JBL BAR 500 vs JBL Bar 9.1 review
The JBL BAR 500 vs JBL Bar 9.1 comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, BAR 500 has a total rating of 8.6 out of 10 versus 9 for Bar 9.1.
Audio features
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the JBL BAR 500 has 5.1 versus 9.1 for the JBL Bar 9.1. The output power is different and equal to 620 (overall) W for the BAR 500 versus 820 (overall) W for the Bar 9.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The JBL BAR 500 got our rating of 7 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 9.1 9 for its audio features and specs.
Streaming services
Spotify is available on each of the soundbars. Both devices can play streaming audio from Pandora, SoundCloud.
Connectivity
These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Each soundbar has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, each of the soundbars received a rating of 10/10.
Features
App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present in each model. Multi-room is only available for the JBL Bar 9.1.
Multichannel surround
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround, each of the opponents received 7 points out of 10.
Advantages JBL Bar 9.1 over JBL BAR 500
- Multi-room support