Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox 130 ranks #7 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $449.95; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $299.95.
The JBL Partybox 130 is the longer-running, tougher pick. A manageable party speaker with balanced, powerful sound, deep bass, a removable battery and a light show. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated IPX4, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. Watch for: It is still bass-forward and less clear than the PartyBox 120 in direct comparisons.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the lighter choice. A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. At 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox 130 at 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg). The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the JBL Partybox 130 at $449.95 for a party speaker, or the JBL Authentics 300 at $299.95 for a boombox speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #7 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2” woofers, 2x 1” tweeters | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cable |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 100W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 11.7”W x 11.9”D (575 x 298.4 x 303 mm) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Partybox 130 compares with other leading options: