JBL Authentics 500 Smart Speaker Review

In a market saturated with minimalist smart speakers, JBL reintroduces a touch of classic hi-fi soul with its Authentics 500. This speaker isn’t just about powerful sound; it’s a bold statement piece that uniquely blends vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge smarts. It promises to be the centerpiece of your living room, both visually and audibly.

JBL has reached into its 1970s design archives and pulled out something truly special for the Authentics 500. The speaker is an homage to the legendary L100 Century loudspeaker, most evident in its iconic Quadrex foam grille, which covers the front face. This is framed by a solid aluminum chassis and wrapped in a black, leather-like enclosure, creating a look that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. On top, you’ll find three satisfyingly tactile dials for volume, bass, and treble, offering a direct, analog-style control that is a welcome departure from purely app-based adjustments. This isn’t a small or subtle device; its considerable size and heft command attention and require a dedicated space. It’s a statement of permanence, not portability.

Beneath the vintage exterior lies a thoroughly modern audio powerhouse. The standout feature is the industry-first integration of both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to use them simultaneously. You can ask Alexa to manage your Amazon shopping list and then immediately ask Google to answer a complex search query without ever switching modes—a seamless convenience no other speaker currently offers. Connectivity is robust, with support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, and even a 3.5mm auxiliary input for legacy devices. Setup is handled through the JBL One app, which also provides access to an equalizer and manages multi-room audio with other compatible speakers.

The sound performance is where the Authentics 500 truly asserts its dominance. With 270 watts of power driving a 3.1-channel system—including three tweeters, three midrange drivers, and a substantial 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer—the output is immense. The bass is deep, resonant, and authoritative, lending cinematic weight to movies and palpable energy to electronic and hip-hop tracks. Mids are clear and present, ensuring vocals cut through the powerful low end, while the highs remain crisp without becoming harsh. The speaker also features Dolby Atmos Music support, which does an admirable job of creating a wider, more immersive soundstage from a single unit. While it can’t replicate the height effects of a true multi-speaker Atmos setup, it adds a noticeable sense of space and separation to compatible tracks. An automatic self-tuning feature also calibrates the audio profile to your room’s specific acoustics every time it’s powered on, ensuring optimal performance.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the Authentics 500 isn’t without its trade-offs. The powerful subwoofer, while a strength, can sometimes feel overwhelming on default settings, requiring a quick tweak of the top-mounted dial for more balanced listening on acoustic or classical pieces. And while the virtual Dolby Atmos is a great feature, it won’t convince dedicated audiophiles looking for the pinpoint precision that only discrete, up-firing speakers can provide. The most significant consideration, however, is its price. The Authentics 500 sits at a premium price point, positioning it against serious high-fidelity competitors like the Sonos Five.

Ultimately, the JBL Authentics 500 is for the listener who wants it all in one box: a bold design statement, thunderous room-filling sound, and next-generation smart home flexibility. It’s perfect for those who appreciate retro aesthetics but demand modern features like multi-assistant support and spatial audio. If you have the space and the budget, and your priority is a powerful, all-in-one speaker that looks as good as it sounds, the Authentics 500 is one of the most compelling options on the market.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon