The Authentics 200 is designed as a home speaker with a retro aesthetic, featuring a Quadrex grille and a leather-like enclosure. It’s a wired-only device, meaning it needs to be plugged into an AC outlet, and it doesn’t have a built-in battery, so it’s not meant for portability.
On the other hand, the JBL Charge 5 is built for durability and on-the-go use. It’s a portable Bluetooth speaker with a built-in battery that offers up to 20 hours of playtime, and it has an IP67 rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof. In terms of sound, the Authentics 200 delivers a more robust audio experience suitable for indoor listening, while the Charge 5 provides a balanced sound that’s ideal for outdoor activities.
Specs Comparison
The Authentics 200 has a retro design with a Quadrex grille and leather-like enclosure, making it a stylish addition to any room. It’s a home speaker that needs to be plugged into an AC outlet, so it’s not meant to be portable. On the other hand, the Charge 5 is built for portability. It’s a compact Bluetooth speaker with a built-in battery that offers up to 20 hours of playtime, and it’s waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating, making it perfect for outdoor use.
In terms of sound performance, the Authentics 200 delivers a powerful audio experience suitable for indoor listening. It features two 25mm tweeters and a 5-inch woofer, providing clear highs and deep bass. The Charge 5, while smaller, still offers impressive sound quality for its size. It has an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators, delivering rich and clear audio. However, due to its size, it may not match the depth and clarity of the Authentics 200 in a larger indoor setting.
When it comes to connectivity, the Authentics 200 offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options, allowing for versatile streaming. It also features built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, enabling hands-free control of your music and smart home devices. The JBL Charge 5 focuses on simplicity with Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to pair with your devices on the go. It also has a built-in power bank feature, allowing you to charge your devices while enjoying your music, which is a handy feature during outdoor activities.
Specs Table
Here’s a detailed comparison of the specifications between the JBL Authentics 200 and the JBL Charge 5:
| Specification | JBL Authentics 200 | JBL Charge 5 |
| Total Power Output | 90W RMS | 40W RMS |
| Drivers | 2 x 25mm tweeters 1 x 5-inch woofer 1 x 6-inch passive radiator | 1 x 52mm x 90mm woofer 1 x 20mm tweeter Dual passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz – 20kHz | 60Hz – 20kHz |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3 Ethernet 3.5mm AUX-in USB-C (service) | Bluetooth 5.1 USB-C (charging) |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant Amazon Alexa | Not applicable |
| Power Source | AC power (100–240V) | Built-in rechargeable battery |
| Battery Life | Not applicable | Up to 20 hours |
| Water Resistance | Not specified | IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4 mm | 223 x 96.5 x 94 mm |
| Weight | 3.4 kg | 0.96 kg |
Note: The JBL Authentics 200 is designed for stationary home use, featuring a retro aesthetic and advanced connectivity options, including built-in voice assistants. In contrast, the JBL Charge 5 is a portable speaker with a robust battery life and high durability, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Sound Comparison
The Authentics 200 delivers a frequency response from 55Hz to 20kHz with dual passive radiators designed for balanced sound in a compact package. The Charge 5, on the other hand, has a similar frequency range but comes with a more rugged design and higher output power suited for outdoor use. While both share portability and weather resistance features such as IP67 ratings, their different internal engineering hinted at how they might perform in various environments.
I started my review with “Hotel California” by Eagles to see how these speakers handle a mix of acoustic and electric guitars. On the Authentics 200 I appreciated clear vocals and a well-defined midrange. The sound felt intimate and controlled. Switching to the Charge 5 for the same track I noticed a more powerful bass and a bit more projection. The Charge 5 handled the guitar strums and backing instruments with more energy. Later when I played “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk I felt the Authentics 200 maintained a warm and precise tone while the Charge 5 offered a punchier low end and more lively highs (its dual drivers seemed to spread the sound wider).
The Authentics 200 has decent clarity and balanced audio in smaller settings. The Charge 5, tested with tracks like “Hotel California” and “Get Lucky”, delivered enhanced bass response and a room-filling quality more suitable for outdoor gatherings. While the Authentics 200 excels in providing a focused and intimate sound experience the Charge 5 brings a bit more power and breadth to its presentation.
Design Comparison
The Authentics 200 draws inspiration from JBL’s classic 1970s designs, featuring a Quadrex grille and a leather-like enclosure that exude a vintage charm. Its premium aluminum frame adds to its robust feel, making it a stylish addition to any home setting. However, it’s worth noting that the Authentics 200 is designed for stationary use, as it lacks a built-in battery and requires a constant AC power source. Its dimensions (266.3 x 171.7 x 167.4 mm) and weight (3.12 kg) further emphasize its role as a home audio device rather than a portable speaker.
In contrast, the JBL Charge 5 is built with portability and durability at its core. Its rugged design includes an IP67 rating, ensuring it’s both dust-tight and water-resistant, capable of withstanding submersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent companion for outdoor adventures. The Charge 5 is equipped with an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual passive radiators, delivering impressively rich and clear audio for its size. Its compact dimensions (22 x 9.6 x 9.3 cm) and lighter weight make it easy to carry around, and the built-in power bank feature allows you to charge other devices on the go.
The Verdict?
Ultimately, the Authentics 200 is better for home use with high-quality sound and smart connectivity, while the Charge 5 wins when it comes to portability and durability.
The Authentics 200 is a stylish home speaker with a vintage-inspired design, providing a powerful 100-watt output and rich, well-balanced sound. It supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it versatile for streaming, and it has built-in Alexa and Google Assistant for smart home control. However, it needs to stay plugged in, which limits its portability, and it lacks water or dust resistance, making it strictly a home speaker. If you’re looking for a stationary speaker that delivers high-quality sound with smart capabilities, the Authentics 200 is a great choice.
The JBL Charge 5, on the other hand, is built for portability and outdoor use. It has an IP67 rating, making it completely waterproof and dustproof, and its 20-hour battery life allows for all-day listening without needing to stay near a power source. While it doesn’t have the same depth and clarity as the Authentics 200, it still delivers strong bass and clear mids for its size. It’s also much easier to carry around, making it perfect for travel, beach trips, or outdoor gatherings. If you need a rugged, durable speaker that can go anywhere and handle different environments, the Charge 5 is the speaker that I would get.