JBL Challenges Sonos With New Cove Speaker Series

JBL has launched a new series of wifi-enabled speakers called JBL Cove, designed to compete directly with Sonos by offering expandable multiroom audio, Dolby Atmos support, and a unique “Music Follows Me” feature that transfers playback between rooms without a phone. According to manufacturer announcements, the three-model lineup includes the compact Cove M1, the battery-powered Cove P1, and the flagship Cove X1, with Norwegian retail prices starting at 2,590 kroner.

JBL Cove Speaker Lineup and Technical Specifications

The new JBL Cove series introduces three distinct wifi speakers tailored for different use cases around the home. According to company specifications, the lineup consists of the Cove M1, an everyday compact speaker priced at 2,590 kroner; the Cove P1, a portable battery-operated variant featuring Dolby Atmos and up to 14 hours of playback time, priced at 4,999 kroner; and the flagship Cove X1, which packs four tweeter elements, two bass elements, and Dolby Atmos sound for 4,999 kroner.

Both the Cove P1 and Cove X1 carry a retail price of 4,999 kroner in Norway, while the portable P1 can be conveniently recharged via an included dock. Buyers can choose between classic black and white color options for all three models in the series.

Pro Tip: Multiroom Integration

Unlike standard Bluetooth setups, the JBL Cove M1 and P1 models can also pair directly with JBL’s Bar MK2-series soundbars. This allows users to effortlessly expand their existing living room setup into a complete multiroom or home theater audio system using the JBL One app.

How “Music Follows Me” and Ecosystem Controls Work

One of the standout software features introduced in the JBL Cove series is “Music Follows Me.” According to JBL, this function lets users transfer active music or TV audio from room to room simply by pressing a physical “Moment” button on the device, eliminating the need to pull out a smartphone.

That exact same button also initiates Spotify Tap, automatically resuming playback from where you last left off. While the speakers handle self-calibration automatically upon setup, users retain the ability to fine-tune sound profiles manually through the JBL One app. For voice commands, the hardware supports Alexa+, though the feature is restricted to users in the United States at launch.

Comparing JBL Cove to Established Multiroom Ecosystems

When stacked against market competitors like Sonos, the JBL Cove series approaches ecosystem connectivity differently. According to industry data, traditional Sonos speakers primarily rely on Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2, with only select newer hardware offering direct Bluetooth playback. By contrast, JBL integrates native multiroom expansion alongside flexible pairing with both standalone speakers and home theater soundbars.

JBL Challenges Sonos With New Cove Speaker Series

Did you know?

The battery-powered Cove P1 offers up to 14 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, making it one of the few portable multiroom speakers on the market to combine mobility with spatial Dolby Atmos audio capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prices for the JBL Cove speakers in Norway?

According to official pricing details, the compact Cove M1 costs 2,590 kroner, while both the portable Cove P1 and the flagship Cove X1 are priced at 4,999 kroner.

Can I connect JBL Cove speakers to my existing home theater?

Yes. The Cove M1 and Cove P1 models are fully compatible with JBL’s Bar MK2-series soundbars, allowing you to build an expanded home theater system.

Do I need a smartphone to use the “Music Follows Me” feature?

No. By pressing the physical “Moment” button on the speaker, you can transfer audio between rooms or trigger Spotify Tap without reaching for your phone.

What voice assistants do the JBL Cove speakers support?

The speakers support Alexa+, though this feature is limited to the United States at the time of launch.


Have thoughts on the new JBL Cove lineup or prefer another multiroom audio ecosystem? Drop a comment below to join the discussion.

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