Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300. It ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5) at $299.95 and is still sold new; the Demerbox DB2 ranks #74 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the better-sounding choice. A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi Multi-Room), which the Demerbox DB2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Demerbox DB2 lacks. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The Demerbox DB2 is the longer-running, lighter pick. A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Authentics 300. At 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Authentics 300 at 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg). It is rated IP67, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. Watch for: Bass is not as deep as better speakers.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Demerbox DB2 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power.
A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Demerbox DB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 22W RMS |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 10.6” x 9.7” x 6.9” (270 x 246 x 175 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 2x 3” (76mm) aluminum cone full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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