Short answer: the JBL Clip 5 for better sound quality, the JBL Clip 3 for the lower price. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 of 47 small speakers at $69.95. The JBL Clip 3 ranks #36 at $49.99, $19.96 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Clip 5: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. Set against that: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
On the JBL Clip 3 side: Aux in. Very portable with a built-in carabiner; genuinely waterproof. Watch for: Less bass than the Clip. Quite a lack of bass.
Buy the JBL Clip 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Clip 3. It ranks near the bottom of the 47 small speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Clip 5 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip 3 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | JBL Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $49.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #36 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.5 lbs / 227 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 3.8" x 5.4" x 1.8" (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Output Power | 7W | 3.3W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~100Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Ultimate Ears Miniroll vs JBL Clip 5
- JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Clip
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Clip 5: $69.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. IP67 rated. Auracast support for pairing multiple JBL speakers.
Cons: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features. Basically about the same as the Clip 4
Full JBL Clip 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
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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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons