Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300. It ranks #46 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $299.95. The Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 ranks #104, rated 2.1/5, at $208.99, $90.96 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. Its bass reaches about 45Hz before falling 10dB, against 53Hz for the Monster Rockin’ Roller 270. At 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) it weighs much less than the Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 at 28.7 lbs (13 kg). It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi Multi-Room), which the Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 cannot. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 is the longer-running, tougher pick. A wheeled party speaker with an enormous battery, sound spread wide around it and a wireless phone charging pad. It is rated for 100 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated IPX4, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. The catch: Bass not as deep as competitors, less neutral than ION speakers.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $90.96 saving on the Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 is not enough to make up the difference.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $208.99 |
| Ranked | #46 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #104 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Monster Zone Control app) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 96dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) | 28.7 lbs (13 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| 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” x 18.6” x 10.9” (381 x 472 x 276 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 2x 3” (76mm) woofers + 2x tweeters (size undisclosed) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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