These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The Apple HomePod Mini ranks #10 of 14 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $149.36; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #45 of 100 boombox speakers by sound quality at $499.95.
What the Apple HomePod Mini does well: SoundGuys called it good sound for its size, with a full-range driver and dual passive bass radiators giving the bassline in Anderson .Paak’s “Come Down” a decent thump most speakers this small can’t manage. The tradeoff: SoundGuys’ listed cons include no mute button at all, an occasionally annoying Handoff prompt, and no direct Spotify integration since Siri only launches Apple Music by voice.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the battery-powered pick. Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Its battery is rated for 8 hours, while the Apple HomePod Mini needs an outlet. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Apple HomePod Mini lacks. The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the Apple HomePod Mini ($149.36) for a powered desktop speaker; the JBL Authentics 300 ($499.95) suits a boombox speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
SoundGuys called it good sound for its size, with a full-range driver and dual passive bass radiators giving the bassline in Anderson .Paak’s “Come Down” a decent thump most speakers this small can’t manage.
Amazon $149.36 eBay
Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers).
Amazon $499.95 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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
| Apple HomePod Mini | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.36 each | $499.95 |
| Ranked | #10 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 (AirPlay 2 multi-room) | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (USB-C) | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (345 g) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Apple Home) | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (4 far-field mics, no mute button) | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (stereo pairing via Home app) | Yes |
| Drivers | Full-range driver + dual passive bass radiators | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | - |
| 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 | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 3.9” (84.3 x 97.9 mm) (H x diameter) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Apple Siri | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| USB Playback | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 100W |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Strap | - | No |
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