JBL Authentics 300 vs Sonos Era 300
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 if you want a single portable speaker with a handle, a built-in battery and both Alexa and Google Assistant. Buy the Sonos Era 300 if you want spatial audio, Dolby Atmos and a wider multi-room system. The Authentics 300 is $159 at Distritech as of November 3; no price was given for the Era 300.
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Choose the JBL Authentics 300 if you want one speaker you can carry room to room, run on its 8-hour battery and control with either Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Built-in battery and carrying handle make it easy to move around.
- Works with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Chromecast built-in and AirPlay cover more casting options.
- 100W amp with a 5.25-inch woofer reaches down to 45 Hz.
What separates them
| JBL Authentics 300 | Sonos Era 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant support | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa and Siri |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh, about 8 hours, portable with a handle | No battery; needs a power outlet |
| Spatial audio | Stereo from dual tweeters and a 5.25-inch woofer | Dolby Atmos with six drivers aimed left, right, forward and up |
| Wired inputs | 3.5 mm aux input | USB-C, aux and Ethernet |
| Room tuning | Self-tuning on every connection | Trueplay tuning, which needs an iOS device |
| Streaming | AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, Alexa Multi-Room Music | Sonos app, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, line-in |
| Frequency response | 45 Hz to 20 kHz |
Price history
- JBL Authentics 300: lowest $299.95 on Oct 30 at Sweetwater.
- Sonos Era 300: lowest $499.00 on Nov 4 at Target.
Prices at every store
JBL Authentics 300
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Sonos Era 300
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
- B&H Photo-Video-AudioCheck price at B&H Photo-Video-Audio
Specs compared
| Spec | JBL Authentics 300 | Sonos Era 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Black | Black, White |
| Assistant Support | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa, Siri |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, AUX |
| Frequency Response | 45 - 20000 Hz | — |
| Battery Capacity | 4,800 mAh | — |
| Battery Life | 8 hr battery life | — |
| Style | — | Floor-standing |
| Smart Functions | — | Voice Control |
| Dolby Atmos Enabled | — | Yes |
What reviewers say
JBL Authentics 300
- 4.6 / 5280 ratings
Owners rate it highly, praising the warm, bass-heavy sound and the retro design. Many like having both voice assistants and Wi-Fi streaming in one unit. The main complaints are its size and weight and the limited battery life for portable use.
- Sound qualityPraisedOwners describe full, warm sound with strong bass that fills a room.
- DesignPraisedThe leather-like wrap, aluminum frame and Quadrex grille draw compliments as a decor piece.
Questions and answers
- Which sounds better for movies?
- The Sonos Era 300. Its Dolby Atmos drivers fire up and sideways for height and surround effects. The JBL Authentics 300 plays stereo only.
- Can I take the JBL outside?
- Yes, within limits. It has a handle and an 8-hour battery, but it is a home speaker, not a rugged outdoor model.
- Which has better voice assistant support?
- The JBL Authentics 300, because it runs both Alexa and Google Assistant. The Era 300 offers Alexa and Siri.
- Is the JBL worth it at $159?
- At $159 at Distritech as of November 3, it is a low-cost way to get a battery, a handle and two assistants in one speaker. Compare it with the Era 300's price before deciding.
- Which is better for a multi-room setup?
- The Sonos Era 300, if you are already in the Sonos app ecosystem. The JBL works with AirPlay, Chromecast and Alexa Multi-Room Music instead.