Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Mini for better sound quality, the JBL Charge 3 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Mini ranks #56 of 136 medium speakers at $128.67. The JBL Charge 3 ranks #67 at $80, $48.67 cheaper.
On the Bose Soundlink Mini side: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Watch for: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
What the JBL Charge 3 gets right: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the Flip 4.
One note: the Bose Soundlink Mini is discontinued, but it still ranks #56 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Mini if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Charge 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Charge 3 is rated for 20 hours versus 10 hours for the Bose Soundlink Mini.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Charge 3 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Bose Soundlink Mini at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini | JBL Charge 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $128.67 Discontinued | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #56 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #67 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX7 |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g | 1.8 lbs / 800 g |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2" x 2.3" (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.5" (213 x 88 x 88 mm) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | Micro USB |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Yes (JBL Connect) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 100dB |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.1 |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 20W RMS |
| EQ | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Mini: $128.67 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Comes with a charging cradle.
Cons: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers. Upper treble rolled off. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others. Failures of the mainboard are common. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Mini review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2" x 2.3" (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
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JBL Charge 3: $80 Discontinued
Pros: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. ~20 hour battery life. IPX7 rated; built-in noise/echo-cancelling speakerphone.
Cons: Less clarity than the Flip 4. Battery failures are common. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge 3 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.5" (213 x 88 x 88 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs / 800 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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