These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The B&O Beosound 2 ranks #7 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $4,000; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #45 of 100 boombox speakers by sound quality at $499.95.
What the B&O Beosound 2 does well: A beautifully made, compact Wi-Fi speaker with omnidirectional playback, Chromecast, AirPlay, Bluetooth with AAC/aptX, optical and aux inputs, app EQ, voice control and Beolink multiroom. It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. Watch for: Its bass-forward balance can recess the mids, and its 94dB maximum level is modest for a speaker intended to fill larger spaces.
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 B&O Beosound 2 needs an outlet. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the B&O Beosound 2 at $4,000 for a powered desktop speaker, or the JBL Authentics 300 at $499.95 for a boombox speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A beautifully made, compact Wi-Fi speaker with omnidirectional playback, Chromecast, AirPlay, Bluetooth with AAC/aptX, optical and aux inputs, app EQ, voice control and Beolink multiroom.
Amazon $4,000.00 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
| B&O Beosound 2 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,000.00 each | $499.95 |
| Ranked | #7 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #45 of 100 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~45Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Beolink Multiroom) | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cable |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 11.8” (300 x 300 mm) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (via app) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Frequency Response | 37Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, Optical, Chromecast | - |
| Stereo | 360-degree | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Voice Assistants | Yes (Google Assistant) | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 5.5” + passive radiator woofer | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 100W |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | Yes | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | - | None |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| USB Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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