The catch
Bose Smart Soundbar
ADAPTiQ room calibration is missing.
Side by side
Bose Smart Soundbar vs JBL Bar 300 MK2 compared: JBL fits lower screens and adds a source socket, Bose takes less width
Quick verdict
If you want a narrower cabinet with upward-firing drivers, take the Bose Smart Soundbar. The JBL 300 MK2 is better for a low TV stand and for a setup that needs one HDMI source input.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, 892079-1100 (2024) is 27.34 inches and Bar 300MK2 is 37 inches. The gap is 9.66 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
Where this comes from
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |27.34 - 37|.
The catch
JBL Bar 300 MK2
It comes without an external subwoofer or rear speakers.
Bose Smart Soundbar
- Why pick it
- Your TV cabinet is narrow
- You want upward-firing drivers and no separate subwoofer
- The catch
- ADAPTiQ room calibration is missing.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Why pick it
- The bar has to sit lower beneath the screen
- A player should plug straight into the soundbar
- The catch
- It comes without an external subwoofer or rear speakers.
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What this page compares
Bose Smart Soundbar is the pick for a narrower cabinet with upward-firing drivers. A low TV stand, or a setup that needs one HDMI source input, suits the JBL 300 MK2.
Bose takes less width
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Your TV cabinet is narrow
Compared with the 37-inch JBL, the 27.34-inch cabinet is much narrower. TV legs and small stands benefit, and the space above the upward-firing drivers can stay open.
- Bose Smart Soundbar
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Depends
The bar has to sit lower beneath the screen
Under a lower screen, the 2-inch-high JBL can work. The extra HDMI input helps when the TV alone does not offer enough source connections.
- Bose Smart Soundbar
- Depends
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
Start by comparing the single-bar setups. That an expansion path is optional does not mean the extra speakers come with the Amazon listing.
- Bose Smart Soundbar
- Depends
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Depends
Bose is nearly ten inches narrower, and JBL is the lower bar
Next to JBL 300 MK2, Bose is 0.21 inches taller and 9.66 inches narrower.
- Bose Smart Soundbar
- Depends
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, 892079-1100 (2024) is 27.34 inches and Bar 300MK2 is 37 inches. The gap is 9.66 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
How we worked this out
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |27.34 - 37|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
Bar 300MK2 takes 1 direct HDMI source and 892079-1100 (2024) takes 0. Any other players need suitable TV inputs or a switch you choose separately.
How we worked this out
Only HDMI source inputs are counted, and the HDMI output/eARC TV connection is left out. Recorded inputs: 0 and 1. You still need to check TV passthrough and supported video modes.
Bose is nearly ten inches narrower, and JBL is the lower bar
Next to JBL 300 MK2, Bose is 0.21 inches taller and 9.66 inches narrower.
How we worked this out
Both selected listings are soundbar-only packages. 37 - 27.34 = 9.66 inches. 2.21 - 2 = 0.21 inches.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
Bose Smart Soundbar
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
Passes these checksIt measures 37 inches wide and 2 inches high, with 1 separate HDMI source input and 11.0 inches of total width to spare.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
Bose, 892079-1100 (2024)
Bose Smart Soundbar
Under 28 inches wide, the 2024 Smart Soundbar still has upward-firing speakers and Wi-Fi music. Placing it is easier than placing the Smart Ultra. What it lacks is the Ultra’s room-calibration system.
- Best for
- Real upward-firing speakers on a small, low TV stand
Facts we checked
- The cabinet is 27.34 × 2.21 × 4.09 inches.
- Two of the five speaker units fire upward.
- TV connections are HDMI eARC and optical.
- Support covers Wi-Fi music, Bluetooth and dialogue enhancement.
- This listing covers the 2024 Smart Soundbar. The older Smart Soundbar 600 is a different product.
Option B
JBL, Bar 300MK2
JBL Bar 300 MK2
Take the low cabinet and Wi-Fi features of the 500 MK2, drop the separate subwoofer, and you have the Bar 300 MK2. One HDMI source can plug straight into it, which helps when the TV is already out of ports. Optional surrounds need current firmware and two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers, bought separately.
- Best for
- A single low-profile bar with one extra HDMI source input
Facts we checked
- Single-bar package in 5.0-channel form.
- The cabinet is 37 × 2 × 4.1 inches.
- One eARC TV connection and one HDMI source input.
- The driver array is made of five racetrack drivers and four tweeters.
- Support covers Wi-Fi streaming, PureVoice 2.0 and sound calibration.
- Cove grouping arrives with firmware 26.33.11.82.00, released August 19, 2026. Optional expansion takes two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers and JBL One setup. Those speakers are sold separately.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Bose Smart Soundbar | JBL Bar 300 MK2 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 27.34 in | 37 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | 2.21 in | 2 in | Measure both the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 0 | 1 | These source inputs do not include the TV eARC connection. |
| Separate subwoofer included | No | No | An included separate subwoofer is something other than a built-in bass driver. |
| Rear speakers included | No | No | Find out whether the included rear speakers need mains power or charging. |
| Upward-firing drivers | Yes | No | A suitable ceiling and a clear path upward are required for these. |
| Wi-Fi music | Yes | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming connect in different ways. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Bose Smart Soundbar
- Separate HDMI source inputs are absent.
With JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Upward-firing drivers are not used, so Atmos height is virtual.
Decision guide
How to decide
Bose Smart Soundbar fits a narrower cabinet and brings upward-firing drivers, while the JBL 300 MK2 is the one for a low TV stand or a setup with one HDMI source input.
Bose takes less width
Compared with the 37-inch JBL, the 27.34-inch cabinet is much narrower. TV legs and small stands benefit, and the space above the upward-firing drivers can stay open.
JBL is the wider bar and the lower one
Under a lower screen, the 2-inch-high JBL can work. The extra HDMI input helps when the TV alone does not offer enough source connections.
Neither chosen package comes with a separate subwoofer
Start by comparing the single-bar setups. That an expansion path is optional does not mean the extra speakers come with the Amazon listing.
What this page can’t tell you
- The conclusions here come from published specifications and the stated calculations. No hands-on performance test was involved.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 31 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
31 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose Smart Soundbar | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| JBL Bar 300 MK2 | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Bose Smart Soundbar
Your TV cabinet is narrow
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 300 MK2
The bar has to sit lower beneath the screen
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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