JBL Bar 300MK2 vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2): which Dolby Atmos soundbar should you buy?

JBL Bar 300MK2 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 on a red and grey background.

JBL Bar 300MK2

Inputs x2 HDMI (x1 eARC), optical
Format support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Bluetooth Yes, 5.3
Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 94 x 10cm
Weight 2.9kg

The JBL Bar 300MK2 offers a bassy, room-filling overall sound that gives the Sonos Beam Gen 2 a real run for its money. But its slight lack of finesse means that it doesn't quite take the top spot.

Pros

• Deep, weighty and room-filling sound
• Clear dialogue
• Convincing Dolby Atmos effect for a solo soundbar

Cons

• Not as crisp, clear or controlled as Sonos rival
• Not as accomplished with music as with movies

Sonos Beam Gen 2

Connectivity x1 HDMI eARC, Ethernet
Format support Dolby Atmos / Dolby Atmos True HD / Dolby Digital / Multichannel PCM/ Dolby Multichannel PCM / stereo PCM
Bluetooth No
Dimensions (hwd)  7 x 65 x 10cm
Weight 2.8kg

With multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards under its belt, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 continues to impress with its balanced and detailed audio performance. While its bass levels are not as powerful as the JBL model, it counters with excellent levels of precision and warmth.

Pros

• Effective handling of Dolby Atmos
• Warm, refined sound
• Streaming smarts

Cons

• No additional HDMI ports
• Doesn’t support DTS:X