Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300 for better sound quality, the Soundcore Rave Party 2 for the lower price. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #30 of 73 boombox speakers at $299.95. The Soundcore Rave Party 2 ranks #42 at $199.95, $100 cheaper.
What the JBL Authentics 300 gets right: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
On the Soundcore Rave Party 2 side: This speaker may move around in the rankings as we get better sound samples. Set against that: Poor water rating.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Rave Party 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore Rave Party 2 is rated for 16 hours versus 8 hours for the JBL Authentics 300.
If water resistance matters to you, the Soundcore Rave Party 2 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Soundcore Rave Party 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $199.95 |
| Ranked | #30 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 100dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 100W | 80W RMS / 120W peak |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 7.5" x 7.8" x 15.7" (191 x 198 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators | 2x 4" (100mm) woofers + 2x 2" (50mm) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
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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
- JBL Authentics 300 vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Authentics 300 vs B&O Beolit 20
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Zealot ZE01
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Zealot S95
- JBL Authentics 300 vs LG Xboom Stage 301
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
- See all 21 comparisons
Soundcore Rave Party 2: $199.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: This speaker may move around in the rankings as we get better sound samples.
Cons: Poor water rating. Bass extension doesn’t seem very good.
Full Soundcore Rave Party 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5" x 7.8" x 15.7" (191 x 198 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4" (100mm) woofers + 2x 2" (50mm) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 80W RMS / 120W peak |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reddit Search for Soundcore Rave Party 2 Review
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