JBL Authentics 300 Review

With the Authentics 300 multiroom speaker ($449.99), JBL combines old-school design elements with modern connectivity features, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The speaker also gets intensely loud and produces rich, full-bodied lows that bass lovers should enjoy. We’re fans of the hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant integrations and the smart speaker-centric companion app too, though the onboard controls don’t feel premium or work as reliably as we expected. For the same price, the Editors’ Choice-winning Sonos Era 300 ($449.99) comes out slightly ahead in pure performance because of its Dolby Atmos support and similarly impressive sound, but this JBL model is still worth considering for its undeniable style and battery-powered portability.An Elegant Design With Middling Controls Measuring 7.7 by 13.5 by 7.1 inches (HWD), the 10.8-pound Authentics 300 speaker has a decidedly vintage look, starting with its grid-patterned foam grille, an homage to the beloved JBL speakers from the 1...

The stylishly retro JBL Authentics 300 packs some serious bass for a portable speaker, while Wi-Fi audio and hands-free support for Alexa and Google Assistant give it a contemporary edge.

Powerful bass depth, crisp highs; Cool retro design; Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant voice control; App features EQ, multiple streaming integrations; Ethernet, USB-C, and 3.5mm inputs

Expensive; No Dolby Atmos support; Control panel feels a little imprecise

UE’s Epicboom is a powerful, portable, pool-proof speaker

JBL’s Authentics 300 portable wireless speaker (and its entire Authentics lineup) is part of the company’s somewhat late embrace of Wi-Fi-based audio. It’s almost as though 2023 rolled around and the company said, “Hey, those Sonos guys are really onto something. We should do that, too.” But instead of the copycat approach favored by Wiim (another Sonos competitor), JBL has carved its own path by leveraging its long history as one of the most influential audio brands of the 20th century. It’s a legacy that’s on full display — the Authentics 300 oozes old-school 1970s cool thanks to its stitched faux leather, gold-tone accents, and a “Quadrex” grille. It also has one very unusual feature that sets it apart from all other wireless smart speakers, including those from Sonos: it can run Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously. But is there more to the Authentics 300 than killer looks and a split personality? For $450, the answer had better be yes. I spent several weeks with the sp...

Unique, retro design; Easy set up; Excellent build, top-notch materials; Intuitive controls; Powerful sound; Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa;

Limited battery life; Bass suffers at low volumes; Awkward multiroom control; Chromecast requires Google Assistant;

Sonos Move 2: Sonos’ biggest portable speaker gets a big update

JBL’s Authentics 300 portable wireless speaker (and its entire Authentics lineup) is part of the company’s somewhat late embrace of Wi-Fi-based audio. It’s almost as though 2023 rolled around and the company said, “Hey, those Sonos guys are really onto something. We should do that, too.” But instead of the copycat approach favored by Wiim (another Sonos competitor), JBL has carved its own path by leveraging its long history as one of the most influential audio brands of the 20th century. It’s a legacy that’s on full display — the Authentics 300 oozes old-school 1970s cool thanks to its stitched faux leather, gold-tone accents, and a “Quadrex” grille. It also has one very unusual feature that sets it apart from all other wireless smart speakers, including those from Sonos: it can run Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously. But is there more to the Authentics 300 than killer looks and a split personality? For $450, the answer had better be yes. I spent several weeks with the sp...

Unique, retro design; Easy set up; Excellent build, top-notch materials; Intuitive controls; Powerful sound; Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa;

Limited battery life; Bass suffers at low volumes; Awkward multiroom control; Chromecast requires Google Assistant;

Soundcore’s new Motion speakers are tough little portables with hi-res sound

JBL’s Authentics 300 portable wireless speaker (and its entire Authentics lineup) is part of the company’s somewhat late embrace of Wi-Fi-based audio. It’s almost as though 2023 rolled around and the company said, “Hey, those Sonos guys are really onto something. We should do that, too.” But instead of the copycat approach favored by Wiim (another Sonos competitor), JBL has carved its own path by leveraging its long history as one of the most influential audio brands of the 20th century. It’s a legacy that’s on full display — the Authentics 300 oozes old-school 1970s cool thanks to its stitched faux leather, gold-tone accents, and a “Quadrex” grille. It also has one very unusual feature that sets it apart from all other wireless smart speakers, including those from Sonos: it can run Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously. But is there more to the Authentics 300 than killer looks and a split personality? For $450, the answer had better be yes. I spent several weeks with the sp...

Unique, retro design; Easy set up; Excellent build, top-notch materials; Intuitive controls; Powerful sound; Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa;

Limited battery life; Bass suffers at low volumes; Awkward multiroom control; Chromecast requires Google Assistant;