The catch
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
The bar offers no HDMI source inputs.
Side by side
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 vs JBL Bar 500 MK2 compared: Sony has physical height drivers, JBL has a direct HDMI source and Wi-Fi
Quick verdict
Go with Sony Bar 6 if you want upward-firing height drivers and a simple TV setup. The JBL 500 MK2 brings Wi-Fi music and an HDMI input, and its bar has a lower profile.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, HT-B600 is 37.4 inches and Bar 500MK2 is 37 inches. The gap is 0.4 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 = |37.4 - 37|.
The catch
JBL Bar 500 MK2
The package leaves out rear speakers.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Why pick it
- Physical upward-firing height drivers matter to you
- The TV serves as your source hub
- The catch
- The bar offers no HDMI source inputs.
JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Why pick it
- Streaming music through Wi-Fi
- A direct HDMI source input is required
- The catch
- The package leaves out rear speakers.
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What this page compares
Sony Bar 6 is the pick for upward-firing height drivers in a simple TV setup. Wi-Fi music and an HDMI input come with the JBL 500 MK2, in a lower-profile bar.
The Sony setup revolves around the television
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Physical upward-firing height drivers are the goal
TV audio reaches the Bar 6 through eARC, and the bar has no extra HDMI source input. Its included subwoofer and upward-firing drivers suit a simple arrangement built around the TV.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Better fit
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Not suitable
Streaming music through Wi-Fi
A compatible player can plug into the separate HDMI input while the output goes to the TV. Wi-Fi music also means the bar does not depend on a Bluetooth phone connection.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Not suitable
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
JBL is 2 inches high and the Sony is 2.52 inches. Neither figure counts the space needed for cables or a clear path for upward-firing sound.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
JBL leaves half an inch more room beneath the screen
Compared with Bar 6, the 500 MK2 bar sits 0.52 inches lower and adds one HDMI source input and Wi-Fi music.
- Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Depends
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, HT-B600 is 37.4 inches and Bar 500MK2 is 37 inches. The gap is 0.4 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 = |37.4 - 37|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
Bar 500MK2 takes 1 direct HDMI source and HT-B600 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.
JBL leaves half an inch more room beneath the screen
Compared with Bar 6, the 500 MK2 bar sits 0.52 inches lower and adds one HDMI source input and Wi-Fi music.
How we worked this out
2.52 - 2.00 = 0.52 inches. For Bar 6, HDMI inputs are 0 and Wi-Fi is false. For JBL, HDMI inputs are 1 and Wi-Fi is true.
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.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
Fails these checksWith 0 separate HDMI source inputs, it cannot take the 1 device you want to plug into the bar.
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
Sony, HT-B600
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
The Bar 6 comes with a separate subwoofer and upward-firing drivers, and you do not have to commit to a whole speaker ecosystem. It is a simple bar-and-sub choice. Just remember that your TV has to do all the HDMI source switching.
- Best for
- An included subwoofer and physical height drivers, with no rear speakers to place
Facts we checked
- A separate subwoofer comes in the 3.1.2-channel package.
- The bar is 950 × 64 × 110 mm.
- The subwoofer is 210 × 388 × 388 mm.
- The TV connects over HDMI eARC, and there is no separate HDMI source input.
- The two height channels come from upward-firing drivers.
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 | Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 | JBL Bar 500 MK2 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 37.4 in | 37 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | 2.52 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 | 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 | No | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming connect in different ways. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
- Its bundled subwoofer needs floor space and its own power.
With JBL Bar 500 MK2
- The listed driver array has no upward-firing drivers, so Atmos height is virtual.
Decision guide
How to decide
Sony Bar 6 suits upward-firing height drivers in a simple TV setup, and the JBL 500 MK2 is the choice when you want Wi-Fi music and an HDMI input in a lower-profile bar.
The Sony setup revolves around the television
TV audio reaches the Bar 6 through eARC, and the bar has no extra HDMI source input. Its included subwoofer and upward-firing drivers suit a simple arrangement built around the TV.
JBL gives a source device another way in
A compatible player can plug into the separate HDMI input while the output goes to the TV. Wi-Fi music also means the bar does not depend on a Bluetooth phone connection.
Which one fits under the screen may come down to height
JBL is 2 inches high and the Sony is 2.52 inches. Neither figure counts the space needed for cables or a clear path for upward-firing sound.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| JBL Bar 500 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.
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6
Physical upward-firing height drivers matter to you
See price & reviews on AmazonJBL Bar 500 MK2
Streaming music through Wi-Fi
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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