Soundbar
Products
In The Lab
Forums
Newsletters
Insider Access
Best
Soundbars Budget Subwoofer Samsung Dolby Atmos All-In-One Under $200 Music Under $500 Bose Small Dialogue Vizio Under $300 LG Sonos Under $100 Sony Movies AirPlay
Tools
Compare NEW Results Table Tool Review List Review Index Graph Custom Ratings
Popular
Samsung HW-Q990F Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Sub + Speakers Samsung HW-B750F Samsung HW-Q930D LG S90TR Sonos Arc Ultra Samsung HW-Q600F Samsung HW-Q800F Samsung HW-Q990D TCL S55H Hisense AX5125H Hisense HS2100 Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 Samsung HW-S60D LG S80TR TCL Q85H Samsung HW-B650 LG S95TR Samsung HW-B750D
236 Soundbars bought and tested
Supported by you via insider access, and when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
  1. Home
  2. Soundbar
  3. Compare

JBL Bar 9.1 vs Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The Box
    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: OpticalAudio Latency: ARCAudio Latency: HDMI InAudio Latency: OpticalVideo Passthrough To TVWireless Playback
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants Support
    Comments

Products

JBL Bar 9.1
Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 18, 2025 02:00 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Jan 06, 2026 09:22 PM

SEARCH
Amazon.com
JBL Bar 9.1 Picture
Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Picture
Channels
Locked
Channels
Locked

Our Verdict

JBL Bar 9.1

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

The Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers is a slightly better soundbar than the JBL Bar 9.1. The Sonos is better built, its height performance is better, and it has more sound enhancement features. However, the JBL has a better center channel performance. It also has more physical inputs as well as wireless playback options.

0 

Variants

  • Bar 9.1 (Black)
  • Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers (Black)
  • Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers (White)

Review

See JBL Bar 9.1 Review
See Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Review
0 
0 

Check Price

Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
White
Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
B&H
 
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
 
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 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers 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 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers 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 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers 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 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Dimensions photo - sub 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 - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Dimensions photo - satellites 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 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Satellite Mounting Holes 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Mountable Bar 
 

Locked
Locked

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Locked
Locked

Mountable Satellites 
 

Locked
Locked

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Locked
Locked

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo  
 

JBL Bar 9.1 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Raw Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 9.1 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response Small  

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

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  

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers 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 
 

N/A
Lock

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

JBL Bar 9.1 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers 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  

JBL Bar 9.1 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

Lock dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

JBL Bar 9.1 THD Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers THD Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers 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 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers 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 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

H Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 9.1 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers H 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 

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 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers 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
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
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

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
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
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

N/A
N/A

ARC Latency Video  

JBL Bar 9.1 ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

HDMI Latency Video  

JBL Bar 9.1 HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

Latency Video  

JBL Bar 9.1 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

N/A

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

N/A

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

N/A

ARC 
 

Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Optical Latency Video  

JBL Bar 9.1 Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

N/A
N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Locked
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
Locked
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo 
 

JBL Bar 9.1 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
White
Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
B&H
 
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
 
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
JBL
 
Back to Top

JBL Bar 9.1

Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

JBL Bar 9.1 vs Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers: Main Discussion

What do you think of these products? Let us know below.


Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.

0 
PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
No comments yet, refresh to see new ones
We make money directly from you via Insider access (which gives you access to extra features) and when you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer. Learn more about how we work.
We buy our own products, just like you, mostly from the United States. When a product is discontinued or no longer popular, we sell the review units locally. See what products we currently have for sale.
© 2026 9298-5266 Quebec Inc. All Rights Reserved.