Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Devialet Mania ranks #54 of 117 large speakers by sound quality at $899; the JBL Authentics 500 ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $449.95.
The Devialet Mania is a small, premium portable. Four full-range drivers and two woofers on 176W play in stereo with bass reaching about 47Hz before falling 10dB, and it has Wi-Fi, an aux input and USB-C charging at 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg). Its bass is boosted, its tweeters are not aimed at you so treble rolls off to the sides, and its battery is rated for 10 hours.
The Authentics 500 is the larger home speaker. A 6.5-inch down-firing woofer, three midranges and three tweeters on 270W play in stereo, with Wi-Fi multi-room, an app EQ and an aux input. It has no battery and weighs 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg), so it stays put.
Buy the Devialet Mania at $899 for a large speaker, or the JBL Authentics 500 at $449.95 for a powered desktop speaker instead.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Devialet Mania at IPX4 (splashing) against the JBL Authentics 500, which has no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings and Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact, good looking Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stereo speaker with Alexa built in and splash resistance.
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
| Devialet Mania | JBL Authentics 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899.00 | $449.95 each |
| Ranked | #54 of 117 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 7.6” x 5.5” (176 x 193 x 139 mm) | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x aluminum fullrange drivers, 2x woofers | 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 | 176W | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| 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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