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

JBL Bar 1000 Pro & JBL Bar 1000 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 Pro rather than the JBL Bar 1000

Why Do I Recommend The JBL Bar 1000 Pro

  • The JBL Bar 1000 Pro features updated rear speaker tuning for improved surround precision, clearer directionality, and a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience compared to the JBL Bar 1000’s standard tuning.
  • JBL Bar 1000 Pro includes wider redesigned rear speakers to enhance rear-channel sound dispersion for a more immersive 3D experience, while the JBL Bar 1000 uses narrower rear speakers with less spatial reach.
  • It has a slightly shorter main soundbar body for easier placement in compact entertainment areas, whereas the JBL Bar 1000 has a longer chassis that may limit shelf compatibility.
  • The JBL Bar 1000 Pro features improved firmware with refined Dolby Atmos tuning to deliver clearer vertical height effects, compared to the original tuning of JBL Bar 1000.
  • JBL Bar 1000 Pro includes redesigned speaker grills and rear enclosures for a modern aesthetic and enhanced acoustic airflow, while the JBL Bar 1000 retains a more basic enclosure design.
  • It supports updated room calibration software to ensure accurate sound optimization in diverse room setups, whereas the JBL Bar 1000 uses the previous-generation calibration method.
  • The JBL Bar 1000 Pro comes with upgraded mounting hardware for easier and more secure wall installation, while the JBL Bar 1000 includes a more basic bracket system.

Maybe the JBL Bar 1000 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Bar 1000 Pro. 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 1000 ProJBL Bar 1000
Product Generation2nd Generation (Pro)1st Generation
Rear Speaker WidthWider rear speakersNarrower rear speakers
Rear Speaker ShapeMore rectangular designSlightly rounded design
Rear Speaker TuningRevised tuning for better outputOriginal tuning
Dolby Atmos TuningUpdated with improved height effectOriginal tuning
Internal FirmwareUpdated firmwareOriginal firmware
Power Supply AdapterDifferent plug adapter setupStandard plug setup
Packaging Box“Pro” branding and packagingNo “Pro” branding
Product Name on BoxJBL Bar 1000 ProJBL Bar 1000
MSRP PriceSlightly higherLower base price
Availability RegionsMore recent in markets (2024 launch)Launched globally in 2022
Mounting HardwareUpdated included bracketsOriginal included brackets
Soundbar LED IndicatorPotential change in brightness/placementOriginal LED layout
WeightSlightly lighter main barSlightly heavier main bar
PriceCheck JBL Bar 1000 Pro PriceCheck JBL Bar 1000 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 7.1.4 Channel Configuration: Both systems feature a true 7.1.4-channel layout with up-firing drivers and detachable rear speakers, delivering immersive surround sound and Dolby Atmos height effects.
  • Detachable Rear Speakers: Each model includes two battery-powered rear speakers that magnetically attach to the main soundbar for charging and detach for full surround performance when placed behind the listener.
  • 10-inch Wireless Subwoofer: Both soundbars include the same large 10″ wireless subwoofer that delivers powerful, room-shaking bass without needing a wired connection.
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Support: These formats are supported natively on both systems, enabling 3D object-based sound for enhanced audio immersion in compatible content.
  • MultiBeam Surround Technology: JBL’s MultiBeam creates a wide soundstage using side-firing beams, simulating surround effects even when the rear speakers aren’t detached.
  • AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa MRM: Both support modern wireless streaming options, allowing playback from iOS devices, Google Cast-enabled apps, or integration with Alexa-based multi-room setups.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Each bar includes dual wireless methods for seamless device streaming, with Bluetooth 5.0 providing stable, low-latency audio from mobile devices.
  • HDMI with eARC: Both bars feature three HDMI inputs and one HDMI eARC output, supporting 4K passthrough and lossless audio return from modern TVs.
  • USB Playback: Each bar includes a USB port that allows media playback from external storage devices.
  • JBL One App Control: Both can be managed via the JBL One app for EQ customization, firmware updates, and setup, giving users full control from their phone.
  • Voice Assistant Compatibility: Though they do not include onboard microphones, both systems can be controlled using external voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri via TV or mobile device.
  • Automatic Room Calibration: Using built-in microphones, both soundbars automatically calibrate audio output to optimize sound based on room acoustics.
  • Frequency Response: Both deliver a wide frequency range from 33Hz to 20kHz, ensuring deep bass and crisp treble reproduction across various content types.
  • 880 Watts Total Power: The systems are equally powerful, with a total output of 880 watts split between the soundbar, rear speakers, and subwoofer.
  • Auto Subwoofer Pairing: Both models pair wirelessly with their subwoofers during setup or power-on, simplifying installation and avoiding cable clutter.
  • Rear Speaker Charging Method: Each pair of rear speakers charges via the soundbar using the built-in contact points, ensuring convenient power management.
  • Matte Black Finish: Both soundbars and their components come in a matte black color scheme, matching most home entertainment aesthetics.

Common Features

FeatureJBL Bar 1000 ProJBL Bar 1000
Audio Channel Configuration7.1.4-channel system7.1.4-channel system
Rear Speaker DesignDetachable, battery-poweredDetachable, battery-powered
Subwoofer Size10-inch wireless subwoofer10-inch wireless subwoofer
Dolby Atmos & DTS:XSupportedSupported
MultiBeam TechnologySupportedSupported
AirPlay 2 SupportYesYes
Chromecast Built-inYesYes
Alexa Multi-Room MusicYesYes
Wi-Fi StreamingYesYes
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
HDMI Inputs3 HDMI In + 1 HDMI Out3 HDMI In + 1 HDMI Out
USB PlaybackYesYes
JBL One App ControlSupportedSupported
Voice Assistant ControlVia TV or mobile assistantVia TV or mobile assistant
Room CalibrationAutomatic with built-in micAutomatic with built-in mic
Frequency Response33Hz – 20kHz33Hz – 20kHz
Total System Power880 Watts880 Watts
Subwoofer PairingAuto wireless pairingAuto wireless pairing
Rear Speaker ChargingCharges via main barCharges via main bar
Design ColorMatte BlackMatte Black
Price Check JBL Bar 1000 Pro Price Check JBL Bar 1000 Price

FAQ

Do both JBL Bar 1000 and Bar 1000 Pro support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Yes, both models support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio formats, delivering immersive 3D surround sound with up-firing height channels and rear speaker output.

Are the rear speakers truly wireless and battery-powered in both models?
Yes, in both the JBL Bar 1000 and Bar 1000 Pro, the rear speakers are detachable and battery-powered. They magnetically charge by attaching to the sides of the main soundbar.

How long do the rear speaker batteries last on a full charge?
The rear speakers on both the Bar 1000 and Bar 1000 Pro last up to approximately 10 hours on a full charge, depending on usage and volume levels.

Is the subwoofer size and performance the same in both models?
Yes, both models come with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer capable of delivering deep, powerful bass. The subwoofer specifications are identical.

Do both models support HDMI eARC?
Yes, both the Bar 1000 and Bar 1000 Pro feature HDMI eARC on the output port, enabling high-bandwidth audio return from compatible TVs.

How many HDMI inputs are available on each model?
Both models include three HDMI inputs and one HDMI eARC output, allowing multiple devices to be connected directly to the soundbar.

Can I stream music wirelessly to both soundbars?
Yes, both models support Bluetooth 5.0 as well as Wi-Fi-based streaming via AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and Alexa Multi-Room Music.

Do the JBL Bar 1000 and Pro support the JBL One app?
Yes, both soundbars are compatible with the JBL One app, which enables firmware updates, EQ customization, and setup assistance.

Is there any difference in audio power output between the two?
No, both the JBL Bar 1000 and Bar 1000 Pro deliver a total system output of 880 watts, split across the soundbar, rear speakers, and subwoofer.

Can both models be mounted on a wall?
Yes, both soundbars can be wall-mounted, and they include mounting brackets in the box for easy installation.

Are there differences in software features or smart compatibility?
Both models provide the same smart feature set, including support for voice assistants via external devices, streaming platforms, and the JBL One app. The Pro model may receive newer firmware builds slightly earlier.

Do the soundbars support automatic room calibration?
Yes, both include automatic room calibration using built-in microphones to optimize sound output based on your room’s layout.

Is there a difference in color or finish between the two models?
No, both models come in the same matte black finish, maintaining a sleek and modern look that fits into most home theater setups.

Which one should I choose between the JBL Bar 1000 and Bar 1000 Pro?
If you prefer slightly more modern rear speaker design and a refined Dolby Atmos tuning, the JBL Bar 1000 Pro is a great choice. However, if you want nearly identical performance at a potentially lower cost, the JBL Bar 1000 remains a strong option.

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