Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300, if you are buying new. The Aiwa Exos-9 ranks higher than it (#9 vs #41 of 91 boombox speakers, 4.2/5 vs 3.5/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Authentics 300 is still sold new at $299.95.
The Aiwa Exos-9 is the better-sounding pick. It still sounds great against current models. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the lighter choice. Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). At 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Aiwa Exos-9 at 15.2 lbs (6.9 kg). It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi Multi-Room), which the Aiwa Exos-9 cannot. The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300, since the Aiwa Exos-9 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Aiwa Exos-9 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 Discontinued | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #9 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #41 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (5-band graphic EQ + 4 presets) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 15.2 lbs (6.9 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | Yes (with adapter) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 19.4” x 7.5” x 11.7” (492.8 x 190.5 x 297.2 mm) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3” midwoofers + 2x 1” silk dome tweeters | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Strap | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Aiwa Exos-9:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Aiwa Exos-9
- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox Encore
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Aiwa Exos-9: $250 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Aiwa Exos-10, ranked lower, rated 3.5/5.
Pros: Aiwa Exos-9 uses 6.5” dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3” midwoofers + 2x 1” silk dome tweeters. Its 6.9 kg, claimed 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. It still sounds great against current models. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 44Hz specification. There is no companion app. Discontinued.
Full Aiwa Exos-9 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.4” x 7.5” x 11.7” (492.8 x 190.5 x 297.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3” midwoofers + 2x 1” silk dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5-band graphic EQ + 4 presets) |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (with adapter) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 15.2 lbs (6.9 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox Encore
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- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus
- Aiwa Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- Aiwa Exos-9 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7
- See all 30 comparisons
JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon eBay
Smaller model: the JBL Authentics 200 (rated 3.7/5).
Larger model: the JBL Authentics 500 (rated 4.1/5).
Pros: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Retro seventies design with leather and Quadrex grille. 100-watt amp, carries well with leather-trimmed handle. Rechargeable battery rated ~8 hours. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others. Peaky upper mids. No TWS. No IP rating. Not as loud as others. Not much battery life.
Full JBL Authentics 300 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Authentics 300 - sound quality test More from Oluv’Sone →
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - update
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - listening session
- Alan Ross Reviews: Not quite! JBL Authentics 300 review and sound test vs Boombox 3, Encore and Stormbox Blast More from alanrossreviews →
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