These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Authentics 500 ranks #5 of 10 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $449.95; the Sonos Roam 2 ranks #93 of 178 medium speakers by sound quality at $178.
Why pick 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 keeps a wired aux input, which the Sonos Roam 2 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Sonos Roam 2. The tradeoff: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
The Sonos Roam 2 is the battery-powered, tougher choice. A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support. Its battery is rated for 10 hours, while the JBL Authentics 500 needs an outlet. It is rated IPX5, while the JBL Authentics 500 has no water resistance. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Authentics 500 lacks. The catch: Exact same sound quality as the original Sonos Roam.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500 ($449.95) for a powered desktop speaker; the Sonos Roam 2 ($178) suits a medium 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 small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 500 | Sonos Roam 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 each | $178.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #93 of 178 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Sonos S2 App |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 17.6” x 9.4” x 10.1” (447 x 240 x 255.7 mm) | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (virtual) | - |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| Ethernet | Yes | - |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Drivers | 6.5” (down-firing subwoofer), 3x 2.75” midranges, 3x 1” (25mm aluminum dome) tweeters | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room) | - |
| Power Input | 100 - 240V AC, ~ 50/60Hz | USB-C |
| Configuration | 3.1 channel | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| 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) | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| 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) | - | 63Hz |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | No |
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