JBL Bar 800 vs 1000 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

JBL Bar 1000 & JBL Bar 800 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the JBL Bar 1000 rather than the JBL Bar 800

Why Do I Recommend The JBL Bar 1000

  • The JBL Bar 1000 has a 7.1.4 channel configuration to deliver a wider and more immersive surround sound experience with additional rear and overhead channels, compared to the JBL Bar 800’s 5.1.2 setup.
  • JBL Bar 1000 supports DTS:X audio decoding to produce multi-dimensional sound effects that enhance realism in action scenes and gaming, which is not available on the JBL Bar 800.
  • It features JBL MultiBeam technology to expand the soundstage and create a more cinematic, room-filling audio environment, unlike the JBL Bar 800.
  • The JBL Bar 1000 includes three HDMI inputs to connect multiple devices such as a game console, streaming box, and Blu-ray player simultaneously, while the JBL Bar 800 includes only one.
  • JBL Bar 1000 has five tweeters and nine full-range drivers for improved vocal clarity and separation of sound layers, while the JBL Bar 800 has three tweeters.
  • It comes with 880 watts of total system power to deliver louder, clearer sound at higher volumes without distortion, compared to the 720 watts on the JBL Bar 800.
  • The JBL Bar 1000 supports a deeper frequency response down to 33Hz to produce more powerful and rumbling bass during intense movie scenes, while the JBL Bar 800 reaches only 35Hz.
  • JBL Bar 1000 features slightly larger and heavier satellite speakers to house extra drivers for better surround performance and sound coverage compared to the JBL Bar 800’s smaller rears.

Maybe the JBL Bar 800 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Bar 1000. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureJBL Bar 1000JBL Bar 800
Channel Configuration7.1.45.1.2
Total System Power Output880 Watts720 Watts
Soundbar Power Output440 Watts290 Watts
Surround Speakers Power Output140 Watts130 Watts
Frequency Response Range33Hz – 20kHz35Hz – 20kHz
Number of Tweeters5 Tweeters3 Tweeters
Number of Full-range Drivers9 Total7 Total
3D Audio Format SupportDolby Atmos, DTS:XDolby Atmos only
MultiBeam TechnologyYesNo
HDMI Inputs1 HDMI eARC + 3 HDMI Inputs1 HDMI eARC + 1 HDMI Pass-through
Soundbar Dimensions (W x H x D)1194 x 56 x 120 mm1174 x 56 x 120 mm
Soundbar Weight3.7 kg3.37 kg
Surround Speakers Weight (Each)0.91 kg0.83 kg
PriceCheck JBL Bar 1000 PriceCheck JBL Bar 800 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Wireless Surround Setup: Both soundbars use detachable battery-powered rear speakers, allowing you to dock them for charging or place them wirelessly for rear surround sound with no cables needed, which greatly enhances installation flexibility.
  • Wireless Subwoofer: Each model includes a powerful 10-inch wireless subwoofer that delivers deep bass without needing a wired connection to the soundbar, making it suitable for home theater setups in medium to large rooms.
  • Dolby Atmos Support: Both support Dolby Atmos, enabling height-channel effects from upward-firing drivers for an immersive 3D audio experience, especially noticeable in movies and games.
  • Multi-Room & Streaming: The JBL Bar 1000 and 800 support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Alexa MRM for seamless audio casting from various platforms and devices.
  • Smart Features & App Control: Both are compatible with the JBL One app, which allows you to adjust EQ, calibrate sound, and manage inputs. They also support automatic room calibration using an included mic to optimize sound for your space.
  • Video Passthrough & HDMI eARC: Both bars support HDMI eARC, enabling high-bitrate audio formats and seamless control with a single HDMI cable. Additionally, they handle 4K HDR10 and Dolby Vision passthrough, preserving video quality between your streaming device and TV.
  • USB & Wall Mounting: Each system includes a USB port (for service) and comes with wall-mount brackets, offering versatile setup options for different living spaces.
  • Physical Subwoofer Specs: The subwoofer used in both models is identical in size and weight, indicating that low-frequency performance is comparable regardless of the bar’s surround capabilities.
  • Remote & User Experience: Both models come with a dedicated remote control, and feature similar user interface designs, ensuring consistent ease of use between the two systems.

Common Features

FeatureJBL Bar 1000JBL Bar 800
Brand & SeriesJBL Bar SeriesJBL Bar Series
Design TypeSoundbar with wireless sub + detachable surroundsSoundbar with wireless sub + detachable surrounds
Subwoofer Type10” Wireless Subwoofer10” Wireless Subwoofer
Detachable Rear SpeakersYesYes
Wireless StreamingWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Voice Assistant IntegrationAlexa Multi-Room Music (MRM), Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2Alexa MRM, Chromecast, AirPlay 2
Smart App ControlJBL One AppJBL One App
Room CalibrationAutomatic with JBL calibration micAutomatic with JBL calibration mic
Dolby Atmos SupportYesYes
4K Dolby Vision PassthroughYesYes
HDMI eARC SupportYesYes
USB Playback (Service Port)YesYes
Wall MountableYesYes
Remote Control IncludedYesYes
Subwoofer Dimensions (Same)305 x 440.4 x 305 mm305 x 440.4 x 305 mm
Subwoofer Weight (Same)10 kg10 kg
Rear Speaker Charging via BarYesYes
Price Check JBL Bar 1000 Price Check JBL Bar 800 Price

FAQ

Do both the JBL Bar 1000 and 800 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, both soundbars support Dolby Atmos for an enhanced 3D audio experience that creates the sensation of sound coming from above and around you.

Which model supports DTS:X audio?
Only the JBL Bar 1000 supports DTS:X, which further improves the spatial sound experience with multi-dimensional effects.

Are the rear speakers wireless on both models?
Yes, both the JBL Bar 1000 and Bar 800 feature detachable, battery-powered wireless rear speakers that can be charged by docking them to the soundbar.

Is there a difference in HDMI input options?
Yes, the JBL Bar 1000 has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI eARC output, whereas the JBL Bar 800 includes just 1 HDMI input and 1 eARC output.

Do both models include a wireless subwoofer?
Yes, both systems come with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer designed to deliver deep, powerful bass.

Can I stream music wirelessly using Wi-Fi?
Yes, both the JBL Bar 1000 and Bar 800 support Wi-Fi streaming, including Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Alexa Multi-Room Music.

Do the soundbars support Bluetooth connectivity?
Yes, both soundbars use Bluetooth 5.0 to stream audio wirelessly from your mobile devices or computers.

Is there a mobile app to control both soundbars?
Yes, the JBL One app is compatible with both models and allows you to manage settings, perform room calibration, and customize EQ profiles.

Do both models support 4K video passthrough?
Yes, both soundbars support 4K video passthrough with HDR10 and Dolby Vision for high-quality video without degradation.

Is automatic room calibration available on both models?
Yes, both the JBL Bar 1000 and Bar 800 include JBL’s room calibration feature, which adjusts audio output to match the acoustics of your room.

Are the soundbars wall mountable?
Yes, both soundbars come with wall-mount brackets, giving you the flexibility to mount them under your TV if desired.

Do both models come with a remote control?
Yes, each system includes a dedicated remote control to access essential functions without relying on the app.

Is there a difference in overall power output?
Yes, the JBL Bar 1000 delivers 880 watts of total system power, while the JBL Bar 800 delivers 720 watts, giving the Bar 1000 a louder and fuller sound.

Which model is better for larger rooms or full home theater setups?
The JBL Bar 1000 is better suited for larger rooms or more immersive home theater setups due to its higher output, extra channels, and support for DTS:X and MultiBeam technology.