The JBL’s detachable speakers provide proper surround sound and are a big selling point, but its rivals are sonically superior

Room-filling Atmos sound, Lots of bass, Reasonably detailed

Lacking dynamic appeal, Imprecise effect placement, Not punchy enough

The JBL Bar 9.1 is among the most impressive Dolby Atmos soundbars around, in some ways. But once you’re over the initial shock and awe, its modus operandi gets a little wearing.

Thoughtful modular design, Authentic width and height to sound, Plenty of flexibility in terms of inputs

From the ‘everything louder than everything else’ school, Monotonal subwoofer, Short of dynamism and definition

Soundbars have a tough job. The really good ones somehow manage to replace a full 5.1 home theater surround system with just a single elongated speaker enclosure, and maybe a wireless subwoofer. Any soundbar that uses satellite speakers — whether wired to the soundbar or just wired to a power outlet — might produce better sound, but they do so at the cost of convenience and physical space, which is really the whole reason soundbars make sense to so many. That’s what makes JBL’s Bar 9.1 so compelling: Using a pair of battery-powered totally wireless satellites, it not only promises the true acoustic separation of physical speakers, it also throws Dolby Atmos into the mix for an immersive 3D experience — all for around $1,000. JBL has set itself a high, ahem, bar for the Bar 9.1. Does it succeed? Let’s find out. I personally don’t think soundbars should draw attention to themselves — at least not visually — and the Bar 9.1 makes every effort to keep its physical presence to a minimum. Fr...

Super simple setup; Big, powerful bass; Convincing Dolby Atmos and 5.1 sound; Convenient wireless speakers; Supports eARC, 4K, Dolby Vision;

Not enough inputs; Not enough EQ settings; Dialogue needs a boost; Mediocre for music;

I really couldn't be happier with the sound quality on these, and this would be an easy 5 star review if it wasn't for the persistent connection issues. When on streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu, the sound completely cuts off for 3-5 seconds at a time, sometimes every few minutes, sometimes more than twice a minute. This is not an issue when connected via Bluetooth (on my phone, for example), but when the system is plugged into my TV via HDMI eARC, this happens regularly. Bought a month ago and has been happening regularly since. If it weren't for this issue, this system would be amazing all around - but this is almost a complete deal breaker.

The first Atmos soundbar from JBL is called Bar 9.1 and has detachable, completely wireless rear speakers. And here the focus is on muscle power for all it's worth.

Powerful sound, hard-hitting bass and true surround sound from wireless rear speakers. With Atmos sound both front and rear.

Sounds too grainy to beat the best.

Superficially very exciting to listen to, but the JBL is a lot of sound and fury without enough substance

Big, bassy sound with plenty of height to it; Modular design allows genuine surround-sound; Well made and finished;

Not dynamic; One-note bass; Lacks effects definition ;

JBL offers plenty of soundbars—we've reviewed many of them—and the Bar 9.1 sits at the very top, both in terms of performance and price. It's JBL's first soundbar with Dolby Atmos built-in, and in addition to a subwoofer, it comes with two small wireless speakers that charge by attaching to the left and right ends of the bar. When removed, they become the rear left and right speakers, no cables required. It's a clever design, and the audio performance is powerful and exciting. Watching movies is definitely the main reason to spring for the $999.99 JBL Bar 9.1, but music also sounds excellent through its drivers—though there are some subwoofer settings that will need to be changed depending on the genre.Design The Bar 9.1 measures 2.4 by 48.4 by 4.7 inches (HWD) with the rechargeable speakers magnetically docked, and frankly, that's the most important measurement, because even if it measures 2.4 by 34.8 by 4.7 inches when they're not attached, you'll need to plan for that space—6.8...

The JBL Bar 9.1 soundbar might be expensive, but it delivers powerful, thunderous audio with detachable rear channels for an immersive listening experience.

Powerful audio with thunderous bass depth; Dolby Atmos drivers; Wireless rear channel speakers; Easy setup

Expensive; Large; Could use more precise EQ controls

This 5.1.4-channel soundbar features a fully immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience thanks to upward-firing speakers and a pair of detachable and rechargeable wireless rears. It's good value, with few compromises.

Full immersion, Powerful and well-integrated bass, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Detachable rear speakers, EARC support, Automated audio calibration, Proper display and decent remote

Front soundstage could be wider, No HLG/HDR10+ passthrough, Only one HDMI input, No dedicated remote app

With movie theaters still closed in most places, the home theater experience is more important than ever. A spiffy Atmos surround sound system can take your viewing experience to the next level, but maybe you don't want to run wires or have speakers permanently installed around your room.

Audio Overall excellent sound for all media types., Detachable satellites The speakers can remain docked for stereo content and detached for surround., Google integration Appears in the Home app and as a Chromecast target., Design The Bar 9.1 looks understated and slick—it should go with any decor.

No display Just a simple dot-matrix screen on the front that makes accessing settings rather difficult., Batteries The satellites need to be recharged daily., Price The $1,000 price tag is more than most people should pay when there are cheaper but less elegant options available.

This 5.1.4-channel soundbar features a fully immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience thanks to upward-firing speakers and a pair of detachable and rechargeable wireless rears. It's good value, with few compromises.

Full immersion; Powerful and well-integrated bass; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; Detachable rear speakers; EARC support; Automated audio calibration; Proper display and decent remote;

Front soundstage could be wider; No HLG/HDR10+ passthrough; Only one HDMI input; No dedicated remote app;