The Authentics 300 has this cool retro vibe with its leather-like enclosure and the signature Quadrex grille that gives it a vintage feel. It’s got some serious power too, pushing out 100 watts RMS with two tweeters and a 5.25-inch woofer, covering a nice range from 45Hz to 20kHz. This speaker comes equipped with smart features—built-in Google Assistant and Alexa, plus both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. It’s great for someone who wants a speaker that looks stylish in a living room but also works seamlessly with voice commands and smart home setups. The only downside is that it’s not really built for outdoor use since it doesn’t have an official water or dust resistance rating.
The Marshall Acton 3, on the other hand, has a classy vintage design and feels more like a tribute to classic rock ‘n’ roll culture with its iconic amp-inspired design. The textured vinyl cover, salt-and-pepper fret, and the signature Marshall logo make it look like something straight out of a music studio. It’s got a lower power output compared to the Authentics 300, with 60 watts split between a 30-watt woofer and two 15-watt tweeters, but it still delivers that punchy Marshall sound that’s warm and rich. It uses Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless streaming and even has a 3.5mm input for wired connections, which is great if I want to plug in an old-school source. There’s no built-in voice assistant or Wi-Fi, so it’s more about simplicity and getting straight to the music without the extra smart features.
Personally, the JBL Authentics 300 feels like the better choice if I’m looking for something versatile with modern features and powerful sound. But if I just want a beautifully designed speaker with that classic Marshall aesthetic and a more straightforward listening experience, the Acton 3 would be a solid pick.
Specs Table
Here’s a comparison of the specifications between the JBL Authentics 300 and the Marshall Acton III:
| Feature | JBL Authentics 300 | Marshall Acton III |
| Total Power Output | 100W RMS | 60W RMS |
| Transducers | 2 x 25mm tweeters 1 x 5.25″ woofer 1 x 6.5″ passive radiator | 1 x 30W Class D amplifier for the woofer 2 x 15W Class D amplifiers for the tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz – 20kHz | 45Hz – 20kHz |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours | Not applicable (no built-in battery) |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3.5 hours | Not applicable |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm | 260 x 170 x 150 mm |
| Weight | 4.9 kg | 2.85 kg |
| Water Resistance | Not specified | Not water-resistant |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, USB, AUX-in | Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm input |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa | Not supported |
| Design | Retro ’70s-inspired with leather-like enclosure and metal handle | Classic Marshall design with textured vinyl covering and signature script logo |
Note: The JBL Authentics 300 features a built-in rechargeable battery, making it portable with up to 8 hours of playtime, whereas the Marshall Acton III does not include a built-in battery and is designed for stationary use.
Sound Comparison
The JBL Authentics 300 and the Marshall Acton 3 offered distinct sound profiles when I put them side by side. The Authentics 300 features a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz with dual passive radiators and two main drivers in a portable design. In contrast the Marshall Acton 3 provides a similar frequency range and utilizes a traditional bookshelf structure with well-matched drivers and a tweeter. While the Authentics 300 is built for portability with a more compact form factor, the Acton 3 is designed for stationary use with a focus on delivering a rich and full sound in a larger room. Both speakers operate around the same power output but their design philosophies hint at differences in sound presentation.
I started testing with “Come Together” by The Beatles to evaluate how they handle classic rock. On the JBL Authentics 300 I noticed clear vocals and punchy midrange that suited the track well. The bass was tight and well-controlled, though it didn’t push the lows too far down. When I switched to the Marshall Acton 3 I felt a warmer tone with a bit more depth in the bass and a fuller midrange. The Acton 3 delivered the rhythmic elements of the song with a comfortable heft that filled my small room. Listening to “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish highlighted these differences further. The Authentics 300 maintained a balanced approach with emphasis on clarity and detail. The Acton 3 provided a darker tone with smoother highs that softened the edges of the song (making it feel more intimate).
Comparing the two, I found that the JBL Authentics 300 excels in portability and clear reproduction of vocals which makes it great for on-the-go listening. The Marshall Acton 3, with its classic design and robust drivers, delivered a richer ambience and deeper bass that felt more suited to a home environment. Both speakers met their specifications well. The Authentics 300 provided a reliable and balanced sound while the Acton 3 offered a more engaging experience with its warm and fuller tones.
Design Comparison
The Authentics 300 has this cool retro look that takes me back to the ’70s with its grid-patterned foam grille, which reminds me of JBL’s iconic L100 speakers. The faux leather wrap and gold-tinted metal accents give it a classy, vintage feel that fits perfectly in a stylish home setup. It’s a pretty substantial speaker, measuring about 13.5 inches wide and weighing close to 11 pounds, so it’s definitely not something I’d want to move around too much. The top panel is designed with large dials for volume, bass, and treble, which makes adjusting the sound feel really intuitive and satisfying.
The Marshall Acton III, on the other hand, has that unmistakable Marshall amp-inspired design that feels straight out of a rock concert. The textured vinyl covering, the salt-and-pepper fret, and the classic script logo all make it feel like a piece of music history. It’s a lot more compact than the Authentics 300, measuring just over 10 inches wide and weighing about 5 pounds, which makes it easier to fit into smaller spaces. Despite its size, it still delivers solid sound with a 30W woofer and two 15W tweeters that give it a total output of 60W RMS. It’s perfect for someone who loves that vintage rock aesthetic but doesn’t want a huge speaker taking up space.
Looking at other options in a similar price range, the Sonos Move 2 is another interesting choice. It’s got a sleek, modern design with a built-in handle that makes it super easy to carry around, and with an IP56 rating, it’s built to handle outdoor conditions. But unlike the Authentics 300 and the Acton III, it doesn’t have that same vintage charm. It’s more about practicality and versatility than making a statement with its looks.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Authentics 300 delivers a powerful 100-watt sound with deep bass and crisp highs, making it a great choice for those who want a bold, room-filling audio experience. It supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming, giving it more flexibility for smart home integration. With built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, it works well as a voice-controlled speaker. It also has a built-in battery with up to 8 hours of playtime, making it more versatile for occasional portability. However, its larger size and weight mean it’s not the most convenient speaker to move around frequently.
The Marshall Acton 3, on the other hand, is all about simplicity and classic style. Its compact size and signature Marshall design make it a great fit for any room, especially for those who love the look of vintage amplifiers. With an 80-watt output, it delivers clear and punchy audio, but it lacks the same depth and versatility as the Authentics 300. The Acton 3 only supports Bluetooth 5.2, with no Wi-Fi or built-in voice assistants, which means it’s purely a Bluetooth speaker without smart functionality. It also needs to be plugged in at all times since it doesn’t have a built-in battery. If you want a stylish, no-fuss home speaker with good sound, the Acton 3 is a solid pick, but if you’re looking for something with more power, smart connectivity, and occasional portability, the Authentics 300 is the better choice.