These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95; the Sonos Play ranks #56 of 178 medium speakers by sound quality at $299.
What the JBL Authentics 300 does well: A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi Multi-Room), which the Sonos Play cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Sonos Play lacks. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The Sonos Play is the longer-running, lighter pick. A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth portable with wide stereo sound, a long lasting swappable battery, waterproofing and full Sonos multiroom support. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Authentics 300. At 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Authentics 300 at 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg). It is rated IP67, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. The catch: Bass distorts noticeably on bass-heavy tracks at default settings, and the distortion persists even after enabling Trueplay tuning and manually pulling bass back in the app.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 at $299.95 for a boombox speaker, or the Sonos Play at $299 for a medium speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power.
A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth portable with wide stereo sound, a long lasting swappable battery, waterproofing and full Sonos multiroom support.
Prices on this page were last checked November 5, 2026 at 10:30 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Sonos Play | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #56 of 178 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| 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) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | - |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 7.6” x 4.4” x 3” (192.3 x 112.5 x 76.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
| Strap | No | - |
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