Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen ranks #11 of 14 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $79.99; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #45 of 100 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95.
The case for the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen: What Hi-Fi rated it 5 stars for sound, calling it expansive for its size with great Alexa integration and an understated look, from a single 44mm front-firing driver. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. The catch: What Hi-Fi’s one real complaint was distortion at higher volumes, and bass force and detail both fall off at the low end, typical for a speaker not much bigger than a hockey ball.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the battery-powered option. Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Its battery is rated for 8 hours, while the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen needs an outlet. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen lacks. The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen at $79.99 if you want a powered desktop speaker. Buy the JBL Authentics 300 at $299.95 if you want a boombox speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.
What Hi-Fi rated it 5 stars for sound, calling it expansive for its size with great Alexa integration and an understated look, from a single 44mm front-firing driver.
Amazon $79.99 eBay
Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers).
Amazon $299.95 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 each | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #11 of 14 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #45 of 100 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Alexa) | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (DC jack) | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (340 g) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz) | Yes |
| App | Yes (Alexa) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (mic mute switch, temperature sensor) | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Alexa app) | Yes |
| Drivers | 44mm front-firing driver | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | - |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.9” x 3.5” (100 x 100 x 89 mm) (H x W x D) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa / Alexa+ | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Streaming Services | Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, TuneIn | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| USB Playback | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 100W |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Strap | - | No |
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