JBL Authentics 500 vs Sonos Play

Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Authentics 500 ranks #3 of 5 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $600; the Sonos Play ranks #50 of 142 medium speakers by sound quality at $299.

The case for the JBL Authentics 500: JBL Authentics 500 uses 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters. The tradeoff: Its 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size.

The case for the Sonos Play: Genuinely wide, clean stereo dispersion off-axis thanks to the two angled tweeters, holding up from the side far better than most portables. The tradeoff: Bass distorts noticeably on bass-heavy tracks at default settings, and the distortion persists even after enabling Trueplay tuning and manually pulling bass back in the app.

Buy the JBL Authentics 500 at $600 for a powered desktop speaker, or the Sonos Play at $299 for a medium speaker instead.

There is a real gap in water resistance: the Sonos Play at IP67 (brief submersion) against the JBL Authentics 500, which has no water resistance.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

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Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL Authentics 500: $600 each Amazon eBay

Pros: JBL Authentics 500 uses 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters. Its 7.8 kg, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.

Cons: Its 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size.

Full JBL Authentics 500 review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	270W (Max @ THD 1%)
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes, 5.3
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Coaxial Input	No
Configuration	3.1 channel
Dimensions	17.6" x 9.4" x 10.1" (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm)
Dolby Atmos	Yes (virtual)
Drivers	6.5" (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75" midranges, 3x 1" (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters
EQ	Yes
Ethernet	Yes
Frequency Response	40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
IP Rating	None
Inputs	USB-C (USB playback, US only)
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room)
Power Input	100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz
RCA Input	No
Stereo	Yes
Streaming Services	AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Alexa MRM
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Voice Assistants	Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous)
Weight	17.2 lbs (7.8 kg)
Wi-Fi	Yes (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4GHz/5GHz)
XLR Input	No

• Links
  • Official JBL Authentics 500 Product Page
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Sonos Play: $299.00 Amazon eBay

Pros: Genuinely wide, clean stereo dispersion off-axis thanks to the two angled tweeters, holding up from the side far better than most portables. Loudness processing keeps it sounding full-bodied at low volume. 24-hour user-replaceable battery with an included wireless charging base, IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and full Sonos WiFi multi-room with AirPlay 2 on top of Bluetooth 5.3.

Cons: Bass distorts noticeably on bass-heavy tracks at default settings, and the distortion persists even after enabling Trueplay tuning and manually pulling bass back in the app. Sounds boxy and short on clarity next to cheaper competitors.

Full Sonos Play review and specifications →

App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Battery Life	24 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	7.6" x 4.4" x 3" (192.3 x 112.5 x 76.7 mm)
Drivers	mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters
EQ	No
IP Rating	IP67
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	No
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	Yes
TWS	Yes
Voice Assistants	Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in)
Weight	2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)
Wi-Fi	Yes

• Links
  • Official Sonos Play Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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