Short answer: the JBL Clip 3 for better sound quality, the Xiaomi Sound Pocket for the lower price. The JBL Clip 3 ranks #36 of 47 small speakers at $49.99. The Xiaomi Sound Pocket ranks #45 at $22.99, $27 cheaper.
What the JBL Clip 3 gets right: Aux in. Very portable with a built-in carabiner; genuinely waterproof. The tradeoff: Less bass than the Clip. Quite a lack of bass.
On the Xiaomi Sound Pocket side: 5W output, IP67 waterproof, 10-hour battery life, compact 200g ultra-portable design, Bluetooth 5.4 with TWS stereo pairing, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, 3.6-inch form factor. Watch for: Bass light, vocals harsh above ~80% volume, vibrates/walks on hard surfaces at higher volume when upright, slow 3-hour charge.
Buy the JBL Clip 3 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Xiaomi Sound Pocket if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 47 small speakers instead.
If water resistance matters to you, the Xiaomi Sound Pocket at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip 3 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 3 | Xiaomi Sound Pocket | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 Discontinued | $22.99 |
| Ranked | #36 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #45 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~100Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | - |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 227 g | 0.4 lbs / 200 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.4 |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.8" x 5.4" x 1.8" (97 x 137 x 46 mm) | 3.6" x 2.9" x 1.7" (90.8 x 74.4 x 42.6 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Output Power | 3.3W | 5W |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver | Full-range driver + passive radiator |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Capacity | - | 1000mAh |
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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 | Pointing up |
| 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
Xiaomi Sound Pocket: $22.99 Amazon Aliexpress
Pros: 5W output, IP67 waterproof, 10-hour battery life, compact 200g ultra-portable design, Bluetooth 5.4 with TWS stereo pairing, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, 3.6-inch form factor
Cons: Bass light, vocals harsh above ~80% volume, vibrates/walks on hard surfaces at higher volume when upright, slow 3-hour charge
Full Xiaomi Sound Pocket review and specifications →
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.6" x 2.9" x 1.7" (90.8 x 74.4 x 42.6 mm) |
| Drivers | Full-range driver + passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 200 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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