JBL Bar 9.1
Score: 77/100
JBL Bar 2.1
Score: 67/100Rankings
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.
The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass (MK2) offers 300 W total output with a powerful wireless subwoofer, delivering strong bass and clear dialogue in a compact, wall-mountable package. It lacks modern smart features such as Wi-Fi, eARC and Dolby Atmos, positioning it as an entry-level home-theater solution.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
820 Wbest | 300 W | |
34 Hz | 40 Hzbest | |
20,000 Hzbest | 20,000 Hzbest | |
1best | 1best | |
1best | 1best | |
4.2best | 4.2best | |
| ↓ lower better | 20.645 kg | 9.972 kgbest |
3 months | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Support | true | false |
Video(1) | ||
HDMI eARC Support | true | false |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 20.645 kg | 9.972 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 3 months | 12 months |
Audio(5) | ||
Channel Configuration | 5.1.4 | 2.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | MP3, WAV, Dolby Digital, JBL Surround Sound |
Total Power Output (W) | 820 W | 300 W |
Frequency Response (Low) (Hz) | 34 Hz | 40 Hz |
Subwoofer Power Output (W) | 300 W | 200 W |
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 2.1 Deep Bass for cinematic sound and powerful bass, but note the absence of smart capabilities and lack of Atmos.
Everyday users highlight the impressive bass and easy setup, while complaining about missing smart features and occasional distortion at high volumes.
“Best soundbar I've ever heard”
“Helicopter flyovers and overhead effects are realistic and three-dimensional”
“Bass is incredible for the size”
