With some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market, JBL has a strong line of speakers designed for all kinds of locations and activities. As audio editor, I get to try out all kinds of models. Few have impressed me more though than JBL's Authentics wireless smart speaker series unveiled at IFA 2023, particularly the Authentics 300 portable.
Right now, the JBL Authentics 300 is just $349 at Amazon. That's more than 20% off the original $449 portable speaker's list price that comes with Wi-Fi smarts and 8-hours battery life between charges.
Similar deals can be found at Best Buy, Crutchfield, and Walmart.
Recent updates
Updated February 2, 2024: We've checked, and this $100-off deal is still live at all retailers. We've also updated this page to reflect the findings in our recently published full JBL Authentics 300 review.
I discovered this great deal on the JBL Authentics 300 portable speakers while researching my four-star review which has just gone live. The $100-off deal has been running since January 28 on Amazon — other online retailers including the JBL store are also offering similar discounts. This is the biggest saving on any model in the new three-strong JBL Authentics wireless speaker series so far.
I've been living with the middle model in the JBL Authentics multi-room smart speakers series for several months now, and I've been impressed by its capabilities. It has a pair of 1-inch tweeters partnered to a full-range 5-inch woofer, and a down-firing 6-inch passive bass radiator. It delivers high-quality, room-filling sound and won't disappoint. In my review I mentioned that it's one of the most engaging sounds I've heard from a portable speaker at the price, which more often than not had me reaching for the volume control to turn it up when listening to tracks on my Tidal playlist. I'd say this is one of the best-sounding JBL portable speakers I've tried.
Battery life is undeniably short compared to the best portable speakers. Essentially it's a home speaker that's connected to a power outlet for day-to-day listening — but one that can travel should you desire.
I love the speaker's design, which at 10.8 pounds weighs heavier than the Sonos Move 2 portable, but has an integrated carry handle that's wrapped in leather making it easy to carry to wherever music is needed. The cabinet is also trimmed with black leather and the Quadrex speaker grille is inspired by the company's JBL L100 speaker from the 1970s. The Authentics 300 has a luxury feel that's often missing from rival portable designs at the price, and will surely look and sound even better discounted to $349.
Despite the retro looks, the Authentics 300 is equipped with modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity smarts. It also integrates with both Alexa and Google voice assistants, allowing users to register both assistants and communicate with either by simply saying “Hey Google,” or “Alexa” to get started.
With this $100-off the full $449 MSRP deal still running, this is a great weekend to snag one of the best-sounding portable smart speaker while you still can.
