Short answer: the JBL Clip 3. It ranks #36 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $49.99; the Sony SRS-XB12 ranks #39 and costs $79, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the JBL Clip 3: Aux in. The tradeoff: Less bass than the Clip.
What the Sony SRS-XB12 offers: Aux in. Watch for: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble.
Buy the JBL Clip 3. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony SRS-XB12 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.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB12 is rated for 16 hours versus 10 hours for the JBL Clip 3.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sony SRS-XB12 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip 3 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 3 | Sony SRS-XB12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 Discontinued | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #36 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~100Hz | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 227 g | 0.5 lbs / 243 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.8" x 5.4" x 1.8" (97 x 137 x 46 mm) | 2.9" x 3.6"H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Output Power | 3.3W | 7W |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver | 46mm |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 240ms |
| Max Volume | - | 93dB |
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- Muzen Wild Mini vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Clip
- Sony SRS-XB13 vs JBL Clip
- JBL Clip vs Sony SRS-XB12
- JBL Go 5 vs Sony SRS-XB12
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
Sony SRS-XB12: $79 Discontinued
Pros: Aux in. 16 hour battery life. IP67 rated, palm-sized with a detachable strap for hanging on a bag or belt.
Cons: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB12 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 240ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.9" x 3.6"H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 243 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs JBL Clip
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Tribit PocketGo
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs JBL Go 3
- See all 12 comparisons