TV and audio / Wireless speakers
JBLHome wireless speaker
Authentics 500
Released September 2023.4Reviewtechradar.com/audio/hi-fi/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/jbl-authentics-500-reviewRead 16 October 2026Review says released in September 2023, announced at IFA 2023 at the end of August 2023. Last checked 21 October 2026.
- Rated audio power
- Not available
- Playback time (claimed)
- Not available
- Dust and water rating
- Not available
- Weight
- 7,800g
43 of 96 fields known.
At a glance
Lowest frequency
Lower than 76% of other wireless speakers. Lower is better.
Ports
- AC power
- 3.5 mm audio
- Other
- USB-C
General
- Model numbers
- JBLAUTH500BLKAM, JBLAUTH500BLKEP, JBLAUTH500BLKUK6Reviewtrustedreviews.com/reviews/jbl-authentics-500Read 16 October 2026Spec table gives UK model JBLAUTH500BLKUK.11Retailer pagemedimax.de/p/1422285/authentics-500Read 16 October 2026Manufacturer item number JBLAUTH500BLKEP for the EU version.12Retailer pageelectronicexpress.com/catalog/212297/jbl-authentic500-authentics-500-smart-home-bluetooth-speaker-blackRead 16 October 2026US item JBLAUTH500BLKAM.
- GTIN / EAN
- 050036396264, 120013000068311Retailer pagemedimax.de/p/1422285/authentics-500Read 16 October 2026German listing for JBLAUTH500BLKEP gives EAN 1200130000683. The check digit is valid.12Retailer pageelectronicexpress.com/catalog/212297/jbl-authentic500-authentics-500-smart-home-bluetooth-speaker-blackRead 16 October 2026US listing for JBLAUTH500BLKAM gives UPC 050036396264.
- Predecessor
- Not available
- Successor
- Not available
- Launch price (US)
- $699.954Reviewtechradar.com/audio/hi-fi/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/jbl-authentics-500-reviewRead 16 October 2026Review lists $699.99 / GBP 579.99 / AU$999. The US launch price stored is $699.95 from AFTVnews. The two differ by four cents.8Press articletomsguide.com/news/jbl-unveils-new-authentics-smart-speaker-with-obscene-270w-of-power-at-ifa-2023Read 16 October 2026Quoted as $699, which fits both 699.95 and 699.99.9Press articleaftvnews.comRead 16 October 2026Announcement report: Authentics 500 for $699.95. TechRadar and audioXpress write $699.99. The 699.95 value follows JBL's usual US price style. Tax treatment is not stated.
- Launch price (EU)
- €629.996Reviewtrustedreviews.com/reviews/jbl-authentics-500Read 16 October 2026Spec table lists EU RRP 629.99 EUR. Launch coverage by Tom's Guide and Stereonet rounds it to 629 EUR. German retailers list the same 629.99 EUR as UVP including VAT.8Press articletomsguide.com/news/jbl-unveils-new-authentics-smart-speaker-with-obscene-270w-of-power-at-ifa-2023Read 16 October 2026Launch price quoted as $699 / GBP 579 / 629 EUR. Stored value 629.99 EUR is the retail UVP, which matches. Tax treatment is not stated here, EU prices include VAT.10Press articlestereonet.com/news/jbl-unveils-classic-style-authentics-wireless-speakers-at-ifa-2023Read 16 October 2026Authentics 500 sold for 629 EUR at launch.
- Markets
- US, EU, GB6Reviewtrustedreviews.com/reviews/jbl-authentics-500Read 16 October 2026Spec table gives UK and EU recommended prices.
Audio
- Audio drivers
Driver type Count Diameter (mm) Aluminum dome tweeter 3 25 Midrange driver 3 69.85 Down-firing subwoofer 1 165 - Passive radiators
- Not available
- Rated audio power
- Not available
- Rated audio power on mains
- Not available
- Audio output power (unspecified rating)
- 270W1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Total speaker output power (max at 1% THD): 270 W. The sheet does not say continuous or peak, so the unspecified-rating field is used.
- Peak audio power
- Not available
- Frequency response lower limit (claimed)
- 40Hz1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 202640 Hz to 20 kHz at -6 dB.
- Frequency response upper limit (claimed)
- 20kHz1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 202640 Hz to 20 kHz at -6 dB.
- Signal-to-noise ratio (claimed)
- Not available
- Adjustable equalizer
- Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Volume, bass and treble controls on the speaker. The JBL One app adds equalizer settings.3Maker product pageapps.apple.com/us/app/jbl-one/id1610239857Read 16 October 2026Version 1.9.11 (25 October 2024) upgraded the equalizer with presets and more advanced customization.4Reviewtechradar.com/audio/hi-fi/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/jbl-authentics-500-reviewRead 16 October 2026App equalizer lets users adjust mid as well as bass and treble. No presets at review time. The band count was not stored because the app equalizer was later upgraded.
- Equalizer bands
- Not available
- Automatic sound adjustment
- Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Auto-tuning: the speaker calibrates and optimizes audio for each location every time it is powered on.2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Section 8.1.2: auto-tuning starts each time the speaker is connected to power and music starts. It takes three minutes and uses the microphones. It is disabled when the microphone is off.
- Sound modes
- Not available
- Wireless stereo pairing
- Yes2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026The manual does not describe stereo pairing. See the JBL One app source.3Maker product pageapps.apple.com/us/app/jbl-one/id1610239857Read 16 October 2026Harman's JBL One app version history: version 1.7.19 (25 March 2024) added stereo pairing for the Authentics 500. Pairing depends on the model.
- Speaker link protocols
- AirPlay 2 multi-room, Chromecast built-in multi-room, Alexa Multi-Room Music2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Section 7.1.6 covers multi-room playback with Chromecast, AirPlay and Alexa Multi-Room Music speakers. Up to 6 Chromecast speakers depending on network bandwidth. Max linked speakers is not stored because only the Chromecast limit is stated.
- Max linked speakers
- Not available
- Max Bluetooth group speakers
- Not available
Connectivity
- Bluetooth audio playback
- Yes6Reviewtrustedreviews.com/reviews/jbl-authentics-500Read 16 October 20267Reviewblog.bestbuy.ca/review/jbl-authentics-500-high-fidelity-powered-speaker-reviewRead 16 October 2026
- Bluetooth version
- 5.31Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Bluetooth 5.3.2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026
- Bluetooth codecs
- SBC6Reviewtrustedreviews.com/reviews/jbl-authentics-500Read 16 October 2026Only SBC is stored. This review says SBC and AAC. Best Buy Canada's review says the speaker only supports SBC. SBC is the only codec all sources agree on. AAC is left out because of the conflict.7Reviewblog.bestbuy.ca/review/jbl-authentics-500-high-fidelity-powered-speaker-reviewRead 16 October 2026Spec list says Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC codec. Review text says it only supports the basic SBC protocol.
- Bluetooth profiles
- A2DP 1.3.2, AVRCP 1.51Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026A2DP 1.3.2 and AVRCP 1.5.2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026
- Bluetooth LE Audio
- Not available
- Auracast
- Not available
- Multipoint source devices
- Not available
- Wi-Fi standards
- 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Section 9, Authentics 500 column: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax.
- Network audio protocols
- AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Alexa Cast, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Sheet names AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Chromecast built-in and Spotify Connect. Alexa Cast and Roon Ready are from the manual. Tidal Connect is from reviews.2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Sections 5 and 7 name Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Alexa Cast and Spotify Connect. The trademark page names Roon Ready.4Reviewtechradar.com/audio/hi-fi/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/jbl-authentics-500-reviewRead 16 October 2026Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Alexa and Chromecast listed.5Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/jbl-authentics-500Read 16 October 2026Review lists AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, plus Alexa Multiroom.
- USB audio input
- Not available
- USB drive playback
- Not available
- USB audio file formats
- Not available
- Ports
Connector Count Role AC power 1 Mains power input for the supplied power cord 3.5 mm audio 1 AUX audio input Other 1 Ethernet (RJ45) network connection USB-C 1 Service port outside the US. On the US version it also plays MP3 and WAV files from USB storage. Rated 5 V DC, 1 A Source2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Rear panel: power, USB, AUX (3.5 mm), Ethernet and a microphone slider. USB plays MP3 files only on the US version. Section 9: USB-C, 5 V DC 1 A, and USB playback in the US version while other versions use USB for service only.4Reviewtechradar.com/audio/hi-fi/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/jbl-authentics-500-reviewRead 16 October 2026Review lists USB-C, Ethernet, 3.5 mm aux and a 2-pin power port.6Reviewtrustedreviews.com/reviews/jbl-authentics-500Read 16 October 2026Review lists a 3.5 mm aux input, an Ethernet socket and a USB-C port that is for service outside the US, plus a figure-of-8 power connector.
Controls and software
- Speakerphone
- Not available
- Voice assistants
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa work at the same time through built-in microphones. They may not be available in all countries or languages.2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Section 6: Google Assistant and Alexa are set up in the JBL One app and used by voice over the home network. Bluetooth mode does not support voice commands. No phone is needed once set up.13Press releaseharman.com/india/pages/JBL-Introduces-Authentics-Series-of-In-Home-Audio-Speakers;-Blends-Timeless-Retro-Style-with-Premium-Sound.aspxRead 16 October 2026Alexa and Google Assistant are available at the same time on the same device.
- Controls
- Bluetooth source and pairing button, Play/pause button (double press for next track, triple press for previous track), Rotary volume control, Bass control, Treble control, Moment button for a saved playlist or speaker setting, Voice assistant microphone off slider on the rear2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Top panel: Bluetooth button, play controls (press once play or pause, twice next, three times previous), rotary volume, Moment button, treble and bass controls. Rear: voice assistant microphone slider.
- Companion app
- JBL One1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026
- App platforms
- iOS, Android2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Android or iOS device with the JBL One app.3Maker product pageapps.apple.com/us/app/jbl-one/id1610239857Read 16 October 2026App Store listing requires iOS 16 or later.
- User firmware updates
- Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026With a Wi-Fi connection the speaker receives software and feature updates automatically.2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Section 8.2: when connected to the internet the speaker software updates automatically to the latest version.
- Built-in lighting
- Not available
- Lighting modes
- Not available
Smart home
We could not find any of these 3 fields. Show them
- Matter controller
- Not available
- Thread border router
- Not available
- Zigbee hub
- Not available
Battery and charging
- Built-in battery
- No2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Power source is 100-240 V AC mains only, with no battery in the specifications or the box.6Reviewtrustedreviews.com/reviews/jbl-authentics-500Read 16 October 2026Review says there is no integrated battery and no option to add one.
- Playback time (claimed)
- Not available
- Playback with battery extension (claimed)
- Not available
- Battery energy
- Not available
- Battery capacity
- Not available
- Nominal battery voltage
- Not available
- Battery chemistry
- Not available
- User-replaceable battery
- Not available
- Full charge time
- Not available
- Quick charge duration
- Not available
- Playback after quick charge
- Not available
- Charging input rating
- Not available
- Max charging input
- Not available
- USB Power Delivery charging
- Not available
- Charges other devices
- Not available
- Max power-bank output
- Not available
- Wireless charging
- Not available
Durability
We could not find any of these 5 fields. Show them
- Dust and water rating
- Not available
- Floats
- Not available
- Drop resistance
- Not available
- Drop test height
- Not available
- Carry features
- Not available
Measured
We could not find any of these 6 fields. Show them
- Playback time (measured)
- Not available
- Max sound pressure (measured)
- Not available
- Low-frequency extension (measured)
- Not available
- High-frequency extension (measured)
- Not available
- Audio latency (measured)
- Not available
- Full charge time (measured)
- Not available
Dimensions and weight
Front and side, drawn to scale.
- Dimensions
- Width447Height240Depth255.7mm(17.6 × 9.4 × 10.1 in)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026447 x 240 x 255.7 mm, listed as width x height x depth. Package is 515 x 322 x 315 mm.
- Body materials
- Aluminum frame, Synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure, Quadrex grille1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Premium aluminum frame, custom synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure and reimagined Quadrex grille. The maker says it is made with 100% recycled fabric, 85% recycled plastic and 50% recycled aluminum.13Press releaseharman.com/india/pages/JBL-Introduces-Authentics-Series-of-In-Home-Audio-Speakers;-Blends-Timeless-Retro-Style-with-Premium-Sound.aspxRead 16 October 2026Premium aluminium frame, custom synthetic leather-wrapped enclosure and reimagined Quadrex grille. 100% recycled fabric, 85% recycled plastic and 50% recycled aluminum.
Certifications
- FCC IDs
- Not available
- Other certifications
- Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, Roon Ready, FSC-certified paper packaging1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Shipped in an FSC-certified carton printed with soy ink.
In the box
- In the box
- JBL Authentics 500 speaker, Power cord (quantity and plug type vary by region), Quick start guide, Safety sheet, Warranty card1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026Box contents table: 1 speaker, 1 power cord, 1 quick start guide, 1 safety sheet, 1 warranty card.
Links
- Product page
- product.jbl.com/AUTHENTICS-500.html2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Product page URL printed in the manual's troubleshooting section for the Authentics 500.
- Spec sheet
- support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdf1Maker spec sheet (PDF)support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwa02cae3f/pdfs/JBL%20Authentics%20500_Specsheet_FR.pdfRead 16 October 2026
- Manual
- support.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdf2Owner's manualsupport.harmanaudio.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dw3fc8d3e6/pdfs/HA_JBL_Authentics_200_&_500_OM_V8_ES-MX-.pdfRead 16 October 2026Mexican Spanish edition of the combined Authentics 200 and 500 owner's manual. No English edition was found on a host that could be read.
- EPREL registration number
- Not available
Warranty
We could not find any of these 1 fields. Show them
- Manufacturer warranty (source market)
- Not available
Compare with
Pick a wireless speaker to see both side by side. Differences are marked yellow.
Variants
Each variant lists only what differs from the specs above.
| Model number | GTIN | Launch price (US) | Launch price (EU) | Markets | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBLAUTH500BLKAM | 050036396264 | $699.95 | Not available | US | Black |
| JBLAUTH500BLKEP | 1200130000683 | Not available | €629.99 | EU | Black |
| JBLAUTH500BLKUK | Not available | Not available | Not available | GB | Black |
Sources
We read 13 sources for this wireless speaker. The numbers match the markers in the sheet.
- Maker product pageapps.apple.com/us/app/jbl-one/id1610239857
- Press articleaftvnews.com
- Retailer pagemedimax.de/p/1422285/authentics-500
See a wrong value? Tell us and name the field.