The JBL Authentics 500 is a premium home speaker that combines a retro design inspired by classic JBL speakers with present-day smart features like voice assistant support with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant. With three tweeters, three mid-range drivers, and a built-in subwoofer, it's technically a 3.1 sound system. It also supports Dolby Atmos Music through compatible streaming services like Tidal.
Our Verdict
The JBL Authentics 500 is good for music. Its Self-Tuning room correction tool automatically adjusts the speaker's sound based on your room's unique acoustics. With it on, its sound is fairly even and balanced, making it suitable for many different music genres. Plus, it's quite customizable, with bass and treble knobs on the speaker as well as presets and a graphic EQ in the JBL One companion app. It gets quite loud, too, albeit with some compression at max volume.
- Graphic EQ.
- Gets loud.
- Some compression at max volume.
The JBL Authentics 500 is adequate for videos and movies. While this speaker can't replicate the deep rumbles of explosions in high-stakes action scenes, the balanced midrange ensures dialogue is detailed and easy to understand. You can connect this speaker over Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi for video playback from your devices. Its latency is on the higher end over Bluetooth, so you'll want to stick with AirPlay to avoid lip-synching issues.
- Graphic EQ.
- Gets loud.
- Some compression at max volume.
- Higher latency on Bluetooth.
The JBL Authentics 500 is decent for podcasts. Voices are reproduced with clarity, so it's easy to follow along with the conversation. The speaker's loud, too, which is great for filling up larger spaces with sound. That said, it's not the most portable, so you can't bring it to different rooms of your home while listening to longer episodes.
- Graphic EQ.
- Gets loud.
- Some compression at max volume.
- Wired-only design.
The JBL Authentics 500 is excellent for voice assistant support. Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant offer great performance, even if you're further away from the speaker. You can use both assistants at the same time, too. However, Alexa performs better than Google Assistant at picking up on your commands in noisier environments. For more private moments, you can always mute the microphone.
- Gets loud.
- Microphone mute button.
- Some compression at max volume.
This wired-only speaker isn't intended for outdoor use.
Changelog
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Updated Nov 25, 2025:
We updated the Portability section of this review.
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Updated Apr 14, 2025:
We mentioned the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 9 in the Battery section of this review.
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Updated Feb 27, 2025:
We've updated the text for clarity and accuracy.
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Updated Feb 18, 2025:
We retested the speaker after updating to firmware 24.43.21.50.00. The text has been edited to reflect an upgraded 7-band graphic EQ and the addition of ambient audio within the app.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
This speaker is available in Black, and you can see the label here for the model we tested.
If you come across another version of this speaker, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Speaker Comparisons
The JBL Authentics 500 is the more premium alternative to other speakers in the Authentics lineup, like the JBL Authentics 200. Compared to the 200, this speaker is larger and louder, and it supports features like Dolby Atmos Music through compatible streaming platforms. It's a wired-only device meant for home use, and its wide array of customization tools gives you lots of control over its sound.
See also our recommendations for the best home speakers, the best smart speakers, and the best JBL speakers.
The Sonos Era 300 and the JBL Authentics 500 are both premium home speakers with built-in voice assistant support. Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The JBL has better dynamics, whereas the Sonos has a better soundstage performance. Some listeners may prefer the JBL's retro design. If you already own Sonos products, you can integrate them with the Sonos Era, which is nice.
The JBL Authentics 500 is a more feature-packed speaker than the Sonos Five. Unlike the Sonos, the JBL has built-in voice assistant support, so you don't need to connect a third-party device. It gets louder and supports Bluetooth, too. However, it can't bring as much low-bass as the Sonos.
The JBL Authentics 500 is a larger and more premium cousin of the JBL Authentics 200. While the 200 is a good option if you're low on space and has many of the same features as the 500, it can't get as loud or reproduce as much low-bass. Plus, it lacks support for Dolby Atmos Music.
The JBL Authentics 500 and Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 9 have different strengths. The JBL is quite a bit larger than the Harman/Kardon, so it unsurprisingly gets much louder. But the Harman/Kardon puts up a sporting fight on the frequency response front, offering about as much mid-bass punch as the larger speaker. The Harman/Kardon is also battery-powered and easy to carry around with you, though we wouldn't take it outside as it lacks an IP rating against water and dust ingress. But the JBL has a built-in mic, so it's the one to choose if voice assistant support is crucial to you.
Test Results
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