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JBL Authentics 500 vs Bose Portable Smart Speaker

The JBL Authentics 500 is a high-fidelity stationary powerhouse designed for immersive home listening, while the Bose Portable Smart Speaker is built for versatility and movement. The JBL offers significantly more power and Dolby Atmos support, but the Bose provides the convenience of a 12-hour battery. As of October 28, the JBL Authentics 500 is $399.00 at Bloomingdale's.

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JBL
JBL Authentics 500 Wireless Home Speaker

JBL Authentics 500

JBL Authentics 500 Wireless Home Speaker

4.6(344 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the JBL Authentics 500 if you want a 270W home centerpiece with Dolby Atmos and deep, room-filling bass.

Pros
  • Powerful 270W output fills very large rooms
  • Dolby Atmos support for immersive music
  • Simultaneous Google Assistant and Alexa support
  • Premium retro design with leather-like finish
Cons
  • No physical power button; must unplug to reset
  • Large footprint requires significant shelf space
  • Bass performance is highly sensitive to room placement
Bose
Bose Portable Smart Speaker

Bose Portable Smart Speaker

4.3(2,500 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Bose Portable Smart Speaker if you need a lightweight, voice-controlled speaker that can move between rooms or outdoors.

Pros
  • Fully portable with 12-hour battery life
  • Water-resistant design for outdoor use
  • 360-degree sound projection
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
  • Lacks the raw power and bass depth of the JBL
  • No spatial audio or Dolby Atmos support
  • Mono audio configuration

What separates them

JBL Authentics 500Bose Portable Smart Speaker
Audio Output270W, 3.1 channel with Dolby Atmos360-degree mono sound
PortabilityRequires AC power; no internal batteryBuilt-in battery with 12-hour life
Spatial AudioSupported (Dolby Atmos Music)Not supported
Physical ControlsDedicated bass and treble knobsTop-mounted buttons
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USBWi-Fi, Bluetooth
SizeLarge (17.6 inches wide)Compact and handheld

Price history

$399.00$249.00
Oct 28Nov 3
  • JBL Authentics 500: lowest $399.00 on Oct 28 at Greentoe; $399.00 on Oct 30.
  • Bose Portable Smart Speaker: lowest $249.00 on Nov 3 at Bose.

Prices at every store

JBL Authentics 500

  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioCheck price at B&H Photo-Video-Audio
  • CrutchfieldCheck price at Crutchfield
  • DellCheck price at Dell
Prices and history →

Bose Portable Smart Speaker

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • BoseCheck price at Bose
  • Lux AudioCheck price at Lux Audio
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecJBL Authentics 500Bose Portable Smart Speaker
WirelessYesYes
PortableYesYes
ColorBlackBlack
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon AlexaGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Smart FunctionsCamera, Voice ControlVoice Control
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, EthernetBluetooth, Wi-Fi
Dolby Atmos EnabledYes—
Frequency Response40 - 20000 Hz—
Max Wattage270 W—
Height9.38 in high—
Depth10.44 in deep—
Width17.6 in wide—
Show all 13 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJBL Authentics 500Bose Portable Smart Speaker
Battery Life—12 hr battery life

What reviewers say

JBL Authentics 500

  • 4.6 / 5344 ratings

Owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 and mostly praise its clarity, powerful bass and room-filling output, along with the retro look. Complaints center on the missing power button, random playback, the JBL One app and fiddly setup.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners call it clear and powerful, with bass that fills large rooms.
  • BassMixedBass is strong but varies with room acoustics; one owner built an isolation platform to tame it.
  • DesignPraisedThe leather-like enclosure and Quadrex grille are seen as premium and retro.
  • Power controlCriticisedThere is no power button, and some units start playing on their own and must be unplugged.

Bose Portable Smart Speaker

  • 4.3 / 52,500 ratings

Owners like the sound for a portable speaker and the convenience of voice control anywhere. Many complain that setup is fiddly and that it does not get loud enough outdoors for the money.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners call it balanced and clear at everyday volume.
  • BassCriticisedMany say low end is thin for a speaker this size and price.
  • SetupCriticisedLinking Wi-Fi, accounts and assistants is the most common complaint.
  • BatteryMixedThe 12-hour rating holds at moderate volume but drops when pushed.

Questions and answers

Can the JBL Authentics 500 be used outdoors?
No, it lacks an internal battery and must remain plugged into a wall outlet. It is designed strictly for indoor home use.
Which speaker is better for a home theater setup?
The JBL Authentics 500 is superior due to its 3.1 channel hardware and Dolby Atmos Music support, which provides a wider soundstage.
Do both speakers support voice assistants?
Yes, both support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The JBL is unique in allowing both assistants to be active simultaneously.
Is the Bose speaker loud enough for a party?
The Bose is sufficient for small gatherings or background music, but the JBL's 270W output is much better suited for loud, high-energy environments.

More comparisons

  • JBL Authentics 500 vs Bose Portable Smart Speaker