The Samsung HW-S40T vs JBL Bar 9.1 comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, HW-S40T has a total rating of 5 out of 10 versus 9 for Bar 9.1.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Samsung HW-S40T has 2.0 versus 9.1 for the JBL Bar 9.1. The output power is different and equal to 100 W for the HW-S40T versus 820 (overall) W for the Bar 9.1. Only the Samsung HW-S40T has a built-in subwoofer. The Samsung HW-S40T got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 9.1 9 for its audio features and specs.
Spotify support is available on the Bar 9.1.
Only the JBL Bar 9.1 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Samsung HW-S40T has 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 9.1. Only the Bar 9.1 supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the HW-S40T received a rating of 6/10 versus 10/10, respectively.
App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 9.1. Multi-room is only available for the JBL Bar 9.1.
Only the Bar 9.1 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround Samsung HW-S40T got a rating of 5, and JBL Bar 9.1 7 out of 10.