These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The B&O Beosound 2 ranks #5 of 5 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $4000; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #32 of 75 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95.
The case for the B&O Beosound 2: 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. The tradeoff: Its bass-forward balance can recess the mids, and its 94dB maximum level is modest for a speaker intended to fill larger spaces.
The case for the JBL Authentics 300: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). The tradeoff: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the B&O Beosound 2 at $4000 for a powered desktop speaker, or the JBL Authentics 300 at $299.95 for a boombox speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound 2 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,000.00 each | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 5 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #32 of 75 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 | 4.2 | 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, 5.3 | - |
| IP Rating | - | None |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| USB Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound 2: $4,000.00 each Amazon eBay
Pros: 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. Reviews praise its even scaling at low volume, spacious room-filling presentation and convincing bass for a single 4.1kg enclosure. Measured bass extension of ~45Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Its bass-forward balance can recess the mids, and its 94dB maximum level is modest for a speaker intended to fill larger spaces. There is no battery or water rating, so this is a mains-powered indoor product; its luxury design and streaming feature set matter more than outright value or neutral hi-fi accuracy.
Full B&O Beosound 2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 200W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~45Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8" x 11.8" (300 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 5.5" + passive radiator woofer |
| EQ | Yes (via app) |
| Frequency Response | 37Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, Optical, Chromecast |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Beolink Multiroom) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | No |
| Stereo | 360-degree |
| TRS Input | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Voice Assistants | Yes (Google Assistant) |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Retro seventies design with leather and Quadrex grille. 100-watt amp, carries well with leather-trimmed handle. Rechargeable battery rated ~8 hours. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others. Peaky upper mids. No TWS. No IP rating. Not as loud as others. Not much battery life.
Full JBL Authentics 300 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Authentics 300 - sound quality test More from Oluv’Sone →
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - update
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - listening session
- Alan Ross Reviews: Not quite! JBL Authentics 300 review and sound test vs Boombox 3, Encore and Stormbox Blast More from alanrossreviews →
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