Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300 for better sound quality, the Skullcandy Barrel for the lower price. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #30 of 73 boombox speakers at $299.95. The Skullcandy Barrel ranks #39 at $150, $149.95 cheaper.
On the JBL Authentics 300 side: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Set against that: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
What the Skullcandy Barrel gets right: Water-resistant (IPX5) with LED lightshow synced to music. The catch: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Skullcandy Barrel if the price matters more than sound quality.
If water resistance matters to you, the Skullcandy Barrel at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $150 |
| Ranked | #30 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 100dB | 104dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | - |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Output Power | 100W | 60W |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 11.8" x 22.1" x 9.6" (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon
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.
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 →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Wifi | Yes |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Authentics 300 - sound quality test
- 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
- Reddit Search for JBL Authentics 300 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Authentics 300 vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Authentics 300 vs B&O Beolit 20
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Zealot ZE01
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Zealot S95
- JBL Authentics 300 vs LG Xboom Stage 301
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
- See all 21 comparisons
Skullcandy Barrel: $150 Amazon
Pros: Water-resistant (IPX5) with LED lightshow synced to music. 12 hour battery life. Bass Boost mode. Multi-Link feature connects up to 99 speakers. Doubles as phone charger.
Cons: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers. Not as loud as the top ranked speakers. Rolled off treble.
Full Skullcandy Barrel review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8" x 22.1" x 9.6" (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 20mm drivers |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 104dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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