Short answer: the JBL Clip 3. It ranks #36 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $49.99; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #42 and costs $100, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Clip 3 offers: Aux in. Watch for: Less bass than the Clip.
The case for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. The tradeoff: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the JBL Clip 3. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 47 small speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 3 | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #36 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~100Hz | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 227 g | 0.6 lbs / 250 g |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.8" x 5.4" x 1.8" (97 x 137 x 46 mm) | 5.5" x 3" x 1" (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Output Power | 3.3W | 8W |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75") full-range drivers |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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- Harman Kardon Neo vs Noxgear 39g
- Sony SRS-XB100 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Sony SRS-XB13 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- JBL Clip vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
- JBL Go 5 vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
The Two Speakers In Full
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 | No |
| Output Power | 3.3W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 227 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life.
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5" x 3" x 1" (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75") full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 8W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 250 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Sony SRS-XB12
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Noxgear 39g
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs JBL Clip
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Tribit PocketGo
- See all 12 comparisons