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 Roam 2 ranks #93 of 178 medium speakers by sound quality at $178.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the deeper-bass option. 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 63Hz for the Sonos Roam 2. The tradeoff: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The Sonos Roam 2 is the lighter, tougher option. A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support. At 0.9 lbs (429 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Authentics 300 at 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg). It is rated IPX5, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. Watch for: Exact same sound quality as the original Sonos Roam.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 at $299.95 for a boombox speaker, or the Sonos Roam 2 at $178 for a medium speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power.
A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and 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 Roam 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $178.00 |
| Ranked | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #93 of 178 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Sonos S2 App |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | - |
| 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) | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | - |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
| Strap | No | No |
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