These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95; the Sonos Roam ranks #94 of 178 medium speakers by sound quality at $169.99.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the louder, 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 63Hz for the Sonos Roam. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 100dB at full volume, against 95dB for the Sonos Roam. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The Sonos Roam is the lighter, tougher pick. A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control 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: Bass extension isn’t very good.
One note: the Sonos Roam is discontinued and no longer widely available new. The Sonos Roam’s replacement, the Sonos Roam 2, is still sold new.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 ($299.95) for a boombox speaker; the Sonos Roam ($169.99) suits 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 small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $169.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #94 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 (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| 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 | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control |
| Strap | No | No |
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