Short answer: the LG Xboom Stage 301. It ranks #23 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $279.99; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #30 and costs $299.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the LG Xboom Stage 301: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. The tradeoff: overpriced for what it is.
What the JBL Authentics 300 offers: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the LG Xboom Stage 301. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Authentics 300 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If water resistance matters to you, the LG Xboom Stage 301 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| LG Xboom Stage 301 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #23 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| App | Yes (LG Xboom app) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cable |
| Output Power | 120W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm) | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless) | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 100dB |
| Wifi | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
LG Xboom Stage 301: $279.99 Amazon
Pros: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. Multiple standing positions. AI audio optimization via Dual-Bar lighting.
Cons: overpriced for what it is. Not the greatest frequency response.
Full LG Xboom Stage 301 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 120W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jagist reviews: LG xboom Stage 301 Vs Zealot S95!!!
- Jagist reviews: LG xboom Stage 301 Vs W-king X20!!!
- Mike O’Brien: What Did LG Just Launch? (NEW will.i.am x LG xboom Speakers)
- GYMCADDY: LG’s New xboom Speaker And Earbud Lineup Explained - Meet The Stage 301, Bounce, Grab And Buds!
- Reddit Search for LG Xboom Stage 301 Review
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JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon
Pros: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Retro seventies design with leather and Quadrex grille. 100-watt amp, carries well with leather-trimmed handle. Rechargeable battery rated ~8 hours.
Cons: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others. Peaky upper mids. No TWS. No IP rating. Not as loud as others. Not much battery life.
Full JBL Authentics 300 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Wifi | Yes |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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