| Name | JBL Bar 9.1 | Sonos Arc |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| MSRP | $1199.95 | $899 |
| Released | 2020 | 2020 |
| Availability | Discontinued | Available |
| Current price | Amazon, JBL | Sonos, Amazon |
| Speaker configuration | ||
| Audio channels | 5.1.4 | 5.0.2 |
| Expandable up to: | - | 7.1.4, (Atmos rears, 2 subs) Added subwoofers play same subwoofer channel. |
| Woofers (mid or full-range) - total | 8: Bar: 4× unknown size + 2× upfiring, Surrounds: 2× upfiring | 8: 8× unknown size |
| Tweeters - total | 5: Bar: 3×20 mm, Surrounds: 2×20 mm | 3: 3× unknown size |
| Subwoofers | 1× 10″ | 0 |
| Audio specifications | ||
| Watts RMS | 820 W | Not specified |
| Frequency range | 34 Hz - 20 kHz | Not specified |
| DTS:X support | Yes | No |
| Dolby Atmos support? | Yes | Yes |
| Surround sound? | Yes | Virtual |
| Other 3D audio formats? | None | None |
| Other (notable) sound features? | None | Speech Enhancement (use app) |
| Sound calibration? | Yes | Yes (Trueplay) |
| Connectivity & ports | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | ❌ |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 4 |
| Ethernet port (RJ45) | ✔ 1× | ✔ |
| HDMI (e)ARC out port? | 1× eARC | 1× eARC |
| HDMI in ports? (passthrough) | ✔ | ❌ |
| Optical port? (TOSLINK) | ✔ | Use included adapter: Optical to HDMI |
| 3.5 mm AUX port? | ❌ | ❌ |
| USB-A port? | ✔ | ❌ |
| Other audio ports | None | None |
| Wireless setup & control | ||
| Official app? | None | Sonos S2 |
| Voice assistant? | Indirectly (no built-in mic) | Yes |
| Chromecast built-in? | ✔ | ❌ |
| AirPlay? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alexa cast? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multiroom? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless subwoofer(s)? | Yes (included) | Optional: max 2 subwoofers; 2× Sonos Sub or Sub Mini |
| Wireless surrounds? | Yes, battery-powered surrounds (included), 10 hours playtime | Optional: max 2 surrounds, Era 300 for Dolby Atmos |
| Physical specifications | ||
| Speakers in set: | Soundbar, wireless subwoofer, detachable surrounds | Soundbar |
| Size (cm W×H×D): | 123.0×6.2×12.0 (88.4 W w/o sides), 30.5×44.04×30.5 (subwoofer), 17.3×6.0×12 (each surround) | 114.2×8.7×11.6 |
| Size (inch W×H×D): | 34.8×2.4×4.7, 12×17.3×12 (subwoofer), 6.8×2.4×4.7 (each surround) | 44.96×3.43×4.57 |
| Weight (kg): | 3.7, 0.75 (each surround), 11.14 (subwoofer) | 6.25 |
| Weight (lbs): | 8.1, 1.6 (each surround), 24.6 (subwoofer) | 13.78 |
| Wall mountable? | Yes | Yes |
| Color options: | Black | Black, white |
| Accessories in the box | Remote, HDMI cable, wall mounting kit, side caps | HDMI cable, optical to HDMI adapter |
| More info | ||
| Model number | BAR 9.1 CNTR | ARCG1##1 |
| User guide / manual | Owner's manual | User Guide |
| Official site link | JBL.com | Sonos.com |
JBL Bar 9.1 vs Sonos Arc
Legend:
Great/yes
Good
Not good
Bad/no
More soundbar comparisons: