These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Authentics 200 ranks #10 of 29 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $199.95; the Sonos Roam ranks #94 of 178 medium speakers by sound quality at $169.99.
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. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sonos Roam lacks. The catch: Bass not as deep as others.
The Sonos Roam is the battery-powered, tougher option. A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control 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: Bass extension isn’t very good.
Worth knowing: the Sonos Roam has been discontinued and is hard to find new at this point. The Sonos Roam’s replacement, the Sonos Roam 2, is still sold new.
Buy the JBL Authentics 200 at $199.95 for a powered desktop speaker, or the Sonos Roam at $169.99 for a medium speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full 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, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 200 | Sonos Roam | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 each | $169.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #10 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #94 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 | Dual full-range drivers + 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 | 5.0 |
| 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 or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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