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 ranks #46 (rated 2.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Clip’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 5 for the JBL Clip. The tradeoff: Bass does not reach as deep as higher-ranked speakers.
The JBL Clip is the lighter choice. Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. At 0.3 lbs (158 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Mini at 0.4 lbs (200 g). The catch: Quite a lack of bass.
Buy the Soundcore Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Clip is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini | JBL Clip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $50 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | AC Wall Wart |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (200 g) | 0.3 lbs (158 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 | 3.0 |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | - |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 7W RMS |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 3.6” x 3.6” (94 x 92 x 91 mm) | 5.4” x 3.8” x 1.8” (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~95Hz |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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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- See all 42 comparisons
JBL Clip: $50 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Mar 2024. See every JBL Clip generation.
Pros: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Has its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, so you don’t need to carry one separately. Measured bass extension of ~95Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Mids are a little hollow. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 7W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.4” x 3.8” x 1.8” (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Drivers | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs (158 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons