The JBL Bar 9.1 and JBL Bar 800 share a lot of similarities, but there are some key differences if you are choosing between both sound systems for your home TV setup. The Bar 9.1 is the more powerful system, with a total output of 820W compared to the JBL Bar 800’s 720W. Both have detachable wireless surround speakers, which is a great way to get a true surround sound experience without needing extra wires all over the room. The biggest difference is that the JBL Bar 9.1 supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while the Bar 800 only supports Dolby Atmos, which could matter if you want the most immersive 3D audio experience.
Both soundbars come with a 10-inch, 300W wireless subwoofer, which provides deep and punchy bass regardless of which one you pick. Connectivity is solid on both, with HDMI eARC, optical ports, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2, but the JBL Bar 800 has Bluetooth 5.0, while the Bar 9.1 runs on Bluetooth 4.2, which could affect range and connection stability. If you want the best sound with the most immersive surround experience, the Bar 9.1 is the stronger choice. But if you’re okay with a slightly lower output and just Dolby Atmos (without DTS:X), the Bar 800 still delivers great sound at a likely lower price.
Specs Comparison
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a 5.1.4-channel system with a total output of 820 watts, featuring two up-firing drivers in both the main bar and the detachable rear speakers, which enhances the overhead effects in Dolby Atmos content. In contrast, the Bar 800 is a 5.1.2-channel system with a total output of 720 watts; it includes up-firing drivers in the main bar but lacks them in the detachable rear speakers, potentially offering a less immersive height experience. Both models come with a 10-inch, 300-watt wireless subwoofer, providing deep bass that complements action-packed movies and music.
In terms of connectivity, the JBL Bar 9.1 offers dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, supporting Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2, which allows for versatile streaming options. The Bar 800, on the other hand, comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and also supports Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM), and Google Assistant, offering a more integrated smart home experience. Both soundbars include HDMI eARC for high-quality audio transmission and optical ports for additional connectivity. Physically, the main units are similar in size, with the Bar 9.1 measuring 884 x 62 x 120 mm and weighing 3.64 kg, while the Bar 800 is slightly slimmer at 884 x 56 x 120 mm and weighs 3.4 kg. The detachable surround speakers of the Bar 9.1 are lighter (0.72 kg) compared to those of the Bar 800 (1.3 kg), which might affect placement flexibility.
Specs Table
Here’s a detailed comparison of the JBL Bar 9.1 and JBL Bar 800 soundbars:
| Specification | JBL Bar 9.1 | JBL Bar 800 |
| Total System Power | 820W | 720W |
| Channels | 5.1.4 | 5.1.2 |
| Subwoofer | 10-inch, 300W wireless subwoofer | 10-inch, 300W wireless subwoofer |
| Detachable Surround Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X Support | Yes | Not specified |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Dual-Band Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Chromecast and AirPlay 2 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM) Support | No | Yes |
| Main Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) | 884 x 62 x 120 mm | 884 x 56 x 120 mm |
| Main Unit Weight | 3.64 kg | 3.4 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 |
| Surround Speaker Dimensions (W x H x D) | 173 x 60 x 120 mm | 145 x 56 x 120 mm |
| Surround Speaker Weight | 0.72 kg | 1.3 kg |
The JBL Bar 9.1 provides higher total system power and includes DTS:X support, potentially offering a more immersive soundstage. The JBL Bar 800, while slightly less powerful, offers newer Bluetooth connectivity and additional smart features like Alexa Multi-Room Music support, which is great for integrated smart home functionality.
Sound Comparison
Comparing both soundbar setups with my Samsung TV, I started with “The Dark Knight”, a movie with intense action sequences and a deep, cinematic score. The Bar 9.1, with its 5.1.4-channel setup and 820W power, created a more expansive soundstage especially in scenes where Hans Zimmer’s score swelled in the background while dialogue remained crisp and clear. The up-firing drivers in both the main bar and the detachable surround speakers made a difference in height effects, particularly in scenes like the rooftop confrontation between Batman and the Joker, where you could hear helicopters and city noise above. The JBL Bar 800, with its 5.1.2-channel system and 720W power, still had a strong surround effect, but the vertical dimension felt less immersive since only the main bar had up-firing speakers. Dialogue clarity was great on both, though I found that the JBL Bar 9.1 had a slight edge in separating voices from background noise, making conversations sound a bit more natural.
For sound effects-heavy TV shows, I played “Stranger Things”, which has a lot of eerie atmospheric sounds and deep bass in its soundtrack. The 10-inch, 300W wireless subwoofer on both soundbars delivered impressive low-end rumble, making the Upside Down sequences feel more intense. When the Demogorgon growled or the synth-heavy score kicked in, the bass was deep and punchy, but not overwhelming. The JBL Bar 9.1 handled these scenes with a bit more precision, especially in multi-layered sound moments, where whispers, ambient noises, and eerie echoes blended together. The Bar 800 still provided a great experience, but because it lacks DTS:X support, the spatial audio effect wasn’t as refined. The difference wasn’t huge, but it was noticeable in scenes where sound positioning played a big role in immersion.
To really test the height channels, I watched “Top Gun: Maverick”, which is filled with jet engine roars and overhead flybys. The Bar 9.1 fully took advantage of its four up-firing drivers, making it feel like planes were actually soaring above. The sound moved naturally from the front to the back, giving a real sense of movement. The Bar 800, while still immersive, didn’t have the same vertical impact since only the main bar has up-firing speakers. The surround effect worked well in both systems, thanks to the detachable rear speakers, but the added height channels in the Bar 9.1 made fast-moving aerial sequences feel more lifelike. If I were choosing a soundbar purely for watching movies and TV, I would go with the Bar 9.1 for its more immersive height effects and refined dialogue clarity. The Bar 800 is still a solid choice, especially if you want a slightly more compact setup with good surround sound, but if realism and depth matter, the Bar 9.1 takes the edge.
Design Comparison
When setting up the JBL Bar 9.1, the first thing I noticed was its clean, modern design. It has a solid build with a metal top and front grille that gives it a premium look without being too flashy. At 884 x 62 x 120 mm and 3.64 kg, it feels well-built but not overly heavy. The detachable wireless surround speakers are compact and lightweight at 0.72 kg each, making them easy to place around the room without feeling bulky. They connect magnetically to the main soundbar, which is a nice touch, making it easy to switch between standard and surround sound modes. The 10-inch, 300W wireless subwoofer is large enough to deliver deep bass but blends into a room without taking up too much space. Overall, it feels like a well-thought-out system that balances functionality with aesthetics.
The JBL Bar 800 has a similar design but is slightly slimmer at 884 x 56 x 120 mm and weighs 3.4 kg, making it a little lighter. The biggest difference is in the detachable surround speakers, which are noticeably heavier at 1.3 kg each. While this gives them a sturdier feel, it also means they might require more careful placement if you want to move them around frequently. The 10-inch, 300W wireless subwoofer is identical to the one in the Bar 9.1, so bass performance in terms of build should be similar. While both soundbars have a premium look, the Bar 9.1 feels slightly more compact and easier to adjust in different setups, whereas the Bar 800’s heavier surround speakers might work better for those who want a more fixed surround setup. Both have a well-constructed design, but the choice comes down to whether you prefer lighter, more flexible speakers (Bar 9.1) or a slightly slimmer soundbar with heavier surround units (Bar 800).
The Verdict?
Personally, I would go with the JBL Bar 9.1 because of its 5.1.4-channel setup and the extra up-firing drivers in the rear speakers. Watching movies with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X made a noticeable difference, especially in scenes with overhead effects, like planes flying or rain falling. The 820W total power also gave it a slightly fuller and more immersive sound, especially for action-packed movies and cinematic soundtracks. It feels like a true home theater experience, and the fact that the detachable surround speakers are lighter makes them easier to place around the room.
That being said, the JBL Bar 800 is still a solid option if you’re looking for something a bit more streamlined and simple for your setup. It has 5.1.2 channels, so while it still delivers Dolby Atmos, it’s missing the extra two overhead channels in the rear speakers, which means it won’t feel quite as immersive as the JBL Bar 9.1. The 720W output is still powerful, and the heavier surround speakers might be a plus if you want a more anchored surround setup. If smart features are a priority, the Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM) support is a nice touch for those who use voice assistants frequently. Overall, if your main focus is an immersive home theater experience, I’d go with the Bar 9.1. But if you want a slightly more compact and smart home-friendly setup, the JBL Bar 800 could be the better choice.