JBL – Authentics 300 Smart Home Speaker – Black

141 reviews for JBL – Authentics 300 Smart Home Speaker – Black

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   JC1503 – 3 October 2024

   I have a few portable speakers…I just really like having them around the house and being able to take them anywhere with me as needed. I really like to use them for ambient music at get-togethers, working in the garage and when I’m making breakfast on a Saturday morning ect. I really like how they can set the mood without dominating the conversations. I find portable speakers really hit that niche for me. I want premium sound but not like my 5.1 surround sound system or the isolation from everyone of having to wear earphones. I have noticed (or at least it seems to me) that in the last couple of years or so the portable speaker market has really begun to evolve. I mean there are some high-end makers developing some pretty amazing soundscapes in a single portable box that were not doing that a few years ago. They went from clunky DJ “party boxes” with led lighting to very elegant and classy home accessories. JBL is one of them and really takes a big leap in the marketplace with the 300 Authentics Smart Speaker. Just top notch!
   I have 5 different brand speakers already and love them all but when I heard the JBL 300 Authentics, I had a visceral reaction to the sound that was emanating from this beautiful unit. I could not believe the range of amazing bass, incredible mids and crystal clear treble. I mean it just filled the room. I could feel it. I was in awe. I heard vocal layers that I had not heard before in songs. It’s weird but if you give yourself some space from it…5 to 10 feet away from it, that is the sweet spot where the music really all comes together. I guess maybe the waves hit the ears just perfectly at that distance. You can actually feel the bass in your chest when you crank it up! Holy cow, the sound is stunning.
   I also really appreciate the aesthetics of it. The leather is rich and classy and the stitching on the leather handle and the gold accents really present something you can be proud to leave on a shelf. Unlike the old-style “party boxes” with the dumb DJ lights that go back into the box and in a closet as soon as you are done using it. It’s a home-style accessory which I love. If it stays out and is accessible…I use it more! I also really love the fact that it has a battery in it. Portability with ease! you can also plug it in and use it as well.
   When I first got it out of the box, I just pushed the Bluetooth button and immediately paired it with my phone so I did not explore the “smart features” yet. It worked great and paired fast. I like the notification sounds it produces when you turn it on and when it pairs. Fun. Played some Mallrat & Chainsmokers Wish on Eyelash, Queen, Zeplin, Taylor Swift, NWA, Ice Cube….just amazing!!!!! It has some padded legs it sits on and exposes a downward subwoofer that really puts it out now! With 8 hours of battery….That should cover just about any party. I played with it for about 3 hours and it was still more than halfway full of power.
   After my initial unboxing and running through the music, I downloaded the JBL one app. The QuickStart guide has a QR code that took me right to it and it downloaded quickly. After pairing with the unit it went through an update that said it would take 10 minutes but really took less than 2 and I was in business. The app is clean and really about setting up your Google assistant or Alexa. I am a google guy so I selected that and the app walked me to Google home and set up could not have been easier. It is really cool because with the Google Assistant…It’s just like all my other google assistants around my house. “Hey Google, what’s the weather like tomorrow?” and she answers like normal but the tone of her voice is much fuller and the best I have ever heard it!!! Having it as a bonus Google assistant is really cool. I did notice though that within the JBL app Spotify is not a native selectable streaming service. So in essence, you can run the speaker through your phone just like a normal Bluetooth (which is what I will mostly do) or you can run it as a Google assistance and ask Google (which is onboard the speaker) to stream Spotify ect and use it as a Normal Google assistant or you can run the JBL app with one of the native streamers it offers. Lots of choices. The app will let you adjust bass and treble ect.. but that’s about it. It really seems to be the vehicle to allow you to set up the assistants, get updates and use one of their streaming apps.
   You cannot go wrong with the JBL Authentics 300! If is bar far the best portable speaker I have ever listened to. I love the looks but the real show is the amazing sound quality you can hear and feel! Just tremendous!

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Michael – 5 October 2024

   JBL’s Authentics line is the “by audiophiles for audiophiles“ part of JBLs consumer product catalog, and that focus comes through in spades wtih this weighty, room-filling speaker. The sound is leagues beyond even JBL‘s well-known “Xtreme” portable speaker range. Add in the apps shared across the Authentics line, support for both Alexa and Google Assistant (at the same time, if you want!), extensive connectivity options, and a strong 8 hour battery life (amazing considering the sound this thing puts out) and you have probably the single best portable speaker yet released by anyone. It is that good.
   The JBL One app is a must-have. It is your source for the best quality streaming music across most of the top major services (Apple Music being a notable exception— but that ends up being OK for reasons below). Because the services are built into the app that connects to the speaker over WiFi , the sound quality of each of them (provided you subscribe to the top tiers and set your streaming options accordingly) is absolutely top notch.
   Connectivity abounds: Airplay 2, TIDAL connect, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Spotify Connect, Chromecast — the gang’s all here, and they sound fabulous in this speaker.
   Bluetooth exists, and you can use it if you must — but you can do better, and you should. I’d share wifi from my phone before settling for Bluetooth audio on a device with this many better options.
   Build quality is superb. The handle feels great to use, materials are excellent, the bass can shake your walls, and feel of the entire device is reassuringly solid. Big knobs (thank you, JBL!) handle volume, treble, and bass.
   My advice: buy it. If you can get it on sale, even better — but I didn’t blink twice when paying full price, and I had zero buyer’s remorse. This is a great purchase.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Bren – 6 October 2024

   In many circles of audiophiles, you will hear or read time and time again that function matters over form. “Looks be danged, as long as the speaker produces the best sound possible!”
   But what if, my dear readers, you could have both? What if it was possible, to have a Bluetooth speaker that, pound for pound, absolutely rocks a room with incredibly balanced and clear audio, while also being so aesthetically pleasing as to be welcomed to adorn the shelves, dressers, mantles, or tables of even the classiest of folks? Enter the JBL Authentics series and¬–more specifically–the JBL Authentics 300 that stands out as the absolute Goldilocks selection in this current triune Authentics lineup!
   I am in love with this speaker. Plain and simple. From the moment you open up the JBL packaging, you can tell that they care deeply about the presentation and heritage this Authentics series represents. On first handling the speaker and pulling it out of the box, I was stunned by its substantial heft and high-quality feeling materials and assemblage, all pointing again to the determination that this is not merely another boring black box to sit on the counter of some bachelor’s bathroom while they listen to their favorite podcast. This is a speaker that when placed in the center of my living room, drew our attention and admiration immediately.
   The setup was as simple as anyone could hope these days of wireless-connected audio products. I intuitively pressed the power button on top of the device and was greeted by 75% battery from the factory (according to the visual battery indicator) and the sound of a pleasant guitar riff on boot-up in place of the usual annoying beeps or robotic voice directions of other, lesser Bluetooth speakers. I opened my iPhone Bluetooth settings, pressed and held the Bluetooth button on the speaker for a few seconds, and was immediately able to find it in my Bluetooth devices and connect with ease.
   Then came that moment of holy ascension into the heaven of audio that washed over me like warm bath water after a chilly winter’s snowball fight. The trebles–crisp. The mids–present and blended. The bass–warm and impressively potent yet not overwhelming or overpowering of the rest of the audio mix. Present on top of the device are manual knobs for treble and bass, but I simply sat back on my couch and enjoyed the audio rolling over me while drinking in the visual, retro appeal of this most excellent speaker.
   All of this dramatic write-up aside, I want to convey in plain terms that this speaker is the best choice for anyone who wants a mature, good-looking speaker that has excellent utility as a dual-smart assistant capable speaker, while also having the deep pockets to pony up for this trendy device. I would never lie and pretend that there are no Bluetooth speakers half this price that sound as good if not better. But I will also pair this with the honest opinion that most of them look half or less as good concurrently.
   I will not sit here and write out a recitation of all of the stats and facts about this speaker that are already listed in the product descriptions and specifications but will mainly focus on some final points of praise and some points of improvement for the future of this device lineup. A point of praise is that this speaker is the perfect size and capability to be a good, multi-room transportable speaker with its substantial eight-hour battery life, while also being of a size and aesthetic to be perfect as a soundbar replacement for those inclined to use it as such. My wife and I use a portable projector setup as the “TV” in our room, for the rare times we feel like enjoying a movie or show in our bed. This Authentics 300 speaker, plugged into power, served its purpose perfectly over the course of my testing of connecting each time automatically I turned on the projector (and Xgimi Mogo 2 for those interested) and was a source of awe and praise for us as it turned our bedroom into a close facsimile of the full surround sound entertainment system we utilize in our living room.
   The only detractor that I can identify in this speaker is one that may be considerable for some and less for others: The speaker does not charge via the USB-C port, but via a power cable that, while not proprietary, certainly doesn’t have the kind of portability and universality that a truly on-the-go Bluetooth device would require. This is the same kind of double-barrel plug cable, though, that many consoles like the Sony PS4 use for their power, so you can find extras for less than 10 dollars online if you are concerned about portability! Alas, I think that for a device that, to my testing, uses less than 35 watts at peak power while charging, many of us would have preferred an external adapter with a USB-C cable, allowing us to trickle charge the device or buy additional adapters as needed (or charge with 35 watts PD cabled power stations), as opposed to having the AC adapter built into the device with this undeniably ugly cable serving as the only means to charge this speaker.
   That small but unavoidable irritation aside, I am happy to say that this speaker has earned its place in our home and hearts as a main go-to for all our music and portable external audio purposes. There are many soundbars that can perform admirably as music speakers, but there are not many portable Bluetooth speakers that can look this good and perform so well in that dual purpose! Furthermore, the addition of being able to set up this speaker to serve as an Alexa smart speaker (and/or Google Smart Assistance for those inclined) further increases its modern utility. Thanks for reading and I hope this review has helped to encourage any excitement you already may be stoking for the anticipation of choosing to buy this speaker!

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   dnottingham4 – 8 October 2024

   The JBL Authentics 300 is a high-end portable home smart speaker that has a retro style and modern features that allow one to fill the areas it is used in with incredible stereo sound for the highest of the highs to some impressive lows. In summary, if you have a need for a high-end and portable home smart speaker, this may be the device for you!
   Features
   Let’s kick this review off with a review of this device’s features. Since this is a home speaker let’s start off with the details on the speakers that provide this device with the awesome sound it produces. It starts with the main speakers – a pair of 25mm tweeters for the details, a 5.25-inch woofer and down-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator to deliver deep-bass. I can certainly attest to the bass as one of my test tracks is The Imperial march from Star Wars (you know Darth Vader’s entrance music) and I had the device on my lap and the passive radiator was pulsing on my legs throughout the song.
   This speaker can be connected in several ways including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Aux / 3.5 mm audio cable, and in the US via USB-C device for MP3 playback.
   Since this is a portable home speaker it can be plugged into AC power and contains a 4800 Mah Lithium battery that runs at 3.6 Volts and allows for up to 8 hours of playing time. The battery recharges in 3.5 hours. The devices dimensions are bit on the large side for a portable speaker with dimensions (W x H x D) of 15.9″ x 10.7″ x 10.7″ (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) and coming in at a hefty 10.8 lbs. (4.9 kg).
   The audio features are numerous and impressive. First up it that music services are available via built-in Wi-Fi and allows one to experience your audio in “stunning high definition”. The device supports AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM), Chromecast built-in™, and Spotify Connect. The device also provides for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa simultaneously, allowing greater versatility in controlling multiple smart home devices. The device contains intuitive physical controls and allows for even more control and personalization via the JBL One app.
   Impressions
   I will repeat my opening statement – this device has incredible audio output and a wonderful range, even at respectable volumes. I listened to numerous common test tracks and the device came through each of them with no issues present to my ears. Some of the test tracks include Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Ana Taylor Joy’s “Downtown (Downtempo)”, Steely Dan’s “Aja”, and 1812 Overture with real cannons, “The Imperial March” from Star Wars, and Saint-Saens “Organ Symphony”, to name a few of the tracks I used.
   Pros: Awesome Sound, Connection Options, Portability
   Cons: Weight and Size

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Quincy0980 – 26 November 2024

   Wow does this thing deliver the goods! The JBL Authentic 300 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that provides you with many listening options, great sound and portability.
   The JBL Authentic 300 is a midsize and solid Bluetooth speaker with a retro look. On the bottom of the unit is a subwoofer that provides plenty of bass and doesn’t sound boomy in the least. The top of the speaker consists of three control nobs, volume, treble and bass and three buttons, a Bluetooth button, power button and favorite button. Around back there is a switch to enable google or Alexa for music streaming and a plug to attach the power cord, an AUX mini jack input, a USB-C input and an ethernet input. The nice thing is you can connect the unit with the power cord or use it with the 8-hour battery.
   Set up
   Set up is very straight forward using the JBL One app to connect the Wi-Fi and enable the smart providers, Google or Alexa. Through the One app you can stream music from your Smart Phone, Google or Alexa. The 300 also provides the ability to connect external sources through the AUX input or the USB-C input.
   To use the Smart apps, Google and Alexa the 300 must be powered on so the built-in microphone can hear your requests.
   The Sound and Use
   The JBL Authentic 300 provides room filling sound that is very pleasing and doesn’t sound strained or fatiguing to listen to. I started by streaming from iPhone to the 300 and the sound was very satisfying. By using the JBL One app you can tailor the sound using the included band equalizer. Whether listening to rock, jazz or pop music the quality of sound from the JBL Authentic 300 is outstanding. It doesn’t matter what source you listen to; the sound is excellent.
   It seems like the battery goes on forever. It is rated at 8 hours of use and I have been using it a couple of hours per day and it keeps going strong.
   The bad
   There really aren’t any bad things overall, but a weakness. The three nobs for the volume and tone control are simulated nobs that when turned to the right increase and when turned to the left it decreases the control of the tone or volume. It is more of a touch control than a traditional nob. The other thing that stands out to me is the overall heft or weight of the 300, this is not something that would be a big negative.
   Final thoughts
   This is a great speaker for sure and provides excellent sound from a solid device. I recommend it to anyone looking for a great portable Bluetooth speaker that provides room filling sound.

6. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Lynx566 – 15 December 2024

   For a more stylish speaker this smart speaker really does sound great. Tons of features and is super easy to tote around. Surprisingly good bass response for this size. The price is high though and I would wait for a sale or discount.

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Magic – 17 December 2024

   Tbh i didn’t know what ti expect. Down to the design, the textures and color, and the nearly perfect sound. This thing is everything you need for personal and room filling audio reproduction! I love the “on the fly” customization with the treble and bass knobs. I really like the aesthetics and materials used. It really is a show stopper, and when plugged in, it is a real powerhouse for filling a room with waves.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   ReviewedByPhil – 19 December 2024

   JBL has been in the audio business for nearly a century, and the Authentics 300 is not only a retro design throwback, but also a testament to why they’ve stayed in business for so long. This beautifully designed portable Bluetooth speaker has a sleek exterior wrapped in black leather and accented with matte gold trim. There is a sturdy metal foldaway handle that’s also covered in leather except for its hinges. This makes it convenient to carry for portable use since it has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 8 hours of playback on a full charge. By default the speaker turns off after 1 hour of inactivity when on battery power, though you can change this to a shorter duration (30 or 15 minutes) or disable it altogether. The speaker is quite hefty though at nearly 11 lbs.
   The machined black aluminum control dials for volume, treble, and bass feature infinite-scrolling in both directions, though the indicator LEDs will let you know when you’ve reached the minimum or maximum settings. There are also silver LED-backlit Bluetooth, Power, and Heart buttons. A multi-function playback button sits in the center of the volume dial that can start/stop playback or skip tracks with double and triple presses.
   The deeply grooved waffle-style speaker grille is covered in a fine mesh fabric and produces a diffusion pattern that distributes the audio in all directions; despite its relatively small size this speaker can effectively fill a large room with sound with 100W output from two 25mm tweeters and full-range 5.25 inch woofer. It also has a down-firing 6.5 passive radiator on the underside of the unit that rounds out the sound and supports the mids and highs with surprisingly full bass. The bottom of the speaker is raised about 0.5 inch to allow the low frequencies to resonate out, and the rubber feet of the speaker are cleverly shaped with a raised center so that there are only two small points of contact on each, further isolating the speaker from the surface it sits on to prevent the transfer of unwanted vibrations.
   At the back of the speaker, the I/O panel has an RJ45 Ethernet port for a wired network connection, 3.5mm AUX input, USB-C output for charging your devices, and power input for use with the included power cable. Note that the USB-C port cannot be used for charging the speaker. Towards the top is a toggle switch for the dual-microphones used to interact with a voice assistant like Alexa or Google. Unfortunately, Siri isn’t an available option here. The mic toggle will display red or green, depending on whether the mic is muted or not.
   Connecting to the speaker wirelessly via Bluetooth is quick and straightforward, and you can start streaming audio to the speaker from your mobile device in minutes. However, if you want to unlock all its functionality, you’ll have use the JBL One app and connect the speaker to the internet over WiFi or Ethernet. In the app, you can link the speaker to your Amazon and Google accounts to enable their voice assistants; both services can be used on this speaker simultaneously using their respective wake words.
   You’ll also be able to link a handful of music streaming services including iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and TIDAL. In the JBL app is where you’ll also customize a “Moment” by selecting a playlist from a supported streaming service that plays when you press the “Heart” button on the controls. Note that you can only set up one “Moment” at a time, however, you can choose a default starting volume and auto shutoff time for this feature (up to an hour, in 15 minute increments) and change the selected playlist whenever you like.
   This speaker can be used with other networked speakers for multi-room or true stereo playback, in which a pair of speakers outputs only the left or right channels of a track. Multi-speaker streaming with our existing Alexa speakers was flawless and they were perfectly synced with no perceptible lag.
   The audio quality of the speaker is superb with crystal clear sound, sparkling trebles, and tight bass beats. Even at max volume there was very little distortion when playing genres like pop, classical, and jazz. The sound is well-rounded and although you can only adjust treble and bass using the physical dials, you can adjust the mid EQ in the JBL One app.
   Overall, the design of the Authentics 300 is clean, chic, and decidedly retro but with modern capabilities like wireless streaming and AI voice assistant integration. The sound is smooth and accurate, and it delivers a satisfying listening experience no matter where you’re situated in a room. You can control the speaker remotely via the app or voice commands and take it on-the-go, however, keep in mind that it’s not weatherproof as the exterior finishes aren’t the most durable.