The JBL Bar 9.1 features a 5.1.4-channel configuration with 820W total output, providing a more immersive sound experience, especially with its detachable wireless surround speakers. In contrast, the JBL Bar 500 features a 5.1-channel setup with 590W total output and lacks detachable speakers, relying instead on JBL’s MultiBeam technology to simulate surround sound. Both models come with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, but the JBL Bar 9.1’s higher wattage delivers deeper bass and a more robust audio performance. Additionally, the Bar 9.1 supports Dolby Atmos, enhancing its 3D sound capabilities, whereas the Bar 500 does not include this feature. These distinctions make the Bar 9.1 a more suitable choice for those seeking a cinematic home theater experience, while the Bar 500 offers a simpler, more streamlined setup.
Specs Comparison
The JBL Bar 9.1 uses a 5.1.4-channel setup with detachable wireless surround speakers, which creates a true surround sound experience by placing real speakers behind you. It delivers 820W of total power, making it more powerful than the JBL Bar 500, and the 10-inch wireless subwoofer gives deep, impactful bass that enhances movies and music. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, allowing for a more immersive 3D audio experience, where sound moves around you more naturally. In terms of design, it has a metal grille covering the front and top, making it feel solid and well-built. With HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2, it provides plenty of options for streaming and connectivity.
The JBL Bar 500 is a more minimalist system that still delivers great sound but in a 5.1-channel setup with 590W of total power. Instead of separate surround speakers, it uses JBL’s MultiBeam technology to create a virtual surround effect, which works well but doesn’t feel as realistic as having physical speakers behind you. It also comes with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, so bass performance remains strong, but without the same depth and power as the JBL Bar 9.1. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, making it just as convenient for streaming, and it has HDMI eARC for high-quality audio. If you want a true cinematic surround sound experience, the Bar 9.1 is the better choice, but if you prefer a simpler setup that still delivers immersive sound without extra speakers to position, the Bar 500 is a solid alternative.
Specs Table
| Specification | JBL Bar 9.1 | JBL Bar 500 |
| Total System Power | 820W | 590W |
| Number of Channels | 5.1.4 | 5.1 |
| Subwoofer | 10-inch wireless (300W) | 10-inch wireless (300W) |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X Support | No | No |
| Detachable Surround Speakers | Yes | No |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs | 1 In / 1 Out | 1 In / 1 Out |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast and AirPlay 2 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Main Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) | 884 x 62 x 120 mm | 1017 x 56 x 103.5 mm |
| Main Unit Weight | 3.64 kg | 2.8 kg |
| Subwoofer Dimensions (W x H x D) | 305 x 440 x 305 mm | 305 x 440.4 x 305 mm |
| Subwoofer Weight | 11.1 kg | 10 kg |
Both soundbars offer immersive audio experiences, but the JBL Bar 9.1 provides additional features like detachable surround speakers, which may enhance the surround sound experience. The JBL Bar 500, while lacking detachable speakers, offers a slightly more modern Bluetooth version and a more compact main unit design.
Sound Comparison
The first thing I noticed when watching TV with the JBL Bar 9.1 and JBL Bar 500 was how different they sounded in terms of surround effect and bass depth. Watching “Inception”, I could immediately tell that the Bar 9.1’s 5.1.4-channel setup with detachable wireless surround speakers created a more immersive experience. When the city bends in the dream sequence, the Dolby Atmos processing and up-firing speakers added height to the audio, making it feel like the sound was coming from above and around me. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivered deep, room-filling bass, making the explosions and dramatic shifts in the score hit harder. The Bar 500, with its 5.1-channel setup, still did a good job at creating a wide soundstage, but since it relies on JBL’s MultiBeam technology instead of real surround speakers, the surround effect wasn’t as pronounced. Sound still felt expansive, but it didn’t have the same depth or movement that the Bar 9.1 created with its dedicated rear speakers.
For dialogue clarity, I played “The Dark Knight” and focused on how well each soundbar handled speech in busy scenes. The JBL Bar 500 kept voices clear even during action sequences, and its 590W power output provided solid volume without distortion. The Bar 9.1, however, had an edge because its separate rear speakers helped spread background noise more naturally, making dialogue sound more balanced. In moments like the Joker’s interrogation scene, I could hear every subtle detail in Heath Ledger’s voice while the intense score and background chatter remained present but not overpowering. Both soundbars had strong vocal clarity, but the Bar 9.1’s more refined surround separation made speech easier to pick out in complex sound environments.
To push the low-end and surround effect further, I watched “Mad Max: Fury Road”, a movie with constant action, heavy engine roars, and pounding music. The Bar 9.1’s 10-inch subwoofer delivered the kind of deep, rumbling bass that made the chase scenes feel powerful. Explosions had weight, and the movement of vehicles across the screen was well-tracked by the detachable surround speakers, making the sound feel three-dimensional. The Bar 500, with the same 10-inch subwoofer but 590W of total power (compared to the 820W on the Bar 9.1), still handled bass well, but the overall sound felt more front-heavy since there were no true surround speakers to add dimension. If you’re looking for a real surround experience with better depth and movement, the Bar 9.1 is the better pick, but if you want a simpler setup with strong bass and clear dialogue without worrying about extra speakers, the Bar 500 does a great job for its size.
Design Comparison
The JBL Bar 9.1 has a well-thought-out design that feels solid and premium. Measuring 884 mm wide, 62 mm tall, and 120 mm deep, it fits easily under most TVs without looking bulky. The metal grille covering the front and top gives it a clean, modern look while also making it feel more durable. One of the most interesting parts of its design is the detachable wireless surround speakers, which magnetically connect to the main unit. This makes it easy to switch between a compact setup and full surround sound without dealing with extra wires. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer is large but blends well into the room, delivering deep bass without being overwhelming in size. The overall build quality feels high-end, and everything about it—from the way the speakers connect to the sturdy materials used—makes it feel like a well-made system.
The JBL Bar 500 has a more streamlined and simple design. It’s 1017 mm wide, 56 mm tall, and 103.5 mm deep, making it a bit wider than the Bar 9.1 but thinner, which gives it a low-profile look. The build is a combination of matte-finished plastic with metal grilles, keeping it lightweight while still feeling sturdy. Unlike the Bar 9.1, it doesn’t have detachable surround speakers, which makes the setup simpler but less flexible when it comes to surround sound positioning. Instead, it relies on JBL’s MultiBeam technology to create a virtual surround effect. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer is still included, so bass performance doesn’t take a hit, but the sound experience depends more on the front-facing speakers.
The Verdict?
On the whole, I would go with the JBL Bar 9.1 because of its detachable wireless surround speakers and true 5.1.4-channel setup. Watching movies with Dolby Atmos feels more immersive since the rear speakers physically place sound behind you, rather than relying on virtual processing like the Bar 500. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer also delivers deep bass, and with 820W of total power, it fills a room with dynamic, room-shaking sound. If you’re looking for a true surround sound experience that makes action scenes, music, and gaming feel cinematic, I think the Bar 9.1 is the better pick.
That said, I would say the JBL Bar 500 is a solid choice for those who want a simpler, more compact setup without needing to place extra speakers around the room. Its 5.1-channel system with 590W of power still delivers clear and powerful sound, and JBL’s MultiBeam technology does a decent job at creating a virtual surround effect. It’s also a bit more low-profile, making it a better option if space or minimalism is a priority. If you just want good bass, strong clarity, and an easy-to-use system for everyday TV watching and music streaming, the Bar 500 is a great choice. But if you want the most immersive home theater experience with deeper surround sound, the Bar 9.1 is the better overall soundbar system.