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JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Aug 10, 2020 at 08:42 am
Latest change: Test bench update Jun 07, 2023 at 10:34 am
JBL Bar 9.1 Picture
7.9
Mixed Usage
7.9
Dialogue/TV Shows
7.8
Music
8.0
Movies

The JBL Bar 9.1 is an impressive 5.1.4 setup. It has two detachable satellite speakers that can play your favorite audio wirelessly from anywhere in your room. Although we don't currently test for it, the satellites are advertised as having up to ten hours of continuous playback time and charge when reconnected to the bar or by micro-USB. There's also a subwoofer, which helps to give this bar a bit more thump and punch. The rest of the sound profile is very balanced, making it a good choice for any kind of content, from audiobooks to action flicks. It even has a full range of physical inputs so it supports Atmos and DTS, and there are several ways to connect to it wirelessly.

Our Verdict

7.9 Mixed Usage

The JBL Bar 9.1 is great for mixed use. It has a balanced sound profile right out-of-the-box with just a touch of extra bass, thanks to its subwoofer. Its detachable satellites also help to create a more immersive listening experience, whether you're listening to music or movies. While it can get loud enough for a large or crowded room, there's some compression at max volume. Still, it can reproduce dialogue clearly and accurately, and you can stream podcasts or audiobooks directly to the bar via a variety of wireless connections.

Pros
  • Well-balanced sound profile.
  • Can get loud.
  • Supports Atmos for an immersive experience.
  • Completely wireless subs can play audio while charging.
Cons
  • No graphic EQ and limited EQ presets.
7.9 Dialogue/TV Shows

The JBL Bar 9.1 is great for dialogue and TV shows. While it doesn't have a dialogue enhancement feature, it has a neutral sound profile capable of producing clear and accurate dialogue. It also has a lot of wireless connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, and Apple AirPlay, so you can stream your favorite podcasts directly to the bar.

Pros
  • Well-balanced sound profile.
  • Full wireless connectivity options.
  • Completely wireless subs can play audio while charging.
Cons
  • No dialogue enhancement feature.
7.8 Music

The JBL Bar 9.1 is very good for music. It has a balanced sound profile that, thanks to its subwoofer, packs a bit of bass. While it has limited sound enhancement features and there's no specific music EQ preset, you can still adjust the subwoofer level. Still, this bar can get loud enough to fill a large room or a crowded environment like a house party, although there's some compression at max volume. There's also a room correction feature that can further improve audio reproduction to fit the room you're in.

Pros
  • Well-balanced sound profile.
  • Can get loud.
  • Completely wireless subs can play audio while charging.
Cons
  • No graphic EQ and limited EQ presets.
8.0 Movies

The JBL Bar 9.1 is impressive for movies. It has a well-balanced sound profile with a touch of bass, so you're able to better feel each explosion in an action movie, and it can get loud enough to fill a large room. Its satellites also help to create a more immersive experience, especially for Atmos content, and it has excellent surround performance as well. That being said, this soundbar doesn't have many sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ, which some users may find limiting. There's also some compression at max volume.

Pros
  • Well-balanced sound profile.
  • Can get loud.
  • Supports Atmos for an immersive experience.
  • Completely wireless subs can play audio while charging.
Cons
  • No graphic EQ and limited EQ presets.
  • 7.9 Mixed Usage
  • 7.9 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 7.8 Music
  • 8.0 Movies
  1. Updated Jun 07, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
  2. Updated May 11, 2023: Added market comparison with the JBL Bar 1300X in the Sound Enhancement Features box.
  3. Updated Mar 21, 2023: Added a market comparison to the JBL Bar 1000 in the Style - Satellites box.
  4. Updated Mar 01, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
  5. Updated Mar 01, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
  6. Updated Mar 04, 2021: Updated latency measurements with new testing method.
  7. Updated Feb 09, 2021: Following user feedback, we updated the scores for 7.1 Rears and Rear Level Adjustment to "NO". This 5.1.4 setup doesn't offer rear speakers.
  8. Updated Feb 09, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  9. Updated Oct 23, 2020: Changed App support from 'Yes' to 'No'.
  10. Updated Oct 22, 2020: Verified the subwoofer level adjustment feature.
  11. Updated Sep 21, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
  12. Updated Sep 11, 2020: Verified audio upmixing claims made by a user.
  13. Updated Aug 10, 2020: Review published.
  14. Updated Aug 05, 2020: Early access published.
  15. Updated Jul 31, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  16. Updated Jul 29, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  17. Updated Jul 28, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
  18. Updated Jul 24, 2020: The product has won our suggestion poll, so we'll buy and test it soon.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The JBL Bar 9.1 is an impressive 5.1.4 channel setup. It has two unique detachable satellites that are also truly wireless, so you can remove them from the sides of the soundbar and place them anywhere in the room. It also has a very balanced and neutral sound profile making it well-suited for a variety of audio content, and its surround performance rivals that of the Samsung HW-Q90R or the Vizio SB46514-F6.

If you're looking for more soundbars, check out our recommendations for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, the best soundbars 5.1, and the best soundbars for movies.

Sonos Arc

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the Sonos Arc. The JBL has a dedicated subwoofer and satellites, which reproduce a more extended low-bass and a better surround performance. It also comes with EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port. However, you can also upgrade the Sonos to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or the Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc for better performance.

Vizio Elevate

The Vizio Elevate is a better soundbar than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Vizio has a somewhat more neutral sound profile, so it's suitable for lots of audio content. It also has a dialogue enhancement feature, which the JBL lacks. Its unique design, with left and right sides that rotate upwards, helps to create a wider soundstage. However, the JBL comes with a room correction feature and it's compatible with Apple AirPlay, unlike the Vizio.

JBL Bar 1000

The JBL Bar 1000 is a touch better than the JBL Bar 9.1 overall. The 1000 is a newer model with some extra features, including Spotify Connect support. Unlike the 9.1, it has a dialogue enhancement tool and two extra HDMI In ports. Sound-wise, there isn't much difference between these bars, even though the 1000 comes with two extra surround channels. They both upmix stereo content, but the 9.1 has better focus, so sound effects are more accurately localized within the soundstage.

Sony HT-A7000

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the standalone Sony HT-A7000. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that comes with a dedicated sub and satellites included. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also gets louder, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. That said, the Sony is better built. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for a better performance.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 700. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that comes with a dedicated subwoofer and satellites, and it supports Atmos content. It has a more extended low-bass and a more extended low-bass. Also, it comes with EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port. That said, the 3.0 Bose is better built, and you can also upgrade it to the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module.

Samsung HW-Q900A

The Samsung HW-Q900A is a better soundbar than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Samsung gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has built-in voice assistant support. It also comes with more sound enhancement features, including a dialogue enhancement mode, a graphic EQ, and bass and treble adjustments. That said, the JBL is better built, with better soundstage and surround performances. It also supports Chromecast built-in connectivity.

JBL Bar 1300X

The JBL Bar 1300X is better than the JBL Bar 9.1. The 1300X is an 11.1.4 setup with a larger sub, and it's able to reproduce a touch more bass. Plus, it has more channels than the 5.1.4 9.1, and its height performance is better overall. It's able to get louder, too, with less compression at max volume. You can even use its satellites as Bluetooth speakers, which is cool.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module is better than the JBL Bar 9.1. Both are premium setups, but the Bose is better built with a better soundstage. It can also get a bit louder with less compression at max volume. However, only the JBL has DTS support and a Full HDMI In port for high quality passthrough. Some users may also prefer the flexibility of its truly wireless satellite speakers.

LG S95QR

The JBL Bar 9.1 and the LG S95QR are both very premium Dolby Atmos soundbars, but the JBL is a bit better for most uses. It has a better soundstage for a more immersive listening experience. Its default sound is more neutral compared to the bass-heavy LG—however, the LG's bass and treble adjustments make it easy to customize its sound for a similar performance.

Samsung HW-Q990B

The Samsung HW-Q990B and the JBL Bar 9.1 are both very premium Dolby Atmos setups—however, the Samsung is better overall. The Samsung has better performances with surround sound and Dolby Atmos content, so sound effects in your favorite movies reproduce more accurately. It has more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ to customize its sound.

Samsung HW-Q800B

The JBL Bar 9.1 and the Samsung HW-Q800B are both very versatile 5.1 setups. Unlike the Samsung, the JBL comes with rear speakers, so it's better for surround sound. It has a better stereo soundstage, too. That said, the Samsung is a good alternative if you don't have room for rear satellites. It comes with more sound enhancement features, too.

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better performing soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Bar 9.1 is a 5.1.4 setup with detachable wireless satellites and a more neutral and balanced sound profile. Its center and surround performances are much better too, and it supports Atmos as well as eARC. It also supports a wider array of audio formats over its physical inputs.

Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module

The JBL Bar 9.1 and the Sony HT-A7000 with Speakers + Bass Module are both premium soundbars, but the JBL is a bit better. The 5.1.4 JBL has better soundstage, center, and Atmos performances. It also gets louder than the Sony. That said, the Sony is better built.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The JBL comes with a dedicated sub and satellites. It has a better surrounds performance and reproduces a more extended low-bass. That said, the Bose is better built, with built-in voice assistant capabilities. You can also upgrade it with a Bose Bass Module and Surround Speakers for better performance.

Samsung HW-Q930B

The JBL Bar 9.1 and the Samsung HW-Q930B are both really premium setups, and you can't go wrong with either one. The JBL's soundstage is better, and its unique truly wireless rear speakers are ideal if you don't want a lot of wires in your living room. That said, the Samsung comes with more sound enhancement features, like bass and treble adjustments as well as a graphic EQ to customize its sound.

Klipsch Cinema 600

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the Klipsch Cinema 600 for most uses. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that's better-built and comes with dedicated surround speakers, so it has a better surrounds performance. It supports Atmos content and has a room correction feature and a Full HDMI In port. Also, it offers a better soundstage performance. That said, the 3.1 Klipsch comes with a dialogue enhancement feature.

Klipsch Cinema 800

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the Klipsch Cinema 800. If you mostly listen to dialogue-centric content like TV shows, the Klipsch is a solid choice. It comes with a dialogue enhancement feature, unlike the JBL, and it also reproduces a more extended low-bass. However, the JBL is a bit more versatile. It's better built with discrete satellites, and it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Unlike the Klipsch, it supports DTS content, too.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module. The Bose is a better choice for dialogue and music, as it has a more balanced sound profile out-of-the-box with a more extended low-bass. It's also better built and has a better soundstage performance. However, the JBL is better for movies, as it supports Atmos content. It gets louder with less compression, offers some EQ presets, and has a Full HDMI In that supports 4k passthrough, too.

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better for mixed usage than the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It has a better surround performance, and it can get louder. It also reproduces a more extended low-bass. There are even more wireless playback options to choose from, as well as a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. However, if you prefer a more compact, standalone setup, the Sonos is still a solid choice. It's better built, and it even has built-in voice assistant support.

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better 5.1.4 soundbar than the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX. The JBL is better built, it's smaller, and its satellite speakers are completely wireless, which means they can be placed virtually anywhere you have room. It also sounds significantly more balanced and neutral, while its surround and height performances are better. However, the Sennheiser has three Full HDMI In ports, a parametric EQ, and it can get louder. It also has a companion app that you can use to control all the features of the soundbar. If you don't mind its bulky size, the Sennheiser is a good choice if you don't have the room for a full setup.

Samsung HW-Q950A

The Samsung HW-Q950A is a better soundbar than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Samsung gets louder, and it offers a better surrounds performance. It comes with more sound enhancement features, including bass and treble adjustments, a dialogue enhancement feature, and a graphic EQ. It also has built-in support for Amazon Alexa voice assistant. That said, the JBL is better built and has a better soundstage performance.

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is a slightly better soundbar than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Sonos is better built, its height performance is better, and it has more sound enhancement features. However, the JBL has a better center channel performance. It also has more physical inputs as well as wireless playback options.

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The 9.1 comes with a dedicated sub and reproduces a more extended low-bass. Also, it has a better soundstage as well as a better surrounds performance thanks to its discrete satellite speakers. It's better for Atmos content, too. That said, the 5.0 MultiBeam can be connected to third-party voice assistant devices, unlike the 9.1.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 SSE

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 SSE. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with a better soundstage and eARC support. It has a more neutral sound out-of-the-box, especially compared to the Nakamichi's boomy, bass-heavy sound. That said, the Nakamichi is still a good choice for mixed usage overall.

Samsung HW-Q800A

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the Samsung HW-Q800A. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that's better for movies thanks to its dedicated satellites that offer a better surrounds performance. It also has a better soundstage, as well as a room correction feature. However, the 3.1.2 Samsung comes with a graphic EQ, bass and treble adjustments, and a dialogue enhancement feature. It also has built-in Amazon Alexa support.

Vizio M Series M512a-H6

The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup that gets louder with less compression at max volume. Also, it comes with more sound enhancement features, like bass and treble adjustments and dialogue enhancement. However, the JBL is better built with more wireless playback options.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that comes with a dedicated sub and satellites. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. Unlike the Bang & Olufsen, it comes with room correction and an Optical port. However, some listeners may prefer that the Bang & Olufsen comes with a graphic EQ.

Samsung HW-Q700A

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q700A. The 5.1.4 JBL comes with discrete satellites and offers better soundstage and surround performances. It has a room correction feature, and it supports more wireless playback options. Also, its low-bass is more extended. That said, the 3.1.2 Samsung has some more customization features, including bass and treble adjustments and a graphic EQ.

Klipsch Cinema 1200

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the Klipsch Cinema 1200. They're both very premium 5.1.4 setups with a versatile performance. The Klipsch can reproduce a more extended low-bass. However, the JBL is better built, with a better soundstage. Unlike the Klipsch, it also supports DTS content.

Samsung HW-Q850T

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a slightly better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q850T. The JBL has a better soundstage performance, and it performs better on its height and surrounds channels. It also has a room correction feature, and it has wireless playback capabilities with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, and Chromecast built-in. However, the Samsung has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization.

Sony HT-G700

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Sony HT-G700. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that's better-built and offers better soundstage and surround performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it supports more wireless playback options. Unlike the Sony, it also has a room correction feature. However, only the 3.1 Sony comes with a dialogue enhancement feature.

Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the Harman/Kardon Enchant 1300. The JBL comes with a dedicated sub and satellite speakers, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. It has a better surround performance, and unlike the Harman/Kardon, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also supports more wireless playback options.

Hisense HS218

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Hisense HS218. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with discrete satellites. It's better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. Also, it offers better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass. Also, it has some more sound enhancement features, like room correction.

LG SN11RG

The LG SN11RG is a slightly better soundbar than the JBL Bar 9.1. The LG is a 7.1.4 setup that comes with more sound enhancement features and a companion app. That said, the JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with a better soundstage performance.

LG SP8YA

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the LG SP8YA. The JBL is better-suited for movies. It's a 5.1.4 setup with discrete satellites that offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. However, the 3.1.2 LG is more customizable. Unlike the JBL, it has a dialogue enhancement mode as well as bass and treble adjustments.

Sony HT-A9

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Sony HT-A9. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with a discrete subwoofer included. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, so you feel more thump and rumble in your audio. It also has better center and surround performances. However, the 4.0.4 Sony has a much better soundstage, and its Atmos performance is better. You can also upgrade it with a sub, sold separately.

Yamaha YAS-209

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Yamaha YAS-209. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with discrete satellites that supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. However, the 2.1 Yamaha is still a decent choice for listeners who prefer dialogue-centric content like TV shows as well as music.

Sonos Beam

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Sonos Beam. The JBL has a dedicated sub that reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it supports Atmos content. It has a better surround performance and more wireless playback options. Unlike the Sonos, it has EQ presets and a Full HDMI In port. That said, only the Sonos has built-in voice assistant support. Some users may also prefer its more compact design.

Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with a discrete center channel. It gets louder than the Sony, and there's less compression when pushed to max volume. It can also reproduce a more extended low-bass. That said, the better-built Sony offers better soundstage and Atmos performances.

Sony HT-Z9F

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the Sony HT-Z9F. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with discrete satellite speakers, which help offer a better surround performance. Its bass is more extended, and it offers better soundstage and Atmos performances. It also has more wireless playback options and a room correction feature, which the 3.1 Sony lacks.

LG SN10YG

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar for most uses than the LG SN10YG. The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile suitable for a variety of audio content. It uses unique detachable satellite speakers, and it has a significantly better surround performance. You can even wirelessly stream audio to it using Apple AirPlay. However, the LG offers more sound enhancement features as well as two Full HDMI In ports.

Samsung HW-Q800T

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a slightly better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q800T. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that comes with dedicated satellite speakers, so it offers a better surround performance. It also has better Atmos and soundstage performances, and it comes with a room correction feature. It even supports more wireless playback options. However, the 3.1.2 Samsung comes with bass and treble adjustments as well as a graphic EQ for sound customization, and it has built-in support for Alexa voice assistant.

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch. The JBL offers a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some listeners may prefer. It has a better soundstage and more wireless connectivity options. Also, it comes with a room correction feature. However, some listeners may prefer that the Nakamichi comes with two subs and four satellites, and it has a better surrounds performance.

LG SP11RA

The LG SP11RA is a marginally better soundbar for mixed usage than the JBL Bar 9.1. The LG offers more sound enhancement features, including a dialogue enhancement feature. The JBL is better for movies since it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also has more wireless playback options.

Samsung HW-Q70T

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-Q70T. The JBL is a 5.1.4 that comes with discrete satellite speakers and offers better surround, soundstage, and Atmos performances. It supports more wireless playback options, and it also comes with a room correction feature. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, too. That said, the 3.1.2 Samsung comes with a graphic EQ to customize its sound, unlike the JBL.

Bose Smart Soundbar 300

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 300. The JBL supports Dolby Atmos content, and it has more sound enhancement features like room correction and EQ presets. Its subwoofer helps reproduce a more extended low-bass, and its satellites help create a better surround performance. It also has a better soundstage. That said, only the Bose has built-in voice assistant capabilities.

LG SN9YG

The JBL Bar 9.1 is marginally better for mixed usage than the LG SN9YG. The JBL comes with discrete satellite speakers, and it offers better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. However, the LG comes with more sound enhancement features, and it has built-in voice assistant support.

Samsung HW-Q600A

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that comes with dedicated satellites and offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it supports more wireless playback features. It also has a room correction feature. However, only the Samsung has a dialogue enhancement mode and a graphic EQ for sound customization.

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

The JBL Bar 9.1 and the Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 are both very versatile 5.1 soundbars with Dolby Atmos support. The JBL offers a better soundstage, and its surround performance is a bit better, too. That said, the Vizio offers a better value if you're shopping on a budget.

Samsung HW-Q950T

The Samsung HW-Q950T is better than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Samsung is a 9.1.4 setup that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It can get louder with less thumping and compression artifacts and comes with a graphic EQand a dialogue enhancement feature. However, the JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that has a better build quality. Unlike the Samsung, the JBL uses detachable wireless satellite speakers to create a more immersive audio experience. It also has a better stereo soundstage performance.

Yamaha YAS-408

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Yamaha YAS-408. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that's better-built and comes with dedicated satellites. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances, and it comes with more sound enhancement features. Unlike the Yamaha, it also supports Dolby Atmos content.

Vizio M Series M51a-H6

The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is better than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Vizio reproduces a more extended low-bass, so you feel more thump and rumble in your audio. It gets louder, and it has a dialogue enhancement feature. However, the JBL is better-built with more wireless playback options. It has a better soundstage and a room correction feature.

Sony HT-X9000F

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Sony HT-X9000F. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with discrete satellites that's better-built. It has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. Some listeners may also prefer its more balanced sound profile out-of-the-box.

Samsung HW-Q850A

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-Q850A or the JBL Bar 9.1. The Samsung has built-in voice assistant support and a graphic EQ for sound customization. It also has a better surround performance. However, the JBL gets louder, and it has better soundstage and center performances. It also comes with a room correction feature, and it supports Chromecast built-in.

Bose Soundbar 500

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Bose Soundbar 500. Unlike the Bose, the JBL supports Dolby Atmos content and comes with a dedicated sub and two satellites. It gets louder, and it has a better soundstage. Also, it comes with a Full HDMI In port that supports high-quality passthrough. However, only the Bose has built-in voice assistant support.

Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR. The JBL is better built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has better soundstage and surround performances, and it supports more wireless playback options. It even comes with a room correction feature. However, only the Polk Audio comes with a dialogue enhancement feature.

Denon Home Sound Bar 550

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Denon Home Sound Bar 500. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that comes with a dedicated sub, which helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has better soundstage, center, and surround performances, and it gets louder. It also supports more wireless playback options, and it has a room correction feature.

LG SP9YA

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the LG SP9YA. The JBL has better soundstage, center, surround, and Atmos performances. However, the LG has a slightly more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and it comes with more sound enhancement features, including dialogue enhancement and bass and treble adjustments.

Vizio SB46514-F6

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better 5.1.4 setup than the Vizio SB46514-F6. While both soundbars are well-built, the JBL is a bit more balanced. It also has a significantly better THD and surround performance. There are also more physical inputs so it supports more audio formats, and you can even stream music to it using Apple AirPlay. Some users may prefer the completely wireless satellite speakers too. However, the Vizio has a better height performance and its companion app can control all of the bar's features, which is nice.

Sony HT-ST5000

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Sony HT-ST5000. The JBL has a better soundstage, and its discrete surround speakers offer a better surrounds performance. It also gets louder and comes with more wireless playback options as well as a room correction feature. That said, the Sony is better-built, and it's also a better choice for dialogue-centric content thanks to its dialogue enhancement feature.

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

The JBL Bar 9.1 and the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 are two very different setups: the JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with a discrete subwoofer and satellites included, while the Bowers & Wilkins is a standalone bar. Overall, the JBL is a more versatile choice. It can reproduce more bass right out of the box, and it has better surrounds and Atmos performances. Also, it comes with more sound enhancement features.

LG SN8YG

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SN8YG. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with discrete satellites that help improve its surround performance. It's better-built, with a better soundstage, and it gets louder. That said, the 3.1.2 LG has more sound enhancement features and built-in voice assistant support.

Samsung HW-Q900T

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Bar 9.1 or the Samsung HW-Q900T. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with discrete satellites and offers better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also comes with a room correction feature and more wireless playback support. However, the 7.1.2 Samsung gets louder, and it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization.

Samsung HW-Q90R

The Samsung HW-Q90R is better than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Samsung is a 7.1.4 setup that has a bit better balanced sound profile, it can get louder with fewer compression artifacts, and its height and surround performances are better too. It also has a graphic EQ as well as EQ presets, which some users may prefer. However, the JBL is a 5.1.4 setup has a better stereo soundstage, and it has an ethernet port too. It also has more wireless playback options. 

Sony HT-X8500

The JBL Bar 9.1 is much better than the Sony HT-X8500. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It's better built, and it gets louder. It also has better soundstage, center, surrounds, and Atmos performances. There are also more sound enhancement features available, including room correction.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The JBL Bar 9.1 soundbar is a sleek black bar with detachable satellite speakers. It has a metal top and front while its speakers are protected by a fine metal grill. Without the satellites attached, you can see their 4-pin connectors.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes
Enclosure
Ported

The subwoofer of this soundbar is elevated by four plastic peg legs as its speaker is located underneath. Its black melamine body helps to keep it sleek and minimal-looking.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
Yes

Like the JBL Bar 1000, the JBL Bar 9.1 comes with truly wireless satellite speakers that are made from hard plastic and metal. They can be attached to the bar or placed around the room. Their furthest edges are curved with a metal grill-like mesh to protect the speakers, which also helps to give it a sleek look.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 34.8" (88.4 cm)
Height 2.3" (5.8 cm)
Depth 4.7" (11.9 cm)

The JBL Bar 9.1 can fit between the legs of a 55" TV, provided you don't have its two satellite speakers connected to it. It's not too tall, so it shouldn't block out the bottom of your TV screen unless it sits flush on the table.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width 12.0" (30.5 cm)
Height 17.3" (44.0 cm)
Depth 12.0" (30.5 cm)

While the footprint of the subwoofer is pretty average-sized and is about the same as a standard desktop PC, it's a bit taller than most other subwoofers as it has small legs.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width 6.8" (17.3 cm)
Height 2.2" (5.6 cm)
Depth 4.7" (12.0 cm)

The satellites are long instead of tall, but they still have a small footprint. They're also completely wireless, so they don't need to be wired to anything to work, as long as they have battery life left.

Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
Yes
8.0
Design
Build Quality

The JBL Bar 9.1 has a great build quality. Its top and front sides are made of metal, which helps to protect its speakers while giving it a sleek look. While the rear and bottom are made of plastic, it feels sturdy and durable. The subwoofer, in comparison, sits elevated on four plastic pegs, as the speaker is located on its underside. It's made from melamine, which feels durable. The satellites are made from the same material as the bar and have similar metal grill-type mesh on its top, front, and sides. Both satellites are truly wireless and you can easily charge them by connecting back to the sides of the bar, or by micro-USB. You can even use them while charging, which is a handy feature.

Design
In The Box

  • Remote with 2x AAA batteries
  • HDMI cable (3.9 ft / 1.2m)
  • 2x power cable for subwoofer and bar (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • 2x L-shape wall-mount brackets (for the main bar)
  • 2x U-shape wall-mount brackets (for the satellites)
  • Mounting screws
  • Mounting template
  • Manuals

Sound
8.1
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Tested Preset
Standard
Slope
-0.31
Std. Err.
2.63 dB
Channels
5.1.4
Low-Frequency Extension
33.6 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
18.8 kHz

The JBL Bar 9.1's stereo frequency response is great. When set to 'Standard' mode and with room correction on, the bass is present and thumpy, which is well-suited for action movies or bass-heavy music. The rest of the response is very accurate and neutral. If you don't like the way it sounds, there's also a few EQ presets that you can use to find the best sound for your needs. There's also a room correction feature available, which can help improve audio reproduction to better fit your room.

8.1
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
3
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
Slope
-0.31
Std. Err.
2.63 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
33.6 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
18.8 kHz
8.0
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
3.22 dB

The JBL Bar 9.1's stereo soundstage is impressive. It seems to be about as wide as our testing table, which is a bit wider than the bar itself. The soundstage's focus is good, so you can easily pinpoint where sound is coming from.

7.8
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
95.0 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
2.10 dB

The JBL Bar 9.1 has good stereo dynamics. It can get loud enough for a large room or a crowded environment like a house party. However, there's some thumping and compression artifacts present at max volume.

8.2
Sound
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.22
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.73

The JBL 9.1's THD performance is great. At a normal listening volume, there's a low amount of THD, resulting in clean and accurate sound. However, when pushed to max volume, there's a small jump in THD, particularly in the bass range. That being said, most people may not hear any harmonic distortion with real-life content.

8.6
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.03
Std. Err.
2.62 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
94.3 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.29
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.60

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a 5.1.4 setup with an outstanding center channel performance. Thanks to its dedicated center speaker, dialogue and vocals in your favorite content sound clear and accurate. It gets pretty loud, which is nice as well.

7.7
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.38
Std. Err.
4.10 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
97.8 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.23
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.79
7.1 Rears
No

Update 02/09/2021:We changed the score for 7.1 Rears from "YES" to "NO" since it's a 5.1.4 setup. This soundbar has left and right surround speakers, but it doesn't have additional rear speakers.

The JBL Bar 9.1 True Wireless Surround with Dolby Atmos' surround performance is amazing. Thanks to its 5.1.4 setup, it has dedicated surround speakers that produce an accurate localization of objects in its soundstage.

6.1
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Slope
-1.44
Std. Err.
5.40 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
89.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.04
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.63

The JBL Bar 9.1's Atmos performance is passable. It plays sound from the bar's top speakers as well as its satellite speakers, which helps to bounce sound off the ceiling and reflect it back to the listener to create a more immersive experience. However, it doesn't sound as real as discrete up-firing speakers like those in a dedicated home theatre setup.

6.2
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
No
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Bass Adjustment
No
Treble Adjustment
No
EQ
Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
No
Height Level Adjustment
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes

The JBL Bar 9.1 has decent sound enhancement features. Unlike the Samsung HW-Q950T or the Samsung HW-Q850T, it doesn't have a graphic EQ, and unlike the Vizio Elevate and the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR, it doesn't have a dialogue enhancement feature. However, it has three EQ presets: 'Smart Mode' for rich sound effects, 'Standard', and 'Night Mode'. While it doesn't have a dialogue enhancement feature like the JBL Bar 1300X, the manufacturer recommends using the 'Standard' EQ to help reduce sound effects. There's also a room correction feature, which can further improve audio reproduction, as well as rear and height levels. You can adjust the subwoofer level too.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
1
HDMI Out
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
No
Ethernet
1
Subwoofer Output
No

The JBL Bar 9.1 has several physical inputs and you can even use it as a hub for multiple devices like a gaming system and your TV. However, while there's a USB port, USB playback is only available on the US version of this soundbar. All other regional versions can only use the USB for updating the soundbar's firmware.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

Thanks to its HDMI ARC port, it can support all common formats. It also supports eARC, so it can play object-based surround signals and lossless formats.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

Thanks to its Full HDMI In port, you can use the JBL Bar 9.1 as a hub between external devices like a Blu-ray disc player and your TV. It supports all common audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS content too, which is great for movie lovers.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Supported
DTS
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

The JBL Bar 9.1 soundbar supports Dolby Digital and DTS content via its optical port. This content is usually found on streaming content as well as Blu-ray discs.

8.1
Connectivity
Latency
ARC
53 ms
Optical
47 ms
Full HDMI In
-53 ms
6.3
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
No
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
No
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
No

The JBL Bar 9.1 can be used as a hub between your TV and another source like your PC to play 4k content at 60Hz. Text looks crisp and clear on a 4k TV.

10
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
Chromecast built-in
Yes
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Spotify Connect
No

The JBL Bar 9.1 has incredible wireless playback options. No matter how you like to wirelessly stream content, you can cast it to the soundbar without a problem.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Yes

The JBL Bar 9.1's interface is located behind the metal mesh grill. It displays the volume level, as well as subwoofer and rear levels. It can also tell you when pairing via Bluetooth, and it can alert you when the satellites are low on battery.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

The bar has controls on its top side. From here, you can turn the bar on/off, adjust volume, and switch inputs.

Additional Features
Remote

The JBL Bar 9.1 has a simple remote. You can use it to control most of the soundbar's functions including volume and power. However, you can't switch EQ presets and you won't be able to track skip or play/pause your audio.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
No

Unlike the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, the JBL Bar 9.1 doesn't have built in voice assistant capabilities.