Short answer: the JBL Partybox On the Go for karaoke, the JBL Authentics 300 for smart-home duties. The Partybox On the Go includes a wireless microphone but carries a poor water rating. The Authentics 300 integrates Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously, a rare trick, though it sounds narrow with bass not as deep as others.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Partybox On the Go and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox On the Go at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | JBL Partybox On the Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $300 |
| Ranked | #41 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| 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) | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 5.1” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
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 On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Authentics 300
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Authentics 300
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 | Yes |
| 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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JBL Partybox On the Go: $300 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5.
Pros: JBL Partybox On the Go uses 5.1” woofer + tweeters. Its 7.5 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 94dB and limited-stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A wireless microphone is included. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 49Hz specification. No EQ adjustment. Battery life is short, and its sound trails the rest of the Partybox line.
Full JBL Partybox On the Go review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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