Short answer: the Anker Soundcore Mini. It ranks #13 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $29.99; the JBL Go 3 ranks #26 and costs $39.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Anker Soundcore Mini side: Has an FM tuner, aux input and MicroSD. Quite cheap. Watch for: Not quite as deep of bass as higher ranked speakers. No waterproofing.
The case for the JBL Go 3: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. IP67 rated, survives full submersion in a meter of water for 30 minutes. The tradeoff: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the Anker Soundcore Mini. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Go 3 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the Anker Soundcore Mini is rated for 15 hours, the JBL Go 3 only 5 hours.
Water resistance is not close: the JBL Go 3 is rated at IP67 (brief submersion), well ahead of the Anker Soundcore Mini at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Anker Soundcore Mini | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #13 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 200 g | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
| 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 | 5.1 |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Output Power | 5W | 4.2W |
| Dimensions | 3.7" x 3.6" x 3.6" (94 x 92 x 91 mm) | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2" (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 36mm full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 87Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 88dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 9, 2026 at 6:54 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
Anker Soundcore Mini: $29.99 Amazon eBay
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.
Cons: There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment.
Full Anker Soundcore Mini review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 200 g |
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JBL Go 3: $39.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. IP67 rated, survives full submersion in a meter of water for 30 minutes. Rope loop for clipping to a bag.
Cons: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Full JBL Go 3 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 36mm full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 88dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 4.2W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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