Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro for water protection, the JBL Go 3 for pocket size. The Go 3 is genuinely pocket-sized at 0.5 lbs (209 g), but it has not much bass at all and a strange mids peak. The Micro pairs a rugged rubberized coating with a 1m, 30-minute IP67 rating, though it lacks clarity.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $42.05 saving on the JBL Go 3 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $82.00 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #19 of 49 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #28 of 49 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 | - |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (289 g) | 0.5 lbs (209 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 4.2W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Frequency Response | - | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Bose Soundlink Micro compares with other leading options:
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Minirig Mini 2
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Bose Soundlink Micro: $82.00 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5.
Pros: Bose Soundlink Micro uses 40mm with dual passive radiators. Its 289 g, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection, up to 90dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A rugged rubberized coating, a strap and Bose Party mode for pairing multiple speakers. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 66Hz specification. No EQ adjustment.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (289 g) |
- Links
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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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- StereoSpecs: JBL GO 4 vs JBL GO 3 : Worth the upgrade?
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