Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Harman Kardon Citation 200 ranks #13 of 117 large speakers by sound quality at $130; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95.
The Harman Kardon Citation 200 is the lighter, tougher option. A portable smart speaker with Wi-Fi, Google Assistant and deep bass for its size, now discontinued but worth buying used. At 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Authentics 300 at 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg). It is rated IPX4, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. The catch: Overly boomy by default, you can short press the Bluetooth and volume down buttons simultaneously to decrease the bass, and the Bluetooth and volume up buttons simultaneously to increase it.
Why pick the JBL Authentics 300: A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi Multi-Room), which the Harman Kardon Citation 200 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Citation 200 lacks. The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
One note: the Harman Kardon Citation 200 is no longer sold new, but at #13 of 117 large speakers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the Harman Kardon Citation 200 ($130) for a large speaker; the JBL Authentics 300 ($299.95) suits a boombox speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A portable smart speaker with Wi-Fi, Google Assistant and deep bass for its size, now discontinued but worth buying used.
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
| Harman Kardon Citation 200 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #13 of 117 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon app) | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cable |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 7” x 8.6” x 6.8” (178 x 219 x 172 mm) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 1” tweeter | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 100W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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