Experience movies and music with a level of clarity and impact that feels close to a home theater setup. The JBL Bar 1300X is not just another soundbar. It is a system designed to deliver strong, room filling audio without the complexity of a traditional surround sound setup. Its detachable wireless speakers, powerful subwoofer, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS X create a wide and detailed soundstage. In this review, we explain how well these features work in real everyday use. Whether you want to know if the Bar 1300X fits your space or are curious about its actual performance, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar Specifications
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | JBL Bar 1300X |
| Dimensions | 1376 × 60 × 139 mm (54.2″ × 2.4″ × 5.5″) |
| Speaker Type | 11.1.4-channel system with 6× 46×90mm racetrack drivers, 5× 0.75″ tweeters, 4× 2.75″ up-firing drivers |
| Total Output Power | 1170W total (650W soundbar, 300W subwoofer) |
| Mounting Type | Tabletop or wall-mountable |
| Special Features | MultiBeam™, Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X®, PureVoice, Smart Mode, Night Mode, Room Calibration, Graphic EQ |
| Subwoofer | 12″ wireless subwoofer (300W) |
| Recommended Use Case | Movies, TV, gaming, music, podcasts, dialogue-heavy content |
| Connectivity Options | HDMI eARC, 4K Dolby Vision passthrough, AirPlay, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Alexa MRM |
| Detachable Speakers | Wireless surrounds; up to 12 hours battery life |
| Control Methods | Remote control, JBL One app, physical bar controls |
| Wireless Communication | Bluetooth 5.0 (soundbar), Bluetooth 5.2 (detachable speakers) |
| Included Components | Soundbar, detachable surrounds, 12″ subwoofer, power cord, remote |
| Audio Specifications | 33 Hz–20 kHz frequency response; MP3 sampling: 16–48 kHz; MP3 bitrate: 80–320 kbps |
| Video Support | 4K passthrough at 60Hz with VRR (virtual refresh rate) support |
These specifications offer a clear overview of the JBL Bar 1300X system. For deeper technical information, refer to the official JBL website or Amazon product listing of JBL Bar 1300X.
How JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar fits into your space
Thoughtfully designed for aesthetics and performance, the JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar delivers a seamless blend of style, function, and versatile sound experience. Sleek and adaptable, this soundbar integrates effortlessly in most entertainment settings. For home cinema enthusiasts drawn to its impressive 11.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, the 1300X Soundbar is a feast for the ears.
For Movies
Transform your movie experiences with the JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar’s advanced 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos setup. It breathes life into cinematic scenes, enveloping the room with incredibly rich and detailed audio. Extras such as explosions, hushed whispers, and dialogue cut through with precision, while the broad soundstage spotlights every instrumental nuance. The freedom to connect various devices via multiple HDMI inputs ensures uninterrupted cinema-quality movie marathons at home.
For Music
The JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar isn’t just for movies—it’s a versatile powerhouse that caters to music lovers alike. With MultiBeam™ technology, it weaves rich, intricate audio across genres, treating listeners to a balanced and immersive aural journey. The soundbar’s wireless speakers offer additional flexibility, doubling as portable Bluetooth speakers. Complemented by a 12-inch subwoofer that reproduces deep and resonating bass, it’s the perfect choice for everyday melodies and weekend jam sessions.
For Streaming Content
Stay connected effortlessly with the JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar’s numerous wireless connectivity options. Whether you prefer Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, or Bluetooth, the soundbar caters to all, optimizing your streaming experience. Navigate between gaming consoles, streaming platforms, and Blu-ray players with ease, thanks to its various HDMI inputs. With the 1300X Soundbar, enjoy your streaming content enveloped in high-quality, crystal-clear audio at all times.
For TV and Daily Veiwing
The JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar is your everyday ally for TV viewing. Its distinct center channel ensures dialogue clarity, eliminating the need for increased volumes. Whether it’s daily news broadcasts, cooking shows, or sifting through your favorite soaps, dialogues are crisp and clear with the Soundbar. It offers seamless integration with different devices, providing convenience paired with top-tier sound for an all-rounded entertainment experience.
For large and Open Spaces
Amplify your open spaces with the JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar. Its 11.1.4 channel configuration and strong wireless subwoofer caters perfectly to wide venues, pushing beyond barriers encountered by traditional soundbars. Position its wireless surrounds judiciously to optimize sound layout and delivery specific to your room size and structure. Using MultiBeam™ technology and up-firing drivers, the 1300X Soundbar truly comes into its own, delivering unmatched sound coverage that fills large spaces with ease.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar Best Settings
| Use Case | Recommended Settings |
|---|---|
| Movies & TV Shows | Bass: 50–60%, Treble: 50%, Height: 70%, Center: 60%, Rear: 40%, Volume: 50–60%, Audio Delay: Custom. Dialogue Mode Off for immersion. |
| Music Listening | Bass: 50–70%, Treble: 70–80%, Height: 30–50%, Center: 40–50%, Rear: 20–40%, Volume: 60–70%, Audio Delay: Custom. Dialogue Mode Off for natural sound. |
| Gaming | Bass: 50%, Treble: 60%, Height: 50–70%, Center: 50%, Rear: 40%, Volume: 60%. Enable Dialogue Mode if chat clarity is needed. |
| Dialogue & News | Bass: 30–40%, Treble: 60%, Height: ~20%, Center: 70–100%, Rear: ~20%, Volume: 40–50%. Enable Dialogue Mode for clear speech. |
| Late Night Viewing | Bass: 30–40%, Treble: 50–60%, Height: 50%, Center: 70–80%, Rear: 30%, Volume: 40–50%. Enable Dialogue Mode and Night Mode for low noise and clarity at low volume. |
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar Amazon Customer Review
| Amazon JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar Review Rating | 4.4/5 |
| Stars | |
| 5 Star | 74% |
| 4 Star | 8% |
| 3 Star | 9% |
| 2 Star | 5% |
| 1 Star | 4% |
Customers praise the JBL Bar 1300X for its exceptional sound quality, immersive Dolby Atmos experience, and powerful bass from the large wireless subwoofer. Many highlight the easy setup process, flexible placement of wireless rear speakers, and the system’s ability to fill large rooms with rich, detailed audio. The clarity of dialogue, strong surround effects, and overall cinematic experience are frequently mentioned. Users appreciate the ability to use the rear speakers as Bluetooth devices and the intuitive app for calibration. For those upgrading from lesser systems, the Bar 1300X delivers a noticeable leap in performance, making it a favorite for movies, music, and TV shows.
Some users express disappointment with the lack of granular control over subwoofer and surround speaker volume, especially at this price point. A few mention that the rear speakers aren’t loud enough in very large rooms, even at maximum settings. Others note the soundbar’s large size, which may not suit all setups. The app is described as minimal, lacking advanced customization options. Occasional complaints about the high price and limited flexibility in fine-tuning the audio experience are also mentioned. While rare, these issues are more likely to affect audiophiles or those with specific room requirements.
| Praises | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Exceptional sound quality and immersive Atmos performance | Limited granular volume control for subwoofer and surrounds |
| Powerful bass and seamless wireless speaker setup | Rear speakers may feel underpowered in larger rooms |
| Easy setup with an intuitive companion app | Soundbar is quite large; app features are limited |
Top Competitor of JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs JBL Bar 1300
The JBL Bar 1300X is a significant upgrade over the Bar 1300. The 1300X delivers a more immersive experience with its 11.1.4 channel configuration, compared to the 1300’s 9.1.4 setup. The 1300X features detachable battery-powered surround speakers, allowing for true wireless surround sound and portable Bluetooth speaker use, which the 1300 lacks. The 1300X also boasts a larger 12-inch subwoofer and higher total output power, resulting in deeper bass and more room-filling sound. The 1300X’s advanced audio processing and improved Atmos performance make it the better choice for those seeking the most advanced JBL soundbar experience.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs Samsung Q990D
The Samsung Q990D offers a strong challenge to the JBL Bar 1300X with its 11.1.4 channel layout and powerful wireless subwoofer. Both deliver immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound, but the Q990D often edges out in surround sound clarity and dialogue precision. The Q990D’s subwoofer is slightly smaller but still delivers deep, punchy bass. Samsung’s soundbar integrates more seamlessly with Samsung TVs and offers a more intuitive interface. However, the JBL 1300X’s detachable battery-powered surrounds and Bluetooth speaker feature give it a unique advantage for flexible use. The Q990D is better for those prioritizing TV integration and balanced sound.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs Sonos Arc Ultra
The Sonos Arc Ultra is not yet released, so a direct comparison is not possible. However, based on Sonos’s reputation, the Arc Ultra is expected to focus on refined sound, seamless multi-room integration, and strong music performance. The JBL Bar 1300X currently leads in raw power, bass impact, and surround sound immersion, especially for movies. The Sonos Arc Ultra is likely to excel in music playback, voice clarity, and smart home integration. The JBL 1300X is better for those seeking a powerful, immersive home theater experience, while the Sonos Arc Ultra may appeal more to music lovers and those invested in the Sonos ecosystem.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs JBL Bar 1000
The JBL Bar 1300X is a clear step up from the Bar 1000. The 1300X offers more channels, a larger subwoofer, and detachable battery-powered surround speakers, while the 1000 has a simpler 7.1.4 setup and wired surrounds. The 1300X’s sound is more immersive, with better height and surround effects, especially for Dolby Atmos content. The 1300X’s subwoofer delivers deeper, more impactful bass. The 1000 is more compact and affordable, making it suitable for smaller rooms or those on a budget. The 1300X is the better choice for those wanting the most advanced features and room-filling sound from JBL.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc is a strong competitor to the JBL Bar 1300X, offering excellent sound quality and seamless integration with the Sonos ecosystem. The Arc is known for its balanced sound, clear dialogue, and strong music performance. The JBL 1300X, however, delivers more powerful bass, a larger subwoofer, and detachable battery-powered surrounds for true wireless surround sound. The Sonos Arc is better for music lovers and those who value smart home integration, while the JBL 1300X is better for those seeking a more immersive, theater-like experience with powerful bass and flexible surround options.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs Bose 900
The Bose 900 is a premium soundbar with a focus on clear dialogue, balanced sound, and advanced room calibration. The JBL Bar 1300X offers more raw power, a larger subwoofer, and detachable battery-powered surrounds for true wireless surround sound. The Bose 900 excels in music playback and voice clarity, making it a better choice for those who prioritize music and clear dialogue. The JBL 1300X is better for those seeking a more immersive, theater-like experience with powerful bass and flexible surround options. The Bose 900 is more refined, while the JBL 1300X is more powerful and immersive.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs Q990D
The Samsung Q990D is a strong competitor to the JBL Bar 1300X, offering a similar 11.1.4 channel layout and powerful wireless subwoofer. Both deliver immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound, but the Q990D often edges out in surround sound clarity and dialogue precision. The Q990D’s subwoofer is slightly smaller but still delivers deep, punchy bass. Samsung’s soundbar integrates more seamlessly with Samsung TVs and offers a more intuitive interface. However, the JBL 1300X’s detachable battery-powered surrounds and Bluetooth speaker feature give it a unique advantage for flexible use. The Q990D is better for those prioritizing TV integration and balanced sound.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar vs Bose Ultra
The Bose Ultra is a premium soundbar with a focus on clear dialogue, balanced sound, and advanced room calibration. The JBL Bar 1300X offers more raw power, a larger subwoofer, and detachable battery-powered surrounds for true wireless surround sound. The Bose Ultra excels in music playback and voice clarity, making it a better choice for those who prioritize music and clear dialogue. The JBL 1300X is better for those seeking a more immersive, theater-like experience with powerful bass and flexible surround options. The Bose Ultra is more refined, while the JBL 1300X is more powerful and immersive.
JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar Pricing Analysis
| Feature / Platform | Klarna | WorldWide Stereo | Best Buy | JBL Official (jbl.com) |
| Low Price | $1,299.95 | $1,699.95 | $1,699.99 | Not listed (direct sale) |
| Average Price | $1,350–$1,400 (estimated) | $1,699.95 | $1,699.99 | $1,699.99 (standard retail) |
| High Price | $1,699.99 | $1,699.95 | $1,699.99 | $1,699.99 |
| What You Get | Full system: soundbar, wireless subwoofer, detachable surrounds, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, up-firing drivers, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, app control | Same full system (brand-new retail package) | Same full system (brand-new retail package) | Same full system (brand-new retail package) |
| Warranty | Depends on retailer (typically 1 year) | 1-year manufacturer warranty | 1-year manufacturer warranty | 1-year manufacturer warranty |
Common Troubleshooting Issues of JBL Bar 1300X Soundbar
| Issue | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| No Sound | Check all HDMI and power connections. Ensure the correct input source is selected. Confirm TV and soundbar volumes are not muted or too low. |
| No Power | Ensure all power cords are firmly plugged into the soundbar, subwoofer, and wall outlet. Try a different outlet if needed. |
| Bluetooth Connectivity Issues | Turn on Bluetooth on your device. Put the soundbar in pairing mode. Move your device closer. Remove previous Bluetooth pairings and reconnect. |
| Subwoofer Not Connecting | Make sure the subwoofer is powered on and within range. Hold the LED button on the subwoofer until it flashes white. On the remote, press Bass for 3 seconds, then press Vol – to re-pair. |
| HDMI ARC Not Working | Power off TV and soundbar. Unplug both power cords and the HDMI cable. Wait 5 minutes, reconnect everything, and restart. Ensure HDMI is connected to ARC/eARC ports. |
| Soundbar Frozen / Not Responding | Hold Volume Down + Volume Up + Source simultaneously for 5+ seconds. The soundbar will shut down and reboot to factory defaults. |
| Detachable Speakers Not Working | Ensure the detachable speakers are charged and positioned within wireless range. Reattach to the soundbar to re-sync if needed. |
| Software Glitches | Perform a factory reset by pressing Volume + and Virtual Surround buttons together for 5 seconds, then let the system reboot. |
If your issue is not mentioned above you can refer to the JBL Bar 1300X product manual.
Final Thought
The JBL Bar 1300X offers strong performance, clear sound, and flexible speaker placement, making it a solid choice for anyone upgrading their home audio setup. It delivers a consistent and engaging experience across movies, music, and everyday listening without adding unnecessary complexity. If you have used this soundbar or have questions about it, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. If you found this review helpful, consider sharing it on your social media platforms so others can benefit from it as well.
How do I pair the detachable speakers with the JBL BAR 1300X soundbar?
Turn on the detachable speakers and the soundbar. They will automatically pair. You can check the connection status via the soundbar’s settings or the JBL One app.
Can I use the JBL BAR 1300X without the JBL One app?
Yes, you can use the soundbar without the app, but the app provides advanced control and setup features.
Why does the soundbar go into standby mode after 10 minutes?
The soundbar automatically goes into standby after 10 minutes of inactivity. This is normal behavior.
Can I connect additional JBL speakers to the BAR 1300X?
No, the BAR 1300X does not support connecting additional JBL speakers beyond its included system.
Can I use my own subwoofer with the BAR 1300X?
No, the BAR 1300X does not have a subwoofer output (Sub Out) for connecting an external subwoofer.
Does the BAR 1300X work with Samsung TV’s Q Symphony feature?
No, the BAR 1300X does not support Samsung Q Symphony.
Can I use the BAR 1300X with an older TV that only has HDMI ARC (not eARC)?
Yes, it will work with HDMI ARC, but for best performance, use eARC if available.