JBL Bar 9.1 vs. Sonos Arc: Full Comparison

When choosing a soundbar for your home theater, there are many options on the market. Two of the most popular brands are JBL and Sonos. Both companies offer high-quality speakers that are designed to deliver an immersive audio experience.

Which one is the better choice? This article will compare the JBL Bar 9.1 vs. the Sonos Arc to help you determine the perfect soundbar for your needs.

JBL Bar 9.1 vs. Sonos Arc: Side-by-Side Comparison

	The JBL Bar 9.1	The Sonos Arc
Year Released	2020	2020
Product Dimensions	62 x 884 x 120 mm	87 x 1142 x 116 mm
Bluetooth	Yes	No
Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
Weight	8.0 lb (3.64 kg)	13.78 lb (6.25 kg)
Price	$999.95	$899

JBL Bar 9.1 vs. Sonos Arc: What Are the Differences?

Regarding sound quality, both Sonos Arc and JBL Bar 9.1 are definitely up there with the best. But which one is right for you? Here are some key differences:

Features

As to features, the JBL Bar 9.1 and the Sonos Arc have a lot in common. Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos. This makes them great choices for anyone looking for a soundbar that can deliver an immersive audio experience. Dolby Atmos is a technology that creates a three-dimensional soundscape. This technology provides an immersive experience by making it feel like you’re in the middle of the action.

Both the Sonos Arc and JBL Bar 9.1 support AirPlay 2, which allows users to wirelessly stream audio from their Apple devices straight to the soundbar. This is a great feature for those who want to listen to music or other audio content from their iPhone or iPad without having to fiddle with wires or connect their device directly to the soundbar. The AirPlay 2 support also allows users to easily control the volume and playback of their audio content using Siri, making it a convenient hands-free option.

However, there are some key differences in the features of both soundbars that are worth mentioning.

DTS

A major difference in their features is that the JBL Bar 9.1 supports DTS: X. Digital Theatre Sound (DTS) is a sound technology used in soundbars to create a more realistic and immersive sound experience. The technology uses multiple speakers to create a surround sound effect, making it ideal for movies and television shows. DTS-equipped soundbars also have the ability to produce deep, rich bass tones that can add another level of immersion to your audio experience.

The Sonos Arc was released in 2020 without DTS support. However, an update was rolled out in 2021 which includes several firmware upgrades including Digital Theater Sound (DTS) support. You will need to upgrade your Sonos Arc’s firmware to be able to enjoy DTS.

Best for a Cinematic Experience

Sonos Arc

$889.99

Features Dolby Atmos
Enhanced Trueplay tuning technology
Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback (Full HD (1920x1080) video support

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05/08/2023 09:18 am GMT

Bluetooth

Another difference between the features of these soundbars is that the JBL Bar 9.1 has Bluetooth connectivity, while the Sonos Arc does not. This means that you can pair the JBL Bar 9.1 Surround with your smartphone or tablet to stream music wirelessly. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, must be connected to your Wi-Fi network in order to stream music.

Remote Control

Finally, the JBL Bar 9.1 Surround includes a remote control, while the Sonos Arc does not. This means that you can control all of the bar’s functions — including volume, input selection, and sound mode — with the remote control. The Sonos Arc can be controlled using the Sonos app on your smartphone. You can also sync the Sonos Arc with your TV remote and use it to control your soundbar.

Audio Quality

With its Dolby Atmos technology, JBL Bar 9.1 delivers a powerful theater experience with theater-like sound depth and 360-degree audio imaging for all nine channels of the speaker system, for lifelike clarity and accuracy.

The Sonos Arc is also a superb speaker that produces an immersive audio experience with its Dolby Atmos feature. However, it lacks the powerful bass of the JBL Bar 9.1 which gives the JBL a slight advantage.

JBL Bar 9.1 includes a wireless subwoofer and two rechargeable wireless surround speakers that allow it to play immersive surround sounds. This system is designed to create a realistic and lifelike soundscape, providing an excellent audio experience for movies, TV shows, and video games. The wireless surround speakers add an extra layer of immersion, making it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

Sonos Arc is a standalone soundbar without any extra surround speakers. You’ll need to purchase additional speakers for the Sonos Arc to be able to create immersive surround sounds like the JBL Bar 9.1.

Hence, the JBL Bar 9.1 with its powerful bass, DTS:X support, and wireless surround speakers creates a better audio experience than the Sonos Arc.

Best Overall

JBL Bar 9.1

$1,199.95

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

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05/29/2023 08:40 am GMT

Design

When comparing the Sonos Arc and JBL Bar 9.1, there are a few key differences in their design. For starters, the Sonos Arc is a standalone soundbar that functions perfectly by itself. In contrast, the JBL Bar 9.1 comes with one main soundbar, two detachable wireless surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer.

Another difference between the soundbars is their size and weight. The JBL Bar 9.1’s main soundbar is a bit slimmer and more streamlined than the Sonos Arc. It weighs 8.0 lb while the Sonos Arc weighs 13.78 lb, which is almost twice the weight of the JBL Bar 9.1.

Both soundbars also have touch-sensitive controls on top of them. With the touch-sensitive controls, you can turn on/off your soundbar, reduce or increase volume, and skip playback.

The Sonos Arc comes in two different colors — black and white, while the JBL Bar 9.1 is only available in black.

Despite the differences in their designs, both soundbars can blend into your home decor perfectly while providing an immersive audio experience for you.

Price

Sonos Arc is considerably cheaper than JBL Bar 9.1. Sonos Arc is currently listed at $899, while JBL Bar 9.1 is listed at $999.95. The difference between the cost of both soundbars is $100 which might be a lot if you are on a tight budget. However, both soundbars offer great features, which means you can’t go wrong with either of them.

Built-In Alexa

If you’re looking for a soundbar that comes with a built-in voice assistant such as Alexa, then the Sonos Arc is the way to go. With Alexa or Google Assistant built-in, you can control your soundbar hands-free by using just your voice.

Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of all the other features that these voice assistants offer, like playing music, checking the weather, and more. On the other hand, the JBL Bar 9.1, does not come with a built-in Alexa. However, it works with the Google Home app.

JBL Bar 9.1 vs. Sonos Arc: 7 Must-Know Facts

Both the Sonos Arc and JBL Bar 9.1 were released in 2020.
Sonos Arc does not support Bluetooth connectivity, unlike the JBL Bar 9.1.
JBL Bar 9.1 comes with one main soundbar, two wireless surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, while the Sonos Arc is a standalone soundbar.
JBL Bar 9.1 costs $100 more than the Sonos Arc.
Sonos Arc is available in two colors — black and white, while the JBL Bar 9.1 is only available in black.
Both soundbars support Apple AirPlay 2.
Sonos Arc and JBL Bar 9.1 have Dolby Atmos technology which allows them to play 3D immersive sounds.

JBL Bar 9.1 vs. Sonos Arc: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re searching for a high-end, immersive soundbar experience, then the JBL Bar 9.1 is the way to go. With its built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology, the JBL Bar 9.1 can create a truly 3D soundscape that will make your movies and TV shows come to life. Plus, with its wireless subwoofer and surround sound speakers, you can easily create a surround sound system.

On the other hand, if you want a more affordable option that still delivers great sound quality, then the Sonos Arc is a great choice. With its Dolby Atmos technology and recent DTS upgrade, it offers an immersive audio experience. Plus, with its built-in Amazon Alexa voice control, the Sonos Arc is a great choice for those who want an easy way to control their soundbar experience.

We recommend the JBL Bar 9.1 because of its audio quality and extra speakers (the wireless surround speakers and subwoofer) which will help you create a theater-like experience in your home. Even though it costs $100 more than the Sonos Arc, its impressive features are worth the extra cost.

JBL Bar 9.1 vs. Sonos Arc: Full Comparison FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What can I do with the Sonos Arc’s built-in voice assistant?

The Sonos Arc has a built-in voice assistant that can be used to control the soundbar. The voice assistant can be used to adjust the volume, change the input source, and play/pause music. Additionally, the voice assistant can be used to control other Sonos products that are connected to the Arc. For example, you can use the voice assistant to turn on your TV or set a timer.

Are JBL soundbars worth it?

If you’re looking for a high-quality soundbar that will significantly improve your home theater experience, then investing in a JBL soundbar is definitely worth it. JBL is a well-known and respected brand in the audio industry, so you can rest assured that their soundbars will deliver quality. Additionally, JBL soundbars come with a variety of features and options that allow you to customize your listening experience. For instance, some models come with built-in subwoofers for extra bass, while others have Bluetooth connectivity so you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet. No matter what your specific needs are, there’s sure to be a JBL soundbar that’s perfect for you.

What does Digital Theatre Sound (DTS) mean?

Digital Theatre Sound (DTS) is a technology used in the cinema industry to create high-quality surround sound audio. It is one of the most popular surround sound systems used in movie theaters and has become increasingly popular for home theater systems as well.

DTS uses a digital signal to encode and decode audio data. This allows for a higher quality of sound reproduction than traditional analog methods. The result is a more immersive and realistic experience for the audience.

DTS technology is used in both Cinema and Home Theater applications. In Cinema, DTS provides an alternative to traditional film soundtracks, which are limited by their analog format. DTS offers superior sound quality and allows for more flexibility in terms of speaker placement. For home theaters, DTS provides an excellent way to enjoy movies and other audio content in surround sound. DTS-encoded content is available on Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and some streaming services. Many home theater receivers also decode DTS signals.

Is the JBL Bar 9.1 a good investment?

Yes! If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line soundbar that will completely transform your home theater experience, the JBL Bar 9.1 is definitely a good investment. This premium soundbar features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audio technologies, which create an incredibly immersive surround sound experience. It also has built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 support, so you can easily stream your favorite music or podcasts directly to the soundbar. And with its sleek design and easy setup process, the JBL Bar 9.1 is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater system.

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is a sound technology that creates an immersive, three-dimensional sound experience. It is designed to provide a more realistic and lifelike listening experience by replicating the way sound waves naturally move through space. Dolby Atmos technology has been used in both movies and video games to create a more immersive and realistic soundscape.

How can I control my Sonos Arc?

The Sonos Arc is a powerful and sophisticated home theater system, and as such, it can be daunting to try and control it. However, there are a few key ways that you can control your Sonos Arc to make it work for you. First, the Sonos app is a great way to control your Sonos Arc. The app gives you full access to all of the settings and features of the system, and you can use it to tweak things to your liking. You can also use the app to create custom presets for different activities or moods, which is a great way to get the most out of your Sonos Arc. Another way to control your Sonos Arc is through voice commands.

The Sonos Arc is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands to control playback, adjust volume, change settings, etc. This is a great option if you don’t want to fiddle with the app or remote control, and it’s also handy if you’re in another room and can’t reach the system itself. You can also sync your Sonos Arc with your TV remote and use it to control your soundbar easily.

Finally, you can also use the physical buttons on the soundbar to control your Sonos Arc. This is a good option if you want simple, straightforward control over your Sonos Arc without having to dive into the app or use voice commands.

Which is better, the JBL Bar 9.1 or the Sonos Arc?

Both are great options, but it really depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a powerful sound system with Bluetooth compatibility, then the JBL Bar 9.1 is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers excellent sound quality, then the Sonos Arc is a great option.

What are the main differences between the JBL Bar 9.1 and the Sonos Arc?

The biggest difference is that the JBL Bar 9.1 has an extra subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers while the Sonos Arc is a standalone soundbar. The JBL Bar 9.1 is also slightly more expensive than the Sonos Arc.

JBL Bar 9.1 vs. Sonos Arc: Full Comparison

JBL Bar 9.1 vs. Sonos Arc: Side-by-Side Comparison