The Authentics 200 has a stylish retro vibe with its Quadrex grille and leather-like finish, making it a great fit for someone who loves a vintage aesthetic. It delivers 90 watts of power with a 5-inch woofer and two 25mm tweeters, producing rich and balanced sound with solid bass. One of its standout features is the ability to use both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time, which adds a lot of flexibility for smart home control.
On the other hand, the Sonos Era 300 has a modern and sleek design and is designed to deliver immersive spatial audio (it works best when integrated with a Sonos sound system). It packs multiple drivers that spread sound in different directions to create a more enveloping listening experience. However, it only supports Amazon Alexa, leaving out Google Assistant, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Both speakers come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but the Era 300 focuses heavily on delivering a futuristic audio experience, while the Authentics 200 sticks to a more classic and powerful sound profile.
If you’re into retro design and deep bass, the Authentics 200 might be the better pick, but if you’re looking for cutting-edge spatial audio in a modern package, the Era 300 has a lot to offer.
Specs Comparison
The Authentics 200 delivers 90W RMS output through a 5-inch woofer and two 25mm tweeters, providing a balanced stereo sound. It features a retro design with a Quadrex grille and a custom leather-like enclosure, appealing to those who appreciate a vintage aesthetic. This speaker supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously, providing flexibility in voice control. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, and USB-C (service only). The Authentics 200 is AC-powered, making it suitable for stationary home use.
In contrast, the Sonos Era 300 is designed to deliver immersive spatial audio, featuring six drivers: four tweeters (one forward-firing, two side-firing, one upward-firing) and two woofers angled left and right for stereo playback. This configuration supports Dolby Atmos, creating a three-dimensional soundstage. The Era 300 has a modern design and supports Amazon Alexa for voice control, but lacks Google Assistant integration. It offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, with a USB-C line-in option (adapter required) for connecting external audio sources. Like the Authentics 200, the Era 300 is mains-powered, designed for home use.
Table Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the key specifications between the JBL Authentics 200 and the Sonos Era 300:
| Specification | JBL Authentics 200 | Sonos Era 300 |
| Power Output | 90W RMS | Not specified |
| Transducers | 1 x 5″ woofer, 2 x 25mm tweeters | 4 tweeters (1 forward-firing, 2 side-firing, 1 upward-firing), 2 woofers |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz – 20kHz (-6dB) | Not specified |
| Amplifiers | Not specified | 6 Class-D digital amplifiers |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, USB-C (service only) | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C line-in (adapter required) |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (simultaneous use) | Amazon Alexa |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 171.7 mm x 266.3 mm x 167.4 mm | 160 mm x 260 mm x 185 mm |
| Weight | 3.12 kg | 4.47 kg |
| Design | Retro-inspired with Quadrex grille and leather-like enclosure | Modern design optimized for spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support |
| Power Supply | AC-powered (100–240V AC, 50/60Hz) | AC-powered (100–240V AC, 50/60Hz) |
The JBL Authentics 200 offers a retro design with dual voice assistant support and a balanced stereo sound, making it a great choice for those who appreciate vintage aesthetics. The Sonos Era 300, on the other hand, focuses on delivering immersive spatial audio with a sleek modern design and advanced Dolby Atmos support, appealing to users looking for a futuristic listening experience.
Sound Comparison
I tested both speakers with “Time (Pink Floyd)” “Blinding Lights (The Weeknd)” and “Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)” because I wanted to hear how each speaker handled classic rock nuances and modern pop production. I started each track at a moderate volume to gauge midrange clarity and vocal presence then pushed them closer to their limits to explore how they dealt with heavier bass or intricate layers. The Era 300 used multiple drivers (front, side, and upward-firing [aimed at creating an immersive soundfield]) whereas the Authentics 200 combined a 5.25-inch woofer with two tweeters for a more straightforward stereo approach.
I noticed that “Time” came through with a broad sonic image on the Era 300 which let me pick out different echoes and layers of the track in my living room. The upward-firing driver lent a sense of height to some of the background effects though I had to place the speaker carefully to make the most of that feature. The Authentics 200 seemed to focus more on balanced midrange and a smooth transition to the low end and I felt the bass drum resonated well without overshadowing the ringing clocks or the guitar lines. When I switched to “Blinding Lights” the Sonos speaker gave me a crisp top end that emphasized the catchy synth lines while the Authentics 200 maintained a thicker bass presence.
Both speakers handled that iconic bass line in Billie Jean quite decently and I felt that the Authentics 200 delivered a punchier response though it lacked the spaciousness of the Era 300’s driver array. The Sonos model offered a wider stereo image that filled my room more completely, especially at moderate volumes, and I heard a bit more clarity in the percussion. The Authentics 200 felt more direct and made Michael Jackson’s voice sit prominently in the center of the mix which I liked for vocal-heavy genres. In the end I saw the Era 300 as the more immersive choice for those who want a bigger sense of space while the Authentics 200 delivered a straightforward and warm presentation that still impressed me with its bass handling.
Design Comparison
The Authentics 200 had a boxy shape with a retro-inspired grille on the front and a glossy top panel (where I spotted touch controls that felt responsive). It used a 5.25-inch woofer and two 1-inch tweeters, and I noticed a mix of metal and plastic at the edges that seemed to provide good protection if I needed to move it. The Era 300 had a more sculpted exterior with curved surfaces that made it look modern, and it included multiple drivers facing different angles. It felt heavier in my hands, partly because of its internal components designed for spatial audio. I found the plastic casing to be dense enough to handle occasional bumps, though it had fewer visible seams compared to the Authentics 200 which gave it a sleek appearance. Both speakers relied on rubber pads on the bottom for stability and neither felt wobbly when I set them on my wooden shelf.
I compared them with other speakers in a similar price range (like the Marshall Stanmore III and the Apple HomePod 2nd gen) and noticed that the Authentics 200 shared a slightly classic vibe with the Marshall, though the Stanmore III used more leather-like material around its body. The Apple HomePod felt a bit smaller but had a similar smooth exterior to the Sonos model. I liked that the Authentics 200 had a retro flair (with a distinct grille) while the Era 300 gave me a futuristic design that seemed aimed at immersive audio. Both felt well-built in their own ways, so it came down to whether I preferred a more traditional or modern look. I found that the Authentics 200 was easier to blend into an older Hi-Fi setup, and the Era 300 complemented my contemporary living room furniture and devices.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Authentics 200 brings a vintage retro-inspired design with its Quadrex grille and leather-like enclosure, making it a stylish retro addition to any home. It delivers 100 watts of power with strong, balanced sound and supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for flexible streaming. Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant allow for hands-free control, making it a smart speaker as much as an audio powerhouse. However, it needs to stay plugged in, so it’s meant for a stationary setup rather than a portable one. It also doesn’t support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, focusing instead on a classic stereo sound experience.
The Sonos Era 300, on the other hand, is built for those who want immersive room-filling audio. Its unique hourglass-shaped design is engineered to project sound in multiple directions, supporting Dolby Atmos for a more three-dimensional listening experience. Like other Sonos speakers, it connects seamlessly to a multi-room setup, making it ideal for users already in the Sonos ecosystem. While it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it doesn’t have a built-in battery, so it’s still a home speaker rather than a truly portable one. The sound is more spacious and dynamic compared to the Authentics 200, but it doesn’t have the same nostalgic appeal in terms of design. If you love the idea of a smart speaker with a classic aesthetic and rich stereo sound, the Authentics 200 is a great pick. But if you want a speaker that pushes the boundaries with spatial audio and seamless Sonos integration, the Era 300 is the better choice.