Customer Ratings & Reviews

JBL’s Authentics line is the “by audiophiles for audiophiles“ part of JBLs consumer product catalog, and that focus comes through in spades wtih this weighty, room-filling speaker. The sound is leagues beyond even JBL‘s well-known “Xtreme” portable speaker range. Add in the apps shared across the Authentics line, support for both Alexa and Google Assistant (at the same time, if you want!), extensive connectivity options, and a strong 8 hour battery life (amazing considering the sound this thing puts out) and you have probably the single best portable speaker yet released by anyone. It is that good. The JBL One app is a must-have. It is your source for the best quality streaming music across most of the top major services (Apple Music being a notable exception— but that ends up being OK for reasons below). Because the services are built into the app that connects to the speaker over WiFi , the sound quality of each of them (provided you subscribe to the top tiers and set your streaming options accordingly) is absolutely top notch. Connectivity abounds: Airplay 2, TIDAL connect, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Spotify Connect, Chromecast — the gang’s all here, and they sound fabulous in this speaker. Bluetooth exists, and you can use it if you must — but you can do better, and you should. I’d share wifi from my phone before settling for Bluetooth audio on a device with this many better options. Build quality is superb. The handle feels great to use, materials are excellent, the bass can shake your walls, and feel of the entire device is reassuringly solid. Big knobs (thank you, JBL!) handle volume, treble, and bass. My advice: buy it. If you can get it on sale, even better — but I didn’t blink twice when paying full price, and I had zero buyer’s remorse. This is a great purchase.

I also bought the 500. That daddy HITS! This one is the in-between since they make a smaller 200. Make no mistake, this one is just as clear with some bass but won't fill as much space. I got this one for my room and bathroom since it's portable. THAT is what makes this one since. That fact that it has an internal battery and you can carry with around makes it a win. The handle is comfortable and rigid enough that you can hang it on a hook or latch. My new go to travel speaker!

Tbh i didn’t know what ti expect. Down to the design, the textures and color, and the nearly perfect sound. This thing is everything you need for personal and room filling audio reproduction! I love the “on the fly” customization with the treble and bass knobs. I really like the aesthetics and materials used. It really is a show stopper, and when plugged in, it is a real powerhouse for filling a room with waves.

For a more stylish speaker this smart speaker really does sound great. Tons of features and is super easy to tote around. Surprisingly good bass response for this size. The price is high though and I would wait for a sale or discount.

The sound quality is excellent. The connectivity is simple and reliable. The is the second unit I purchased. It was simple to set up the two units for true STEREO playback. You can also use both for MONO playback. The bass response is excellent per the size. Separate treble and bass controls for added sound adjustment. Purchase when on sale for an extra added value.

Speaker is amazing quality! I’ve had it for a year now and it’s definitely worth the purchase, great for parties, small outdoor events, or just staying at home!

Amazing amazing amazing in the beginning. I thought over pricing, but it’s worth every dollar it’s quality portable easy set up and good taste

JBL Authentics 300 Speaker This is a brand new line inspired by the original JBL speakers (L100) from the 70’s down to a familiar grill from that era. In addition, the speakers are made from recycled plastic, fabric, and aluminum. This line of speakers is also including the ability to use Alexa along with Google Assistant at the same time on the same speaker! The presentation on opening the speaker is impressive and makes you realize this is a serious high end product. On powering up the speaker and playing my fist song, I was blown away! Sound was loud, clear, and with impressive base! PROS: Great sound with impressive DEEP base, crisp highs, and it can play loud without distortion! The sound straight out of the box is impressive. You can tweak it with Bass and Treble controls right on the speaker or use the App. This is probably one of the few speakers that I didn’t have to turn up the bass right out of the box. In addition, this speaker will make your music sound like you’re in a club or studio creating thumping low frequency base you can feel! This will be a great party/dance speaker. The Bass is enhanced with a large rubber transducer on the bottom of the device. That thing has a long displacement and really makes the sound rock! Great Retro appearance that looks impressive while being understated. The built in battery running for up to 8 hours and the built in solid feeling handle make you want to take it with you. It’s not water proof so don’t take it out in the rain. I like the feel of the knobs and controls. They have a solid feel with a smoothness of quality. The LED circular lights around the Bass and Treble controls show your relative level which is a nice touch. This has a built in 8 hour battery which allows you take this outdoors to the patio or to the beach. I found the volume increases slightly when the unit is plugged in rather than on battery. Battery level is shown as a LED line of light that shows when you change volume. There is also a battery percentage shown on the App. Charging is done with a plug in cord using no brick or transformer in the cord. There is also a USB-C jack that does work for charging , Ethernet jack, and an audio in jack as well as a switch to mute the microphone from Alexa and Google. CONS: The JBL One app is just OK. It’s not necessary to use the app for Bluetooth or AirPlay, but is used to install updates and set up WiFi. I have used another app from a leading speaker company that allows you to power on and pick your Spotify, Pandora channels from within the app and play through the WiFi which I find convenient. That addition on the JBL One app would be nice. I also found changing your WIFi settings within this app is cumbersome and slow, sometimes requiring a reset. The JBL One App allows some tailoring of the sound with one memory setting besides the default flat setting. I find the controls on the top of the speaker just as easy. You can set up one favorite channel, called “Moment” in the App; however that favorite does not include anything from Pandora or Spotify, the two main services I use. In the meantime, you can use Spotify Connect from the Spotify App. OVERALL: This is an awesome looking speaker with a great sound presentation much like a club or concert sound. This is a perfect party speaker that can be taken with you because of the built in battery and handle. The App is a necessary item to set up the WiFi, but outside of that it does not present much in the way of making the speaker more impressive than it already is. I would highly recommend this speaker to a friend for what it does do well, great awesome sound!

JBL Speaker Don’t underestimate this speaker based on its size, it has the potential to blow you away. In all honesty, because of the size of the JBL Authentic 300, I was not sure what to expect. I have several other speakers, including a very large JBL that is somewhat “portable,” and the sound from this competes with that one. My ears are loving listening to my music with this speaker. It allows me to hear sounds I had not heard before in songs I listen to often. The highs and lows play beautifully, and the bass vibrates to your soul. This is not surprising considering it is comprised of two 25mm tweeters and a 5.25in full-range woofer. Notwithstanding the sound, the speaker itself is aesthetically pleasing with a chic, elegant, and retro glamour. The quality is palpable, it is very well made and ergonomic to carry. It is incredibly simple to lug it around to your desired location weighing in at just under 11lbs. Because of its compact size, it fits anywhere from the car’s trunk to a nook in the garage to a tabletop at a gathering or party. Set up was quick and simple. I connected it to the charger, downloaded and connected it to the app, and got to playing music all in about five minutes. After charging it, the battery lasts eight hours, which is more than enough for me. My husband and I have been using it around the house at various times while doing housework and we have only had to charge it once so far in weeks. Another plus is that it can be paired with other speakers via multi-room playback. I thoroughly enjoy this as I often have to run around the house getting various things done and this keeps me in the groove wherever I go. I really have found no negatives with this speaker. My only advice is to be careful when putting the volume up using your phone’s side buttons because it can lag by a second or two and it goes up dramatically with each button press. It is best to use the touch slider volume control than the side button for this reason. If you are an audiophile looking for an elegant portable speaker with top-notch sound, your search can end here. I just cannot recommend this speaker enough.

Very retro looking speaker with high tech attributes. All wrapped in black leather looking material with gold metal accents and metal/ wrapped handle. This is a real solid (11lb), speaker. Besides the good looks of the JBL Authentics 300 it comes with both Alexa AND Google Assistants, Chromecast and Apple Airplay. I have not seen a portable speaker with all of these options yet. Having the ability to use the assistant you desire on the same device is a nice touch. The speaker also has a physical switch to turn off the mic for all assistants. I love the portability of this JBL speaker. The battery will last up to 8 hrs. depending on your use of course. I have played it much of my work day and did not have to charge until the end of the day. Here are some of the features with comments added when applicable. Connections: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth allow you to stream from your favorite App. Wi-Fi or Ethernet offers you the highest quality sound without the interruptions from those pesky phone notifications. USB C – Charge your Phone. According to the Manual you can play MP3 from USB storage device. It did not work from my phone (Samsung S22 Ultra) AUX – Play music using Aux Cable App: The JBL One app allows you to connect your speaker and manage the EQ and assistant settings. The app can be used as the player device as well. You can connect many streaming services to use in the app. Set-up was easy. It walks you through the Alexa and Google Assistant set ups. No problems. Buttons: Volume Dial – Spin for +/- & Push to Play or Pause, or 2x to forward or 3x for back a song. Treble Dial – Spin for +/- Bass Dial – Spin for +/- ** All of the above dials have an LED light that follows the dial as you turn it, then goes out a couple seconds later. The battery LED Strip also shows a progressive light matching the battery power. Real nice features. Favorite button - allows you to assign your favorite app and play list and even timer. They call these Moments. Once you set this up in the app, all you have to do is press the button to start listening with the push of the button. What I found a little odd was that Spotify was not included on the list. Bluetooth Button – Self explanatory Sound Quality: Powered by 100 watts, 2 x 25 MM Tweeters and a 5.25 Woofer. Nice crisp highs and nice bass as well. Clear JBL sound. The only thing I noticed was the farther away I got from the speaker on my outside test, the less bass I heard. I think that is because the 6.5” Passive radiator is on the bottom. It does Sounds fantastic when played inside a room and set on a hard surface. Another thing that could be affecting the sound quality I just learned is the speaker has a Self-tuning action that starts automatically each time you connect the speaker to power and start music playback. It can take up to 3 minutes. And did not have it plugged in when I took it on the outside deck and did not know you could turn this feature off, so my bad there. You can turn this feature off by turning the Mic switch to the off position. So pretty cool technology I am sure will get even better over time. I personally love real deep, punchy bass and would like it to project a little more. (Compared to my other competitor speaker, of similar looks) Pro’s Portable with good Battery Life Stylish Quality Build and feel Multiple Voice Assistants Works with Alexa Multi Room Con’s Delay when turning the volume button Little pricey Bass Overall, nice sound and packed full of features.

I have a few portable speakers...I just really like having them around the house and being able to take them anywhere with me as needed. I really like to use them for ambient music at get-togethers, working in the garage and when I'm making breakfast on a Saturday morning ect. I really like how they can set the mood without dominating the conversations. I find portable speakers really hit that niche for me. I want premium sound but not like my 5.1 surround sound system or the isolation from everyone of having to wear earphones. I have noticed (or at least it seems to me) that in the last couple of years or so the portable speaker market has really begun to evolve. I mean there are some high-end makers developing some pretty amazing soundscapes in a single portable box that were not doing that a few years ago. They went from clunky DJ "party boxes" with led lighting to very elegant and classy home accessories. JBL is one of them and really takes a big leap in the marketplace with the 300 Authentics Smart Speaker. Just top notch! I have 5 different brand speakers already and love them all but when I heard the JBL 300 Authentics, I had a visceral reaction to the sound that was emanating from this beautiful unit. I could not believe the range of amazing bass, incredible mids and crystal clear treble. I mean it just filled the room. I could feel it. I was in awe. I heard vocal layers that I had not heard before in songs. It's weird but if you give yourself some space from it...5 to 10 feet away from it, that is the sweet spot where the music really all comes together. I guess maybe the waves hit the ears just perfectly at that distance. You can actually feel the bass in your chest when you crank it up! Holy cow, the sound is stunning. I also really appreciate the aesthetics of it. The leather is rich and classy and the stitching on the leather handle and the gold accents really present something you can be proud to leave on a shelf. Unlike the old-style "party boxes" with the dumb DJ lights that go back into the box and in a closet as soon as you are done using it. It's a home-style accessory which I love. If it stays out and is accessible...I use it more! I also really love the fact that it has a battery in it. Portability with ease! you can also plug it in and use it as well. When I first got it out of the box, I just pushed the Bluetooth button and immediately paired it with my phone so I did not explore the "smart features" yet. It worked great and paired fast. I like the notification sounds it produces when you turn it on and when it pairs. Fun. Played some Mallrat & Chainsmokers Wish on Eyelash, Queen, Zeplin, Taylor Swift, NWA, Ice Cube....just amazing!!!!! It has some padded legs it sits on and exposes a downward subwoofer that really puts it out now! With 8 hours of battery....That should cover just about any party. I played with it for about 3 hours and it was still more than halfway full of power. After my initial unboxing and running through the music, I downloaded the JBL one app. The QuickStart guide has a QR code that took me right to it and it downloaded quickly. After pairing with the unit it went through an update that said it would take 10 minutes but really took less than 2 and I was in business. The app is clean and really about setting up your Google assistant or Alexa. I am a google guy so I selected that and the app walked me to Google home and set up could not have been easier. It is really cool because with the Google Assistant...It's just like all my other google assistants around my house. "Hey Google, what’s the weather like tomorrow?" and she answers like normal but the tone of her voice is much fuller and the best I have ever heard it!!! Having it as a bonus Google assistant is really cool. I did notice though that within the JBL app Spotify is not a native selectable streaming service. So in essence, you can run the speaker through your phone just like a normal Bluetooth (which is what I will mostly do) or you can run it as a Google assistance and ask Google (which is onboard the speaker) to stream Spotify ect and use it as a Normal Google assistant or you can run the JBL app with one of the native streamers it offers. Lots of choices. The app will let you adjust bass and treble ect.. but that’s about it. It really seems to be the vehicle to allow you to set up the assistants, get updates and use one of their streaming apps. You cannot go wrong with the JBL Authentics 300! If is bar far the best portable speaker I have ever listened to. I love the looks but the real show is the amazing sound quality you can hear and feel! Just tremendous!

Wow does this thing deliver the goods! The JBL Authentic 300 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that provides you with many listening options, great sound and portability. The JBL Authentic 300 is a midsize and solid Bluetooth speaker with a retro look. On the bottom of the unit is a subwoofer that provides plenty of bass and doesn’t sound boomy in the least. The top of the speaker consists of three control nobs, volume, treble and bass and three buttons, a Bluetooth button, power button and favorite button. Around back there is a switch to enable google or Alexa for music streaming and a plug to attach the power cord, an AUX mini jack input, a USB-C input and an ethernet input. The nice thing is you can connect the unit with the power cord or use it with the 8-hour battery. Set up Set up is very straight forward using the JBL One app to connect the Wi-Fi and enable the smart providers, Google or Alexa. Through the One app you can stream music from your Smart Phone, Google or Alexa. The 300 also provides the ability to connect external sources through the AUX input or the USB-C input. To use the Smart apps, Google and Alexa the 300 must be powered on so the built-in microphone can hear your requests. The Sound and Use The JBL Authentic 300 provides room filling sound that is very pleasing and doesn’t sound strained or fatiguing to listen to. I started by streaming from iPhone to the 300 and the sound was very satisfying. By using the JBL One app you can tailor the sound using the included band equalizer. Whether listening to rock, jazz or pop music the quality of sound from the JBL Authentic 300 is outstanding. It doesn’t matter what source you listen to; the sound is excellent. It seems like the battery goes on forever. It is rated at 8 hours of use and I have been using it a couple of hours per day and it keeps going strong. The bad There really aren’t any bad things overall, but a weakness. The three nobs for the volume and tone control are simulated nobs that when turned to the right increase and when turned to the left it decreases the control of the tone or volume. It is more of a touch control than a traditional nob. The other thing that stands out to me is the overall heft or weight of the 300, this is not something that would be a big negative. Final thoughts This is a great speaker for sure and provides excellent sound from a solid device. I recommend it to anyone looking for a great portable Bluetooth speaker that provides room filling sound.

The JBL Authentics 300 speaker is a stunning combination of retro style and superior sound, providing a portable audio experience that can transform any corner of home. Starting with its design, this speaker boasts a gorgeous retro '70s-inspired look with a leather-like enclosure and the iconic Quadrex grille, making it a statement piece in any room. The attention to detail is evident in the cast-aluminum handle and the special JBL signature pattern on the down-firing passive radiator. This speaker doesn't just deliver incredible sound; it's a visual delight too. Setting up the speaker is a breeze. Download the app on your iOS or android device, power up the speaker, and follow the simple pairing instructions. Connecting to voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa is equally straightforward through the JBL app, allowing you to control your smart home devices and enjoy hands-free music playback with ease. A remarkable feature is the ability to invoke either assistant at any time. This means that you can ask Alexa to play your favorite playlist, and then someone else in your household can ask Google to pause or skip tracks. It's a convenient touch that adds flexibility to your voice control experience. The control buttons on the speaker are not only functional but also cool and easy to use. Plus, there's a microphone mute switch at the back for added privacy when you don't want to be heard all the time. Now, let's talk about the sound quality. It delivers an exceptional audio performance with a booming loudness and deep bass that's sure to impress. It features a pair of 25mm tweeters for crisp highs and a full-range 5.25-inch woofer, along with a down-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator for that rich, room-filling bass. No matter what type of music, this speaker ensures the perfect audio balance. A standout features is the built-in rechargeable battery, offering up to 8 hours of playtime. This, combined with the integrated carrying handle, makes it easy to take your music from room to room or even outside. It also supports multi-room playback, allowing you to place multiple speakers throughout your home and sync them for a seamless, synchronized audio experience. Additionally, the speaker offers multiple music streaming options via built-in Wi-Fi, including AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM), Chromecast built-in, and Spotify Connect. In conclusion, the JBL Authentics 300 is a visually striking speaker with exceptional sound quality, intuitive controls, and versatile voice assistant support. Its portability, multi-room playback, voice assistants, and user-friendly features make it an excellent addition to any home audio setup. Whether you're an audiophile or just looking to enhance your music experience, this speaker excels in both style and substance, and will make a statement in any room.

The JBL Authentics 300 is a cross between the old style speakers and a boombox. The overall look is elegant and definitely different than the typical speakers sold today. While the outside may look from days gone by the internal components and features are what you would expect from a smart speaker today. Whether you are streaming music using a voice assistant or the app on your phone this speaker is easy to use. JBL built in enough power for this speaker to liven up any party whether its inside the house, tailgating at the game or outside by the pool. Overall I really like the sound quality and portability. Pros: - Alexa and Google assistants built in - There is an easy to access Microphone switch with an led indicator - Simple to operate dials with indicator lighting - Clear Highs with a Strong Bass - Wifi and Bluetooth Capabilities - Rechargeable battery for portability - Ethernet, usb-c and 3.5 aux input ports on the back - Up to 8 hours battery life - Well constructed, feels very solid Cons: - You have to like the look and style - Because of the down-firing speaker it needs to sit on a solid surface - You cannot stand the speaker on its side due to the handle - Its heavy Setting up the speaker was easy. I downloaded the JBL One app to my iphone and followed the instructions to set up Bluetooth and wireless connectivity. I also set up the Alexa app following the steps provided. The JBL One app is fairly simplistic and easy to navigate. It allows you to control the speaker, set up a 3 point equalizer, set up a voice assistant and select from several different music streaming services. This speaker provides quite a punch with its 100w amplifier and down-firing speaker. The highs are clear and crisp and it provides lots of bass for such a small speaker. On top of the speaker there is a volume, bass and treble control knob and each has a lighted ring indicator for good feedback. The volume button also acts as a play/pause/forward/backward button. There is also a power button, a Bluetooth button and a “heart” button for accessing functions. The Alexa voice assistant worked without issue and I was able to stream music via Bluetooth and via Apple Airplay once the speaker was on my home network.

The JBL Authentics 300 portable smart speaker is something you will want to get if you want a loud, clear, and punchy speaker that has a style that is very unique in a market full of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth speakers. Just on the looks along, it screams classy retro with the wrapped leather sides and handle, retro looking grill, large volume/treble/bass knobs which add to the old school look. Picking up the speaker by the handle and you realize that this is no toy. A nice healthy weight to the package that will prevent the speaker from bouncing around when you are blaring the speaker. Bring this speaker outdoors and you will have no problem letting the neighborhood know what your musical tastes are. The most important part of a speaker is sound quality, and the JBL Acoustics 300 does not disappoint. Scroll through your Spotify playlists of rock, hip hop, rap, country, EDM and this speaker reproduces a loud projection with clarity. This this speaker has a down firing passive speaker and produces incredible bass if it is position correctly. If you suspend the speaker in the air, there is not much bass. Position the speaker on a hard floor in the corner of a few walls and be prepared to turn the bass down. All this while still maintaining accurate highs and lows. Again, everything about this speaker denotes premium feel and sound. The JBL Authentics 300 comes built in with both Google Home and Amazon Alexa. So, if your music service works with either Google Home or Amazon Alexa, you can just ask it to start playing because it is Wi-Fi connected. The JBL One app allows you to ensure the firmware is up to date and gives you more fine tuning of the different settings of the speaker such as EQ. Again, the two main reasons why you would get this speaker, sound and aesthetics, the JBL Authentics 300 does extremely well in a very portable package. Leave it plugged in or unplug it and bring it with you anywhere you want a conversation starter and amazing sound quality. It has been a week of usage and there are no signs of the battery dying early.

This is my first JBL product and I must say I am impressed! I've heard from other people how good JBL speakers are; I see that it's definitely true. What attracted me to this model of JBL the authentics 300; was the retro style, the nice looking metal handle and the leather-like enclosure. I really like that it has a built in rechargable battery that last 8 hours. So, that I'm not limited as to where I want to have my JBL authentics 300 speaker. I keep it in my bedroom however, I do tend to bring it to my kitchen or living room to jam out to music while cooking and while cleaning, doing chores. The JBL authentics 300 has really great features that I didn't think/know that speakers can have! JBL is definitely ahead of its game! I like the automatic self tuning; my speaker automatically calibrates for each location anytime I power up. The controls are very intuitive; it allows me to adjust the volume, bass and treble levels. I like that with my JBL authentics 300, I don't have to worry about adjusting anything manually all the time; I can use the Google assistant or Alexa to control my speaker with my voice! The application is very handy and easy to utilize to customize more options like EQ and settings. Overall, I have very happy with my JBL authentics 300; it's my first JBL product and it will not be my last. As a music lover this has taking my music to a whole another level. I am beyond happy with this!

The first thing I noticed with the JBL Authentics 300 speaker is how heavy it is. This may be an indication of how good the speaker is. The next thing I noticed is how many ways you can connect to the speakers, and what I love is how it has an ethernet port. As much as Wi-Fi is convenient, I still prefer to use ethernet. As mentioned, it has Wi-Fi. It also has Bluetooth. There is an auxiliary port as well as a USB-C port. This speaker is very versatile with many connections. In addition, it has Alexa and Google built in. I am having difficulties connecting it to my Alexa app. But my iPhone can see it as a device I can stream to. The speaker sounds great. I had to adjust the bass a little bit. It is on an Ikea shelf, and it vibrates it. But it is loud enough and sounds clear. I have it in my home office shed and it is perfect. My shed space is 8’x12’. I have been using Youtube Music on my iPhone streaming to it. I love the set up. There were some issues during installation but once I got it working, it is performing well. One thing to note that is a bit frustrating is the bluetooth and wifi connection. With wifi, it is part of the network. However my computers have difficulty connecting to it. It lists it on the devices but the indicator just spins and times out. For bluetooth, you will need to use the JBL app and connec to the bluetooth. It will then show as speakers on your music app. You cannot use the “native way” to connect to bluetooth to use it as speakers on iOS. I have tried reinstalling the app, restarting the phone, repairing the speakers. This part of the integration needs improvement. But as speakers, I like the sounds I hear from it.

JBL has been in the audio business for nearly a century, and the Authentics 300 is not only a retro design throwback, but also a testament to why they’ve stayed in business for so long. This beautifully designed portable Bluetooth speaker has a sleek exterior wrapped in black leather and accented with matte gold trim. There is a sturdy metal foldaway handle that’s also covered in leather except for its hinges. This makes it convenient to carry for portable use since it has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 8 hours of playback on a full charge. By default the speaker turns off after 1 hour of inactivity when on battery power, though you can change this to a shorter duration (30 or 15 minutes) or disable it altogether. The speaker is quite hefty though at nearly 11 lbs. The machined black aluminum control dials for volume, treble, and bass feature infinite-scrolling in both directions, though the indicator LEDs will let you know when you’ve reached the minimum or maximum settings. There are also silver LED-backlit Bluetooth, Power, and Heart buttons. A multi-function playback button sits in the center of the volume dial that can start/stop playback or skip tracks with double and triple presses. The deeply grooved waffle-style speaker grille is covered in a fine mesh fabric and produces a diffusion pattern that distributes the audio in all directions; despite its relatively small size this speaker can effectively fill a large room with sound with 100W output from two 25mm tweeters and full-range 5.25 inch woofer. It also has a down-firing 6.5 passive radiator on the underside of the unit that rounds out the sound and supports the mids and highs with surprisingly full bass. The bottom of the speaker is raised about 0.5 inch to allow the low frequencies to resonate out, and the rubber feet of the speaker are cleverly shaped with a raised center so that there are only two small points of contact on each, further isolating the speaker from the surface it sits on to prevent the transfer of unwanted vibrations. At the back of the speaker, the I/O panel has an RJ45 Ethernet port for a wired network connection, 3.5mm AUX input, USB-C output for charging your devices, and power input for use with the included power cable. Note that the USB-C port cannot be used for charging the speaker. Towards the top is a toggle switch for the dual-microphones used to interact with a voice assistant like Alexa or Google. Unfortunately, Siri isn’t an available option here. The mic toggle will display red or green, depending on whether the mic is muted or not. Connecting to the speaker wirelessly via Bluetooth is quick and straightforward, and you can start streaming audio to the speaker from your mobile device in minutes. However, if you want to unlock all its functionality, you’ll have use the JBL One app and connect the speaker to the internet over WiFi or Ethernet. In the app, you can link the speaker to your Amazon and Google accounts to enable their voice assistants; both services can be used on this speaker simultaneously using their respective wake words. You’ll also be able to link a handful of music streaming services including iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and TIDAL. In the JBL app is where you’ll also customize a “Moment” by selecting a playlist from a supported streaming service that plays when you press the “Heart” button on the controls. Note that you can only set up one “Moment” at a time, however, you can choose a default starting volume and auto shutoff time for this feature (up to an hour, in 15 minute increments) and change the selected playlist whenever you like. This speaker can be used with other networked speakers for multi-room or true stereo playback, in which a pair of speakers outputs only the left or right channels of a track. Multi-speaker streaming with our existing Alexa speakers was flawless and they were perfectly synced with no perceptible lag. The audio quality of the speaker is superb with crystal clear sound, sparkling trebles, and tight bass beats. Even at max volume there was very little distortion when playing genres like pop, classical, and jazz. The sound is well-rounded and although you can only adjust treble and bass using the physical dials, you can adjust the mid EQ in the JBL One app. Overall, the design of the Authentics 300 is clean, chic, and decidedly retro but with modern capabilities like wireless streaming and AI voice assistant integration. The sound is smooth and accurate, and it delivers a satisfying listening experience no matter where you’re situated in a room. You can control the speaker remotely via the app or voice commands and take it on-the-go, however, keep in mind that it’s not weatherproof as the exterior finishes aren’t the most durable.

The JBL Authentics 300 is a really cool retro looking speaker. I love the style of it. It takes me back to a time when things were made to last. The body of the cabinet is covered in a nice black, textured leather-like material that gives the speaker a quality look and feel. Combine that with the light gold trim on the front and handle hinge and you have a very sharp and clean look. The speaker grill likewise has a retro look to it. It looks like when grills used to be made out of black foam. This grill has that same look but is a lot sturdier and more rigid which feels like it will hold up very well to use. The handle is another plus. It too is covered in a stitched leather-like material. It has a simple hinge on each side that let you push it back out of the way when playing it, but pull it up for carrying. It's a sturdy handle that can easily carry all 10lbs of it's weight with confidence. The jacks on the back are all recessed to keep them safe. You have the AC input, a USB-C jack, a 3.5mm input jack and an RJ45 network jack. There's also a switch on the top rear of the back panel that let's you turn on or off the voice assistant feature. Underneath the cabinet are four arched rubber feet to help it stay where you put it and also isolate the sound. The top of the cabinet has three knobs. One for volume, and two more for tone (bass and treble). Each knob has an illuminated ring that lights up when making adjustments either by manually turning them or by using your phone. These serve as kind of virtual dials by lighting up more or less of the ring as you rotate the knobs to the right to increase, or the left to decrease. In the center of the volume knob, there's a push button that replicates basic transport controls. One press for pause/play, two presses for next track and three presses for last track. In addition to the knobs, there are three separate buttons. One is a power button to turn the speaker on and off, a second is a Bluetooth button used for pairing, and a third is what JBL refers to a a Moment button. This lets you set up favorite settings through the JBL ONE app. The top also includes an illuminated battery LED bar that shows the current battery life. Pairing was simple and it connected via Bluetooth the first time I tried it, no app needed. However, you do have the option of downloading the free JBL ONE app from your favorite app store. I do appreciate when the companion app is named something intuitive. This one is actually named JBL ONE, making it easy to find later. The app will show you what's playing and give you some transport controls. There's also a three band graphic equalizer which does help to fine tune the sound. You'll also find links to the manual as well as documentation on how to set up additional Authentics speakers for either stereo playback (using two individual speakers) or to have music playing in different areas of your house. It also includes various streaming apps to choose from. You will need the app to configure your Moment (favorite) settings and also to download and install any firmware updates (which it already did twice since I've been using it). Whether you like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, JBL has you covered. You can use either one, or both simultaneously. There's a small LED behind the front grill that will let you know the state of your voice assistant connection. You can also choose whether or not to use any assistants by switching the slider switch on the rear panel, either on or off. If you want to use a hardwire connection between your JBL Authentics 300 and a computer or phone, you have that option as well with the 3.5mm jack. If you like deep, punchy bass response, you won't be disappointed. The 300 delivers that in spades. On the bottom panel, there's a rubber insert that looks like it would be a subwoofer, except that the edges of it are sealed to the bottom panel making me think that it functions more as an active bass port. It does move in and out as a sub would. Either way, it definitely contributes to the bass you hear, and radiates in all directions. That being said, I found that placing the speaker on a hard flat surface works best as opposed to something like a table, although you can certainly do that, you get the best bass response from positioning it on the floor and having it several feet away. The midrange is very clear and not overpowering. The high end is also quite clean and doesn't make the overall sound come off as tinny. This of course can all be tuned to your liking with the graphic EQ in the app and with experimenting with speaker placement. For the most part, I listen to a wide variety of rock, but my tastes swing pretty wide into jazz, electronica, new age and acoustic. None of the different styles I listened to disappointed me in any way. I enjoyed everything I listened to and wanted to keep experimenting with the different styles I like. The sound quality is comparable with other JBL products I owned and heard over the past (too many years to admit to). My whole experience with the Authentics 300 was a very fun and satisfying one. I love the retro styling and colors. It's very portable and easy to carry and has a beautiful leather-like finish. The controls are intuitive and laid out well. There's just enough to let you feel nothing is missing, and not any extraneous buttons that make you think; what the heck does that button do? JBL has been in the speaker business for a long, long time, and it's a pleasure to see and hear this level of quality. You just feel that you've chosen something special from a respected audio manufacturer. Really nicely done.

In many circles of audiophiles, you will hear or read time and time again that function matters over form. “Looks be danged, as long as the speaker produces the best sound possible!” But what if, my dear readers, you could have both? What if it was possible, to have a Bluetooth speaker that, pound for pound, absolutely rocks a room with incredibly balanced and clear audio, while also being so aesthetically pleasing as to be welcomed to adorn the shelves, dressers, mantles, or tables of even the classiest of folks? Enter the JBL Authentics series and¬–more specifically–the JBL Authentics 300 that stands out as the absolute Goldilocks selection in this current triune Authentics lineup! I am in love with this speaker. Plain and simple. From the moment you open up the JBL packaging, you can tell that they care deeply about the presentation and heritage this Authentics series represents. On first handling the speaker and pulling it out of the box, I was stunned by its substantial heft and high-quality feeling materials and assemblage, all pointing again to the determination that this is not merely another boring black box to sit on the counter of some bachelor’s bathroom while they listen to their favorite podcast. This is a speaker that when placed in the center of my living room, drew our attention and admiration immediately. The setup was as simple as anyone could hope these days of wireless-connected audio products. I intuitively pressed the power button on top of the device and was greeted by 75% battery from the factory (according to the visual battery indicator) and the sound of a pleasant guitar riff on boot-up in place of the usual annoying beeps or robotic voice directions of other, lesser Bluetooth speakers. I opened my iPhone Bluetooth settings, pressed and held the Bluetooth button on the speaker for a few seconds, and was immediately able to find it in my Bluetooth devices and connect with ease. Then came that moment of holy ascension into the heaven of audio that washed over me like warm bath water after a chilly winter’s snowball fight. The trebles–crisp. The mids–present and blended. The bass–warm and impressively potent yet not overwhelming or overpowering of the rest of the audio mix. Present on top of the device are manual knobs for treble and bass, but I simply sat back on my couch and enjoyed the audio rolling over me while drinking in the visual, retro appeal of this most excellent speaker. All of this dramatic write-up aside, I want to convey in plain terms that this speaker is the best choice for anyone who wants a mature, good-looking speaker that has excellent utility as a dual-smart assistant capable speaker, while also having the deep pockets to pony up for this trendy device. I would never lie and pretend that there are no Bluetooth speakers half this price that sound as good if not better. But I will also pair this with the honest opinion that most of them look half or less as good concurrently. I will not sit here and write out a recitation of all of the stats and facts about this speaker that are already listed in the product descriptions and specifications but will mainly focus on some final points of praise and some points of improvement for the future of this device lineup. A point of praise is that this speaker is the perfect size and capability to be a good, multi-room transportable speaker with its substantial eight-hour battery life, while also being of a size and aesthetic to be perfect as a soundbar replacement for those inclined to use it as such. My wife and I use a portable projector setup as the “TV” in our room, for the rare times we feel like enjoying a movie or show in our bed. This Authentics 300 speaker, plugged into power, served its purpose perfectly over the course of my testing of connecting each time automatically I turned on the projector (and Xgimi Mogo 2 for those interested) and was a source of awe and praise for us as it turned our bedroom into a close facsimile of the full surround sound entertainment system we utilize in our living room. The only detractor that I can identify in this speaker is one that may be considerable for some and less for others: The speaker does not charge via the USB-C port, but via a power cable that, while not proprietary, certainly doesn’t have the kind of portability and universality that a truly on-the-go Bluetooth device would require. This is the same kind of double-barrel plug cable, though, that many consoles like the Sony PS4 use for their power, so you can find extras for less than 10 dollars online if you are concerned about portability! Alas, I think that for a device that, to my testing, uses less than 35 watts at peak power while charging, many of us would have preferred an external adapter with a USB-C cable, allowing us to trickle charge the device or buy additional adapters as needed (or charge with 35 watts PD cabled power stations), as opposed to having the AC adapter built into the device with this undeniably ugly cable serving as the only means to charge this speaker. That small but unavoidable irritation aside, I am happy to say that this speaker has earned its place in our home and hearts as a main go-to for all our music and portable external audio purposes. There are many soundbars that can perform admirably as music speakers, but there are not many portable Bluetooth speakers that can look this good and perform so well in that dual purpose! Furthermore, the addition of being able to set up this speaker to serve as an Alexa smart speaker (and/or Google Smart Assistance for those inclined) further increases its modern utility. Thanks for reading and I hope this review has helped to encourage any excitement you already may be stoking for the anticipation of choosing to buy this speaker!