When it comes to home entertainment systems, a quality soundbar can make all the difference. JBL and Sonos are two of the top brands in this market, each offering their own features and advantages. So which one is better? Let’s compare them.
JBL soundbars are renowned for their powerful audio quality, stylish designs, and user-friendly interfaces. Plus, they come with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options, so streaming music from your phone or computer is simple.
Sonos stands out for its superior sound quality and seamless integration with other Sonos products. Their soundbars boast voice control, multi-room audio capabilities, and a sleek minimalist design.
Ultimately, the decision between JBL and Sonos soundbars comes down to personal preferences and needs. To help you make an informed decision, let’s look at the features and advantages of each brand so that you can make an informed decision.
JBL vs. Sonos Soundbars: Side by Side Comparison
| Criteria | JBL Soundbars | Sonos Soundbars |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Delivers clear and powerful sound. | Offers deep bass and clear sound. |
| Connectivity | Supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. | Offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity. |
| Design | Sleek and modern design. | Minimalist and modern design. |
| Voice Assistant | Built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. | Built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. |
| Multi-Room Audio | Supports JBL’s Multi-Room Audio feature. | Offers Sonos’ Multi-Room Audio feature. |
| Price | Relatively affordable. | More expensive compared to JBL. |
| Compatibility | Works with most TVs and streaming devices. | Compatible with most TVs and streaming devices. |
- Includes support for Alexa voice commands, AirPlay 2, and more
- 3D sound with Dolby Atmos
- Trueplay tuning technology produces sound optimized for your room's acoustics
- Eleven high performance drivers
JBL vs. Sonos Soundbars: What’s the Difference?
JBL and Sonos are two well-known brands, each offering distinctive features and options. But what really sets JBL and Sonos apart? Here are the key differences between their soundbars.
Design
JBL designed their soundbars with a minimalist aesthetic in mind, often featuring a matte finish and various colors to match your home decor. Similarly, JBL soundbars are lightweight and easy to mount on the wall – ideal for small spaces.
Sonos soundbars are renowned for their luxurious design and superior build quality. Often featuring a sleek metallic finish and larger form factor, these soundbars give off an air of quality. Again, Sonos soundbars are compatible with various home automation systems, making them the ideal choice for smart homes.
Audio Quality
JBL soundbars offer superior audio with powerful bass and crisp treble. Plus, they’re equipped with advanced sound processing technology, which helps eliminate distortion and enhance clarity. Many JBL soundbars even come with multiple modes, so you can customize the output according to your preferences.
Sonos engineered their soundbars to deliver superior audio quality, with crystal-clear sound and powerful bass. Plus, they have advanced sound processing technology, which reduces distortion and enhances clarity. Many Sonos soundbars come equipped with voice control and smart speaker integration, so you can conveniently manage the output with just your voice.
Connectivity
JBL soundbars offer various connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. They’re compatible with various media players, gaming consoles, and other devices, making them a versatile option for home entertainment needs. Again, many JBL soundbars come equipped with HDMI ports, which simplify connecting them to your television or other device.
Sonos soundbars offer various connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet. They’re compatible with various media players, gaming consoles, and other devices, making them a versatile option for home entertainment. Many Sonos soundbars also come equipped with HDMI ports, which let you easily connect them to your television or other device. Additionally, Sonos soundbars are compatible with various smart home products, so you can control them using voice commands or mobile apps.
Multi-Room Audio
Both JBL and Sonos soundbars offer an immersive multi-room audio experience, with the capability to connect to multiple speakers in different rooms for playing music or other audio content throughout your home. Plus, these soundbars allow you to control the output from your mobile device or with voice commands for added flexibility and convenience.
Sound Customization
JBL soundbars offer various modes to customize sound output according to your preferences. Movie, music, and sports modes adjust audio output according to content type; an equalizer setting lets you fine-tune bass, treble, and other audio parameters as desired.
Sonos soundbars offer customizability as far as sound output. They typically come with various modes, such as movie, music, or speech enhancement, that adjust the audio for various types of content. Further, Sonos soundbars often include Trueplay technology, which uses your mobile device’s calibration settings to calibrate sound within your room and listening environment.
- 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
Virtual Assistant Integration
Both JBL and Sonos soundbars often come with virtual assistant integration, allowing you to control the audio output with voice commands. They are compatible with various virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, for added convenience and versatility. Voice control simplifies switching between sound modes, adjusting volume levels, and even controlling other smart devices in your home. Do note that JBL requires external devices like the Amazon Echo, while Sonos offers in-built support for this feature.
Room Correction Technology
JBL and Sonos soundbars both feature room correction technology, which optimizes sound output to fit your room and listening environment. Also, this innovative technology utilizes a microphone to analyze the room acoustics and adjust output accordingly for the best audio experience, especially in large rooms or those with high ceilings.
In addition, Sonos soundbars boast Trueplay technology, which uses your mobile device’s calibration settings to calibrate output according to individual room conditions and listening environments.
Wireless Rear Speakers
Both soundbars often include wireless rear speakers as an optional upgrade, providing customers with a more immersive home theater experience. These connect to the soundbar via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection, eliminating the need for extra cables and making setup simple; especially helpful if you don’t have space for traditional surround sound system components.
However, Sonos soundbars also offer a subwoofer that amplifies bass output and creates an even deeper listening sensation as an additional upgrade.
- Offers crystal-clear dialogue, vibrant bass, and a full panoramic soundstage.
- Dolby Atmos for 3D sound
- Stream audiobooks, podcasts, radio, and music over WiFi
- Compact smart soundbar for TV and more
- Control the soundbar using Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, your TV remote, and your voice.
JBL vs. Sonos Soundbars: Must-Know Facts
- JBL and Sonos both provide soundbars with superior audio quality and cutting-edge features.
- The JBL Bar 9.1 and Sonos Arc are two popular options from these brands.
- Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos for an immersive 3D audio experience.
- The JBL Bar 9.1 soundbar boasts detachable speakers that can be used as rear surround sound, while the Sonos Arc does not.
- JBL soundbars tend to be more affordable than their Sonos counterparts, while Sonos has a larger ecosystem of products, enabling seamless integration between different Sonos items.
- JBL soundbars boast superior bass performance compared to Sonos soundbars.
- Sonos soundbars look more sleek and minimalist in design compared to JBL soundbars.
- JBL also provides more connectivity options like HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth for added convenience.
- The Sonos app can control Sonos soundbars, offering convenient access to music streaming services. JBL soundbars come with remote controls, while Sonos don’t.
JBL vs. Sonos Soundbars: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
After conducting extensive research and testing, it has become evident that JBL and Sonos are both top contenders in the soundbar market. Both brands provide superior sound quality and features. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and individual needs.
For soundbars with deep bass and powerful audio, JBL may be your best bet. Their products are known for their impressive low-end response and overall volume output. The JBL Bar 9.1 in particular stands out, offering true surround sound with detachable rear speakers that can be used as standalone portable speakers. In addition, many JBL soundbars come equipped with built-in Bluetooth connectivity as well as compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
On the other hand, Sonos soundbars offer more balanced and refined audio, with clear dialogue and natural-sounding audio. Their speakers are known for their ease of use and seamless integration with other Sonos products. The Beam is one popular model that features Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant voice control as well as Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility. Further, Sonos soundbars can link with other speakers to create an immersive multi-room audio experience.
When selecting between JBL and Sonos soundbars, factors like sound quality, features, and compatibility with other devices must be taken into account. Additionally, you should consider your room size, layout, and budget when making your decision. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and what best meets your individual needs.
In conclusion, both JBL and Sonos offer excellent soundbars with unique features and advantages. JBL may be better for those seeking powerful bass, while Sonos may suit those seeking a more balanced and refined audio profile. To make an informed decision, listen carefully to both brands and compare their sound quality and features before making your ultimate choice.
- Sonos Arc Soundbar
- Includes support for Alexa voice commands, AirPlay 2, and more
- 3D sound with Dolby Atmos
- Trueplay tuning technology produces sound optimized for your room's acoustics
- Eleven high performance drivers
- 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
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) (Black)
- Offers crystal-clear dialogue, vibrant bass, and a full panoramic soundstage.
- Dolby Atmos for 3D sound
- Stream audiobooks, podcasts, radio, and music over WiFi
- Compact smart soundbar for TV and more
- Control the soundbar using Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, your TV remote, and your voice.
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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