The Authentics 300 features a retro design with a Quadrex grille and faux leather finish, delivering a bold and assertive sound profile. It supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously, allowing flexible voice control. However, it lacks a dedicated multi-room ecosystem within the JBL One app, relying instead on Google Home and Amazon Alexa for grouping speakers.
In contrast, the Sonos Move 2 offers a more modern aesthetic and integrates seamlessly into the Sonos multi-room system, providing robust connectivity options. While the Move 2 supports voice assistants, it may not offer the same dual-assistant functionality as the Authentics 300. Additionally, the Move 2 is designed with portability in mind, featuring a built-in handle and a more compact form factor, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The JBL Authentics 300 appeals to those who appreciate a vintage look and dual voice assistant capabilities, whereas the Sonos Move 2 is ideal for users seeking seamless integration into a multi-room system with a focus on portability.
Specs Comparison
The Authentics 300 has a cool retro vibe with its leather-like exterior and that classic Quadrex grille, which gives it a vintage feel that fits right into a stylish home setup. It packs a solid 100W RMS power with two tweeters and a 5.25-inch woofer, delivering a frequency range from 45Hz to 20kHz. It’s got both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3, which makes streaming pretty flexible, and it supports Google Assistant and Alexa right out of the box. I did find that the Authentics 300 is not really built for outdoor adventures since it doesn’t have an official water or dust resistance rating.
The Sonos Move 2, on the other hand, takes a more modern approach with a sleek, durable design that works just as well outdoors as it does indoors. It offers stereo sound with two tweeters and a mid-woofer, all powered by three Class-D digital amps that deliver great clarity and depth. What really stands out is its portability, with a built-in handle and up to 24 hours of battery life—way more than the Authentics 300. Plus, with an IP56 rating, it can handle splashes and dust without a problem. Connectivity-wise, it sticks with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 and supports Amazon Alexa and Sonos’ own voice control system.
If I were choosing between the two, I’d say the Authentics 300 is perfect if you love that vintage aesthetic and want a solid indoor speaker with great sound and smart assistant features. But if I needed something that could go from my living room to the backyard without missing a beat, the Sonos Move 2 would be the better fit with its portability, battery life, and rugged build.
Specs Table
Here’s a comparison of the specifications between the JBL Authentics 300 and the Sonos Move 2:
| Feature | JBL Authentics 300 | Sonos Move 2 |
| Total Power Output | 100W RMS | Not specified |
| Transducers | 2 x 25mm tweeters 1 x 5.25″ woofer 1 x 6.5″ passive radiator | 2 x angled tweeters 1 x mid-woofer |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz – 20kHz | Not specified |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3.5 hours | Not specified |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 195.6 x 342 x 180.3 mm | 241 x 160 x 127 mm |
| Weight | 4.9 kg | 3 kg |
| Water Resistance | Not specified | IP56 (resistant to water and dust) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, USB, AUX-in | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C |
| Voice Assistants | Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control |
| Design | Retro ’70s-inspired with leather-like enclosure and metal handle | Modern design with durable build and built-in handle |
Note: The JBL Authentics 300 is designed for indoor use with smart features and versatile connectivity options, while the Sonos Move 2 is built for portability and durability, suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Sound Comparison
The Authentics 300 has a frequency response of 50Hz to 20kHz with dual passive radiators that emphasize portability and balanced sound. In contrast the Sonos Move 2 covers a frequency range from around 55Hz to 20kHz with multiple drivers that create a wider soundstage. Both speakers are designed for portability but their specifications hint at different strengths. While the Authentics 300 is more compact and straightforward in its output, the Move 2 comes with integrated smart features and weather resistance (IP56) that suit varied environments.
I started my tests with “Africa” by Toto to see how each speaker handles complex musical arrangements. The JBL Authentics 300 delivered clear vocals and a punchy midrange that made the percussion feel lively. The dual radiators provided a tight low end but I felt the sound remained intimate rather than wide. Switching to the Sonos Move 2 for the same track, I noticed a more spacious presentation with a richer bass response that filled the room more effectively. The Move 2 kept the vocals crisp while its additional drivers spread the sound across a larger area. When I played “Hotel California” by Eagles I sensed that the Move 2 offered more dynamic range and a fuller ambience whereas the Authentics 300 maintained a controlled and balanced tone.
On the whole, the Authentics 300 felt like a vintage speaker designed for personal listening that accurately reproduced the midrange and vocals without distortion. The Sonos Move 2, tested with tracks like “Africa” by Toto and “Hotel California” by Eagles, delivered an expansive sound experience with deeper bass and a more immersive atmosphere. While the Authentics 300 provides a compact and focused output, the Move 2 excels in creating a larger soundstage and handling dynamic shifts.
Design Comparison
The Authentics 300 has this retro charm that feels like a nod to the classic JBL speakers from the ‘70s with its Quadrex grille and faux leather wrapping. It’s got a solid, vintage vibe with gold-tinted aluminum trim that makes it a perfect fit for a stylish home setup. But at around 4.9 kg, it’s pretty heavy, so it’s not something I’d want to move around too often. It feels more like a speaker that belongs in a cozy corner of the house rather than something I’d take outside. The top panel has these nice dials for adjusting volume, bass, and treble, which makes it easy to fine-tune the sound to my liking.
The Sonos Move 2, on the other hand has got a sleek, minimalist design with a built-in handle that makes carrying it around much easier. At around 3 kg, it’s lighter than the Authentics 300, which makes it a lot more practical for moving from room to room or even taking it outside. And with an IP56 rating, it’s resistant to water and dust, so I wouldn’t have to worry about a little rain or sand getting in the way. It blends into different spaces easily, whether it’s indoors or out on the patio.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Authentics 300 is designed for home use with a stylish retro look, bold sound, and support for both Google Assistant and Alexa. It delivers rich audio with strong bass and clear highs, making it great for indoor listening. However, with no official water or dust resistance and only 8 hours of battery life, it’s not the best option for outdoor or travel use. It feels more like a stationary speaker that can be moved around when needed rather than a truly portable one.
The Sonos Move 2 is built for versatility, offering an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance and a much longer 24-hour battery life. Its automatic Trueplay tuning adjusts the sound based on the environment, making it a strong choice for both indoor and outdoor listening. While it lacks Google Assistant support and relies on a charging dock rather than a traditional charging port, its seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem makes it a great pick for those who already own Sonos products. If you need a stylish, smart home speaker, the Authentics 300 is a solid option, but for portability, durability, and long battery life, the Move 2 is the better choice.