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 ranks #94 of 178 medium speakers by sound quality at $169.99.
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 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Sonos Roam. The catch: Bass is specified only to 40Hz at -6dB, so deep-bass reach is limited for a cabinet this size.
The Sonos Roam is the battery-powered, tougher pick. A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control 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: Bass extension isn’t very good.
One note: the Sonos Roam is discontinued and no longer widely available new. The Sonos Roam’s replacement, the Sonos Roam 2, is still sold new.
Buy the JBL Authentics 500 ($449.95) for a powered desktop speaker; the Sonos Roam ($169.99) 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, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support.
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 Roam | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 each | $169.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 10 in Large Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #94 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 | 5.0 |
| 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 | Dual full-range drivers + 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 or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | No |
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