Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Amazon Echo Pop ranks #15 of 15 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $45.98; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95.
Why pick the Amazon Echo Pop: A very cheap compact Alexa speaker with strong voice pickup, smart home support and eero Wi-Fi extender support. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. Watch for: PCWorld’s earlier review was blunt: despite a larger 1.95-inch driver on paper, it sounded flat and tinny with only a hint of bass next to the smaller-driver Echo Dot, and called the value proposition a hard no; RTINGS’ more recent test agrees on the underlying tradeoff, noting it can’t reproduce as much low bass as the Amazon Echo Dot Max and doesn’t get very loud.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the battery-powered choice. A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. Its battery is rated for 8 hours, while the Amazon Echo Pop needs an outlet. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Amazon Echo Pop lacks. The tradeoff: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the Amazon Echo Pop at $45.98 if you want a powered desktop speaker. Buy the JBL Authentics 300 at $299.95 if you want a boombox speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A very cheap compact Alexa speaker with strong voice pickup, smart home support and eero Wi-Fi extender support.
A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power.
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 Pop | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $45.98 each | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #15 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #46 of 112 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 | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (195 g) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Alexa) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (mic mute switch; no motion or temperature sensor) | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Alexa app) | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.95in 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 | 3.8” x 4.1” x 3.6” (96 x 104 x 91 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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