JBL Bar 9.1
Score: 77/100
JBL Bar 1300X
Score: 84/100Rankings
The JBL Bar 1300X is a premium 11.1.4-channel soundbar system offering Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, a powerful subwoofer and detachable wireless surrounds, backed by a robust Wi-Fi 6 and HDMI eARC connectivity suite. It excels in immersive audio but its large subwoofer and battery-managed surrounds may be less convenient for smaller spaces.
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a premium 5.1.4 soundbar system with detachable wireless surrounds, delivering immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with thunderous bass. Its build quality and audio performance are top-tier, though the single HDMI input, heat generation, and limited remote lighting are drawbacks.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
820 W | 1,170 Wbest | |
34 Hzbest | 33 Hz | |
20,000 Hzbest | 20,000 Hzbest | |
1 | 3best | |
1best | 1best | |
4.2 | 5.2best | |
| ↓ lower better | 20.645 kgbest | 22.45 kg |
3 months | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
Video(1) | ||
HDMI Inputs | 1 | 3 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 20.645 kg | 22.45 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 3 months | 12 months |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Standby Power Consumption (W) | 0.5 W | 2.0 W |
Audio(3) | ||
Channel Configuration | 5.1.4 | 11.1.4 |
Total Power Output (W) | 820 W | 1170 W |
Frequency Response (Low) (Hz) | 34 Hz | 33 Hz |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers (PCMag) rate the JBL Bar 9.1 as exemplary, praising its thunderous bass and immersive Atmos, while noting the high price, limited HDMI ports, and heat issues.
Everyday users love the sound quality and wireless surrounds, but mention HDMI CEC quirks, a dark remote, and heat buildup.
Professional reviewers praise the Bar 1300X for its expansive channel layout, powerful bass and the convenience of battery-powered wireless surrounds, highlighting the sophisticated connectivity and automatic MultiBeam calibration while noting limited battery endurance and the subwoofer's substantial footprint.
Everyday users love the immersive soundstage and the freedom of wireless surrounds, often using the satellites as extra Bluetooth speakers, but complain about having to recharge the surrounds regularly and the difficulty of finding a suitable spot for the large subwoofer.
“Best soundbar I've ever heard”
“Helicopter flyovers and overhead effects are realistic and three-dimensional”
