Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95; the Klipsch The Three Plus ranks #25 of 29 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $274.99.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the battery-powered option. A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. Its battery is rated for 8 hours, while the Klipsch The Three Plus needs an outlet. It streams over Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth, which the Klipsch The Three Plus cannot. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
What the Klipsch The Three Plus does well: A retro tabletop speaker with a built in phono input for a turntable, plenty of volume and optical and USB-C inputs. The tradeoff: The tuning leans heavily on bass: TechRadar called it on the warm side of neutral with the treble only just holding its own, and HomeTheaterHifi found the treble turned sharp and piercing at higher volumes.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 at $299.95 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the Klipsch The Three Plus at $274.99 if you want a powered desktop speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings and Powered Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Klipsch The Three Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $274.99 each |
| Ranked | #46 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Klipsch Connect) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | - |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 106dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | - |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 10.6 lbs (4.8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | No (RCA line input) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 120W total |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 7”H x 14”W x 8.4”D (178 x 356 x 213 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 2x 2.25” full-range drivers, 5.25” long-throw woofer, 2x 5.25” passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | None |
| Strap | No | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, Optical, Phono/RCA, USB-C |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| USB Input | - | Yes |
| Optical Input | - | Yes (24-bit/96kHz) |
| XLR Input | - | No |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
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