Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Clip 3 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers at $99. The JBL Clip 3 ranks #36 at $49.99, $49.01 cheaper.
What the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 offers: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Set against that: Lack of clarity.
The case for the JBL Clip 3: Aux in. Very portable with a built-in carabiner; genuinely waterproof. The catch: Less bass than the Clip.
One note: the JBL Clip 3 is discontinued, but it still ranks #36 of 47 small speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Clip 3. It ranks near the bottom of the 47 small speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If water resistance matters to you, the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip 3 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | JBL Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $49.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #36 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g | 0.5 lbs / 227 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 3.8" x 5.4" x 1.8" (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 3.3W |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~100Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- JBL Clip vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
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- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Clip
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $99.00 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Compact fabric strap for clipping to bags/bikes - replaces the 1st-gen’s hook clip, which was prone to breaking. USB-C charging. Surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass that causes some thudding, and can overdrive/distort at higher volumes - worse in this regard than the 1st-gen model. Overly boosted treble, turn down bass and treble in the EQ. Falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Clip 3: $49.99 Discontinued Amazon
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.
Cons: Less bass than the Clip. Quite a lack of bass. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip 3 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~100Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 3.3W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 227 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons