When upgrading your TV’s mediocre built-in speakers to a full-fledged soundbar system, JBL and Sonos stand out as two premium options to consider. Both audio giants make fantastic soundbars, but each prioritizes different strengths.
In this comprehensive head-to-head matchup guide, we’ll analyze how JBL and Sonos soundbar models compare on critical factors like sound quality, design aesthetics, smart features, connectivity, and overall performance. You’ll discover how they stack up to help determine which brand fits your usage needs and budget.
Overview of The JBL and Sonos Soundbar Lineups
First, here’s a high-level overview before we deep dive into the specs:
JBL Soundbars
- Target powerful, theater-like audio immersion
- Packed with proprietary audio enhancement technologies
- Sleek angular look with metal speaker grilles
- Support voice assistants via external devices
- Range from compact to giant surround soundbars
Sonos Soundbars
- Aimed at accurate, balanced sound reproduction
- Utilize Trueplay tuning to optimize sound for room acoustics
- Minimalist design aesthetic using premium materials
- Built-in mics for direct voice control
- Can expand system via Sonos wireless speakers
As you can see, JBL emphasizes loud, engulfing surround audio for movies and music, while Sonos focuses more on fidelity and integrations with other Sonos gear for whole-home streaming. This distinction carries through to all metrics as we’ll explore next…
Sound Quality Comparison: JBL vs Sonos
A soundbar’s most vital job is faithfully reproducing audio sources with clarity and precision. When testing their soundbars head-to-head, reviewers found notable performance differences:
JBL Sound Quality
- High sound pressure level resulting in very powerful output
- Thunderous bass response perfect for action movies and EDM
- Sophisticated processing enhances detail, soundstage, and imaging
- Can lack some mid-range refinement at peak volumes
Evaluation: Reviewers praise JBL soundbars for room-filling, riveting sound tailored for movies and modern music. The lively dynamics keep listeners engaged.
Sonos Sound Quality
- Neutral signature focusing on natural fidelity
- Clear and articulate dialog and vocal reproduction
- Smooth, refined sound across lows, mids, and highs
- More balanced profile better suited for lighter genres
Evaluation: Sonos soundbars provide accurate audio well-suited for TV shows and acoustic tracks. The clarity shines but lacks thump and sparkle compared to JBL.
While both deliver superb audio quality, JBL emphasizes excitement while Sonos pursues accuracy. Choose JBL to immerse yourself inside films or bass-rich songs. Pick Sonos for nuanced genres like jazz or audiobooks.
Design Comparison: Visual Aesthetics and Build Construction
You’ll be proudly showcasing your new soundbar as the centerpiece of your living room, so its aesthetic design and sturdy build quality also matter significantly. Here’s how they differ:
JBL Soundbar Design Aesthetics
- Contemporary angular silhouette available in black or white colors
- Distinct wraparound metal speaker grilles for protection
- Horizontal orientation optimized for media consoles
- Wall mounting bracket included with most models
Sonos Soundbar Design Aesthetics
- Curvy, low-profile construction exuding modern minimalism
- Sophisticated matte finish often accompanied by a matching subwoofer
- Horizontal or vertical positioning to fit your space
- No mounting options offered
Build Construction Comparison
JBL utilizes tough polycarbonate exteriors and quality internal components able to withstand regular use in high-traffic areas. The rugged construction gives confidence to place it anywhere.
Sonos soundbars feature sleeker designs using injection molded housings and meticulously planned internal layouts for optimal acoustics. They give off an air of refined sophistication.
JBL definitely targets durability and flexibility in placement with metal speaker covers and mounting capabilities. Sonos obsesses over beautiful industrial design you’re proud to display front and center. Both exude modern style making an impression.
Connectivity and Setup: Wired, Wireless, and Voice Control Options
You purchase a soundbar to use everyday streaming content from services, cable boxes, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. The physical ports and wireless connection standards support determine what you can hook up. Here JBL and Sonos offer:
JBL Soundbar Connectivity
- HDMI ARC/eARC: Connect to TV displays
- Optical input: Interface older AV receivers
- Bluetooth: Stream from mobile devices
- Wi-Fi with Chromecast and AirPlay 2: Cast from apps
Sonos Soundbar Connectivity
- HDMI ARC: Hook up to TVs
- Optical port: Backwards compatible option
- Wi-Fi with Apple AirPlay 2: Stream from iPhones/iPads
Setup and Control Comparison
- JBL: Bar speakers configurable via mobile app on iOS/Android devices plus the inclusion of an intuitive remote control
- Sonos: Straightforward app-based setup process and controls using your phone or tablet
JBL pulls ahead for connectivity with the addition of Bluetooth and Chromecast alongside AirPlay 2 support. This provides more wireless streaming and audio source options from both Android and iOS smartphones/tablets.
Physically plugging in your television or legacy AV receiver is simple for both brands thanks to standardized ports like HDMI ARC and optical audio. Minimal cabling cutter is required during installation.
Integrated Smart Platforms: Voice Assistants, Music Streaming, and Multi-Room Audio
Modern soundbars evolved into sophisticated smart devices – they can respond to voice commands, stream music over Wi-Fi, and even sync audio with other speakers. Here’s how JBL and Sonos compare:
Built-In Voice Assistant Support
- JBL: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa capabilities with connectivity to external smart speakers
- Sonos: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant control using built-in far-field microphones
Access to Music Streaming Platforms
- Both provide access to all leading services including Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, and more
Multi-Room Home Audio
- JBL: Link soundbar to other compatible JBL Bluetooth/Wi-Fi speakers
- Sonos: Seamlessly integrate soundbar into bigger system with other Sonos speakers throughout home
While you can access an abundance of online music with either brand, Sonos pulls way ahead when it comes to native direct voice functionality and whole-home audio.
The built-in mics on Sonos soundbars permit voice control over playback and speaker grouping without external gear needed. And pairing your Sonos bar with other Sonos speakers like bookshelves or subwoofers in different rooms creates a seamless wireless ecosystem that instantly fills your entire home with music.
JBL lacks this first-party ecosystem – you must manually group separate JBL speakers using Bluetooth streaming or Multi-Fi configurations in the app. And voice control requires connecting an Amazon Echo or Google Home.
Soundbar Lineup Comparison: Models to Fit Compact to Large Spaces
JBL and Sonos produce a range of soundbar models designed for different room sizes:
As you can see, JBL offers wider size range variety – their JBL Bar 9.1 stands out as the only model in its giant class featuring dedicated upfiring and wireless rechargeable rear speakers for true immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound. No current Sonos model can match this cinema-like performance.
However, Sonos provides superior options for expanding starter bars like the Beam to full surround systems via wireless Sonos rear surround add-ons and subwoofers. Most JBL models are all-in-one solutions lacking modular upgrades.
Final Verdict: Which Brand Should You Buy?
Both JBL and Sonos produce amazing soundbars. But each prioritizes different strengths catering to unique buyers.
Top Reasons to Choose JBL Soundbars
- Hard hitting, extremely powerful room-filling sound
- Thunderous bass for intense movie effects and music
- More wireless connectivity options (Bluetooth, etc)
- Support next-gen Dolby Atmos 3D spatial audio
- Rugged and durable construction to withstand abuse
- Options for smaller and larger spaces
Top Reasons to Choose Sonos Soundbars
- Natural, balanced, HiFi sound profile
- Dialog and subtle audio details shine
- Sleek, minimalist design language
- Tighter ecosystem with scalability
- Built-in mics for direct voice integration
- Elegant enough for high-end living rooms
Suggested Listening Scenarios
Ultimately, different soundbar attributes matter depending on your priorities:
- For loud, heart-thumping audio oomph, choose JBL – perfect for home theater movie lovers or bass-heavy EDM fans. We suggest the JBL Bar 9.1 for fully immersive Dolby Atmos.
- For accurate tonal balance suited for vocal clarity and acoustic music, select Sonos – ideal for casually listening to Spotify playlists or news in the kitchen. The compact Sonos Ray shines here.
- For a mix of music, movies, and TV with sleek looks, check out Sonos Beam Gen 2 – a versatile midsize model with impressive fidelity for most rooms with voice control smarts built right in.
As you can see, there are strong cases to be made for both brands. Definitely try to listen in-person if possible to hear JBL’s lively dynamics versus Sonos’ accuracy. And factor in the look you prefer along with any desires for voice assistant or whole-home audio integration.
We hope this objective head-to-head analysis detailing how JBL and Sonos soundbars compare gives you the information needed to confidently choose the right system to fulfill your home audio needs. Both companies make great products – you really can’t go wrong by picking the model size and features that fit your personal lifestyle.
