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JBL has refreshed its affordable soundbar range. The Cinema SB MK2 series covers four models, from an all-in-one bar with a built-in sub to a 3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos system with a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer. The headline trick is SurroundPlay: a pair of JBL Flip 7 portable speakers can be used as wireless rear speakers. Here’s how the range breaks down, and which models give you the most bass.
- Four models: SB510MK2, SB550MK2, SB580MK2 and SB595MK2, announced on 28 September 2026.
- On sale in selected markets from 1 October at JBL.com. JBL hasn’t confirmed US availability or published prices in its release.
- Three come with a wireless subwoofer (5.25 or 6.5 inches); the SB510MK2 has a built-in sub.
- Every bar has a dedicated center channel for clearer dialogue.
- SurroundPlay turns two JBL Flip 7 speakers into rear channels over Bluetooth.
The four models
| Model | Channels | Power | Subwoofer | Surround format | HDMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB595MK2 | 3.1.2 | 440 W | Wireless 6.5″ | Dolby Atmos, two up-firing drivers | HDMI in + eARC |
| SB580MK2 | 3.1 | 440 W | Wireless 6.5″ | Dolby Atmos (virtual) | HDMI in + eARC |
| SB550MK2 | 3.1 | 360 W | Wireless 5.25″ | Dolby Audio | HDMI ARC |
| SB510MK2 | 3.1 | 200 W | Built into the bar | Dolby Audio | HDMI ARC |
Power figures are JBL’s total system ratings, which aren’t a measure of how deep the bass goes. The bars also fold into a U-shape for shipping, which JBL says cuts the packed size by up to 20%.
What the subwoofers tell us
For bass, the dividing line is the subwoofer. The SB580MK2 and SB595MK2 share a wireless 6.5-inch sub, which is the size we’d look for in a typical living room. The SB550MK2 steps down to a 5.25-inch sub, which suits smaller rooms and lower volumes. The SB510MK2 has no separate sub at all; a bar with a built-in woofer can add some warmth but won’t deliver the floor-shaking low end of a separate box.
A wireless sub can go almost anywhere with a power outlet, and placement makes a big difference. Start near the front of the room, close to the bar, then try a spot along the front wall about a third of the way in from a corner. Our guides on where to place a subwoofer with a soundbar and setting up a soundbar sub walk through it.
SurroundPlay: rear speakers you might already own
SurroundPlay is JBL’s new way to add rear channels: pair two Flip 7 portable speakers and they act as wireless surrounds at the touch of a button. If you already own a pair, it’s a free upgrade. JBL says the Flip 7 is the only compatible model at launch. Battery-powered speakers have to be charged and kept in position, so dedicated wireless rears are still the tidier option if you’re buying from scratch.
Should you wait?
If you’re in a market where the MK2 range is on sale, the SB580MK2 looks like the sweet spot on paper: the same 6.5-inch sub and HDMI eARC as the flagship, without paying for up-firing drivers that need a flat, reflective ceiling to work well. In the US, where JBL hasn’t confirmed availability, the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass (MK2) is a buyable alternative with a wireless 6.5-inch sub.
Our take
Dedicated center channels across the range and a proper 6.5-inch sub on the upper two models are the right priorities for a budget soundbar. SurroundPlay is a clever extra for Flip 7 owners rather than a reason to buy. We’d wait for pricing in your country and for independent reviews of the sub’s output before choosing.