Short answer: the JBL Authentics 500. It ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $449.95 and is still sold new; the Google Nest Audio ranks #9 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Google Nest Audio’s replacement, the Google Home Speaker, is rated 3.0/5 at $99.99.
The case for the Google Nest Audio: An affordable Google Assistant speaker with Chromecast casting and respectable bass from one small box. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 500 lacks. Watch for: Each unit is mono; a genuine left-right stereo pair means buying two and pairing them over Wi-Fi.
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. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Google Nest Audio lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Google Nest Audio. The catch: 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, and the Google Nest Audio is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
An affordable Google Assistant speaker with Chromecast casting and respectable bass from one small box.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Google Nest Audio | JBL Authentics 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 each Discontinued | $449.95 each |
| Ranked | #9 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Chromecast built-in) | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (30W, 24V, DC jack) | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (802.11 b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz) | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| App | Yes (Google Home) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (3 far-field mics, hardware mute switch) | - |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble, via Google Home app) | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) | - |
| Drivers | 75mm woofer, 19mm tweeter | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast | USB-C (USB playback, US only) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 30W (2x Class D) | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 4.9” x 3.1” (175 x 124 x 78 mm) (H x W x D) | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review via spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between ASR’s spinorama -9dB/-12dB points) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.71 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.06 | - |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Streaming Services | Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM |
| Dolby Atmos | - | Yes (virtual) |
| Ethernet | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Configuration | - | 3.1 channel |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Authentics 500 compares with other leading options: