These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The Brane X ranks #4 of 117 large speakers by sound quality at $549; the JBL Authentics 200 ranks #10 of 29 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $199.95.
The Brane X is the deeper-bass, battery-powered option. A portable speaker with extraordinarily deep bass for its size, plus Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Alexa and a low latency aux input. Its bass reaches about 31Hz before falling 10dB, against 50Hz for the JBL Authentics 200. Its battery is rated for 12 hours, while the JBL Authentics 200 needs an outlet. It is rated IP57, while the JBL Authentics 200 has no water resistance. The catch: The front-facing design has only moderate dispersion, so sound changes noticeably off to the sides or behind it.
The case for the JBL Authentics 200: A retro styled Wi-Fi speaker that plays surprisingly loud and runs Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time. The catch: Bass not as deep as others.
Buy the Brane X ($549) for a large speaker; the JBL Authentics 200 ($199.95) suits a powered desktop speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings and Powered Home rankings.
A portable speaker with extraordinarily deep bass for its size, plus Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Alexa and a low latency aux input.
A retro styled Wi-Fi speaker that plays surprisingly loud and runs Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time.
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
| Brane X | JBL Authentics 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $199.95 each |
| Ranked | #4 of 117 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #10 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 295ms default, 33ms with aux pass-through | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | SBC |
| IP Rating | IP57 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 106dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Brane app, up to 8 speakers) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | AC Power Cable (100-240V) |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz/5GHz)) |
| App | Yes (Brane app) | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Dimensions | 9.3” x 7” x 6.1” (236 x 178 x 155 mm) | 10.5” x 6.8” x 6.6” (266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5” midrange, 2x 0.75” tweeters + 6.5”x9” subwoofer | 5” full-range woofer, 2x 25mm tweeters; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 90W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | - |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, Wifi, Aux, USB (US only) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
| Streaming Services | - | AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Alexa MRM |
| XLR Input | - | No |
| RCA Input | - | No |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | Yes |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
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