Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300 for better sound quality, the Gemini GRV-650L for the lower price. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #33 of 76 boombox speakers, rated 3.5/5, at $299.95. The Gemini GRV-650L ranks #39, rated 3.3/5, at $149.95, $150 cheaper.
Why pick the JBL Authentics 300: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
What the Gemini GRV-650L does well: Pretty amazing value for the money. The catch: Not quite as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Gemini GRV-650L when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Gemini GRV-650L at IPX5 (water jets) against the JBL Authentics 300, which has no water resistance.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Gemini GRV-650L | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $149.95 |
| Ranked | #33 of 76 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 76 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | ~47Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 320W |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 10.9” x 10.2” x 14.4” (277 x 260 x 366 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 6.5” woofer + tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 PM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Retro seventies design with leather and Quadrex grille. 100-watt amp, carries well with leather-trimmed handle. Rechargeable battery rated ~8 hours. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others. Peaky upper mids. No TWS. No IP rating. Not as loud as others. Not much battery life.
Full JBL Authentics 300 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Authentics 300 - sound quality test More from Oluv’Sone →
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - update
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - listening session
- Alan Ross Reviews: Not quite! JBL Authentics 300 review and sound test vs Boombox 3, Encore and Stormbox Blast More from alanrossreviews →
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Gemini GRV-650L: $149.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: Pretty amazing value for the money. Decently deep bass, not quite as good as top ranked speakers. Included wireless microphone and remote control. Measured bass extension of ~47Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not quite as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Full Gemini GRV-650L review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 320W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~47Hz |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 10.2” x 14.4” (277 x 260 x 366 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woofer + tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons