Short answer: the JBL Authentics 500 for better sound quality, the Amazon Echo Dot Max for the lower price. The JBL Authentics 500 ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers, rated 4.1/5, at $449.95. The Amazon Echo Dot Max ranks #5, rated 3.5/5, at $119.99, $329.96 cheaper.
The case for the Amazon Echo Dot Max: An affordable Alexa smart speaker with an excellent far field microphone, louder and bassier than the standard Dot. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 500 lacks. The tradeoff: Engadget’s main complaint was that it is a real step down from the discontinued Amazon Echo (4th Gen) it effectively replaces at the same price: that older speaker paired a 3-inch woofer with dual 0.8-inch tweeters, against the Dot Max’s single 2.5-inch woofer and one tweeter, and frequencies felt smushed together without a clean bass-to-treble separation.
Why pick the JBL Authentics 500: A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Amazon Echo Dot Max lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Amazon Echo Dot Max lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Amazon Echo Dot Max. The catch: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
Buy the Amazon Echo Dot Max if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the JBL Authentics 500 if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
An affordable Alexa smart speaker with an excellent far field microphone, louder and bassier than the standard Dot.
A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant.
Prices on this page were last checked November 5, 2026 at 10:30 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 Max | JBL Authentics 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 each | $449.95 each |
| Ranked | #5 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Alexa Home Theater) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| App | Yes (Alexa) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (far-field, mic mute) | - |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Alexa app) | - |
| Drivers | 2.5in woofer, 1x tweeter | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C (USB playback, US only) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 4.4” x 4.9” (99 x 112 x 124 mm) | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa / Alexa+ | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Streaming Services | Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, TuneIn | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dolby Atmos | - | Yes (virtual) |
| Ethernet | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Configuration | - | 3.1 channel |
| Weight | - | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) |
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