Short answer: the Marshall Stanmore III on measured sound quality, the JBL Authentics 200 on price. The Marshall Stanmore III ranks #6 of 28 powered desktop speakers, rated 3.8/5, at $388.04. The JBL Authentics 200 ranks #10, rated 3.7/5, at $199.95, $188.09 cheaper.
The Authentics 200’s headline feature is WiFi streaming with simultaneous Alexa and Google Assistant support, something rare at its size according to its pros. Reviewers cited in its notes rate its sound as well balanced and close to the pricier Authentics 300, and it measured about 113dB at 1kHz on max volume, matching that bigger model despite its smaller cabinet. Its cons note bass isn’t as deep as others, there’s no TWS pairing, no IP rating, it isn’t as loud as some rivals, and it has no battery.
The Stanmore III is the simpler, wired-only option. Its inputs are limited to Bluetooth, RCA, and aux, with no WiFi and no smart assistant support. Its pros describe a practical 5 inch woofer plus 5 inch midrange and 2x 0.75 inch tweeter setup at 80W, but its cons flag the same kind of bass ceiling, limited by its 45Hz to 20kHz spec.
What the Authentics 200 adds:
- WiFi streaming via AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect, alongside Alexa multi-room support.
- Simultaneous Alexa and Google Assistant, letting you use either voice assistant without choosing one.
- A passive radiator (6 inch, down-firing) working alongside its 5 inch full-range woofer.
Buy the Authentics 200 if smart speaker features and WiFi multi-room streaming matter to you, at a lower price than the Stanmore III.
Buy the Stanmore III if you just want a straightforward Bluetooth and aux speaker without WiFi or voice assistants in the mix.
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.
A mid size home speaker with classic Marshall amp styling, Bluetooth, and RCA and aux inputs for a turntable or other source.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 200 | Marshall Stanmore III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 each | $388.04 each |
| Ranked | #10 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #6 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, Aux, USB (US only) | Bluetooth, RCA, Aux |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) | No |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| 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 | 5” (midrange/woofer), 1x 5” midrange, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz/5GHz)) | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 10.5” x 6.8” x 6.6” (266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4 mm) | 13.8” x 8” x 7.4” (350 x 203 x 188 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (100-240V) | AC Power cord |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Alexa MRM | - |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 90W | 80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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