Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300. It ranks #46 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $299.95. The Tronsmart Bang Max ranks #52, rated 3.4/5, at $229.99, $69.96 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the JBL Authentics 300: A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi Multi-Room), which the Tronsmart Bang Max cannot. The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The Tronsmart Bang Max is the louder, deeper-bass choice. A loud, feature packed party speaker with big bass, app EQ, lights, and separate mic and guitar inputs. Its bass reaches about 39Hz before falling 10dB, against 45Hz for the JBL Authentics 300. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 111dB at full volume, against 100dB for the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Authentics 300. Watch for: Its bass-first tuning prioritizes impact over accuracy: upper mids and lower treble can sound unnatural, while fine midrange and treble detail are limited.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $69.96 you would save on the Tronsmart Bang Max does not close the gap.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Tronsmart Bang Max at IPX6 (powerful water jets) against the JBL Authentics 300, which has no water resistance.
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 loud, feature packed party speaker with big bass, app EQ, lights, and separate mic and guitar inputs.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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 | Tronsmart Bang Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $229.99 |
| Ranked | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #52 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | 39Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | No |
| 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) | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 130W |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 18.5” x 7.8” x 10.2” (470 x 199 x 260 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 2x ~165mm (6.5”) woofers + 2x ~63mm (2.5”) mid drivers + 2x ~25mm (1”) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 16ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 160ms |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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