The catch
JBL Bar 300 MK2
It comes without an external subwoofer or rear speakers.
Side by side
JBL Bar 300 MK2 vs Sonos Beam Gen 2: Beam needs far less width, JBL fits a lower screen and adds HDMI
Quick verdict
A low screen or one direct HDMI source points to the JBL Bar 300 MK2. A narrow stand, or compatible Sonos speakers you already own, points to the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Either can add optional surrounds, but JBL needs current firmware and a matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair. The JBL sits lower and is more than 11 inches wider.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Height and width favor different winners
JBL is 25.4% lower and Beam is 30.7% narrower.
Where this comes from
These use outer cabinet dimensions. Width: (37 - 25.63) / 37 × 100 = 30.7%. Height: (2.68 - 2) / 2.68 × 100 = 25.4%.
The catch
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
It has neither separate HDMI source inputs nor Bluetooth music playback.
JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Why pick it
- There is not much height under the TV picture.
- Bluetooth music or a separate HDMI source input is something you need.
- The catch
- It comes without an external subwoofer or rear speakers.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Why pick it
- A 37-inch bar will not go on your stand.
- Your goal is a compact Sonos setup to expand later.
- The catch
- It has neither separate HDMI source inputs nor Bluetooth music playback.
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What this page compares
JBL Bar 300 MK2 and Sonos Beam Gen 2 differ in TV clearance, HDMI sources and future expansion. See which bar suits your cabinet and connections.
A low screen or one direct HDMI source points to the JBL Bar 300 MK2. A narrow stand, or compatible Sonos speakers you already own, points to the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Either can add optional surrounds, but JBL needs current firmware and a matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair. The JBL sits lower and is more than 11 inches wider.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A shelf 30 inches across
JBL is too wide. Beam has 4.37 inches of total spare width.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Not suitable
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Better fit
Room for only 2.3 inches under the picture
JBL’s body clears it. Beam is too tall by 0.38 inch.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Better fit
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Not suitable
No TV input left for one more player
Beam adds no source socket, and JBL adds one.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Better fit
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Caution
Sonos surrounds as a later add-on
The documented Sonos expansion path runs through Beam. Do not assume unrelated bars will accept those speakers.
- JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Caution
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Height and width favor different winners
JBL is 25.4% lower and Beam is 30.7% narrower.
How we worked this out
These use outer cabinet dimensions. Width: (37 - 25.63) / 37 × 100 = 30.7%. Height: (2.68 - 2) / 2.68 × 100 = 25.4%.
Neither one fits a 30-inch opening that has 2.3 inches of height
Beam clears the width and misses on height, while JBL is the opposite.
How we worked this out
Width <=30 in and height <=2.3 in must both be met. Beam is 25.63 × 2.68 in. JBL is 37 × 2 in. Cable clearance is not included.
JBL can give a source connection back
A player that was using the TV’s audio-return socket can plug into JBL instead. Beam cannot take it.
How we worked this out
HDMI sound reaches both through the TV audio-return socket. JBL has one additional source input and Beam has zero. You still need to check the source’s video format for compatibility.
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 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.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
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 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.
Option B
Sonos, Beam Gen 2
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
A narrow TV stand is no problem for the Beam, and it leaves the door open to a larger Sonos system. Its Atmos effect comes from processing. It has no upward-firing drivers. Room tuning also requires a compatible iPhone or iPad.
- Best for
- A small TV setup where rear speakers may come later
Facts we checked
- The cabinet is 25.63 × 2.68 × 3.94 inches.
- An included optical adapter comes with the HDMI eARC or ARC connection.
- Five amplified drivers, none of them upward-firing.
- Support covers Wi-Fi music, AirPlay 2, Night Sound and Speech Enhancement.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | JBL Bar 300 MK2 | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 37 in | 25.63 in | Narrower stands suit the Beam. |
| Height | 2 in | 2.68 in | JBL fits under lower pictures. |
| Depth | 4.1 in | 3.94 in | Leave extra room for cables. |
| Separate HDMI inputs | One | None | Source devices are meant to go into TV inputs with Beam. |
| TV link | eARC or optical | eARC or included optical adapter | Look at what output connection your TV has. |
| Height effects | Virtual | Virtual | Upward-firing drivers are missing on both. |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | No | Guests can listen over Bluetooth with the JBL. |
| Room tuning | JBL sound calibration | Trueplay with compatible iOS device | Which phone you have alters the tuning workflow. |
| Optional surround expansion | Optional matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair with current firmware | Compatible Sonos surrounds, sold separately | Expansion is possible on both. Which is the better buy can depend on compatible speakers you already have and the full cost of add-ons. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With JBL Bar 300 MK2
- Upward-firing drivers are not used, so Atmos height is virtual.
With Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Upward-firing drivers are absent, so height effects are virtual.
Decision guide
How to decide
For a low screen or a single direct HDMI source, take the JBL Bar 300 MK2. For a narrow stand, or compatible Sonos speakers you already own, take the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Both can add optional surrounds, though JBL needs current firmware and a matched Cove M1 or Cove P1 pair. Its bar is lower but more than 11 inches wider.
Measure the opening and ignore the TV diagonal
What counts is the space between the TV feet and the height below the picture. Screen size tells you neither. Leave the top of the bar unobstructed, and allow for the cable bends behind it.
The eARC socket cannot double as a console socket
The audio-return connection ties the bar to the TV. A separate source input on the JBL can help when the TV has no free ports. It does not follow that the input passes every gaming refresh rate or video format.
Choose the expansion path you will follow
If compatible Sonos surrounds or a Sonos subwoofer figure in your plans, Beam is a sensible choice. JBL can add surrounds too, using current firmware and two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers through JBL One. The two systems rely on different compatible accessories, so price the complete setup you plan. Should you intend to stay with one bar, decide on cabinet fit, HDMI sources and Bluetooth instead.
What this page can’t tell you
- Cabinet size is not used to infer any ranking of sound quality.
- Support for virtual Atmos does not establish the result you will get in your room.
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
None of the 31 models checked meets all of “The stand sits right under my screen”, “My bar can’t be wider than 32 inches”, “I can’t fit a bass box”, and “My TV has almost no HDMI ports left”, so the pick goes to the closest practical compromise.
0 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “The stand sits right under my screen”, “My bar can’t be wider than 32 inches”, “I can’t fit a bass box”, and “My TV has almost no HDMI ports left”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Bar 300 MK2 |
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| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
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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 300 MK2
There is not much height under the TV picture.
See price & reviews on AmazonSonos Beam (Gen 2)
A 37-inch bar will not go on your stand.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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