These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #32 of 75 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95; the Sonos Roam ranks #75 of 142 medium speakers by sound quality at $179.99.
The case for the JBL Authentics 300: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). The tradeoff: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The case for the Sonos Roam: Very neutral. The tradeoff: Bass extension isn’t very good.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 ($299.95) for a boombox speaker; the Sonos Roam ($179.99) suits a medium speaker instead.
Water resistance is not close: the Sonos Roam is rated at IPX5 (water jets), well ahead of the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Sonos Roam | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $179.99 |
| Ranked | #32 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #75 of 142 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 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 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon eBay
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. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Authentics 300 - sound quality test More from Oluv’Sone →
- 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 More from alanrossreviews →
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Sonos Roam: $179.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Very neutral. IP67 rated at ~1 lb. Wireless (Qi) charging - rare for a portable speaker. Works with Alexa/Sonos Voice Control and the wider Sonos ecosystem over Wi-Fi. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass extension isn’t very good. Not stereo. Gets distorted if you turn up the bass.
Full Sonos Roam review and specifications →
| App | Sonos S2 App |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons