Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q vs JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1
Quick Verdict
Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q and JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 are close lower midrange Dolby Atmos soundbars. Samsung leads with dedicated side and top-firing drivers, built-in Alexa, Q-Symphony for Samsung TVs, and wireless Dolby Atmos without HDMI. JBL counters with a 10 inch subwoofer, 750 watt max output, HDMI eARC with Dolby Vision passthrough, and broader music streaming support. Choose Samsung if you own a compatible Samsung TV and want voice control. Choose JBL if you want a larger subwoofer, known HDMI specs, and multiroom music features. Neither publishes DTS support or dimensions, so verify those separately.
| Spec | Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q | JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | 5.1.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | Side and top-firing drivers, exact sizes not published in listing | 10 inch wireless subwoofer; soundbar driver array not published in listing |
| Power | Not published in listing | 750W max output power |
| Subwoofer | Wireless subwoofer with 6.5-inch active driver and 8-inch passive radiator | 10-inch wireless subwoofer |
| Dolby Atmos and DTS | Dolby Atmos supported, DTS not mentioned in listing | Dolby Atmos; DTS not mentioned in listing |
| HDMI eARC and inputs | HDMI eARC and inputs not published in listing, wireless Dolby Atmos possible without HDMI cable | HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough; one HDMI input |
| Wireless and streaming | Alexa built-in, Googlecast, AirPlay 2 | AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready; Bluetooth not published in listing |
| Dimensions | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Remote and app | Sound calibration via built-in microphone, app not explicitly named in listing | JBL ONE app; remote not mentioned in listing |
| Included accessories | Soundbar and wireless subwoofer, other accessories not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Type | N/A | 5.1 channel soundbar system with wireless subwoofer |
| Power or sensitivity | N/A | 750W max output power (total system) |
| Frequency response | N/A | Not published in listing |
| Inputs and connectivity | N/A | HDMI eARC, HDMI input with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough (exact number of HDMI ports not specified) |
| Bluetooth and streaming | N/A | AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready; Bluetooth not specified in listing |
| Weight | N/A | Not published in listing |
| Finish | N/A | Black (from listing title); material details not published |
Sound Quality
The Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q and the JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 both support Dolby Atmos, but they approach sound quality with different published strengths. The Samsung uses dedicated side and top-firing drivers to create a true 5.1.2 channel configuration. The JBL lists a 750 watt max output power rating and uses MultiBeam 3.0 processing to widen the cinematic soundstage. Samsung mentions a voice enhancement feature in the listing, while JBL highlights PureVoice 2.0 for dialog clarity and ambient noise reduction.
In the sound quality breakdown, the Samsung scores 24 out of 30 and the JBL scores 23 out of 30. Samsung does not publish total power output, so maximum loudness cannot be compared directly. JBL does not publish driver count or driver sizes, so the acoustic contribution from each driver is unknown. Neither listing states a frequency response range, which limits tonal balance assessment.
The Samsung's upfiring and side firing drivers are a concrete hardware advantage for Atmos height and width effects. The JBL counters with a high wattage ceiling and processing that aims to produce a wide soundstage without dedicated side drivers. Buyers who want dedicated height drivers may prefer Samsung, while those who prioritize amplifier headroom and dialog processing may lean JBL.
Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats
Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, but the channel configurations differ. The Samsung Q800F lists a 5.1.2 channel setup with upfiring drivers for overhead effects. The JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 lists a 5.1 channel setup and relies on MultiBeam 3.0 to simulate a wider surround and height presentation.
The Samsung listing states that wireless Dolby Atmos is possible without an HDMI cable, which may simplify setup for some users. The JBL does not mention wireless Atmos, but it supports Dolby Atmos through HDMI eARC. Neither listing mentions DTS support or DTS:X, so disc collectors who rely on DTS soundtracks may need to verify compatibility elsewhere.
Both systems come with only a soundbar and wireless subwoofer, so there are no discrete rear surround speakers. The Samsung uses side firing drivers to create a broader front soundstage, while JBL uses processing. The surround and audio formats score is 12 out of 15 for both models in the supplied breakdown.
Subwoofer and Bass
The Samsung Q800F includes a wireless subwoofer with a 6.5-inch active driver and an 8-inch passive radiator. The JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 includes a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. Samsung does not publish total system power, so the subwoofer amplifier rating is unknown.
JBL lists a 750 watt max output power for the entire system, which suggests generous headroom for bass peaks. The larger 10 inch driver in the JBL subwoofer may move more air than the smaller Samsung driver, but the passive radiator in Samsung can reinforce low frequencies. No frequency response or bass extension data is published for either model.
Buyers who want the largest single driver in the subwoofer may prefer the JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1. Buyers who like the idea of a passive radiator design may prefer the Samsung Q800F. Without published bass response curves, the difference in low-end character remains a specification comparison rather than a measured result.
Connectivity and TV Setup
The Samsung Q800F listing does not publish HDMI eARC details or the number of HDMI inputs. It does state that wireless Dolby Atmos is possible without an HDMI cable, which may benefit certain TV setups. The JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 publishes HDMI eARC support with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough and one HDMI input.
For wireless streaming, Samsung includes Alexa built-in, Googlecast, and AirPlay 2. JBL supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready. The JBL listing does not mention Bluetooth, while Samsung does not explicitly list Bluetooth in the provided spec section either.
The connectivity score is 12 out of 15 for Samsung and 13 out of 15 for JBL, reflecting the more complete published HDMI implementation for JBL. Buyers who need a confirmed HDMI input for a set-top box may prefer JBL. Buyers who want built-in Alexa and wireless Atmos without cable details may still choose Samsung.
Features, Apps and Voice Control
Samsung Q800F has Alexa built-in, Googlecast, and AirPlay 2 support for voice and streaming. It also lists Game Mode Pro for gaming audio and automatic room calibration using a built-in microphone. The Samsung listing does not explicitly name a companion app for EQ and settings.
JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 works with the JBL ONE app for sound calibration and settings. It supports AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready for music streaming. JBL does not include a built-in voice assistant, so voice control requires an external voice assistant-enabled speaker according to the cons list.
The Samsung's built-in Alexa may be an advantage for users who want a self-contained smart speaker and soundbar. The JBL's app ecosystem and broader music service support, including Roon Ready, may appeal to multiroom audio users. Both include room calibration features, but Samsung uses a built-in microphone while JBL uses the app.
Design and Fit Under a TV
Neither Samsung nor JBL publishes dimensions for their soundbars in the provided listing. This makes it impossible to state exact height, width, or depth for under-TV placement. Buyers should verify clearance dimensions with the manufacturer separately.
The Samsung Q800F's side and top-firing drivers may require more open space around the bar for the height and width effects to reach the listener. The JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 does not list driver placement details, so its physical clearance needs are not published. Both systems include a wireless subwoofer, which reduces cable clutter.
The design and TV fit score is 11 out of 15 for both models, suggesting similar overall assessment on paper. Without physical dimensions, a side-by-side fit comparison is not possible from the listing. Buyers with low-profile TV stands should confirm the bar height before purchasing.
Who Should Buy It
The Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q is best for Samsung TV owners who want a mid-range Dolby Atmos soundbar with a wireless subwoofer and smart assistant support. The Q-Symphony feature works with compatible Samsung TVs, and Alexa is built in for voice control. Its dedicated side and top-firing drivers and Game Mode Pro also make it suitable for gaming audio.
The JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 is best for buyers who want a lower midrange Atmos soundbar with strong bass headroom and broad streaming support. Its 10 inch wireless subwoofer and 750 watt max output suit movie nights, while AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready cover music streaming. HDMI eARC with Dolby Vision passthrough simplifies TV connection.
Buyers who need published HDMI details may avoid Samsung until those specs are confirmed. Buyers who need built-in voice control may avoid JBL if they do not want an external assistant speaker. The overall scores are close, with Samsung at 80 and JBL at 79.
The Deciding Question
The main question is whether you value Samsung Q-Symphony integration and built-in voice control or JBL's published HDMI passthrough and larger subwoofer. Samsung offers dedicated height drivers and Alexa built-in but leaves HDMI and power details unpublished. JBL offers a 10 inch subwoofer and known 750 watt max output but lacks built-in voice.
If you own a compatible Samsung TV, Q-Symphony could be the deciding factor because it uses the TV speakers together with the soundbar. If you have a TV with Dolby Vision passthrough needs and want a single HDMI eARC connection, JBL publishes those details. Neither supports DTS, so disc collectors must check that separately.
The price difference is not part of this comparison, but both sit in the lower midrange class. The scoring difference is only one point overall, so the choice hinges on ecosystem and published hardware confidence.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q if you own a compatible Samsung TV and want Q-Symphony, built-in Alexa, dedicated upfiring drivers, and Game Mode Pro. You should also choose Samsung if you want wireless Dolby Atmos without an HDMI cable and prefer a subwoofer with a passive radiator.
Choose the JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 if you want a 10 inch subwoofer, a published 750 watt max output, HDMI eARC with Dolby Vision passthrough, and one HDMI input. You should also choose JBL if you use multiple music services like Tidal Connect and Roon Ready or prefer the JBL ONE app for calibration.
Buyers who need DTS support, rear speakers, or published physical dimensions should look beyond both models. Overall, the Samsung is slightly more suited to Samsung TV households, while the JBL is slightly more suited to buyers who want clear connectivity specs and a larger subwoofer.
Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q
Pros
- Dedicated upfiring and side firing drivers for 5.1.2 Atmos
- Wireless subwoofer with 6.5-inch active and 8-inch passive radiator
- Q-Symphony integration with compatible Samsung TVs
- Alexa built-in plus Googlecast and AirPlay 2
- Automatic room calibration with built-in microphone
- Game Mode Pro for gaming audio
Cons
- No DTS:X or DTS support mentioned
- HDMI eARC and input details not published
- Dimensions and power output not listed
- No rear speakers included
- App not explicitly named for EQ and settings
JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1
Pros
- Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam 3.0 for immersive surround
- PureVoice 2.0 improves dialogue clarity
- 750W max output with 10 inch wireless subwoofer
- Broad streaming support including AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready
- HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough
- JBL ONE app with room calibration and EQ
Cons
- Soundbar driver specifications are not published in the listing
- No published frequency response or sensitivity data
- Exact dimensions and weight are not listed
- Bluetooth support is not mentioned for direct device pairing
Who Should Buy Each
Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q
- Owners of recent Samsung AI TVs who can use Q-Symphony
- Movie fans wanting Dolby Atmos height effects without rear speaker wires
- Gamers looking for Game Mode Pro and low latency
- Buyers who want Alexa, Googlecast, and AirPlay 2 built in
JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1
- Home theater fans who want cinematic Dolby Atmos effects
- Music streamers who use multiple services like AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify, Tidal or Roon
- Viewers who struggle with muddy dialogue and want automatic voice enhancement
- Gamers who value 4K Dolby Vision passthrough and immersive audio
Quick Decision Guide
| If you own a compatible Samsung TV and want Q-Symphony integration | Choose Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q |
| If you want a 10 inch subwoofer and a published 750 watt max output | Choose JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 |
| If you need built-in Alexa voice control without an external speaker | Choose Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q |
| If you need HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough and one HDMI input published | Choose JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 |
| If you want wireless Dolby Atmos possible without an HDMI cable | Choose Samsung Q800F 5.1.2ch Q |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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