These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen ranks #14 of 15 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $119; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95.
What the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen does well: A tiny Google Assistant speaker that responds quickly, raises its volume over background noise and has a mic mute switch. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. The catch: Digital Trends’ main complaint was that maximum volume could be louder, and RTINGS’ independent review agrees, naming it their one real weakness.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the battery-powered option. 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 Nest Mini 2nd Gen needs an outlet. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
One note: the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen is discontinued and no longer widely available new. The Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen’s replacement, the Google Home Speaker, is rated 3.0/5 at $99.99.
Buy the Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen at $119 for a powered desktop speaker, or the JBL Authentics 300 at $299.95 for a boombox speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A tiny Google Assistant speaker that responds quickly, raises its volume over background noise and has a mic mute switch.
A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Google Nest Mini 2nd Gen | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 each Discontinued | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #14 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 | External AC adapter (15W, DC jack) | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (181 g) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Google Home) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | 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 | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Google Home app) | Yes |
| Drivers | 40mm 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 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 1.7” x 3.9” x 3.9” (42 x 98 x 98 mm) (H x W x D) | 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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