Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300. It ranks #33 of 76 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $299.95. The ION Pathfinder 320 ranks #68, rated 2.2/5, at $129.99, $169.96 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the JBL Authentics 300: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). The tradeoff: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
What the ION Pathfinder 320 does well: 100 hour battery at low-moderate volume. The catch: Bass is not as deep as competitors.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $169.96 you would save on the ION Pathfinder 320 does not close the gap.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the ION Pathfinder 320 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 | ION Pathfinder 320 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #33 of 76 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #68 of 76 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (High/Low frequency) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| 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 | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 22.7 lbs (10.3 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 200W |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 15.1” x 10.4” x 19.4” (383.5 x 264.2 x 492.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Authentics 300 compares with other leading options:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Authentics 300
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Authentics 300
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Authentics 300
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Authentics 300
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Authentics 300
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Authentics 300 vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Authentics 300 vs B&O Beolit 20
- JBL Authentics 300 vs W-King X20
- JBL Authentics 300 vs onn Pro X Large Boom Boombox
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Teufel Boomster 2021
- JBL Authentics 300 vs W-King D20
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Tronsmart Bang Max
- See all 93 comparisons
ION Pathfinder 320: $129.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: 100 hour battery at low-moderate volume. 200W 5-speaker system (8” woofer, two 1” tweeters, two 3” drivers). Built-in wheels and pull-out handle. Two USB charge ports. IPX5 water-resistant. FM radio with 16 presets.
Cons: Bass is not as deep as competitors. Very heavy. Poor water rating.
Full ION Pathfinder 320 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15.1” x 10.4” x 19.4” (383.5 x 264.2 x 492.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers |
| EQ | Yes (High/Low frequency) |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 22.7 lbs (10.3 kg) |
| Wheels | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- ION Pathfinder 320 vs W-King X10
- ION Pathfinder 320 vs Turtlebox Gen 3
- ION Pathfinder 320 vs Turtlebox Gen 2
- ION Pathfinder 320 vs Marshall Tufton
- ION Pathfinder 320 vs Zealot S78
- ION Pathfinder 320 vs W-King D10
- ION Pathfinder 320 vs Sony ULT Field 7
- ION Pathfinder 320 vs Skullcandy Barrel
- See all 15 comparisons