Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300. It ranks #30 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95; the Sony ULT Field 7 ranks #40 and costs $400, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 Sony ULT Field 7 gets right: Better sounding than the XG500. The catch: Still not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony ULT Field 7 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony ULT Field 7 is rated for 30 hours versus 8 hours for the JBL Authentics 300.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sony ULT Field 7 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Sony ULT Field 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $400 |
| Ranked | #30 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #40 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | ~52Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App + ULT button) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 100dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 13.9 lbs / 6.3 kg |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 100W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 20.2" x 8.8" x 8.7" (512 x 224 x 222 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators | 2x 114mm x 114mm X-Balanced woofers + 2x 46mm (1.9") tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 |
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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
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Sony ULT Field 7: $400 Amazon
Pros: Better sounding than the XG500
Cons: Still not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers. 8khz peak
Full Sony ULT Field 7 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~52Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 20.2" x 8.8" x 8.7" (512 x 224 x 222 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 114mm x 114mm X-Balanced woofers + 2x 46mm (1.9") tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App + ULT button) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs / 6.3 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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