HW-QS700F HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

PCM-2.0 ch

Lock ms

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby Digital

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos

Lock ms

Lock ms

Audio Latency: Optical

N/A

N/A

Optical Latency Video

Samsung HW-QS700F Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

PCM-2.0 ch

Lock ms

Lock ms

Dolby Digital

Lock ms

Lock ms

Video Passthrough To TV

N/A

N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit

Locked

Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough

Locked

Locked

FreeSync Passthrough

Locked

Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough

Locked

Locked

ALLM Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Wireless Playback

N/A

N/A

Bluetooth

Locked

Locked

Wi-Fi Playback

Locked

Locked

Chromecast built-in

Locked

Locked

Apple AirPlay

Locked

Locked

Spotify Connect

Locked

Locked

Additional Features

Interface

Interface photo

Samsung HW-QS700F Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Display

Locked

Locked

Bar Controls

Controls photo

Samsung HW-QS700F Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Remote

Remote photo

Samsung HW-QS700F Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

JBL Bar 500MK2 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Voice Assistants Support

Amazon Alexa

Locked

Locked

Google Assistant

Locked

Locked

Apple Siri

Locked

Locked

Microphone Mute

Locked

Locked

Check Price

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Black

HW-QS700F

Black

Bar 500MK2

Samsung HW-QS700F

JBL Bar 500MK2

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 1 month ago

Samsung HW-QS700F vs JBL Bar 500MK2: Main Discussion

What do you think of these products? Let us know below.

Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Members have direct access to buying advice on our member forum.

PreviewBack to editorFormat guide

No comments yet, refresh to see new ones