Short answer: the JBL Authentics 200. It ranks #10 of 28 powered desktop speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $199.95. The Apple HomePod Mini 2 ranks #11, rated 3.3/5, at $149, $50.95 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the JBL Authentics 200: A retro styled Wi-Fi speaker that plays surprisingly loud and runs Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Apple HomePod Mini 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Apple HomePod Mini 2 lacks. Watch for: Bass not as deep as others.
What the Apple HomePod Mini 2 does well: Apple’s second generation HomePod mini keeps the compact acoustic design of the Apple HomePod Mini, a full-range driver with dual passive radiators and a waveguide for 360 degree sound, and adds a newer chip for real-time computational tuning. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from its measured predecessor.
Pre-order: the Apple HomePod Mini 2 is available for pre-order and expected to ship Friday, October 30, 2026.
Buy the JBL Authentics 200. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50.95 saving on the Apple HomePod Mini 2 is not enough to make up the difference.
About the ratings: the Apple HomePod Mini 2’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.1 to 3.5, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A retro styled Wi-Fi speaker that plays surprisingly loud and runs Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time.
Apple’s second generation HomePod mini keeps the compact acoustic design of the Apple HomePod Mini, a full-range driver with dual passive radiators and a waveguide for 360 degree sound, and adds a newer chip for real-time computational tuning.
Prices on this page were last checked October 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM 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
| JBL Authentics 200 | Apple HomePod Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 each | $149.00 each Preorder |
| Ranked | #10 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #11 of 15 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers Estimated |
| App | Yes | Yes (Apple Home) |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, Aux, USB (US only) | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) | Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | No |
| Drivers | 5” full-range woofer, 2x 25mm tweeters; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator; 6-inch down-firing passive radiator | Full-range driver + dual passive bass radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes (stereo pairing via Home app) |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 0.7 lbs (335 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz/5GHz)) | Yes (Wi-Fi 6E) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Dimensions | 10.5” x 6.8” x 6.6” (266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4 mm) | 3.3” x 3.9” (84.3 x 97.9 mm) (H x diameter) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (100-240V) | External 20W USB-C power adapter |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Alexa MRM | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | Apple Siri |
| Amplifier Power | 90W | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes (3 far-field mics) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Authentics 200 compares with other leading options: