The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar vs JBL Bar 9.1 comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, Smart Ultra Soundbar has a total rating of 8.4 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 Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar has 5.1.2 versus 9.1 for the JBL Bar 9.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. The Smart Ultra Soundbar has a wired connection to separate subwoofer, and the Bar 9.1 - wireless. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar got our rating of 8 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 9.1 9 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, the Smart Ultra Soundbar received a rating of 9/10 versus 10/10, respectively.
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.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar got a rating of 6, and JBL Bar 9.1 7 out of 10.