Video Highlight! JBL Authentics Speaker Series

The JBL Authentics speaker line sitting on a glass table

By: Bailey

Content Writer

7 min read

If you're an audiophile and wish to upgrade your sound at home, you're more than likely familiar with JBL. JBL has been a leading company in the audio industry for over 70 years. Their products are known for their durability, reliability and high-quality performance. Their newer speaker series, coined JBL Authentics, is no different. Interested in these speakers but looking to learn more? In the video below, one of Abt's top technologists, Carl, does an overview of the JBL Authentics speaker series and compares the three models, the 200, 300 and 500. As we dive into the details of this video, learn more about the various abilities these speakers have to offer and optimize your audio experience for the better!

JBL Authentics Speaker Comparison: 200, 300, 500

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JBL Authentics Speaker Comparison: 200, 300, 500

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Before we break down the differences and compare each JBL Authentics speaker, we should note their similarities. The first thing you may notice about these speakers is that they look almost identical. The 200, 300 and 500 all share a retro, 70s-inspired design that's guaranteed to elevate the look of your sound system and pair well with any vintage home aesthetic. Once you take any of these speakers home, they can all be set up the same way too. Just download the JBL One app to your smartphone, turn on your device and the app will find the speaker and connect. This app allows you to customize audio settings, EQ and more, no matter which model you choose. While the app is a convenient way to manage your sound, the speakers also feature intuitive controls on the physical device. You can use these to adjust treble, bass and volume levels.

When you're ready to stream music, you can utilize either the built-in WiFi or Bluetooth pairing to sync your smartphone with the speaker. These JBL speakers also use automatic self-tuning as well. Once you press play, each speaker will calibrate and optimize the audio performance to match the specific environment you're listening in. Still looking to take your sound to the next level? The 200, 300 and 500 can also pair with one another interchangeably to create stereo sound. You just have to use two of the same speakers to create a dedicated left and right channel. The most interesting thing about the JBL Authentics series, though, is that (as of the publish date of this video highlight) they are the only speakers on the market that work with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa simultaneously. Give your speaker a verbal command using either assistant and let them adjust settings for you.

The JBL Authentics 200 speaker sitting on a glass table in a lavish magenta room

The easiest way to compare the audio quality of each JBL Authentics speaker is to break it down part by part. We'll begin with the digital amplifiers in each model. The number of watts an amplifier has signifies how loud your speaker can get before the sound starts to break up. The higher the number, the louder it gets. The 200 is powered by a 90W digital amplifier, the 300 is powered by a 100W digital amplifier and the 500 is powered by a 270W digital amplifier. The amplifier within any speaker drives the tweeters, the mid-woofer and the subwoofer.

The tweeters are responsible for reproducing the higher audio frequencies as accurately as possible. The JBL Authentics line features both silk dome-shaped tweeters and aluminum horn-shaped tweeters. Silk tweeters will sound mellow, warm and refined, while metal tweeters sound bright, loud and crisp. Dome-shaped tweeters radiate sound with a wider dispersion. Horn-shaped tweeters are more efficient as they can produce a lot of sound without using a ton of power. With this in mind, the 200 features dual 25mm silk dome-shaped tweeters, the 300 features dual one-inch silk dome-shaped tweeters and the 500 features three horn-shaped one-inch aluminum tweeters.

The mid-woofer is a midbass speaker that reproduces and increases the higher bass frequencies, or the midtones. The 200 features a five-inch full-range mid-woofer, the 300 features a 5.25-inch full-range mid-woofer and the 500 features three 2.7-inch mid-woofers.

The JBL Authentics 300 speaker sitting on a glowing white table in front of a leather couch

The JBL Authentics 500 is the only model in the series that features a 6.5-inch subwoofer. Subwoofers are responsible for boosting the lowest frequencies present in whatever audio you're listening to. Basically, it intensifies the bass. The air that's produced by the movement of the subwoofers is moved through patented SlipStream bass ports on the back of the device. The 200 and 300, on the other hand, feature passive radiators. Passive radiators provide a little bit of extra resonance and power to your bass, but they are not nearly as effective as a subwoofer. The 200 features a down-firing six-inch passive radiator and the 300 features a down-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator.

Overall, the JBL Authentics 500 delivers the best audio performance. It provides 3.1 channel sound and is the only model supporting Dolby Atmos audio. This technology delivers 3D sound for a truly immersive experience no matter what you're listening to.

Another difference to note between the JBL Authentics speakers is their power sources. The 200 and the 500 must be plugged into a power source at all times in order to operate. This may be inconvenient if you wish to listen outside or in a location without many outlets. The 300 model, on the other hand, comes with a built-in battery that provides up to eight hours of playback at a time. The 300 model is also the only model in the JBL Authentics series that is truly portable. While you're welcome to travel with any of these speakers, the 300 model is the only speaker that comes with a carrying handle.

The JBL Authentics 500 speaker sitting on a wooden table between a glass light and an orange lamp

The last of the differences lies in the pricing and sizing. The prices of the JBL Authentics series range between $300 and $700. As of right now, the 200 is $349, the 300 is $449 and the 500 is $699. If budget plays a large part in your shopping journey, then this information is important to keep in mind. If having the proper space for your speaker is a concern, then knowing the dimensions of each device is helpful as well. Here are the measurements:

JBL Authentics 200
- Height: 6.76"
- Width: 10.48"
- Depth: 6.59"
JBL Authentics 300
- Height: 7.7"
- Width: 13.46"
- Depth: 7.1"
JBL Authentics 500
- Height: 9.45"
- Width: 17.6"
- Depth: 10.07"

If you want a better idea of what these dimensions look like in person, each of the JBL Authentics speakers is on display in our video, so just press play to see for yourself!

The truth is, no matter which of the JBL Authentics speakers you choose, you'll be in good hands. Each of these models has something beneficial to offer a variety of listeners. Choosing between them truly depends on what matters most to you in an audio device. Do you want the best possible sound experience regardless of the price tag? Do you want something budget-friendly and portable? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before investing in a model. Our top technologist, Carl, offered his own advice in the video:

"If you're looking for something that's truly portable or maybe you don't have the budget for multiple speakers but you want to be able to listen in different rooms, the 300 is going to be a great option with its built-in battery."

"If you're looking to put a couple of these around the home in smaller to medium-sized rooms or you want to stereo pair in one room but don't need the extra power of the 500, then you'll want to consider the 200."

"If you're looking for the best out of a single speaker and you have a medium to large room to fill up or you want a really incredible stereo experience, go with the 500. You won't be disappointed."

Looking for more information about the speakers carried at Abt? Our wireless speaker buying guide is a helpful resource to start with before you take the perfect device home. If you're shopping for a loved one (or looking to treat yourself), we've also curated a list full of perfect gifts for the audiophile in your life. Otherwise, subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more thorough product breakdowns like this so we can continue helping you find the most ideal appliances or electronics fit to your lifestyle.