These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Google Home Speaker ranks #13 of 15 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $99.99; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95.
What the Google Home Speaker does well: A compact Gemini smart speaker that doubles as a smart home hub with a Thread border router and Matter support. The tradeoff: This is Google’s current speaker, and reviewers agree it is a downgrade in sound from the discontinued Google Nest Audio it replaces: SoundGuys measured its acoustic hardware directly against the Google Nest Audio and found a single 58mm full-range driver against the Google Nest Audio’s 75mm woofer plus dedicated 19mm tweeter, calling it ‘half the audio hardware for the same sticker price.’
The JBL Authentics 300 is the battery-powered choice. A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. Its battery is rated for 8 hours, while the Google Home Speaker needs an outlet. The tradeoff: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the Google Home Speaker ($99.99) for a powered desktop speaker; the JBL Authentics 300 ($299.95) suits a boombox speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact Gemini smart speaker that doubles as a smart home hub with a Thread border router and Matter support.
A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power.
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
| Google Home Speaker | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 each | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #13 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Input | USB-C (30W adapter, power only, no USB Audio) | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (396 g) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6, dual-band) | Yes |
| App | Yes (Google Home) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | No (two units pair only through a Google TV Streamer, not with each other directly) | Yes |
| Drivers | 58mm full-range driver | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast | - |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 4.2” x 4.2” (86.6 x 107 x 107 mm) (H x diameter) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant / Gemini for Home | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Streaming Services | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| USB Playback | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 100W |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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