The Authentics 500 and 300 is JBL’s answer to the Marshall Acton III and Woburn III speakers, and are designed to look relatively retro vintage while providing JBL’s signature sound with nice bass performance.
The Authentics 500 is quite a large speaker measuring approximately 17.6 inches in width, 9.45 inches in height, and 10.07 inches in depth, and weighing around 7.8 kg. It’s designed primarily for stationary use, making it a centerpiece in any room. In contrast, the Authentics 300 is more compact and includes a built-in battery, offering up to 8 hours of playback, which adds a layer of portability for those who wish to move their music around the house or take it outdoors (it also comes with a top bar handle).
Comparatively, the Authentics 500 offers higher output and a more immersive sound experience, while the Authentics 300 provides portability and is better suited for smaller spaces.
Both speakers look relatively similar and both have JBL’s signature design which gives them a slightly retro vintage Bluetooth speaker appearance, although honestly I find that the Marshall line of speakers looks much better than the JBL Authentics.
Comparing the Specs
The Authentics 500 features a 3.1-channel configuration with a 270W amplifier, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. Its three-way speaker setup includes a pair of 25mm tweeters for detailed highs, a full-range 5.25-inch woofer, and a down-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator that provides deep bass, ensuring clarity across all frequencies.
On the other hand, the Authentics 300 features a 2-channel configuration with a 100W amplifier. It comes with the same dual 25mm tweeters as compared to the Authentics 500, and its mid-woofers and passive radiators are slightly smaller (the Authentics 300 does not have a built-in subwoofer). Despite this, the 300 delivers impressive sound quality, with a warm and balanced output that fills the room effectively.
Both models are equipped with built-in voice assistants, allowing easy integration with smart home systems. This feature enhances user experience by enabling voice control for music playback and smart home device management.
Full Specs Table Comparison
| Specification | JBL Authentics 500 | JBL Authentics 300 |
| Channel Configuration | 3.1-Channel | 2-Channel |
| Amplifier Power Rating | 270 W | 100 W RMS |
| Speaker Configuration | 3-Way | 2-Way |
| Tweeters | Two 25mm tweeters | Two 25mm tweeters |
| Midrange Drivers | Three 2.75-inch midrange drivers | None |
| Subwoofer | Down-firing 6.5-inch subwoofer | 5.25-inch woofer |
| Passive Radiators | Dual bass radiators | Single 6.5-inch bass radiator |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 17.6″ x 9.45″ x 10.07″ | 13.39″ x 6.54″ x 7.56″ |
| Weight | Approximately 7.8 kg | Approximately 4.9 kg |
| Portability | Designed for stationary use | Built-in battery with up to 8 hours of playback; includes a top handle for portability |
| Voice Assistants | Built-in voice assistants | Built-in voice assistants |
| Design Features | Retro design with diamond-patterned mesh grille; touch-sensitive controls; rotary volume knob | Retro design with diamond-patterned grille; top-mounted controls; top handle for portability |
Sound Comparison
The Authentics 500 is clearly a speaker that’s built for power and volume. With its 270-watt amplifier driving a 3.1-channel configuration, it offers a more expansive soundstage. This setup includes three 25mm tweeters, three 2.75-inch midrange drivers, and a down-firing 6.5-inch subwoofer. Together, they handle highs, mids, and lows with precision.
I noticed the 500 really excels in larger spaces and has really good sonic presence. It fills the room with sound that feels layered and detailed, and the inclusion of virtual Dolby Atmos adds a sense of dimension that’s noticeable, particularly when listening to movies or live recordings. The bass is deep and controlled, but it doesn’t overwhelm the midrange, which remains warm and clear. High frequencies are sharp but not overly bright.
It’s not just loud—it’s nuanced. At moderate volumes, I could still hear the subtleties in instruments and vocals, which makes the 500 a good choice for critical listening as well as casual enjoyment. You would love the 500s if you play a lot of EDM or hip-hop music genres that emphasize the bass and low-end frequencies.
The Authentics 300, with its 100-watt amplifier, delivers a more intimate sound experience. Its 2-channel configuration (two 25mm tweeters and a midrange woofer) is less complex than the 500’s, but it still manages to create a balanced and enjoyable listening profile.
The bass on the 300 is punchy but not as deep as the 500’s. It’s adequate for most genres, especially pop, jazz, and acoustic music, but you might miss some of the low-end richness if you’re used to larger speakers. The mids and highs, however, are clear and well-defined. Vocals come through nicely, and the highs have just enough detail without sounding harsh. I found that live jazz performacnes on the Authentics 300 sound clear and crisp, and have a good level of “sonic presence” which isn’t too far off from the Authentics 500.
Design
One feature I liked about the JBL Authentics 300 is its portability. This speaker comes with a built-in battery with 8 hours of playback and I could move it around easily without worrying about cables. While it doesn’t offer the same spatial depth as the 500, it’s more than capable of filling a small to medium room. The JBL Authentics 500 does not come with a built-in battery and requires a power source to power it up, which means that it is essentially a speaker designed to be a fixture in your living room space.
The Authentics 500 is notably larger, measuring approximately 17.6 inches in width, 9.45 inches in height, and 10.07 inches in depth. The front grille features a diamond-patterned mesh, adding a touch of elegance to its retro design. The top panel houses intuitive controls, including touch-sensitive buttons and a rotary volume knob, providing a tactile and user-friendly interface. The overall design is sleek and modern and the speaker will blend in easily into any modern home interior décor.
In contrast, the Authentics 300 is more compact and designed for portability, measuring around 13.39 inches in width, 6.54 inches in height, and 7.56 inches in depth. Its smaller footprint makes it versatile and suitable for various spaces, from bookshelves to countertops. The reduced size also contributes to its portability, allowing users to easily move it around as needed.
The design elements mirror those of the 500, with the same diamond-patterned grille and top-mounted controls. The JBL Authentics 300 is essentially a smaller version of the Authentics 500 but with a built-in battery and comes with a handle bar at the top.
The Verdict?
Overall, the JBL Authentics 500 is ideal for those seeking a powerful, stationary speaker with exceptional dynamics, while the 300 provides a balance between performance and portability with its built-in battery and compact design. Personally if I had to choose between the two, I’d go for the JBL Authentics 500 as this speaker looks more sleek and does not come with a top bar handle which can affect its overall retro appearance (the top bar handle on the Authentics 300 looks kind of weird in a living room space). If you are living in a larger space and want a large Bluetooth speaker to complement your living space, the Authentics 500 would be a better choice, although the sound performance on both speakers is comparably similar and bass-leaning.