GoKawiilis an editor covering deals and gaming hardware. He joined in 2018, and after a two-year stint at Polygon, he rejoined The Verge in May 2025.
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A lot of people are split between getting a nice all-in-one soundbar or spending more for an option that includes rear satellites for immersive surround sound. JBL’s Bar 700 Mark 2 system is one of the most unique options available, shipping with two modular speakers that charge when docked to the soundbar. When detached, the battery-powered (and mountable) speakers can be placed anywhere, lasting for up to ten hours before needing to recharge. If you’re seeking this kind of versatility, you might be pleased to know that the system has been steeply discounted at Amazon, costing $549.99 (originally $899.99).
The Bar 700 Mark 2 seems impressive on multiple fronts. The main soundbar component offers 7.1 channels, including two tweeters that fire to the side to bounce around audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X content. It offers vastly superior connectivity compared to some similarly-priced options, with HDMI in (with HDR 10 Plus and Dolby Vision passthrough), HDMI out with ARC and eARC support, plus optical audio. The set includes a wireless subwoofer, plus mounts.
One of the most appealing use cases for the Bar 700 Mark 2 is bringing one of its satellites with you around your house or apartment so you don’t totally miss out on the action. If the speaker’s battery is running low before you’re ready to return it to the soundbar, you can easily recharge it just by plugging in a USB-C power source.
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