Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300. It ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $299.95; the EcoXGear Defender ranks #84, rated 2.5/5, and costs $299.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the better-sounding option. 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 EcoXGear Defender cannot. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The EcoXGear Defender is the longer-running, tougher pick. A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated IP67, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. Watch for: Its single front-facing driver layout has narrow dispersion: clarity and detail drop noticeably when you move off-axis, and the soundstage is limited.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated higher for sound quality than the EcoXGear Defender and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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 rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | EcoXGear Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #84 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes |
| 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 | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.1A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 52mm full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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