JBL Cove takes on Sonos with three new Wi-Fi speakers starting at $230
JBL just announced the Cove, a new family of Wi-Fi speakers built for whole-home audio — and priced squarely to make Sonos users think twice. The lineup spans three models starting at $229.95 in the US and £199.99 in the UK, with all three going on sale September 13 in the US and October 8 in the UK.
Three speakers, one ecosystem
The entry-level M1 ($229.95 / £199.99) handles everyday listening with three tweeters, one woofer, and AI-powered room calibration. The mid-tier P1 ($399.95 / £399.99) adds a 14-hour rechargeable battery and Dolby Atmos support, making it the portable option in the range. At the top sits the X1 ($449.95 / £429.99), which scales up to four tweeters and two woofers, also with Dolby Atmos.
The JBL Cove M1, P1, and X1 — the full Cove lineup in black and white colorways.
All three share a feature JBL calls Constant Sound Field — an automatic calibration system that adjusts audio output to suit the room's acoustics. AI Sound Boost reduces distortion when playing at high volumes. The system is modular, so you can start with one speaker and expand later. Cove speakers also work as rear surrounds alongside JBL's Bar Series MK2 soundbars.
The Sonos angle
The timing is pointed. Sonos spent much of 2024 and 2025 dealing with the fallout from a troubled app redesign that frustrated long-time users. JBL is leaning into that opening, emphasizing a three-step setup and controls that work without ever opening the JBL One app, according to Trusted Reviews.
JBL Cove's AI Sound Boost and Constant Sound Field technology automatically calibrate audio to the room.
Cove supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Qobuz Connect. A dedicated Moment button launches Spotify Tap playback instantly. T3 notes the P1's £399.99 price sits well below the Sonos Era 300 (£479 MSRP), while the M1 matches the Era 100 on price. Alexa+ voice assistant support is promised for later in 2026, though no exact date has been given.
All three models are available in black or white. US pre-orders go live September 13 at JBL.com and Best Buy; UK buyers can order from October 8 via JBL.com.