JBL Bar 9.1
Score: 77/100
Samsung HW-B650
Score: 68/100Rankings
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 Samsung HW-B650 is a 3.1 soundbar with a wireless subwoofer and dedicated center speaker, offering strong dialogue clarity and virtual surround. It integrates well with Samsung TVs via HDMI-ARC but lacks Wi-Fi, 4K HDR pass-through and rear-speaker support, positioning it as a value-focused option for TV owners.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
820 Wbest | 430 W | |
34 Hzbest | — | |
20,000 Hzbest | — | |
1best | 1best | |
1best | 1best | |
4.2best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 20.645 kg | 8.209 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 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 20.645 kg | 8.209 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 3 months | 12 months |
Audio(3) | ||
Channel Configuration | 5.1.4 | 3.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS Virtual:X, DTS 5.1, AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, LPCM (2ch) |
Total Power Output (W) | 820 W | 430 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 view the HW-B650 as a strong value proposition for Samsung TV owners, highlighting its dedicated center channel, virtual surround processing and convenient HDMI-ARC integration. While they commend its bass performance and gaming features, they note the absence of Wi-Fi, 4K HDR pass-through and rear-speaker support as notable shortcomings.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the soundbar for crystal-clear dialogue, deep bass and easy setup with Samsung TVs. Gaming enthusiasts appreciate the low-latency Game Mode, while many express disappointment over missing smart connectivity, lack of HDR support and the non-backlit remote.
“Best soundbar I've ever heard”
“Helicopter flyovers and overhead effects are realistic and three-dimensional”
“Dialogue is crystal clear”
