Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro for better sound quality, the JBL Go 3 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro ranks #19 of 47 small speakers at $90. The JBL Go 3 ranks #26 at $39.95, $50.05 cheaper.
On the Bose Soundlink Micro side: Rugged rubberized coating, IP67 rated (1m submersion for 30 minutes). Set against that: Lack of clarity.
The case for the JBL Go 3: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. The tradeoff: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Go 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90.00 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #19 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms | - |
| Max Volume | 90dB | 88dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 289 g | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.4" (98 x 98 x 35 mm) | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators | 36mm full-range driver |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Output Power | 5W | 4.2W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro: $90.00 Amazon
Pros: Rugged rubberized coating, IP67 rated (1m submersion for 30 minutes). Very compact and pocketable at 0.68 lb.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass
Full Bose Soundlink Micro review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.4" (98 x 98 x 35 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 90dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 289 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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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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