Short answer: the Soundcore Mini. It ranks #13 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $29.99 and is still sold new; the JBL Clip 3 ranks #47 (rated 2.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Clip 3’s replacement, the JBL Clip 5, is rated 3.4/5 at $49.95.
The Soundcore Mini is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. It also has an FM tuner and microSD playback. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Clip 3. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Clip 3 lacks. Watch for: Bass does not reach as deep as higher-ranked speakers.
The case for the JBL Clip 3: Aux in. The tradeoff: Less bass than the JBL Clip.
Buy the Soundcore Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL Clip 3 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini | JBL Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $49.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (200 g) | 0.5 lbs (227 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 3.3W |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 3.6” x 3.6” (94 x 92 x 91 mm) | 3.8” x 5.4” x 1.8” (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~100Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soundcore Mini:
- Soundcore Mini vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- Soundcore Mini vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
- Soundcore Mini vs Minirig Mini 2
- Soundcore Mini vs Tribit Stormbox Micro
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 vs Soundcore Mini
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Mini: $29.99 Amazon $29.99 eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Mini 3, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5, released 2021 (also discontinued). See every Soundcore Mini generation.
Pros: Anker Soundcore Mini uses 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator. Its 200 g, claimed 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, aux input and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. It also has an FM tuner and microSD playback.
Cons: There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Bass does not reach as deep as higher-ranked speakers.
Full Soundcore Mini review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 3.6” x 3.6” (94 x 92 x 91 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (200 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Soundcore Mini vs Marshall Willen
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- Soundcore Mini vs Vifa City
- Soundcore Mini vs Soundcore Mini 3
- Soundcore Mini vs Soundcore Mini 3 Pro
- See all 42 comparisons
JBL Clip 3: $49.99 Discontinued Amazon $49.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Mar 2024.
Older models: the JBL Clip 2 (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5) and the JBL Clip (ranked higher, rated 2.7/5). See every JBL Clip generation.
Pros: Aux in. Very portable with a built-in carabiner; genuinely waterproof. Real-world battery often beats the 10-hour rating, sometimes lasting close to 18 hours. Measured bass extension of ~100Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Less bass than the JBL Clip. Quite a lack of bass. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip 3 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 3.3W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~100Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.8” x 5.4” x 1.8” (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (227 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons