The JBL Authentics 500 and the JBL Boombox 3 are top of the line speakers from JBL, with the Authentics 500 being the most powerful retro home speaker and the Boombox 3 the latest Boombox from JBL. The JBL Boombox 3 delivers a massive 180W of output power on AC mode, while the JBL Authentics 500 delivers an incredible 270W of output power with deep bass. Both speakers are bass-leaning and have a V-shaped sound signature, but the JBL Authentics 500 has the ability to deliver even louder sound performance and great sonic bass performance, making it one of the best speakers for bass heads.
The Authentics 500 is designed primarily for home use, featuring a retro-inspired design and delivering a powerful 270W output with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive audio experience. In contrast, the Boombox 3 is built for portability, providing a robust 180W output in AC mode and up to 136W in battery mode, with a design that includes a built-in handle for easy transport (it doesn’t have Dolby Atmos).
While the Authentics 500 requires a constant power source, the Boombox 3 features a substantial battery life, making it ideal for outdoor events. Additionally, the Authentics 500 integrates smart features like built-in voice assistants and Wi-Fi connectivity, whereas the Boombox 3 focuses on delivering high-quality Bluetooth audio on the go.
Specs Comparison
The Authentics 500 delivers a powerful 270W output through a 3.1-channel system, which includes three 1-inch aluminum dome tweeters, three 2.75-inch midrange drivers, and a 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer. This configuration combined with Dolby Atmos support, provides an immersive audio experience, especially if you are using this speaker to watch movies on the go.
In contrast, the Boombox 3 is built for portability and outdoor use. It comes with a sturdy metal handle and silicone grip, making it easy to carry around although the speaker is still quite heavy for its size. The Boombox 3 offers a 3-way speaker system, including a subwoofer, two midrange drivers, and two tweeters. When plugged into AC power, it delivers 80W to the subwoofer, 40W to each midrange driver, and 10W to each tweeter. In battery mode, the output adjusts to 60W for the subwoofer, 30W for each midrange driver, and 8W for each tweeter. This setup delivers deep bass and clear mids and highs, making it suitable for outdoor gatherings. Additionally, the Boombox 3 has an IP67 rating, making it waterproof and dustproof and offers up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge.
While both speakers deliver high-quality sound, their features cater to different needs. The Authentics 500 focuses on providing a high-fidelity, immersive listening experience at home, with smart features like built-in voice assistants and Wi-Fi connectivity. On the other hand, the Boombox 3 emphasizes portability and durability, making it ideal for users who want a powerful speaker they can take on the go. Its long battery life and rugged design make it well-suited for outdoor events and adventures.
Specs Table
Here’s a comparison of the JBL Authentics 500 and the JBL Boombox 3 portable speakers:
Feature | JBL Authentics 500 | JBL Boombox 3 |
Output Power | 270W RMS total output. – 3 x 25mm tweeters – 3 x 2.75-inch midrange drivers – 1 x 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer | – AC Mode: – 1 x 80W RMS subwoofer – 2 x 40W RMS midrange drivers – 2 x 10W RMS tweeters – Battery Mode: – 1 x 60W RMS subwoofer – 2 x 30W RMS midrange drivers – 2 x 8W RMS tweeters |
Frequency Response | 40Hz – 20kHz (-6dB) | 40Hz – 20kHz |
Battery Life | Not applicable (requires AC power) | Up to 24 hours |
Charging Time | Not applicable | Approximately 6.5 hours |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 374 x 234 x 200 mm | 482 x 256 x 200 mm |
Weight | 7.8 kg | 6.7 kg |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Waterproof Rating | Not specified | IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) |
Additional Features | – Dolby Atmos support – Wi-Fi connectivity – Built-in voice assistants (Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa) – Automatic self-calibration – Made with recycled materials | – Portable design with built-in handle – Powerbank function – PartyBoost for pairing multiple JBL speakers – Made with recycled materials |
In summary, the JBL Authentics 500 is a high-fidelity home speaker with substantial power output and smart features, ideal for immersive indoor listening. The JBL Boombox 3, while providing slightly lower power output, is designed for portability with a long-lasting battery and rugged, waterproof construction, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Read also: JBL Authentics 500 Review: Old School with Big Sound
Sound Comparison
The Authentics 500 (with its 3.1-channel design rated at 270 watts of total power) delivered a balanced sound that highlighted guitar details in Hotel California and allowed me to pick up subtle nuances in the drums. I noticed the vocals came through clearly, likely because of the dedicated drivers for midrange and highs, though the internal 5.25-inch woofer and 6.5-inch subwoofer gave enough punch in bass-heavy tracks without drowning out other frequencies. With Dolby Atmos enabled, this speaker could deliver a cinematic sound performance with really powerful deep bass and very good spatial imaging. The vocals on this speaker sounded crisp and very clean, and you even get a good sense of where the artist or instrumentalists are positioned just by listening to this speaker – the level of soundstage and separation that you get with the Authentics 500 is absolutely amazing.
I compared that to the Boombox 3 (which has a 3-way setup including dual 4-inch woofers) by playing the same tracks at similar volume levels. The Boombox 3 delivered a thicker low end during Blinding Lights and it created a rumble I could feel when bass kicked in. I liked that it maintained a fair amount of clarity in the vocals, though it leaned toward a warmer sound signature than the Authentics 500. The maximum power output felt strong as well, filling my living room with minimal distortion even when I turned up the volume for party-level listening.
I played Bad Guy by Billie Eilish to check sub-bass performance and I discovered the Authentics 500 offered a tighter punch while the Boombox 3’s bass resonated more throughout the space. The Authentics 500 felt more refined in how it separated vocals from the synth lines, and the Boombox 3 gave me a heavier thump that seemed best suited for dance or hip-hop. I also noticed that both handled softer passages well, though the Authentics 500 delivered slightly sharper high-frequency detail while the Boombox 3 created a fuller enveloping bass at lower volume levels.
Having said that, I did find that the bass on the Authentics 500 starts to shine at mid to high volume levels especially with Dolby Atmos turned on, and you get that level of soundstage and spatial imaging that makes your music feel very spacious and wide. Watching movies on the Authentics 500 is also an incredible experience, and we could hear bass notes that clearly resonated with good depth (the kind of bass that you’d expect from something like the Sonos sub). The Authentics 500 is definitely a speaker that’s great for music listening especially with the right listening codecs.
Design Comparison
The Authentics 500 has a retro-inspired look with its textured leather-like finish and signature Quadrex grille. It feels like a statement piece that blends well into a home setting, giving off a premium and nostalgic vibe. On the other hand, the Boombox 3 takes a more rugged and functional approach. It has a sturdy metal handle with silicone grips that make it easy to carry, and the overall design feels tough enough to handle outdoor adventures – it’s not the kind of speaker that you would listen to in a home setting as it’s designed for outdoor use.
When I compare these two speakers to others in a similar price range, the Sonos Era 300 and the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin come to mind. The Sonos Era 300 has a clean and modern look, designed with spatial audio in mind, while the Zeppelin has an elegant, elongated design that feels more high-end and sophisticated. The Authentics 500, at 7.8 kg, has a solid and hefty build that feels similar to the Zeppelin in terms of premium construction. The Boombox 3, weighing in at 6.7 kg, is built for durability and portability, which reminds me a bit of the Era 300’s sturdy yet stylish approach.
If you want something that looks stylish in your living room and delivers a powerful sound, the Authentics 500 is a great pick. If you’re after a speaker that you can easily take with you and use in different settings without worrying too much, the Boombox 3 makes more sense. Compared to competitors like Sonos and Bowers & Wilkins, I feel the Authentics 500 brings something unique with its vintage-inspired design, while the Boombox 3 offers a more practical and adventure-ready alternative.
The Verdict?
If you are looking for a powerful home speaker that can deliver a lot of bass, soundstage and retro vibes, the JBL Authentics 500 is definitely the speaker you should get. This speaker delivers a massive 270W of output power and the bass has plenty of punch and depth, especially if you use Dolby Atmos with this speaker. The Authentics 500 is the kind of speaker that you would use to listen to live jazz performances and take in all the details with really smooth and crisp vocals; it’s a great speaker to test out your music soundtracks and get deep low-end bass that punches deep with plenty of depth (the speaker comes with a built-in subwoofer).
In comparison, the JBL Boombox 3 is a speaker that you would get if you want a speaker to bring outdoors to the poolside party or go the beach. The Boombox 3 speaker is IP67 waterproof and even floats on water, and is designed to be durable. The JBL Boombox 3 also comes with a built-in battery that provides up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, although it also has the ability to run on AC power. While the JBL Boombox 3 lacks Dolby Atmos and built-in voice assistants, it is still a formidable outdoor party speaker can delivers a massive 180W of output power on AC mode. If you are looking for a speaker to take outdoors, the JBL Boombox 3 is a great choice.