The Authentics 300 has a stylish retro design and is best suited for home use, offering both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming for easy connectivity. It delivers a powerful, forward sound, making it great for those who love bold audio. However, it’s not very portable, lacks water resistance, and has a shorter battery life, so it’s not the best choice for on-the-go listening.
On the other hand, the JBL Xtreme 4 is made for outdoor use and delivers deep bass performance. It’s rugged, waterproof, and dustproof, making it perfect for outdoor use. With a well-balanced sound and deep bass, it delivers great audio in any setting. Plus, its long battery life means you can keep the music going for hours without worrying about charging.
If you’re looking for a stylish, home-friendly speaker with Wi-Fi streaming and rich sound, the Authentics 300 is a great pick. But if you need something durable, portable, and built to handle the elements, the Xtreme 4 is the better choice.
Specs Comparison
The JBL Authentics 300 comes with a retro-inspired design, featuring a Quadrex grille and a leatherlike enclosure. This speaker is equipped with dual 25mm tweeters and a 5.25-inch woofer, delivering a total output of 100 watts. It offers both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for versatile streaming options. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 8 hours of playtime, and the integrated carrying handle adds a touch of portability. However, it’s important to note that the Authentics 300 lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, making it more suitable for indoor use.
In contrast, the JBL Xtreme 4 is built for outdoor adventures and is fully waterproof. It features a rugged design with rubber bumpers and comes with a convenient shoulder strap for easy transport. The speaker houses dual 2.8-inch woofers and dual 0.7-inch tweeters, delivering a combined output of 100 watts in AC power mode and slightly less when operating on battery power. With an IP67 rating, the Xtreme 4 is both waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for various environments. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 24 hours of continuous playback, and it includes a built-in power bank to charge other devices on the go. If you’re seeking a stylish, home-friendly speaker with Wi-Fi capabilities and a classic aesthetic, the JBL Authentics 300 is a great choice.
Specs Table
Certainly, here’s a detailed comparison of the specifications between the JBL Authentics 300 and the JBL Xtreme 4:
| Specification | JBL Authentics 300 | JBL Xtreme 4 |
| Design | Retro-inspired with Quadrex grille and leatherlike enclosure; includes a carrying handle | Rugged design with rubber bumpers; includes a shoulder strap with built-in bottle opener |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 13.46″ x 7.7″ x 7.1″ (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 11.69″ x 5.87″ x 5.55″ (297 x 149 x 141 mm) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg) |
| Transducers | 2 x 25mm tweeters, 1 x 5.25″ woofer, 1 x 6.5″ down-firing passive radiator | 2 x 2.8″ woofers, 2 x 0.75″ tweeters, dual passive radiators |
| Power Output | 100W total | AC mode: 2 x 30W (woofers) + 2 x 20W (tweeters); Battery mode: 2 x 20W (woofers) + 2 x 15W (tweeters) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz – 20kHz | 44Hz – 20kHz |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours | Up to 24 hours; additional 6 hours with Playtime Boost |
| Charging Time | <3.5 hours | 3.5 hours; 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playback |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, USB-C (USB playback available in US version) | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa (simultaneous use) | Not available |
| Water and Dust Resistance | No official IP rating | IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) |
| Additional Features | Automatic self-tuning, multi-room playback, made with recycled materials | AI Sound Boost, built-in power bank, replaceable battery (sold separately), JBL Portable app support, Auracast for multi-speaker connection |
Sound Comparison
To test the sound of both speakers, I started with “Hotel California” by The Eagles to gauge detail and instrument separation. The Authentics 300 delivered a rich and forward sound with crisp highs and deep lows. The guitar plucks in the intro felt distinct, and the bass line had a warm presence. The Xtreme 4, while powerful, leaned towards a more balanced sound with slightly less definition in the midrange. The treble wasn’t as airy as the Authentics 300, but the bass had a solid punch, which made the song enjoyable in an outdoor setting.
Switching to something more electronic, I played “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia to test bass depth and vocal clarity. The Authentics 300 produced a tight and controlled low end, never overpowering the vocals. Sia’s voice remained front and center with great clarity, though the bass lacked some of the sub-bass depth I expected. The Xtreme 4, on the other hand, had a more energetic presentation, making the song feel dynamic. The bass thumped harder, which was fun for a party vibe, but at higher volumes, it slightly masked the mids. The Xtreme 4’s soundstage felt slightly wider, possibly due to its design and driver placement.
To test live recordings, I played “Bohemian Rhapsody (Live at Wembley)” by Queen, focusing on vocal layering and crowd ambiance. The Authentics 300 excelled in capturing the depth of Freddie Mercury’s voice, with every vocal nuance shining through. The sound had weight, and the layered harmonies were well-separated. The Xtreme 4 delivered a more immersive feel due to its wider dispersion, making it better for an outdoor setting where sound needs to travel. However, some of the finer vocal textures didn’t feel as detailed as on the Authentics 300.
I would say that the Authentics 300 had the edge in clarity and precision, while the JBL Xtreme 4 provided a fuller, more party-friendly experience with punchy bass beats.
Design Comparison
The Authentics 300 draws inspiration from JBL’s classic 1970s designs, featuring a grid-patterned foam grille reminiscent of that era. Its black faux-leather grain lining, complemented by gold-tinted metallic accents, gives it a vintage aesthetic. The cast-aluminum handle, with its stitched edges, not only adds to its retro charm but also provides portability. However, weighing nearly 11 pounds and measuring 13.5 inches in width, it’s more suited for stationary home use rather than on-the-go activities. The absence of an official IP rating means it’s best kept indoors, away from potential exposure to water or dust.
In contrast, the JBL Xtreme 4 is designed with outdoor adventures in mind. Its rugged build includes rubber bumpers and a sturdy mesh exterior, ensuring durability. The IP67 rating certifies it as both dust-tight and waterproof, capable of withstanding submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. Weighing approximately 4.63 pounds and featuring a removable shoulder strap (which includes a built-in bottle opener), it’s convenient to carry to various outdoor events. The addition of silicone bubble feet at the base enhances stability, reducing the risk of it rolling over on uneven surfaces.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Authentics 300 is the better choice for home use, offering a stylish retro design, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a rich detailed sound profile that excels in clarity and precision. It’s designed for those who appreciate a more immersive listening experience in a stationary setup, with a focus on high-quality sound and smart features like built-in voice assistants. However, its lack of an official water and dust resistance rating, along with a shorter battery life, makes it less practical for outdoor or travel use and its not a speaker that you would take for outdoor use.
The JBL Xtreme 4 is the better option for those who want a speaker that can handle outdoor adventures. It delivers a powerful and energetic sound with deep bass, making it ideal for parties, beach trips, and other on-the-go activities. With an IP67 rating, it’s fully waterproof and dustproof, and its 24-hour battery life makes it far more portable. While it doesn’t offer the same level of audio detail as the Authentics 300, its wider dispersion and stronger low-end response make it more suited for open spaces. If you want a speaker that can travel with you and keep up with an active lifestyle, the Xtreme 4 is the more practical choice.