In this JBL Authentics 200 review, I dive into what makes this smart speaker stand out, focusing on its superior sound quality and smart features. It's perfect for anyone who loves great music and easy usability.
Quick Specs Overview
This table summarizes the key features of the JBL Authentics 200, making it easy to see why it's a top choice for smart speaker buyers.
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Voice Assistant | In-built Google and Alexa |
Bluetooth | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes, JBL One |
Multi-Room | Yes |
Chromecast | Yes |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz/5GHz) |
USB-C | Yes |
3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
Transducer | 2 x 25mm tweeter + 5" woofer |
What I really like
What I really like about the JBL Authentics 200 is how easily it combines Google Assistant and Alexa. It’s great at picking up voice commands because of its sensitive microphone, and you can switch between both voice assistants without any hassle. The speaker looks a bit like those classic Marshall ones, but it has a cool leather wrap that makes it stand out. It comes with all the needed ports like Ethernet and audio, and the mobile app is super easy to set up. For everything it offers, I think the price is pretty reasonable.
What I dislike
What I don’t like about the JBL Authentics 200 is that it looked kind of bulky at first, especially with the leather sides. It grows on you, especially if you dress up the space around it, but it’s not love at first sight. I also wish the app had some quick settings for adjusting the sound based on what music you're playing or to make the vocals clearer. Another downside is that it doesn’t have sound coming from the sides; it really needs 360-degree sound, especially if you place it low.
What separates JBL 200 from the rest ?
The JBL Authentics 200 really stands out because it comes with both Google Assistant and Alexa built in, not just compatible. Many competitors only have "work with Google" capability, meaning they rely on an external device for voice commands. This feature alone sets it apart, offering superior convenience and sound quality directly from the speaker.
Additionally, the JBL 200 boasts automatic self-tuning which adjusts and optimizes the audio based on its location, a smart feature that many other smart speakers lack. With multiple connection options beyond just Bluetooth, the JBL 200 offers unmatched versatility for all your audio needs.
Evaluating the JBL Authentics 200
Here’s how I examine the JBL Authentics 200 using five key areas essential for any smart speaker.
Sound Quality and Audio Performance
The sound quality of the JBL Authentics 200 is impressively rich, characterized by strong bass that can be fine-tuned to your taste using the treble and bass knobs. At low volumes, around 10%, the audio performance is somewhat mediocre. However, as soon as you increase the volume to about 25%, the speaker truly begins to excel. At this level, the clarity of instruments and vocals becomes evident, particularly in songs like "Stand by Me" or "Perfect," which really showcase the speaker’s capabilities.
Since the speaker projects sound from the front, optimal placement is key to achieving the best audio experience. It's ideal to position it on a table, shelf, or even suspended from the ceiling facing slightly downwards. Unlike a 360-degree speaker, placing it in the center of a room or too low might result in inconsistent sound distribution. In a space up to 100 square meters, the JBL Authentics 200 fills the room nicely, providing a robust and immersive listening environment.
Voice Assistant Integration
My home is fully integrated into the Google smart home ecosystem, so my focus for testing the JBL Authentics 200 was primarily on Google Assistant, rather than Alexa. I rely heavily on voice commands for home automation. For example, a simple command like "good evening" activates my lights, air conditioning, ceiling fan, and closes the curtains.
One of my initial concerns was the number of microphones in the speaker. The specifications did not mention this, so I contacted JBL support and confirmed there is only one microphone. While testing, I found that this single microphone picks up commands well from a distance of 5 meters in a quiet room. However, in environments with background noise, such as when the TV is on, it struggles to pick up my voice accurately unless I speak louder or mute the TV.
I also experienced some issues with using voice commands to play free Spotify music; it tends to stop after 2-3 songs due to ad interruptions—a known issue with Spotify. Switching to free YouTube Music, however, resulted in seamless playback with voice commands, highlighting a significant difference in user experience between the two services.
Connectivity and Inputs
The JBL Authentics 200 stands out for its wealth of connectivity options, which is a significant advantage over many smart speakers that typically offer only Bluetooth and WiFi. I really appreciate the array of inputs available on this speaker, including Bluetooth, USB-C, a 3.5mm audio jack, an Ethernet port, dual-band 2.4/5GHz WiFi, and Chromecast. This variety gives you a lot of freedom in how you connect and use the speaker.
The option to connect to 5GHz WiFi is particularly valuable as smart speakers often require more internet bandwidth. If you're on a mesh WiFi network or have a weak signal, you might run into issues with the speaker occasionally saying 'not able to connect to WiFi'. A handy workaround I use is to connect the speaker directly to the Ethernet port for a more stable internet connection, which solves the problem.
Bluetooth connectivity on this speaker is seamless, allowing you to connect up to two devices simultaneously. However, it's important to note that you can only play audio from one of those devices at a time.
Design and Build
The design of the JBL Authentics 200 is definitely a matter of personal taste—it's either you love it or you don't. With its retro and classy appearance, highlighted by a luxurious gold frame, the speaker has a distinctive look that complements various interior styles including modern contemporary, vintage, retro, or luxury decors.
Although it appears large, especially when compared to more common cylindrical speakers, this size contributes to its standout aesthetic.
The sides of the speaker are wrapped in what feels like very durable leather, adding to the overall premium feel. The front features a unique black pop-up surface that resembles egg crate material, which is surprisingly resilient and doesn’t easily puncture when pressed. Another practical aspect of this design is its ease of maintenance; the surface allows for quick cleaning and dusting with just a moist cloth, making it not only stylish but also convenient for everyday use.
Ease of Setup
Setting up the JBL Authentics 200 is a breeze. The speaker comes with four different power cables, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your setup.
Once you’ve powered it up, just grab the quick start guide and follow the simple instructions. The next step is to download the JBL One app, which will automatically prompt you to download the latest firmware once your WiFi is connected.
For integrating with your smart home system, open the Google Home app, select 'add device', and follow the prompts to connect the speaker.
After these few quick steps, you’re all set. You can immediately start testing the music playback either through Bluetooth or by using the voice assistant. The entire process is straightforward and designed for a smooth user experience.
Is JBL 200 Suitable for You?
Choose JBL Authentics 200 if you:
JBL Authentics 200 might not be suitable if you:
Denon Home 150
Best for: wide music streaming selection
Japan-made speaker with DSP, full-range drivers. Compatible with Google, Alexa, and Airplay 2.
Sony SRS-RA3000
Best for: exciting, crystal-clear ambient sound.
Offers crystal clear vocals and solid bass. Requires separate mic for Google. Ideal for ambient, room-filling sound.
Sonos Era 100
Best for: powerful audio in small spaces.
Features Sonos' own voice control in a sleek metal casing. Provides detailed stereo separation and deep bass in a compact 12cm width design, perfect for any placement.
Hi
Inwant to connect three jbl suthentics speakers simeltaneously. Can this be done? Seems like it cant – in which case, sadly, this is really a simple not sophisticated stereo with very limited ability to power a home with sound .
I don’t see JBL app has the option to pair other Authentics speakers. But, you may want to try to pair using Google Home or Amazon Alex to create the multi room. Hope this helps.