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Head-to-head · Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

JBL Authentics 500 vs Soundcore Boom 3

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

The short answer

JBL Authentics 500 and Soundcore Boom 3 score essentially the same (4.2 vs 4.2). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

JBL Authentics 500
Ranked #4 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Authentics 500
$559

The JBL Authentics 500 blends retro aesthetics with modern streaming capabilities, featuring a 3.1-way speaker system with a 6.5-inch subwoofer. Hifi Pig praised its ease of setup and feature-rich app, while Sound Advice reviewer Carrie-Ann Skinner noted the speaker's premium feel and nostalgic design elements. However, some reviewers found the bass response to be overly prominent without adjustment. This speaker targets casual listeners seeking a stylish, versatile home audio solution rather than audiophiles.

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
  • — Bass can be overbearing without proper placement or EQ adjustment
  • — The Quadrex grille may be polarizing due to its distinctive angular design
$559 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Soundcore Boom 3
Ranked #3 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Soundcore Boom 3
$99

The Soundcore Boom 3 is a compact, portable speaker designed for outdoor enthusiasts and casual listeners. Reviewers noted its solid bass and overall sound quality for its size, with a durable IPX7 water resistance rating. However, it lacks advanced features like noise cancellation and has limited app support, with some users expressing concerns about the app's privacy practices and intrusive advertisements. It's best suited for users seeking a simple, rugged speaker for general use rather than audiophiles or those wanting premium audio experiences.

Strengths
  • — Compact and portable design suitable for outdoor use
  • — Solid bass response and overall sound quality for its size
  • — Built-in rechargeable battery with decent runtime
Watch-outs
  • — Limited app support and functionality compared to competitors
  • — No explicit mention of noise cancellation or advanced audio features
$99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

JBL Authentics 500

The JBL Authentics 500 brings premium streaming features and a retro design that sets it apart from the JBL Charge 6 and JBL Boombox 4, which lack Wi-Fi and Spotify Connect. While the Bose SoundLink Flex and Soundcore Boom 3 offer simpler designs, the Authentics 500's 3.1-way driver configuration and physical controls make it better suited for audiophiles seeking a stylish home speaker. It's less portable than the portable models but more feature-rich for home use.

Soundcore Boom 3

The Soundcore Boom 3 offers a compact design and solid bass for its size, but lacks the advanced app features and water resistance of the JBL Charge 6 and JBL Boombox 4. Compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex, it has less refined EQ options and minimal hardware upgrades, though it's more affordable. Unlike the Bose SoundLink Max, it doesn't offer premium sound quality or call functionality, making it a basic choice for casual users.

Specs side-by-side

SpecJBL Authentics 500Soundcore Boom 3
Weight11.4 kg (25.1 lbs)320g
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm AUX, EthernetBluetooth 5.0
Dimensions17.6 x 9.4 x 10 inches8.27 × 3.35 × 3.09 in
Frequency Response40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB)56 Hz - 20 kHz
Color OptionsBlack—
WaterproofIPX4 (splash-resistant)IPX7
Battery—3000mAh
← See the full ranking of best waterproof bluetooth speakers