The catch
Samsung HW-Q800F
It ships without rear speakers.
Side by side
Samsung HW-Q800F vs JBL Bar 500 MK2 compared: JBL suits a lower and narrower TV, Samsung takes less subwoofer floor space
Quick verdict
Take the Q800F if you want upward-firing height channels and a smaller subwoofer footprint. The JBL 500 MK2 fits a lower TV stand, since its bar is shorter and narrower.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, HW-Q800F/ZA is 43.73 inches and Bar 500MK2 is 37 inches. That is a gap of 6.73 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 = |43.73 - 37|.
The catch
JBL Bar 500 MK2
The package leaves out rear speakers.
Samsung HW-Q800F
- Why pick it
- Physical upward-firing height drivers are the goal
- Subwoofer cabinet footprint must stay small
- The catch
- It ships without rear speakers.
JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Why pick it
- The gap beneath your screen is low
- You prefer a narrower bar with its subwoofer included
- The catch
- The package leaves out rear speakers.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
The Q800F is the one for upward-firing height channels and a smaller subwoofer footprint. A lower TV stand is better served by the JBL 500 MK2, whose bar is shorter and narrower.
Samsung takes up more space under the television
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Physical upward-firing height drivers are the goal
Physical upward-firing drivers are part of Q800F and not of 500 MK2. Even so, the Samsung drivers need an unobstructed path toward a suitable ceiling.
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Not suitable
The gap beneath your screen is low
The 500 MK2 is 37 inches wide and 2 inches high, so it can go in a tighter opening. Its height presentation is virtual and does not rely on the same upward-firing driver arrangement.
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
The JBL subwoofer cabinet is 12.8 by 12.8 inches and the Samsung one is 9.8 by 9.8. Count that floor space too, instead of comparing only the piece under the TV.
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
Q800F cuts the subwoofer cabinet footprint by about 41%
Samsung takes up about 96 square inches and JBL 164, ahead of cable and ventilation clearance.
- Samsung HW-Q800F
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, HW-Q800F/ZA is 43.73 inches and Bar 500MK2 is 37 inches. That is a gap of 6.73 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 = |43.73 - 37|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
Bar 500MK2 takes 1 direct HDMI source and HW-Q800F/ZA takes 1. 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: 1 and 1. You still need to check TV passthrough and supported video modes.
Q800F cuts the subwoofer cabinet footprint by about 41%
Samsung takes up about 96 square inches and JBL 164, ahead of cable and ventilation clearance.
How we worked this out
Start with 9.8 × 9.8 = 96.04 square inches and 12.8 × 12.8 = 163.84. Then (1 - 96.04 / 163.84) × 100 = 41.4%.
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.
Samsung HW-Q800F
Passes these checksIt measures 43.73 inches wide and 2.38 inches high, with 1 separate HDMI source input and 4.3 inches of total width to spare.
JBL Bar 500 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
Samsung, HW-Q800F/ZA
Samsung HW-Q800F
If you want a separate subwoofer and upward-firing sound but would rather not put speakers behind the sofa, the Q800F fits. A high-refresh console should go on the TV, because the bar’s single HDMI input passes 4K at 60 Hz.
- Best for
- A bar with a subwoofer and no rear speakers to place
Facts we checked
- A 5.1.2-channel bar that comes with a wireless subwoofer and no rear speakers.
- An optical input, one HDMI source input and one eARC TV connection.
- Passthrough at 4K 60 Hz, per the manufacturer.
- The bar is 1,110.7 × 60.4 × 120 mm.
- The subwoofer is 249 × 251.8 × 249 mm.
Option B
JBL, Bar 500MK2
JBL Bar 500 MK2
A 10-inch subwoofer comes with the Bar 500 MK2, along with a low-profile bar and no rear speakers to position. Its cabinet slides under more low TVs than taller rivals can, though the bass box still needs a spot on the floor. If you want surrounds later, you need current firmware plus two Cove M1 or two Cove P1 speakers, which are sold separately.
- Best for
- A low TV with separate bass and no rear speakers cluttering the room
Facts we checked
- A 10-inch subwoofer comes in the 5.1-channel package.
- The bar is 37 × 2 × 4.1 inches.
- One eARC TV connection and one HDMI source input.
- The soundbar array is made of five racetrack drivers and four tweeters.
- Support covers Wi-Fi music, PureVoice 2.0 and automatic 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 | Samsung HW-Q800F | JBL Bar 500 MK2 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 43.73 in | 37 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | 2.38 in | 2 in | Measure both the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 1 | 1 | These source inputs do not include the TV eARC connection. |
| Separate subwoofer included | Yes | Yes | 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 Samsung HW-Q800F
- Its source input tops out at 4K 60 Hz passthrough.
With JBL Bar 500 MK2
- The listed driver array has no upward-firing drivers, so Atmos height is virtual.
Decision guide
How to decide
For upward-firing height channels and a smaller subwoofer footprint, go with the Q800F. For a lower TV stand, the JBL 500 MK2 has a shorter, narrower bar that fits.
Samsung takes up more space under the television
The Q800F measures 43.73 inches wide by 2.38 inches high. Its upward-firing drivers also need a clear path up to a suitable ceiling.
The JBL central bar is easier to place
The 500 MK2 is 37 inches wide and 2 inches high, so it can go in a tighter opening. Its height presentation is virtual and does not rely on the same upward-firing driver arrangement.
A smaller bar brings a bigger box for the floor
The JBL subwoofer cabinet is 12.8 by 12.8 inches and the Samsung one is 9.8 by 9.8. Count that floor space too, instead of comparing only the piece under the TV.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung HW-Q800F | None of these needs is a documented match |
|
|
| JBL Bar 500 MK2 | None of these needs is a documented match |
|
|
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.
Samsung HW-Q800F
Physical upward-firing height drivers are the goal
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 500 MK2
The gap beneath your screen is low
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money