The catch
JBL Bar 1300X
The rear speakers need a recharge between cordless listening sessions.
Side by side
JBL Bar 1300X vs 1300X MK2: MK2 takes more room for the docked bar and subwoofer, and the original rates its rears for longer
Quick verdict
The original 1300X is the one to get if a lower complete-package price and its longer stated rear-battery limit matter to you. The 1300X MK2 is the choice for the updated processing package, as long as the wider docked bar and larger subwoofer fit. Three HDMI source inputs and detachable rear speakers come with both.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Docking changes how much furniture space you need
With the rear speakers attached, the original bar grows by 14.8 inches and MK2 by 14.7 inches.
Where this comes from
The figures come from docked widths minus detached widths. A bar that fits for playback can still be too wide to dock in that same spot.
The catch
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
The rear batteries must be recharged and are not guaranteed to last all day.
JBL Bar 1300X
- Why pick it
- The original complete package costs noticeably less.
- Your space takes the 54.2-inch docked width but not 55.3 inches.
- The catch
- The rear speakers need a recharge between cordless listening sessions.
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Why pick it
- The newer PureVoice 2.0 and MultiBeam 3.0 processing package appeals to you.
- A 15-inch-square subwoofer cabinet fits in your room.
- The catch
- The rear batteries must be recharged and are not guaranteed to last all day.
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What this page compares
Set the two JBL 1300X generations side by side on detachable-speaker charging, docked width, subwoofer footprint and HDMI source count. Both include rechargeable rears.
The rear-power problem is solved by both. What separates them is what to expect from charging, physical storage and the current package price.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
No outlets for the rears
Rechargeable rear speakers come with both.
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Good
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Good
A docked storage spot of 54.5 inches
Just the original’s cabinet-width spec fits within that limit.
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Not suitable
Three sources, direct over HDMI
Three source inputs come with each.
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Similar
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Similar
The smallest subwoofer footprint you can get
The original has the smaller cabinet base.
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Docking changes how much furniture space you need
With the rear speakers attached, the original bar grows by 14.8 inches and MK2 by 14.7 inches.
How we worked this out
The figures come from docked widths minus detached widths. A bar that fits for playback can still be too wide to dock in that same spot.
About 8.5% more cabinet area goes to the MK2 subwoofer
Its 15 × 15-inch base works out to 225 square inches, while the original’s 14.4 × 14.4-inch base is 207.36.
How we worked this out
To get the increase, calculate (225 − 207.36) ÷ 207.36. The areas are bare cabinet footprints and not minimum room-placement areas.
Battery figures do not prove one model is more efficient
For the original JBL lists up to 12 hours, and for MK2 up to 10.
How we worked this out
Playback time varies with content, volume and settings. Treat the figures as limits for planning charging. They do not claim that one lasts exactly 20% longer in the same test.
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.
JBL Bar 1300X
Fails these checksIt takes 54.2 inches of width once its detachable speakers are docked, more than your 48 inches.
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
Fails these checksIt takes 55.3 inches of width once its detachable speakers are docked, more than your 48 inches.
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
JBL, Bar 1300X
JBL Bar 1300X
In a living room where rear speakers cannot stay plugged in, the Bar 1300X makes sense. You detach them for a movie and then return them to the bar to charge. Measure carefully, because the subwoofer is large and the docked configuration is wide.
- Best for
- Rear surround now and then, with no power cables behind the sofa
Facts we checked
- A 12-inch subwoofer and two rechargeable rear speakers come in the 11.1.4-channel package.
- One eARC TV connection and three HDMI source inputs.
- On its own, the bar is 39.4 × 2.4 × 5.5 inches.
- With the rear speakers attached and docked, the width is 54.2 inches.
- Depending on use, JBL rates playback from the detachable speakers at up to 12 hours.
Option B
JBL, Bar 1300XMK2
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
When a lack of outlets for rear speakers stands between you and a full surround setup, the 1300X MK2 is the one to pick. Three direct HDMI inputs take pressure off a crowded TV. In return you get a charging routine for the detachable speakers, and the subwoofer is sizable.
- Best for
- Three HDMI devices, plus rear speakers that skip permanent outlets
Facts we checked
- 11.1.4-channel setup that includes a 12-inch subwoofer and two rechargeable rears.
- One eARC TV connection and three HDMI source inputs.
- On its own, the bar is 40.6 × 2.3 × 5.4 inches.
- The subwoofer cabinet is 15 inches wide and deep, and the docked width is 55.3 inches.
- Depending on content and volume, JBL rates battery playback from the rear speakers at up to 10 hours.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | JBL Bar 1300X | JBL Bar 1300X MK2 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar width with rears detached | 39.4 inches | 40.6 inches | At the TV, MK2 takes up about 1.2 inches more. |
| Width with rears docked | 54.2 inches | 55.3 inches | Measure the charging setup along with the movie setup. |
| Subwoofer width × depth | 14.4 × 14.4 inches | 15 × 15 inches | The subwoofer does not shrink on MK2. Its floor footprint grows. |
| Stated rear battery playback | Up to 12 hours | Up to 10 hours | The manufacturer gives upper limits here, and no matched battery test backs them. |
| HDMI source inputs | 3 | 3 | The newer model offers no additional direct sources. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With JBL Bar 1300X
- Attaching the rears widens the bar from 39.4 to 54.2 inches.
With JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- With the rears docked, the full bar spans 55.3 inches.
Decision guide
How to decide
Docking changes how much furniture space you need
Docked rear speakers add 14.8 inches to the original bar and 14.7 inches to the MK2. The figure comes from subtracting the detached widths from the docked widths. A bar that fits during playback may still be too wide to dock in the same spot.
About 8.5% more cabinet area goes to the MK2 subwoofer
Count 225 square inches for a 15 × 15-inch base here, against 207.36 for the original 14.4 × 14.4-inch base. The increase works out as (225 − 207.36) ÷ 207.36. Those are bare cabinet footprints and not minimum room-placement areas.
Battery figures do not prove one model is more efficient
JBL gives up to 12 hours for the original and up to 10 for the MK2. Content, volume and settings all change playback time. Treat the figures as limits for planning your charging. They do not prove that one lasts exactly 20% longer in the same test.
What this page can’t tell you
- This comparison rests on manufacturer specifications and package contents rather than a controlled listening test. How a bar sounds also depends on room shape, placement and source content.
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
Only 3 of the 31 models checked meet every need here: “My sofa has no outlets nearby” and “My setup has three HDMI devices”.
3 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “My sofa has no outlets nearby” and “My setup has three HDMI devices”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 1300X |
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| JBL Bar 1300X MK2 |
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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.
JBL Bar 1300X
The original complete package costs noticeably less.
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 1300X MK2
The newer PureVoice 2.0 and MultiBeam 3.0 processing package appeals to you.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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