Design and build:

Sonos Arc is longer in width compared to the JBL 9.1 bar without the satellites. The Arc is a good fit for large TVs of around 75”. It is made of good quality plastic and the drivers are protected by plastic grille. JBL 9.1 is suitable for medium sized TVs. It is made of metal and plastic that has a metal grille. The Sonos Arc does not include satellites and subwoofers like the JBL 9.1.

Both the soundbars are wall mountable that will save some space. They are available in simple black color. Overall, they have sturdy build quality and feel durable.

Performance:

Comparing JBL 9.1 vs Sonos Arc, the JBL 9.1 bar has 5.1.4 channel configuration whereas Sonos Arc is a 5.0.2 channel soundbar. Sonos Arc works with a total of 11 drivers for front left/right/center, sides and upward-firing drivers. It uses Trueplay room calibration feature but unfortunately it is only available for Apple users. It uses Sonos app and microphones in the Apple iOS device. It can deliver good surrounds from side-firing drivers. While they are not quite immersive, it seems ‘legit’ from a single soundbar.

But as you compare the sound with JBL 9.1, the JBL bar wins with dedicated rear speakers. Elliptical woofers can produce clean and deep bass. In most cases, you will not feel the need for an additional subwoofer. The bar generates sound that bounces of the room resulting in quite satisfying performance. It has a very broad soundstage along with clearer vocals. Atmos effects are powerful and enjoyable.

Since Sonos Arc is a single soundbar, true comparison is possible when you add Sonos Sub and One SL speakers for a 5.1.2 home theater setup. Once connected, the output sound will be sensational with dramatic improvement. That said, the cost will increase which is be almost double of that of Sonos Arc price. Sonos Arc can play Dolby lossless audio from Blu-ray players but does not support DTS:X format.

JBL Bar 9.1 has built-in microphones that performs audio calibration. If you change the position of the rears or soundbar, go through the calibration again. It can deliver true surround sound where room-filling sound is emitted in the room evenly. Unlike the Arc, it has DTS:X that makes movie effects true, natural and realistic.

Charge the rear speakers then place them beside the sitting position. This is a warm sounding bar that sounds crystal clear at all times. Place them in medium sized room so that they can play to their full potential. Voice reproduction is excellent with optimum clarity thanks to independent center channel. This, along with surround sound is much better and enhanced compared to the Sonos Arc. The bar can create a strong bubble of sound around the user making music and movies impactful.

Features: 

Compared to JBL 9.1, the Sonos Arc is a master in terms of multiroom system. It can create 16 groups by pairing up to 32 devices. The Arc is compatible with Sonos S2 OS. JBL 9.1 already comes with rears and subwoofer. With Chromecast, users can create multiroom systems with other Chromecast supported devices. Both the bars have Airplay 2 compatibility that plays contents from Apple devices and apps.

Sonos can be wireless via Wi-Fi or using the SonosNet (with Sonos Boost and Sonos Port). This will allow users to stream contents from online sources throughout the house. Streaming from internet radio stations is available that includes Sonos Radio. JBL also supports playing contents from internet radio and music streaming services.

Sonos has Sonos Voice Control with which you can give commands to Sonos products in the ecosystem. Users can give multiple commands to several devices at the same time. Along with using the built-in voice assistants, Sonos can access other features. For instance, with Alexa-supported devices like Fire TV. It can use Google Broadcast feature to give messages to other devices like Sonos One, Beam, etc.

Connectivity:

Both the soundbars have HDMI eARC and Ethernet port. Sonos Arc has HDMI to optical adapter while the JBL 9.1 has optical port and 1 HDMI In. The HDMI In will allow users to use the bar for gaming. Comparing JBL 9.1 vs Sonos Arc, for wireless connectivity the Arc only has Wi-Fi but no Bluetooth connectivity. JBL 9.1 has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Control options:

Sonos Arc has touch buttons for volume up/down, mic mute/unmute and previous/next track options. JBL 9.1 has buttons for volume adjustments, power on/off and switch input. Comparing JBL vs Sonos, the Arc does not have any remote control as you can use the Sonos S2 App to access the settings. The app can be used for setup, streaming contents from radio or online source, etc.

Unlike the Arc, the JBL 9.1 does not work with any mobile app, nor does it have any built-in voice assistants. However, it will work with Google Assistant in case you purchase a voice assistant enabled device. Sonos is more versatile and will work with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Settings:

JBL Bar 9.1 has multiple settings and options including room correction, night mode and height adjustment. These are also available in the Sonos Arc. JBL includes presets (Smart, Standard, Night mode) subwoofer and surround level adjustment and virtual surround. With Sonos Arc, users can tweak bass and treble levels.

Cost:

Comparing JBL 9.1 vs Sonos Arc, the Arc is costlier which is available under $1000. The JBL 9.1 bar is available at a low price which is great for users with tight budget.

FAQ:

JBL 9.1 vs Sonos Arc, which one should I choose for multiroom audio?

For seamless multiroom setup, choose the Sonos Arc. Then add additional Sonos speakers to create a whole house audio system. Sonos Voice control will allow users to control the whole system with voice along with others like Alexa.