These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Authentics 500 ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $449.95; the Sonos Move ranks #30 of 117 large speakers by sound quality at $299.95.
The case for the JBL Authentics 500: 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 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Sonos Move lacks. Watch for: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
The Sonos Move is the battery-powered, tougher pick. A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth portable with warm, full bodied sound, automatic room tuning and a charging base. Its battery is rated for 11 hours, while the JBL Authentics 500 needs an outlet. It is rated IP56, while the JBL Authentics 500 has no water resistance. Watch for: It is mono, heavy and less portable than a conventional Bluetooth speaker, while bass pumping and compression become audible at high volume.
One note: the Sonos Move is discontinued, but it still ranks #30 of 117 large speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used. The Sonos Move’s replacement, the Sonos Move 2, is still sold new.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500 at $449.95 if you want a powered desktop speaker. Buy the Sonos Move at $299.95 if you want a large speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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 bodied sound, automatic room tuning and a charging base.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 each | $299.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #30 of 117 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 11 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) | 9.4” x 6.3” x 5” (240 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 | 1x 3.5” (89mm) mid-woofer + 1x downward-firing tweeter (tweeter size undisclosed by Sonos) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) | No |
| Power Input | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz | USB-C (requires USB-C PD 12v minimum) |
| 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 or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control |
| 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 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 49Hz |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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