Short answer: the JBL Clip 5 for better sound quality, the JBL Go 3 for the lower price. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 of 47 small speakers at $69.95. The JBL Go 3 ranks #26 at $39.95, $30 cheaper.
What the JBL Clip 5 gets right: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. The catch: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
What the JBL Go 3 offers: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. Watch for: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the JBL Clip 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Go 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Clip 5 is rated for 12 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Go 3.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Output Power | 7W | 4.2W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 36mm full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 87Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 88dB |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours |
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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 | No |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Go 3: $39.95 Amazon
Pros: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. IP67 rated, survives full submersion in a meter of water for 30 minutes. Rope loop for clipping to a bag.
Cons: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Full JBL Go 3 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 36mm full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 88dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 4.2W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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