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  1. Home
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Bose Soundbar 500 vs JBL Bar 9.1

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The BoxBack - BarBack - SubwooferBack - Satellites
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support: ARC/eARCAudio Format Support: HDMI InAudio Format Support: OpticalLatencyVideo Passthrough To TVWireless PlaybackConnectivity - SubwooferConnectivity - Satellites
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants SupportAppOther Features
    Comments

Products

Bose Soundbar 500
JBL Bar 9.1

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Jan 06, 2026 08:53 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 18, 2025 02:00 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Bose Soundbar 500 Picture
JBL Bar 9.1 Picture
Channels
Locked
Channels
Locked

Our Verdict

Bose Soundbar 500

JBL Bar 9.1

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the Bose Soundbar 500. Unlike the Bose, the JBL supports Dolby Atmos content and comes with a dedicated sub and two satellites. It gets louder, and it has a better soundstage. Also, it comes with a Full HDMI In port that supports high-quality passthrough. However, only the Bose has built-in voice assistant support.

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Variants

  • Soundbar 500
  • Bar 9.1 (Black)

Review

See Bose Soundbar 500 Review
See JBL Bar 9.1 Review
0 
0 

Check Price

Standard
Soundbar 500
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Standard
Soundbar 500
SEE PRICE
B&H
Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Standard
Soundbar 500
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
B&H
Standard
Soundbar 500
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Standard
Soundbar 500
SEARCH
Bose
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
JBL
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
GET INSIDER ACCESS  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Width  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Width  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Bose Soundbar 500 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Bose Soundbar 500 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Mountable Bar 
 

Locked

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Locked

Mountable Satellites 
 

Locked

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Locked

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo  
 

Bose Soundbar 500 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

HDMI Cable Length 
 

Lock m (Lock ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Back - Bar  

Back photo - bar  

Bose Soundbar 500 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Bar Mounting 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub  

Bose Soundbar 500 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites  

Bose Soundbar 500 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Mounting 
 

Locked
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Raw Frequency Response  

Bose Soundbar 500 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response Small  

Bose Soundbar 500 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated  

Bose Soundbar 500 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

Lock
N/A

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

Bose Soundbar 500 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

Bose Soundbar 500 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

Bose Soundbar 500 THD Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 THD Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

Bose Soundbar 500 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

Bose Soundbar 500 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

H Frequency Response  

Bose Soundbar 500 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

N/A
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

N/A
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

N/A
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

N/A
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

N/A
Lock
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Room Correction 
 

Locked
Locked

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Locked
Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Bass Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

Locked

Full HDMI In 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA In 
 

Locked
Locked

USB for Files 
 

Locked
Locked

Ethernet 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Output 
 

Locked

HDMI ARC 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

eARC 
 

Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked

5.1 PCM 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency Video  

Bose Soundbar 500 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

JBL Bar 9.1 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

ARC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

N/A
Lock ms

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

N/A
N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Locked

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

Locked

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Chromecast built-in 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple AirPlay 
 

Locked
Locked

Spotify Connect 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Subwoofer 
 

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1  

Bose Soundbar 500 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1  

Bose Soundbar 500 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1  

Bose Soundbar 500 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1  

Bose Soundbar 500 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sat Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo 
 

Bose Soundbar 500 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Universal Remote 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Show Text 

App 
 

App image  

Bose Soundbar 500 App image Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 9.1 App image Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

App Name  

Locked

iOS  

Locked

Android  

Locked

Acts As A Remote 
 

Locked

Controls Soundbar's Settings 
 

Locked

Casts Device Files 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Other Features 
 

Power Saving 
 

Locked

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control) 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Standard
Soundbar 500
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Standard
Soundbar 500
SEE PRICE
B&H
Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Standard
Soundbar 500
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
B&H
Standard
Soundbar 500
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Standard
Soundbar 500
SEARCH
Bose
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
JBL
Back to Top

Bose Soundbar 500

JBL Bar 9.1

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

Bose Soundbar 500 vs JBL Bar 9.1: Main Discussion

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