Can JBL’s Wireless Home Speakers Be the Next Great Sonos Rivals?
The iconic American audio brand is taking its first genuine shot at Sonos in years.
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JBL is known for making just about every kind of speaker under the sun, from high-end passive loudspeakers that can cost $50,000 to a vast array of portable Bluetooth speakers for as little as $50.
The company has dabbled in wireless home speakers, of course, but with the introduction of its new Cove series , it feels the brand is taking its first genuine shot at Sonos in years.
JBL's Cove multi-room speakers
JBL's Cove series features three wireless home speakers. - Credit: JBL
At launch, JBL's Cove series consists of three different wireless multi-room speakers: the Cove M1 , the Cove P1 and the Cove X1 . They are the first speakers that run on JBL's proprietary in-house wireless platform and can be controlled and grouped via the JBL One app.
Like Sonos's newest speakers, all three JBL Cove speakers support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming. This includes AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready. They can play on their own, in a stereo pair (with another of the same speaker) or be grouped in a larger multi-room system.
Two M1 speakers can be used as rear-channel speakers in a home theater system with one of JBL's recent soundbars. - Credit: JBL
The portable Cove P1 speaker has a 14 hour battery life. - Credit: JBL
And two Cove P1 or two Cove M1 speakers can be used as rear-channel speakers with one of JBL's latest Bar soundbars. This includes the Bar 300, Bar 500, Bar 700, Bar 1000 and Bar 1300mk2.
In terms of size, price and capabilities, here's how JBL Cove lineup compares to Sonos's current offerings.
All three Cove wireless speakers come in either black or white finishes. - Credit: JBL
The Cove P1 comes with a charging base, so you can use it as a home speaker or a portable Bluetooth speaker. - Credit: JBL
The three Sonos rivals
The JBL Cove M1 is the most entry-level wireless speaker in the series and is quite similar to the Sonos Era 100. It costs $230 (so $10 more), and features four drivers: three tweeters and one woofer.
The JBL Cove P1 is the company's portable home speaker, similar to that of the Sonos Move 2. It costs $400 (so $100 less) and has a built-in battery that allows you to take it from room to room, or even outdoors, so you're not confined to the limits of a powered speaker.
The largest of the three Cove speakers, the Cove X1, is primed for immersive Dolby Atmos content. - Credit: JBL
All three Cove speakers will start shipping September 13th. - Credit: JBL
The JBL Cove X1 is the brand's flagship wireless speaker. It packs four tweeters and dual woofers for powerful and is optimized for playing Dolby Atmos sound that fills the room. In this way, and because it costs $450, it's very similar to Sonos's Era 300 (which costs $480).
"JBL Cove marks an important step in our ambition to become a leading force in home audio, combining powerful JBL Legendary Sound with the simplicity, flexibility and outstanding value that will help even more people discover how simple it is to have great sound throughout the home," said Carsten Olesen, President of consumer audio at Harman (JBL's parent company).
Price and availability
All three Cove speakers are available in white or black finishes (just like Sonos). And they'll be available to purchase starting September 13th.
As mentioned, the Cove M1 costs $230, the Cove P1 costs $400 and the Cove X1 costs $450.
JBL Cove Series
About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol's editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
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