Short answer: the JBL Go 3 for waterproofing, the Anker Soundcore Mini for inputs and price. The Mini has an FM tuner, aux input and MicroSD and is quite cheap, but its bass is not as deep as higher ranked speakers and it has no waterproofing. The Go 3 is genuinely pocket-sized at 0.5 lbs (209 g) and IP67 rated, surviving full submersion in a meter of water for 30 minutes, though it has not much bass at all and a strange mids peak.
Buy the Anker Soundcore Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Go 3 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Anker Soundcore Mini | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #13 of 50 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #28 of 50 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 | 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 | 5.1 |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Amplifier 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 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Frequency Response | - | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in loop) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 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. 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 Anker Soundcore Mini review and specifications →
| 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) |
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JBL Go 3: $39.95 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Go 5, ranked higher, rated 3.2/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 87Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Full JBL Go 3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 4.2W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (209 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL GO 3 Review - vs Tribit Stormbox Micro - best small cheap speaker? More from alanrossreviews →
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