Soundbars became famous after we all got tired of home theater speakers. Besides taking up a lot of space, these speakers weren’t portable, and the initial connection wasn’t straightforward, as we see in today’s soundbars. Soundbars soon became the go-to speakers that balance sound quality, portability, and aesthetics. But which one should you get? Currently, we have many models, but Bose and JBL have aggressively attacked the market with some artistically pleasing devices coupled with advanced technology, so it comes down to these two brands.
Therefore, we will help you settle the debate on which soundbar is better between the two. Here’s a review of the Bose vs. JBL soundbars. Let’s get started!
Bose Vs. JBL Soundbars: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Specification | Bose Smart Soundbar 900 | Bose Smart Soundbar 700 | JBL Bar 9.1 | JBL Bar 5.1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundbar Dimensions | 2.29 x 41.14 x 4.21 (H x W x D) | 2.25 x 38.5 x 4.25 inches (H x W x D) | 34.8 x 2.3 x 4.7 inches (W x H x D) | 40.1 x 2.3 x 3.9 inches (W x H x D) |
| Dolby Atmos | Available | Not available | Available | Not available |
| Bluetooth | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| HDMI | HDMI eARC | HDMI ARC | HDMI input and HDMI eARC | HDMI ARC input |
| Other features | Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, ADAPTiQ technology, SimpleSync, and Spotify Connect | Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, ADAPTiQ audio calibration, and SimpleSync connectivity | Wi-Fi, Chromecast, DTS: X, Dolby Vision, and Apple AirPlay | Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, and HDMI 4K pass-through |
| Price | $899.00 | $479.00 | $899.95 | $399.95 |
- Two custom-engineered upfiring dipole speakers
- Exclusive Bose Voice4Video technology
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect
- Bose TrueSpace spatial processing
- Built-in Google and Alexa
- Noise-rejecting microphones
Bose vs. JBL Soundbars: What’s the Difference?
The tabulated side-by-side comparison only gives a glimpse of the differences between the soundbars. Below is a more detailed, technical review of Bose and JBL soundbars.
Design
Let’s start our debate with the design. All the soundbars have the same general design, including a bar-like shape and a perforated mesh. But the difference lies in the material used and the mesh’s position.
Most Bose soundbars are known for their boundary-breaking and slim design, depicting their modern look. For example, the Bose 900 is sleek and has a glass plate on the top and a perforated side mesh, which makes it unique. Further, the soundbar’s 2.29 H x 41.14 W x 4.21 D inch dimensions add to the Bose 900’s design.
The Bose 700 is no different because it has a perforated side mesh and a top glass plate but cuts halfway. This soundbar’s 2.25 H x 38.5 W x 4.25 D inch dimensions maintain Bose’s resolve to manufacture portable speakers. Further, you can get a black or white soundbar with Bose, which is a plus if you are looking for color varieties.
JBL takes a different approach to its soundbar design. Most of their speakers have a plastic casing, but the JBL 5.1 has a perforated side mesh, while the JBL 9.1 boasts a top perforated mesh on both ends. The JBL 9.1 is 34.8 W x 2.3 H x 4.7 D inches, while the 5.1 is 40.1 W x 2.3 H x 3.9 D inches in size, making them lightweight soundbars that you can easily mount in your home.
You can pair both brands’ soundbars with surrounding speakers, but Bose’ speakers are more pleasing and would improve your living room’s aesthetics.
Bluetooth Connection
Next is Bluetooth connectivity. Both soundbars have Bluetooth, which isn’t usually the case with other soundbars, like the Sonos Arc. The difference is usually the Bluetooth versions and range. The Bose 900 has a 4.2 Bluetooth version, perfectly handling the best wireless audio available within its 9 meters range. In fact, a 5.0 Bluetooth version will sound similar to this version, so you don’t need to upgrade to a 5.0 Bluetooth soundbar. Moreover, the Bose 700 soundbar has a similar Bluetooth version and range, illustrating Bose’s tenacity to use this Bluetooth version in their soundbars.
As for JBL, the 9.1 and 5.1 versions have Bluetooth with a frequency range of 2402MHz and 2480MHz, respectively, which is usually the basic range for most Bluetooth-enabled JBL devices. This match-up is a tie as we cannot identify a clear winner, given both soundbars are Bluetooth-enabled.
Performance
Bose
Let’s now talk about their performance. Both Bose soundbars are impressive, but it depends on which one supports Dolby Atmos. For example, the Bose 900 performs exceptionally, especially with its 5.2 sound system and Dolby Atmos. You can add five speakers and two subwoofers to the sound bar to get better and richer sound. With Dolby Atmos, you will experience a three-dimensional effect when watching a movie or playing a game. The audio feels realistic, as if you are immersed in the movie, and everything is happening around you. Pairing this Dolby Atmos soundbar with multiple surround speakers and a subwoofer gives you the ultimate audio performance.
Unfortunately, the Bose 700 doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, but it still sounds good for a Bose speaker. You get three speakers, but one is designed to provide bass sounds, so you must get your configurations right to get a good sound balance. On the plus side, the three speakers are connected wirelessly to the soundbar, so the connection isn’t strained.
JBL
- Power output: 820W
- DTS and Dolby Atmos (with X decoding) built-in
- Surround speakers (detachable and battery-powered) included
- A 300W, 10-inch powered subwoofer allows you to experience real, deep, bass
- Supports Dolby Vision with Ultra HD 4K pass-through
Moving on to the JBL soundbars, you’ll still get good sound performance, but not all models have Dolby Atmos. The JBL 9.1 is the exception because besides having two detachable speakers and one subwoofer, you still get Dolby Atmos. Further, given the 9.1 has a 5.1.4 setup, you can increase the speakers to experience Dolby Atmos’ three-dimensional effect better.
Adding to the soundbar’s value is the DTS:X feature. This multi-dimensional sound feature sounds like Dolby Atmos, but it’s different because you don’t have to add more speakers to get this effect. For instance, you may need to add speakers to get the best Dolby Atmos experience, but with DTS:X, you can configure your current speakers and get the same dimensional effect. As for the JBL 5.1, it delivers the best cinematic experience due to its surround sound feature. Watching a movie with this soundbar gives you a theater-like experience, especially if you pair it with a few speakers.
Overall, both brands’ soundbars perform remarkably well, but the DTS:X feature in the JBL, specifically the 9.1 model, slightly gives JBL soundbars an advantage.
Extra Features
Next are the additional features present in both soundbars. Bose has some impressive extra features that make it a must-buy soundbar. For instance, Bose soundbars have ADAPTiQ technology. The technology calibrates the soundbar depending on the items in your room (tables, chairs, and walls) to ensure the sound reflects correctly. It’s such an impressive feature because if you move the soundbar to an unfamiliar room, you can calibrate it based on its acoustics.
Bose’s SimpleSync is where this soundbar shines the most. You can pair your Bose soundbar and the attached speakers with other Bose products, adding to the Bose experience. For example, you can pair your soundbar to your Bose headphones or speakers in different rooms to listen to the same song. In contrast, JBL soundbars have HDMI 4K pass-through, allowing you can connect your soundbar to the TV and not lose 4K resolution when watching a movie.
Ultimately, the soundbar’s extra features depend on your use, so choose a device that solves your soundbar problems and adds something different to boost your experience.
Price
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
- Deep bass
- Bose Voice4Video Technology
- Connectivity via Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect
Are soundbars expensive? Well, it depends on the model, but every buyer wants to buy one that gives them the best value for their money. Typically, Bose soundbars are expensive. The Bose 900 costs $899, while the 700 model costs $479. But are they worth it? It depends on your usage, as you can pair the soundbars with surround speakers if you want extra sound and a better experience. The speakers also have additional features like ADAPTiQ technology and SimpleSync connectivity, ensuring you enjoy your audio experience, even when using it as a stand-alone soundbar.
Many people consider JBL a budget option. However, the JBL 9.1 will cost you $899.95, but it comes with Dolby Atmos, which is missing in most JBL soundbars. The JBL 9.1 is also worth it, as you can pair this soundbar with surround speakers. The JBL 5.1 is the most budget-friendly option if you cannot afford the 9.1; it costs $399.95. Despite its low price, you’ll still get HDMI 4K pass-through and Chromecast, giving you value for money.
In short, Bose soundbars are more expensive than JBL soundbars as they come with extra features, which justifies their higher price.
History of Bose Soundbars
Bose was founded in 1964, and from the get-go, it manufactured audio devices like headphones and speakers. But it wasn’t until 1966 that they released the first speakers whose design relied on reflecting sound off a room’s walls.
Things didn’t stop there because Bose released surround sound speakers in 1996. They then ventured into soundbars, and the Bose 300 is evidence of the company’s innovation. We now have the Bose 900 smart soundbar, which is impressive. Besides the Dolby Atmos feature, this soundbar has other extra features that depict how far the company has progressed since its inception. Even the sleek and slim design conforms to the modern designs used in many electronics today. Overall, expect more innovative soundbars from Bose.
History of JBL Soundbars
James Bullough Lansing is the brains behind JBL soundbars. JBL quickly became the go-to company for speakers and radio consoles immediately after its launch. Their first device was a two-way speaker using low frequencies, but that had a woofer. As for the soundbars, JBL’s 2.0 soundbar was basic but still impressive after its release. It could deliver 80W of power and still had HDMI inputs, which was a plus.
Fast forward to 2023, and we now have the JBL 9.1, which is everything you need in a modern soundbar. This soundbar oozes quality from Dolby Atmos to DTS:X and is evidence of JBL’s resolve to manufacture modern speakers. So, stay tuned because they will release other advanced soundbars in the future.
Bose vs. JBL Soundbars: Must-Know Facts
- Not all Bose and JBL soundbars have Dolby Atmos. The two soundbars with this feature are the Bose 900 and JBL 9.1, so you must be vigilant when buying.
- Bose soundbars have ADAPTiQ technology. This technology isn’t common in most soundbars but helps to identify the room’s acoustics to ensure the speakers sound better.
- Typically, Bose soundbars are more expensive than JBL’s. However, the JBL 9.1 is pricier than other Bose speakers because it has Dolby Atmos.
- Bose and JBL soundbars perform similarly, but JBL is slightly better because of the DTS: X feature.
- Although both soundbars have a similar general design, Bose speakers are more appealing due to the top glass plate that makes the soundbar stand out.
Bose vs. JBL Soundbars: Which One Is Better?
So, can you tell which soundbar is better? Probably not, but based on our discussion, we can say that Bose soundbars have a slight advantage. For one, these soundbars have an innovative design – the glass plate at the top is a game-changer. Adding to the soundbar’s value is the Dolby Atmos present in the Bose 900. Though the JBL 9.1 boasts the same feature, it cannot keep up with the extra features in Bose soundbars like ADAPTiQ technology and SimpleSync connectivity.
Money-wise, you may have to spend a few extra dollars to get Bose soundbars, but the specs you get will be worth every penny. However, we cannot discredit JBL soundbars as they are the next best option.
- Bose Smart Soundbar 900
- Two custom-engineered upfiring dipole speakers
- Exclusive Bose Voice4Video technology
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect
- Bose TrueSpace spatial processing
- Built-in Google and Alexa
- Noise-rejecting microphones
- Bose Smart Soundbar 700
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
- Deep bass
- Bose Voice4Video Technology
- Connectivity via Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect
- JBL Bar 9.1
- Power output: 820W
- DTS and Dolby Atmos (with X decoding) built-in
- Surround speakers (detachable and battery-powered) included
- A 300W, 10-inch powered subwoofer allows you to experience real, deep, bass
- Supports Dolby Vision with Ultra HD 4K pass-through
- JBL Bar 5.1
- Power: 510W
- True 4K connectivity
- 3 HDMI in/1 HDMI out (ARC)
- Bluetooth, HDMI connectivity
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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