The JBL Bar 9.1 features a 5.1.4-channel setup with detachable wireless surround speakers and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, delivering a more immersive surround sound experience. In contrast, the Sonos Arc features a 5.0.2-channel configuration without a dedicated subwoofer or rear speakers, relying on advanced audio processing to create a virtual surround effect. Additionally, the JBL Bar 9.1 supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, while the Sonos Arc supports Dolby Atmos but lacks DTS:X compatibility. These distinctions make the JBL Bar 9.1 a more comprehensive choice for those seeking a true surround sound setup, whereas the Sonos Arc offers a sleeker design with virtual surround capabilities.
Specs Comparison
The JBL Bar 9.1 is built as a true 5.1.4-channel system, meaning it comes with detachable wireless surround speakers and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, giving it an edge when it comes to real surround sound. At 884 mm wide, 62 mm tall, and 120 mm deep, it has a compact and solid feel, with a metal grille covering the front and top, adding to its premium look. The detachable speakers connect magnetically, making it easy to switch between a standard soundbar setup and full surround sound without extra cables. The subwoofer is large, which helps deliver deeper bass, making it a great option for home theater enthusiasts who want physical speakers around them for a more immersive experience.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is designed for a simpler, more streamlined setup. It’s a 5.0.2-channel soundbar without a subwoofer or separate surround speakers, relying entirely on its up-firing and side-firing drivers to create a Dolby Atmos effect. Measuring 1141 mm wide, 87 mm tall, and 115 mm deep, it’s significantly longer than the JBL, making it more suited for larger TVs. The design is minimalist with a matte-finished plastic body and a metal grille, and it blends well with modern entertainment setups. While the Arc doesn’t have built-in DTS:X support, it works well in Sonos’ ecosystem, making it easy to expand with additional speakers like the Sonos Sub or Sonos One surrounds. If you want a simple, sleek soundbar with strong virtual surround processing, the Sonos Arc makes sense, but if you prefer true surround sound with separate speakers and deeper bass, the JBL Bar 9.1 is the better choice.
Table Comparison
| Specification | JBL Bar 9.1 | Sonos Arc |
| Total System Power | 820W | Not specified |
| Number of Channels | 5.1.4 | 5.0.2 |
| Subwoofer | 10-inch wireless | Optional (sold separately) |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X Support | Yes | No |
| Detachable Surround Speakers | Yes | No |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs | 1 In / 1 Out (eARC) | 1 Out (eARC) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes (Version 4.2) | No |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Support | No | Yes (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 884 x 62 x 120 mm | 1141.7 x 87 x 115.7 mm |
| Weight | 3.64 kg (main unit) | 6.25 kg |
Both soundbars offer immersive audio experiences, but the JBL Bar 9.1 provides additional features like detachable surround speakers and a dedicated subwoofer, which may enhance the surround sound experience. The Sonos Arc lacks these physical components but features a sleek design and integrated voice assistant support, catering to those who want a minimalist setup with smart features.
Sound Comparison
Watching “Top Gun: Maverick”, the JBL Bar 9.1’s 5.1.4-channel setup created a strong sense of spatial movement as fighter jets roared overhead. The detachable wireless surround speakers made a huge difference, adding depth and realism as sound moved from front to back. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivered deep, rumbling bass that added weight to explosions and engine sounds, making the action feel more intense. The Sonos Arc, with its 5.0.2-channel setup, relied on its side-firing and up-firing drivers to simulate surround sound. The Dolby Atmos processing did a great job at creating a wide soundstage, and the height effects were convincing, but without physical rear speakers, the surround effect didn’t feel as precise as the JBL’s.
For dialogue-heavy scenes, I tested both soundbars with “The Social Network”, a movie packed with fast-paced conversations and layered background sounds. The Sonos Arc, with its speech enhancement and Trueplay tuning, made voices sound crisp and clear even when music and background chatter were present. The JBL Bar 9.1 also handled dialogue well, but in some moments, voices felt slightly less isolated, especially in complex sound environments. The Arc’s voice control support (with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) also made it easy to adjust volume and settings without a remote, something the JBL Bar 9.1 lacks. That said, the Bar 9.1’s dedicated center channel speaker helped keep voices distinct, and the rear speakers gave more dimension to background conversations, making busy scenes feel more immersive.
To test bass response and dynamic range, I watched “Dune 2”, which has a mix of quiet, atmospheric moments and powerful bass-driven sequences in this Sci-Fi film. The JBL Bar 9.1’s subwoofer handled deep frequencies well, making Hans Zimmer’s score feel intense, and the 820W power output gave action scenes a more dramatic impact. The Sonos Arc, without a dedicated subwoofer, still produced clear bass but didn’t hit as deep, making some moments feel less full-bodied. The Arc’s 6.25 kg soundbar had a strong, room-filling presence, but without DTS:X support, some directional sound effects didn’t feel as detailed as on the JBL Bar 9.1. If I had to choose, I’d go with the JBL Bar 9.1 for its true surround experience and deeper bass, but the Sonos Arc would be my pick if I wanted clear dialogue and a more streamlined, voice-controlled setup.
The Verdict?
If I had to choose, I would go with the JBL Bar 9.1 because of its detachable wireless surround speakers and 10-inch subwoofer, which create a more immersive surround sound experience. The 5.1.4-channel setup with Dolby Atmos makes action scenes feel bigger and more dynamic, especially in movies like Top Gun: Maverick where sound moves all around the room. The 820W power output also helps deliver deeper bass and a more cinematic feel compared to the Arc’s 5.0.2-channel setup, which relies on virtual surround processing instead of physical rear speakers. If you want a home theater setup that feels closer to a true surround system, the Bar 9.1 is the better option.
Overall, the Sonos Arc is still a great choice if you want a simpler, more modern setup without extra speakers. The Arc’s Trueplay tuning and speech enhancement make dialogue sound incredibly clear, and it integrates easily with Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2, making it a great option for smart home users. The wide soundstage and Dolby Atmos processing do a solid job at creating an immersive effect, even without a subwoofer or rear speakers. If you prefer a sleek, all-in-one soundbar with excellent dialogue clarity and strong smart features, the Sonos Arc is a great choice. But if you want bigger, room-filling sound with deeper bass and true surround effects, the JBL Bar 9.1 is the better overall pick.