The catch
Sonos Arc Ultra
Separate HDMI inputs are missing, so a console or disc player cannot plug in.
Side by side
Sonos Arc Ultra vs JBL Bar 1300X MK2 compared: Where Sonos leaves bass, rears and source sockets separate, JBL supplies them
Quick verdict
If you are building a Sonos system around the TV, take the Arc Ultra. The JBL 1300X MK2 delivers a subwoofer, rechargeable rears and three HDMI inputs in a single package.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, Arc Ultra is 46.38 inches and Bar 1300XMK2 is 40.6 inches. The gap is 5.78 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 = |46.38 - 40.6|.
The catch
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
The rear batteries must be recharged and are not guaranteed to last all day.
Sonos Arc Ultra
- Why pick it
- You already have Sonos in your home to build on
- One bar now, with expansion afterward
- The catch
- Separate HDMI inputs are missing, so a console or disc player cannot plug in.
JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Why pick it
- Bass and rear speakers should come in the box
- Direct HDMI source connections are required
- The catch
- The rear batteries must be recharged and are not guaranteed to last all day.
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What this page compares
Arc Ultra is the pick for a Sonos system built around the TV. The JBL 1300X MK2 packs a subwoofer, rechargeable rears and three HDMI inputs into one box.
A single piece under the TV is where Sonos starts
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
You already have Sonos in your home to build on
The selected listing is the bar alone, though Arc Ultra can expand with compatible Sonos speakers. If a full surround system is your goal, count those separate purchases too.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Depends
Bass and rear speakers should come in the box
The box holds the subwoofer and the detachable rear speakers. Source devices can connect directly to three HDMI inputs, though the rears need a charging routine.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Not suitable
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
The JBL central bar measures 40.6 inches, and docking the rears takes it to 55.3 inches. Arc Ultra stays 46.38 inches wide, even with its optional rear speakers.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Depends
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Depends
Docked, the full JBL package takes nearly nine more inches
At 55.3 inches, 1300X MK2 is 8.92 inches wider than Arc Ultra. Detached, its central bar is 5.78 inches narrower.
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Depends
- JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, Arc Ultra is 46.38 inches and Bar 1300XMK2 is 40.6 inches. The gap is 5.78 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 = |46.38 - 40.6|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
Bar 1300XMK2 takes 3 direct HDMI sources and Arc Ultra 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 3. You still need to check TV passthrough and supported video modes.
Docked, the full JBL package takes nearly nine more inches
At 55.3 inches, 1300X MK2 is 8.92 inches wider than Arc Ultra. Detached, its central bar is 5.78 inches narrower.
How we worked this out
Use the configuration you plan for charging and storage. 55.3 - 46.38 = 8.92 inches. 46.38 - 40.6 = 5.78 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.
Sonos Arc Ultra
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
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
Sonos, Arc Ultra
Sonos Arc Ultra
The Arc Ultra suits you if you want to start with one bar and keep the option of adding a Sonos subwoofer and rear speakers down the road. Plan for nearly 47 inches of cabinet width, and note that your TV handles the source switching.
- Best for
- A roomy TV stand, plus a surround system you assemble piece by piece
Facts we checked
- The cabinet is 46.38 × 2.95 × 4.35 inches.
- It connects over HDMI eARC or ARC and has no separate HDMI source inputs.
- Height output for compatible Dolby Atmos content comes from upward-firing drivers.
- Support covers Wi-Fi music, Bluetooth audio, Speech Enhancement and Night Sound.
- Supported iOS and Android devices can run Trueplay tuning.
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 | Sonos Arc Ultra | JBL Bar 1300X MK2 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 46.38 in | 40.6 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | 2.95 in | 2.3 in | Measure both the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 0 | 3 | These source inputs do not include the TV eARC connection. |
| Separate subwoofer included | No | Yes | An included separate subwoofer is something other than a built-in bass driver. |
| Rear speakers included | No | Yes | Find out whether the included rear speakers need mains power or charging. |
| Upward-firing drivers | Yes | Yes | 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 Sonos Arc Ultra
- You pay extra for a subwoofer and rear speakers.
With JBL Bar 1300X MK2
- With the rears docked, the full bar spans 55.3 inches.
Decision guide
How to decide
The Arc Ultra suits a Sonos system built around the TV, and the JBL 1300X MK2 suits anyone who wants a subwoofer, rechargeable rears and three HDMI inputs in one package.
A single piece under the TV is where Sonos starts
The selected listing is the bar alone, though Arc Ultra can expand with compatible Sonos speakers. If a full surround system is your goal, count those separate purchases too.
The JBL brings the rest of the surround package
The box holds the subwoofer and the detachable rear speakers. Source devices can connect directly to three HDMI inputs, though the rears need a charging routine.
Docked width alters the fit
The JBL central bar measures 40.6 inches, and docking the rears takes it to 55.3 inches. Arc Ultra stays 46.38 inches wide, even with its optional rear speakers.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Arc Ultra | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| JBL Bar 1300X 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.
Sonos Arc Ultra
You already have Sonos in your home to build on
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 1300X MK2
Bass and rear speakers should come in the box
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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