80
Simon Cohen
Digital Trends
“JBL's Authentics 300 packs 100 watts and extreme smarts to go.”
Critical Assessment
What Critics Praise
- Unique dual assistant capability
- Stylish refined design
- Portable easy to move
- Retro aesthetic
- Solid construction
- Intuitive dials
Points of Contention
- No IP rating
- Higher price point
- Heavy and not weather‑proof
- Inconsistent tuning; some settings over‑emphasize vocals
- Expensive
- No Dolby Atmos support
Professional Reviews
5 reviews from 5 critics80
Jonathan Takiff
PCWorld
“The JBL Authentics 300 is unparalleled among smart speakers for its ability to respond to “Alexa” and “Hey Google” voice commands interchangeably.”
80
Tim Gideon
PCMag
“The stylishly retro JBL Authentics 300 packs some serious bass for a portable speaker, while Wi‑Fi audio and hands‑free support for Alexa and Google Assistant give it a contemporary edge.”
75
Billy Steele
Engadget
The JBL Authentics 300 offers a refined retro-modern design and the unique ability to run Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously. However, the bass can get muddy and the speaker is too large to be truly portable.
70
Chris Welch
The Verge
“JBL is the first to make Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant coexist on the same speaker, and it works quite well. But the price you pay for that convenience feels a little uneven.”
