JBL’s retro-style Authentics 300 smart speaker has dropped to an all-time low

2024-03-12 09:05:40

Amazon is also offering a $25 gift card when you buy a Nintendo Switch.

There aren’t a lot of smart speakers on the market that support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously, which is one of the reasons the JBL Authentics 300 stands out. Unfortunately, it’s expensive at its full retail price of $449.99, but Amazon is selling the portable smart speaker right now at a new all-time low of $278 ($172 off).

The midrange 300 can listen for wake words for both virtual assistants and deliver powerful sound free of distortion at louder volumes, allowing it to outperform even the new Sonos Move 2. It also lets you play music over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or via an aux jack or USB-C, and it sports handy dials for easily adjusting the EQ. The speaker also looks cool thanks to a ‘70s-style vibe, which uses faux black leather, tasteful gold accents, and a patterned acoustic fabric front. Admittedly, it’s heavy at 11 pounds, but at least it sports a carrying handle and built-in battery so you can take it on the go if you need to.

The JBL Authentics 300 is one of few smart speakers on the market with simultaneous Google Assistant and Alexa support. The ‘70s-style speaker is heavy, but it produces impressive, powerful sound, especially at louder volumes.

Mario Day may be over, but some of the sales retailers launched in its honor are still available. Right now, for example, you can score a $25 Best Buy gift card when you pick up a Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch, or a Nintendo Switch Lite at Best Buy. You can also get a $25 Amazon gift card at Amazon when you buy the Nintendo Switch (with offer code NSWNEON25) or the smaller Nintendo Switch Lite (with code NSWLITE25). You can use the $25 gift card toward various Switch games, too, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Amazon, Best Buy), Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (Amazon, Best Buy), and some other steeply discounted titles.

A sequel to the Nintendo Switch might be in the works, but if you can’t wait until next year, the current Switch lineup still has a solid catalog with more titles on the way. Each console is great for gaming on the go, particularly the newest model, which dons a crisp seven-inch OLED panel. You can even connect the standard Switch and Switch OLED to your TV, and both feature an adjustable kickstand (though, the Switch OLED’s is far sturdier).

$350

The Nintendo Switch OLED may look the same as the original model, but it features better audio, a seven-inch OLED display, and an improved kickstand that spans the entire length of the device.

$299

The Nintendo Switch offers a 6.2-inch touchscreen, three play styles, and a Wi-Fi connection, thus enabling multiplayer gaming (with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription).

$200

Nintendo’s smaller, lighter 5.5-inch Switch makes it easier to play your collection of Switch games on the go. It can’t, however, connect to TVs or play games that require detachable Joy-Con controllers.

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