JBL 305P MKII vs Audioengine HD4

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Short answer: the JBL 305P MKII. It ranks #17 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $289; the Audioengine HD4 ranks #83, rated 3.2/5, and costs $429, so there is little reason to consider the other one.

JBL 305P MKII vs Audioengine HD4

The JBL 305P MKII is the better-sounding option. Erin’s Klippel data gives 5.38 standalone and 7.52 with an ideal subwoofer, with bass reaching -3dB around 51Hz. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Audioengine HD4 lacks. Watch for: The 3.3dB midrange span and rising response show it is not perfectly neutral.

What the Audioengine HD4 does well: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL 305P MKII lacks. The tradeoff: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.

Buy the JBL 305P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD4 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.

Check JBL 305P MKII price at Amazon ($289.00) →Check Audioengine HD4 price at Amazon ($429.00) →

Specifications Side By Side

JBL 305P MKII Audioengine HD4
Price$289.00 per pair$429.00 per pair
Ranked#17 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers#83 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Dimensions11.7”H x 7.3”W x 9.1”D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm)9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm)
Frequency Response49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified)60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Bass Extension (-3dB)50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)-
Bass Extension (-10dB)43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)-
InputsXLR, TRSBluetooth, Aux, RCA Input
Weight10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) each7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
Drivers5” (127mm) woofer4” (102mm) woofer
AppNoNo
BluetoothNoYes
EQYes (Room adjustment)No
Amplifier Power81w Per Speaker50w RMS Per Speaker
Sensitivity91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)-
Spinorama Preference Score5.38-
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.52-
XLR InputYesNo
RCA InputNoYes
TRS InputYesNo
Optical InputNoNo
Coaxial InputNoNo
USB InputNoNo
HDMI InputNoNo
AES InputNoNo
Aux InputNoYes
Outputs-RCA variable output (subwoofer)
Bluetooth Codecs-SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Subwoofer Output-Yes
Check JBL 305P MKII price at Amazon ($289.00) →Check Audioengine HD4 price at Amazon ($429.00) →

More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL 305P MKII:

Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL 305P MKII: $289.00 per pair Amazon eBay

JBL 305P MKII ranking card

Older model: the JBL LSR305 (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5).

Same family: the JBL 306P MKII (larger bookshelf, rated 4.1/5) and the JBL 308P MKII (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel data gives 5.38 standalone and 7.52 with an ideal subwoofer, with bass reaching -3dB around 51Hz. Broad horizontal coverage and reasonably smooth reflected sound support stable imaging across a desk. The existing review reports effective limiting and little sustained thermal compression, making it a strong budget-monitor option rather than just a speaker with a promising frequency curve. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.1dB.

Cons: The 3.3dB midrange span and rising response show it is not perfectly neutral. A port-related feature around 1.6kHz and some excess treble can be audible; the review recommends the treble-trim switch. Vertical crossover interference makes ear height important. Amplifier hiss may matter in very quiet nearfield use, and rear-port placement needs room-boundary adjustment.

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Full JBL 305P MKII review and specifications →

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power81w Per Speaker
AppNo
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
Dimensions11.7”H x 7.3”W x 9.1”D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm)
Drivers5” (127mm) woofer
EQYes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsXLR, TRS
Optical InputNo
RCA InputNo
Sensitivity91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score5.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.52
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
Weight10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) each
XLR InputYes
Check current price at Amazon ($289.00) →Search eBay for JBL 305P MKII →

Audioengine HD4: $429.00 per pair Amazon eBay

Audioengine HD4 ranking card

Same family: the Audioengine HD3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5) and the Audioengine HD6 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5).

Pros: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. Its modest footprint is useful where larger studio monitors are impractical.

Cons: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system. A separate subwoofer adds cost and space if deeper bass is a priority.

Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power50w RMS Per Speaker
AppNo
Aux InputYes
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Coaxial InputNo
Dimensions9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm)
Drivers4” (102mm) woofer
EQNo
Frequency Response60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
InputsBluetooth, Aux, RCA Input
Optical InputNo
OutputsRCA variable output (subwoofer)
RCA InputYes
Subwoofer OutputYes
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Weight7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
XLR InputNo
Check current price at Amazon ($429.00) →Search eBay for Audioengine HD4 →