Improved JBL Dolby Atmos soundbars impress, yet a minor enhancement is desired: additional connectivity options.
In the world of Dolby Atmos soundbars, 2025 is shaping up to be a banger of a year! This week, JBL has dropped their new line of soundbars, led by the jaw-dropping JBL Bar 1300MK2.
This bad boy is the successor to the JBL Bar 1300, which we gave a resounding four-star review in 2023. It's aiming high, taking on heavyweights like the Samsung Q990F and Sonos Arc Ultra in the top-tier Dolby Atmos soundbar market.
The Bar 1300MK2 flaunts some serious hardware upgrades, boasting a whopping 29 drivers that can belt out 11 audio channels in a 7.1.4 arrangement. To top it all off, it comes with wireless satellite speakers and a cable-free subwoofer, creating an impressive, cable-free setup.
But here's the rub - where are the smaller options? The entry-level 300MK is relatively affordable at £350, but it's a full-width unit measuring 82cm. As I've mentioned before, compact, great-sounding Dolby Atmos soundbars remain a bit of a rarity.
Looking at our list of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, you'll only find one recommendation - the Sonos Beam Gen 2. It's the only small, 42- to 48-inch TV-friendly, Dolby Atmos soundbar we've tested and fully recommend.
So, what gives? It's not for lack of trying. We've tested numerous small soundbars from big names like Sennheiser, Amazon, and more over the years. But unfortunately, even the best of them have fallen short when compared to the Beam (Gen 2) in our head-to-head reviews.
The Sennheiser Ambeo Mini's sound, while grand, lacks the low-end heft of the Beam and feels slightly thin by comparison. Meanwhile, Amazon's offering, despite its budget-friendly price, lacks the detail and finesse required to take on the Beam.
I was really holding out hope that JBL would bring a small bar to the table during this latest launch. With past small soundbar offerings, like the four-star JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam, they've hinted at greatness. If the Bar 5.0's core offering had been finessed, with more detail and precision added to its sound, they could have created something truly special this year.
But alas, it seems we might have to wait a bit longer for a worthy challenger to the Sonos Beam Gen 2 for those of us with smaller spaces. The larger units in JBL's new lineup definitely promise much, but for now, it feels like they've missed a trick.
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[1] Enrichment Data - Overall:Numerous small Dolby Atmos soundbars are available in the market besides the Sonos Beam Gen 2, each offering unique features tailored to compact spaces and budgets. Here's an overview of notable options:
Notable Small Dolby Atmos Soundbars- Bose Smart Soundbar (2025 model) - Key Features: Compact design, dedicated up-firing Atmos drivers, AI-enhanced dialogue mode, supports Bose Ultra Open Earbuds as wireless rear speakers, built-in Alexa. - Strengths: Excellent dialogue clarity, immersive Atmos performance for its size, easy to integrate into small living spaces. - Limitations: Minimal inputs, lacks DTS support, no included subwoofer[2][3][5].
- Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6
- Key Features: Room-filling sound, budget-friendly, supports Dolby Atmos.
- Strengths: Good value for money, solid performance in small rooms.
- Limitations: Not as refined or detailed as some competitors[3].
- LG S70TY
- Key Features: Compact, balanced sound, easy to set up.
- Strengths: Packs a punch for its size, user-friendly.
- Limitations: Bass is less pronounced than larger models[3].
- Sony HT-A3000
- Key Features: Mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar, detailed audio, dynamic range.
- Strengths: Upgrades TV sound significantly, competitive pricing.
- Limitations: Atmos virtualization is less effective than Sonos Beam Gen 2[3].
- Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus (Middle model)
- Key Features: Spacious and grand sound, smaller than flagship Sony HT-A7000.
- Strengths: Nearly as good as top-tier models, more compact.
- Limitations: Still relatively large compared to the Beam Gen 2 or Bose options, higher price point[3].
Summary Table| Soundbar Model | Atmos Support | Compact Size | Notable Features | Price Range ||-------------------------------|---------------|--------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------|| Bose Smart Soundbar (2025) | Yes | Yes | Up-firing drivers, AI dialogue, Alexa | Budget || Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6 | Yes | Yes | Room-filling, value pricing | Budget || LG S70TY | Yes | Yes | Balanced, easy setup | Budget || Sony HT-A3000 | Yes | Moderate | Detailed, dynamic, easy integration | Mid-range || Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus| Yes | Moderate | Spacious sound, flagship-like quality | Premium |
- If you're in search of smaller, TV-friendly Dolby Atmos soundbars, besides the Sonos Beam Gen 2,check out the upcoming Bose Smart Soundbar with AI-enhanced dialogue mode, up-firing Atmos drivers, Alexa integration, and a compact design.
- The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6 offers a room-filling sound experience for a budget-friendly price, making it a solid choice for small rooms.
- LG's S70TY soundbar boasts a compact design and balanced sound, making it user-friendly while still packing a punch for smaller spaces.
- Those seeking a mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar might find the Sony HT-A3000 attractive, offering detailed audio and dynamic range at a competitive price point.
- The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus, while relatively large compared to smaller options, delivers nearly flagship-like quality in a more compact body than the top-tier models.
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