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Head-to-head · Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) vs JBL Authentics 500

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

JBL Authentics 500 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.0). JBL Authentics 500 is best for: stylish home audio enthusiasts. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Ranked #5 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
2 sources$159as of Oct 30

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) keeps the durable, waterproof design of its predecessor and makes minor improvements to the control interface. SoundGuys praised the rugged build and IP67 rating and called it a good match for outdoor use, while noting lackluster EQ options and minimal hardware upgrades from the original. A TechRadar user pointed to its day-to-day reliability and portability. It's a solid choice for anyone who wants a dependable portable speaker for travel or outdoor activities.

Strengths
  • — IP67 rugged build for dust and water resistance
  • — Durable rubberized finish with metal speaker grill
  • — Improved control strip with dedicated Play/Pause button
Watch-outs
  • — Minimal upgrades from 1st Gen
  • — Lackluster EQ options
$159 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
JBL Authentics 500
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Authentics 500
3 sources$449.95as of Oct 30

The JBL Authentics 500 wraps a Wi-Fi streaming platform and a 3.1-way driver array in a retro wood cabinet, and it plays loud and deep enough to fill a living room from a single box. 7Review, despite scoring it 9 out of 10, was unconvinced by the midrange and found the bass compressing at higher volumes. It is a stylish, feature-complete home speaker rather than a reference listening device, and it will not pair into stereo.

Strengths
  • — Retro design with textured leather-like vinyl wrap and signature Quadrex grille
  • — 3.1-way driver configuration with 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer for deep bass response
  • — Supports dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, and multiple streaming protocols including Spotify Connect and AirPlay
Watch-outs
  • — The Quadrex grille may be polarizing due to its distinctive angular design
$449.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) weighs 1.3 lb, against 2.18 lb for the JBL Charge 6 and 4.7 lb for the Bose SoundLink Max. It shares the SoundLink Max's IP67 rating, and its battery runs up to 12 hours against 20 hours for the Max and 24 for the Charge 6. Its EQ options are lackluster, where the Charge 6 has a 7-band customizable EQ, and it costs less than the SoundLink Max.

JBL Authentics 500

The JBL Authentics 500 is a home speaker with Wi-Fi streaming, 270W of power and no battery, where the JBL Charge 6 runs 24 hours on battery at 45W. It is rated IPX4 splash-resistant, against IP68 for the Charge 6 and IP67 for the Bose SoundLink Max. At 25.1 lb it is far heavier than the SoundLink Max at 4.7 lb, and it costs more.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)JBL Authentics 500
Weight1.3 lb25.1 lb
WaterproofIP67IPX4 (splash-resistant)
BatteryUp to 12 hoursNone
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, USB-CBluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm AUX, Ethernet
Dimensions7.99 x 1.77 x 3.5 in17.6 x 9.4 x 10 in
Color OptionsAlpine Sage, Sandstone, Blue Dust, BlackBlack
Frequency Response—40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB)
Wattage—270W
Material—Wood
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