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 500 ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $449.95.
The Brane X is the battery-powered, tougher pick. A portable speaker with extraordinarily deep bass for its size, plus Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Alexa and a low latency aux input. Its battery is rated for 12 hours, while the JBL Authentics 500 needs an outlet. It is rated IP57, while the JBL Authentics 500 has no water resistance. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 500 lacks. The tradeoff: 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 500: 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 Brane X ($549) for a large speaker; the JBL Authentics 500 ($449.95) 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 large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant.
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 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $449.95 each |
| Ranked | #4 of 117 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 295ms default, 33ms with aux pass-through | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 31Hz | - |
| 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 | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 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) | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2.5” midrange, 2x 0.75” tweeters + 6.5”x9” subwoofer | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | - |
| Dolby Atmos | - | Yes (virtual) |
| Ethernet | - | Yes |
| Configuration | - | 3.1 channel |
| Streaming Services | - | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM |
| Inputs | - | USB-C (USB playback, US only) |
| 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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