Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Authentics 200 ranks #10 of 29 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $199.95; the Sonos Roam 2 ranks #93 of 178 medium speakers by sound quality at $178.
The JBL Authentics 200 is the deeper-bass pick. A retro styled Wi-Fi speaker that plays surprisingly loud and runs Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time. Its bass reaches about 50Hz before falling 10dB, against 63Hz for the Sonos Roam 2. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sonos Roam 2 lacks. The catch: Bass not as deep as others.
The Sonos Roam 2 is the battery-powered, tougher choice. A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support. Its battery is rated for 10 hours, while the JBL Authentics 200 needs an outlet. It is rated IPX5, while the JBL Authentics 200 has no water resistance. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 200 lacks. The catch: Exact same sound quality as the original Sonos Roam.
Buy the JBL Authentics 200 at $199.95 if you want a powered desktop speaker. Buy the Sonos Roam 2 at $178 if you want a medium speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A retro styled Wi-Fi speaker that plays surprisingly loud and runs Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time.
A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 200 | Sonos Roam 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 each | $178.00 |
| Ranked | #10 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #93 of 178 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Sonos S2 App |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, Aux, USB (US only) | - |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi 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 | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz/5GHz)) | Yes |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz | 63Hz |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 10.5” x 6.8” x 6.6” (266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4 mm) | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (100-240V) | USB-C |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Alexa MRM | - |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
| Amplifier Power | 90W | - |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | Yes | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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