Short answer: the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus. It ranks #5 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $349.95. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46, rated 3.5/5, at $299.95, $50 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A well balanced karaoke party speaker with clean bass, clear vocals, on-board vocal removal, an included wireless mic and a removable battery. 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: The bass has less kick and physical impact than the JBL Partybox Encore 2 or JBL Partybox Club 120, and the JBL Partybox Club 120 gets noticeably louder.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the lighter option. 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 noticeably less than the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus at 14.2 lbs (6.45 kg). Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $50 with the JBL Authentics 300 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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 PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL One app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ, Deep and Punchy bass boost) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 11V/2A) | 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 | 14.2 lbs (6.45 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 1 Included | - |
| Microphone Input | No (wireless only) | - |
| Guitar Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3 | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 100W |
| Dimensions | 19.7” x 10.2” x 8.7” (501 x 258 x 221 mm) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus: reviews by GYMCADDY and Peter Tyson Audio & Visual.
- JBL Authentics 300: reviews by JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show, Oluv and Alan Ross.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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