JBL’s Bar 1000 takes a clever approach to true surround sound. Instead of requiring a permanent installation of rear speakers, its two satellite units are completely wireless and detachable. You can place them behind your couch for movie night, then snap them back into the soundbar’s ends for a clean, single-unit look the rest of the time. It’s a practical solution for living spaces that can’t accommodate permanent rear speakers.

The system uses that flexibility to deliver a legitimate 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience. Four up-firing drivers, including two in those satellite speakers, create a convincing height channel. You’ll hear helicopters pan overhead and rain fall from above. JBL’s PureVoice technology does solid work keeping dialogue clear and anchored to the screen, even during loud action sequences. The included 10-inch wireless subwoofer provides the necessary low-end rumble without needing to fiddle with complex settings.

The entire system is made of plastic, which keeps it lightweight for wall-mounting but doesn’t feel premium to the touch. For most, the sheer convenience of the reconfigurable speakers outweighs that material compromise. This is a soundbar for people who want immersive, object-based audio without the clutter or commitment of a traditional wired setup.