Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Authentics 500 ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $449.95; the Sonos Move 2 ranks #28 of 117 large speakers by sound quality at $480.
What the JBL Authentics 500 does well: A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant. It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi multi-room), which the Sonos Move 2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Sonos Move 2 lacks. The tradeoff: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
The Sonos Move 2 is the battery-powered, tougher option. A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth portable with warm, full sound, clear mids and a long battery for moving around the home. Its battery is rated for 24 hours, while the JBL Authentics 500 needs an outlet. It is rated IP56, while the JBL Authentics 500 has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Not very loud.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500 at $449.95 for a powered desktop speaker, or the Sonos Move 2 at $480 for a large speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A large smart speaker with a built in subwoofer, virtual Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi streaming and both Alexa and Google Assistant.
A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth portable with warm, full sound, clear mids and a long battery for moving around the home.
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 500 | Sonos Move 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 each | $480.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #28 of 117 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) | 9.5” x 6.3” x 5” (242 x 160 x 126 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (virtual) | - |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | - |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | None | IP56 |
| Drivers | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) | No |
| Power Input | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz | USB-C |
| Configuration | 3.1 channel | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM | - |
| Inputs | USB-C (USB playback, US only) | - |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
| Weight | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz) | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 270W (Max @ THD 1%) | - |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | Yes | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-C) |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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