Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Go 3 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers at $99. The JBL Go 3 ranks #26 at $39.95, $59.05 cheaper.
What the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 gets right: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. The catch: Lack of clarity.
On the JBL Go 3 side: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. Set against that: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Go 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 is rated for 12 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Go 3.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 4.2W |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with 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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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 | No |
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Go 3: $39.95 Amazon
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 | No |
| Output Power | 4.2W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Reddit Search for JBL Go 3 Review
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