It makes sense comparing JBL Bar 9.1 vs JBL Bar 5.0 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, Bar 9.1 has a total rating of 9 out of 10 versus 8.2 for Bar 5.0.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the JBL Bar 9.1 has 9.1 versus 5.0 for the JBL Bar 5.0. The output power is different and equal to 820 (overall) W for the Bar 9.1 versus 250 (overall) W for the Bar 5.0. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The JBL Bar 9.1 got our rating of 9 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.0 5 for its audio features and specs.
Spotify is available on each of the soundbars. Both devices can play streaming audio from Pandora, SoundCloud.
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.
App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present in each model. Multi-room is available to every soundbar.
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.