The JBL Bar 9.1 offers a 5.1.4-channel configuration, delivering immersive surround sound with Dolby Atmos support. It includes detachable wireless surround speakers and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, enhancing the depth and realism of audio. In contrast, the JBL Bar 700 features a 5.1-channel setup and a 620W output, providing robust sound quality suitable for various content. While both models support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the JBL Bar 9.1’s additional channels and detachable speakers offer a more enveloping audio experience, making it a preferable choice for those seeking comprehensive surround sound.
Specs Comparison
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a 5.1.4-channel system with 820W of total power, making it the better option if you want an immersive Dolby Atmos experience. It comes with detachable wireless surround speakers, which means you can place them around the room for a more cinematic effect without worrying about extra wires. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer also delivers deep bass that adds weight to explosions, music, and action scenes. If you’re looking for a home theater setup that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action, this setup does a great job.
The JBL Bar 700 is a more compact system that still delivers solid sound, but it’s 5.1-channel with 620W of power, so it doesn’t have the same level of height effects or depth in surround sound as the Bar 9.1. It has a wireless subwoofer, but it lacks the up-firing drivers that help create that overhead sound experience in movies. Both models support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, so streaming music or connecting to smart home devices is easy. If you just want a powerful and simple 5.1 setup, the Bar 700 is a solid choice, but if you want full Dolby Atmos surround sound with more immersive effects, the Bar 9.1 is the better option.
Table Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of the JBL Bar 9.1 and JBL Bar 700 soundbars:
| Specification | JBL Bar 9.1 | JBL Bar 700 |
| Total System Power | 820W | 620W |
| Channels | 5.1.4 | 5.1 |
| Subwoofer | 10-inch wireless | Wireless (size unspecified) |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | No |
| DTS:X Support | Yes | No |
| Detachable Surround Speakers | Yes | No |
| HDMI Inputs | 1 | 3 |
| HDMI Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| 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 | 1018 x 58 x 100 mm |
| Main Unit Weight | 3.64 kg | 3.9 kg |
| Subwoofer Dimensions (W x H x D) | 305 x 440 x 305 mm | 305 x 440 x 305 mm |
| Subwoofer Weight | 11.1 kg | 10 kg |
Sound Comparison
The first thing I noticed when watching TV with the JBL Bar 9.1 and JBL Bar 700 was how different they felt in terms of surround sound. Watching “Top Gun: Maverick”, the 5.1.4-channel setup on the JBL Bar 9.1 immediately created a more immersive experience with Dolby Atmos. The detachable wireless surround speakers helped add a sense of movement as jets flew across the screen, and the up-firing drivers made the overhead effects feel more realistic. The 820W power output also made a difference, delivering room-filling sound with deep, powerful bass from the 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The Bar 700, with its 5.1-channel setup and 620W output, still created an exciting soundscape, but without Dolby Atmos or the extra height channels, the overhead effects weren’t as pronounced. The front-firing drivers did a good job at filling the room, but without detachable surround speakers, the surround effect felt more limited in comparison.
For dialogue-heavy scenes, I played “The Dark Knight”, where clear speech is just as important as the dramatic soundtrack. The Bar 9.1 delivered crisp and detailed dialogue, even during intense moments like the Joker’s interrogation scene, where background music and sound effects could easily overpower voices. The Bar 700, with its PureVoice dialogue enhancement, did well in keeping conversations clear, but I found that the soundstage was more forward-focused since it lacks the detachable rear speakers of the Bar 9.1. In action sequences like the underground chase, the 10-inch subwoofer on the Bar 9.1 gave a heavier low-end impact, making explosions and engine roars more powerful. The Bar 700’s wireless subwoofer still provided solid bass, but it didn’t hit as deep or create the same level of rumble in those intense moments.
For testing a mix of atmospheric effects and surround movement, I watched “Stranger Things”, which has eerie sound design and sudden shifts in volume. The Bar 9.1 handled quiet, suspenseful moments well, with the surround speakers creating a sense of space that made background sounds—like creaking doors and distant footsteps—feel more immersive. When action kicked in, like the Demogorgon attacks, the DTS:X support helped place sounds more accurately, adding to the tension. The Bar 700 still delivered an enjoyable experience, but without DTS:X and Atmos, sound placement felt less precise, making everything feel a bit more front-heavy. If I had to choose, I’d go with the Bar 9.1 for its more immersive surround sound and powerful low-end, but the Bar 700 is still a solid option for those who want a straightforward 5.1 setup with clear dialogue and good bass.
Design Comparison
The JBL 9.1 soundbar fits nicely under the TV without taking up too much space, and looks sleek and modern. The soundbar has detachable surround speakers which connect magnetically to the main soundbar, making it easy to switch between a standard setup and a full surround sound experience. They felt solid but were still light enough to move around without hassle. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer added some serious weight to the low end, and while it’s not the smallest subwoofer out there, it didn’t feel like it took over the room. The overall build had a premium feel with a sturdy metal grille on the front and top, giving it a clean and modern look.
The JBL Bar 700 is 1018 mm wide, 58 mm tall, and 100 mm deep, so it’s a little wider but thinner than the Bar 9.1, making it look more low-profile. The design was simple and streamlined, which worked well for a minimalist setup. The build quality felt just as solid, with a metal grille covering the drivers for protection. Unlike the Bar 9.1, the Bar 700 doesn’t have detachable surround speakers, so the sound experience is more front-focused. The wireless subwoofer was well-built and compact enough to tuck away easily, though it’s not quite as powerful as the 10-inch sub on the Bar 9.1. If you’re looking for something flexible and immersive, the Bar 9.1’s detachable speakers make a big difference, but if you prefer a more compact, all-in-one setup, the Bar 700 keeps things simple while still feeling high-quality.
The Verdict?
Personally, I would go with the JBL Bar 9.1 because of its 5.1.4-channel setup with Dolby Atmos support, and detachable wireless surround speakers. Having true rear speakers makes a big difference when watching movies or TV shows that rely on immersive sound. The 10-inch subwoofer also gives it an edge when it comes to deep bass, making action sequences and music feel more powerful. The 820W power output adds to that full, cinematic experience, filling the room with dynamic sound. If you want to feel completely surrounded by audio while watching something like Top Gun: Maverick or Stranger Things, the Bar 9.1 is the way to go.
That said, the Bar 700 is still a solid choice especially if you don’t need a full Dolby Atmos setup. With 620W of power and a 5.1-channel configuration, it still delivers clear, punchy sound, just without the height effects and detachable speakers of the Bar 9.1. It’s a great pick for someone who wants an easy-to-set-up soundbar that still has good bass and supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. If space is a concern or you prefer a more minimal setup without extra speakers to move around, the Bar 700 keeps things simple while still delivering strong performance. But if you want the most immersive home theater experience, the Bar 9.1 is the better choice overall.