JBL Authentics 500 Speaker Review: A Premium Outdoor Device

January 4, 2025

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The JBL Authentics 500 speaker, launched on August 30, 2023, has quickly become a sought-after choice for outdoor audio enthusiasts. Its powerful sound output, impressive connectivity options, and durable design make it perfect for any outdoor gathering or event. This premium speaker combines cutting-edge technology with sleek aesthetics, offering a robust listening experience for users who demand the best. Whether you’re hosting a lively outdoor party or just enjoying some downtime in your backyard, the JBL Authentics 500 is designed to elevate your audio experience.

Quick Highlights

Release Date: August 30, 2023
Price: $449.00
Maximum Output Power: 290W
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Auxiliary Input
Dimensions: 10.07″D x 17.6″W x 9.45″H
Weight: 17.5 lbs (8.0 kg)
Built-in Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant
Water Resistance: No (Dustproof)

See Full Specifications

Release Date

JBL introduced the JBL Authentics 500 speaker on August 30, 2023. Since its launch, it has gained attention for its impressive audio capabilities and sleek design. Outdoor music lovers, party enthusiasts, and tech-savvy individuals have embraced its multifaceted features, making it a top contender in the portable speaker market.

Unboxing: JBL Authentics 500

When unboxing the JBL Authentics 500, you’ll find:

JBL Authentics 500
power cable
quick-start guide

The JBL One app, available for Android and iOS, also enhances the overall experience by allowing users to easily manage sound settings and party modes.

Quick Specs: JBL Authentics 500

The JBL Authentics 500 boasts 290W maximum output power, ensuring loud and clear audio across various environments. With Bluetooth 5.3 technology, Wi-Fi support, and an auxiliary input, you can enjoy seamless connectivity with a wide range of devices. The speaker’s dimensions are 10.07″D x 17.6″W x 9.45″H, and it weighs 17.5 lbs (8.0 kg), making it both portable and robust. The JBL One app for Android and iOS enhances control over sound settings, allowing customization of the graphic equalizer.

Design and Display

The JBL Authentics 500 features a sleek, modern design that makes it an aesthetic addition to any outdoor setting. Its dimensions and weight strike a balance between portability and sturdiness. Though it lacks RGB lights, the speaker’s design is sophisticated and practical. It is designed with durable materials to withstand outdoor conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability. Whether placed on a patio, deck, or poolside, the speaker fits seamlessly into any environment.

JBL Authentics 500 Controls

The JBL Authentics 500 allows effortless control through physical buttons for music play, volume adjustments, and track navigation. Furthermore, the JBL One app adds an additional layer of control, enabling users to customize their sound experience. Additionally, built-in voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant offer convenient, hands-free operation.With these features, the speaker offers ease of use while maintaining excellent feedback and functionality.

Differences Between Sizes and Variants

The JBL Authentics 500 belongs to the Authentics series, which also includes the JBL Authentics 200. While the JBL Authentics 500 delivers 290W power and is designed for larger gatherings, the JBL Authentics 200 offers lower power output and is ideal for smaller spaces. The 500 is more powerful and has additional connectivity options, making it the perfect choice for outdoor events. JBL Authentics 500 speakers come in a single model, unlike other brands with multiple variants in their range.

JBL Authentics 500 Colors

The JBL Authentics 500 speaker is available in black. Its neutral color scheme enhances its versatility, allowing it to blend into any outdoor setting. While some models may offer additional colors, the classic black finish complements both modern and traditional settings effortlessly.

Features: JBL Authentics 500

Waterproof and Dustproof

Although the JBL Authentics 500 is not waterproof, it is designed to be dustproof, making it durable enough for various outdoor conditions. While it can’t be submerged in water, the dustproof feature ensures that it continues performing optimally even in dusty environments.

JBL Authentics 500 Sound Quality

The JBL Authentics 500 delivers exceptional sound quality with its 290W output, providing clear, rich audio at high volumes. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or hosting a party, its powerful bass and crisp treble ensure an immersive experience. The built-in graphic equalizer allows users to fine-tune their sound preferences.

JBL Authentics 500 Connectivity

The JBL Authentics 500 offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and auxiliary input. With a Bluetooth range of 334.6 feet (102 meters), you can easily connect multiple devices without worrying about signal interference. Additionally, it supports Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, and Wi-Fi 6, ensuring seamless integration with modern devices and smart home systems.

JBL Authentics 500 Speaker App

The JBL Authentics 500 integrates seamlessly with the JBL One app, available for both Android and iOS devices. This app allows you to control sound settings, activate party mode, and manage multiple speakers in the same environment. It also supports multi-device pairing, ensuring that your audio setup is always in sync.

Price and Availability

The JBL Authentics 500 speaker is priced at $449.00, offering premium sound and advanced features at a competitive rate. It is available for purchase from JBL’s official website, major retailers, and online platforms like Amazon. For its price, this speaker offers exceptional value, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts seeking high-quality audio.

Comparison: JBL Authentics 500 Speaker vs. JBL Authentics 200 Speaker

When it comes to high-quality outdoor audio, the JBL Authentics 500 and JBL Authentics 200 both stand out in their own right, but they cater to different needs. The JBL Authentics 500 is designed for large gatherings and outdoor events, offering a powerful 290W output that ensures crisp, rich sound even in spacious areas. In contrast, the JBL Authentics 200 is a more compact option with a 150W output, ideal for smaller spaces or intimate indoor settings. The JBL Authentics 500 features Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and auxiliary input for versatile connectivity, while the JBL Authentics 200 sticks to Bluetooth and auxiliary input for simpler connections.

In terms of design, the JBL Authentics 500 is larger, weighing 17.5 lbs and measuring 10.07″D x 17.6″W x 9.45″H, which makes it less portable compared to the 200, which weighs only 8.8 lbs and has more compact dimensions of 8.0″D x 13.5″W x 6.8″H. Additionally, while both models come with durable materials for outdoor use, the 500 is dustproof but not waterproof, whereas the 200 offers waterproofing, which can be a deciding factor for some users who want added protection in wetter environments.

Key Features Comparison:

Feature	JBL Authentics 500	JBL Authentics 200
Maximum Output	290W	150W
Bluetooth Version	5.3	5.0
Dimensions	10.07″D x 17.6″W x 9.45″H	8.0″D x 13.5″W x 6.8″H
Weight	17.5 lbs (8.0 kg)	8.8 lbs (4.0 kg)
Waterproof	No (Dustproof)	Yes
Connectivity Options	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Auxiliary Input	Bluetooth, Auxiliary Input
Built-in Voice Assistants	Alexa, Google Assistant	None
Price	JBL Authentics 500: $449.00	$249.00 (approx.)

Side By Side Analysis

Power Output:

The JBL Authentics 500 boasts an impressive 290W maximum output, which provides powerful, immersive sound, ideal for large spaces and outdoor events. In contrast, the JBL Authentics 200 has a 150W output, which is suitable for smaller areas or indoor gatherings.

Connectivity:

The JBL Authentics 500 excels with Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and auxiliary input, offering more versatility in how you connect to the speaker. It supports a broader range of devices, including modern smart home systems with Apple AirPlay and Chromecast. On the other hand, the JBL Authentics 200 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and auxiliary input but lacks Wi-Fi and the more advanced Bluetooth version, limiting connectivity options.

Portability & Size:

The JBL Authentics 500 is larger and heavier, measuring 10.07″D x 17.6″W x 9.45″H and weighing 17.5 lbs. This makes it less portable but more suitable for stationary setups in larger outdoor spaces. The JBL Authentics 200 is much more compact and lightweight at 8.0″D x 13.5″W x 6.8″H and 8.8 lbs, making it an excellent choice for easy transport and portability.

Waterproofing:

Authentics 500 is dustproof but not waterproof, meaning it can handle outdoor environments but shouldn’t be exposed to water. The JBL Authentics 200, however, is waterproof, making it more resistant to moisture and ideal for situations where the speaker might get wet, such as by the pool or during rainy conditions.

Voice Assistants:

The JBL Authentics 500 features built-in voice assistants, including Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing hands-free control. This is a notable convenience for users who want to operate the speaker without needing to manually adjust controls. The JBL Authentics 200 lacks any voice assistant capabilities.

Price:

The JBL Authentics 500 comes at a higher price point of $449.00, reflecting its superior performance, connectivity features, and robust design. Meanwhile, the JBL Authentics 200 is priced at around $249.00, offering a more affordable option for those looking for a simpler, portable speaker with fewer features.

Should You Buy It?

If you’re looking for a speaker with robust sound, versatile connectivity, and a modern design for large outdoor events, the JBL Authentics 500 is a solid investment. The $449.00 price is justified by the powerful 290W output and durable, weather-resistant design.

Conclusion

The JBL Authentics 500 speaker offers an exceptional balance of performance, connectivity, and design, making it perfect for outdoor parties, gatherings, or casual listening. With its 290W output and advanced connectivity options, it delivers immersive sound while remaining easy to use with voice controls. Although it lacks waterproofing, its dustproof design ensures reliability in most outdoor environments. At $449.00, it offers great value for anyone looking for a premium outdoor audio experience.