Short answer: the JBL Authentics 500. It ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $449.95; the B&O Beosound 2 ranks #7, rated 3.7/5, and costs $4,000, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the B&O Beosound 2: A beautifully made luxury Wi-Fi speaker that fills a room in every direction, with Chromecast, AirPlay, optical input and multiroom. It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 500 lacks. 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 JBL Authentics 500 is the better-sounding choice. A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant. The tradeoff: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500. It is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound 2 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A beautifully made luxury Wi-Fi speaker that fills a room in every direction, with Chromecast, AirPlay, optical input and multiroom.
A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant.
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Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound 2 | JBL Authentics 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,000.00 each | $449.95 each |
| Ranked | #7 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| Party Mode | Yes (Beolink Multiroom) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 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) | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (via app) | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 37Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, Optical, Chromecast | USB-C (USB playback, US only) |
| Stereo | 360-degree | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Yes (Google Assistant) | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| Drivers | 1x 5.5” + passive radiator woofer | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | - | Yes (virtual) |
| Ethernet | - | Yes |
| IP Rating | - | None |
| Configuration | - | 3.1 channel |
| Streaming Services | - | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM |
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