Short answer: the Soundcore Boom Go 3i for better sound quality, the JBL Clip 5 for the lower price. The Soundcore Boom Go 3i ranks #2 of 47 small speakers at $79.99. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 at $69.95, $10.04 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Clip 5: 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.
On the Soundcore Boom Go 3i side: IP68 rated (full submersion + dustproof). Watch for: Sounds a bit piercing and metallic.
Buy the JBL Clip 5 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Soundcore Boom Go 3i if sound quality matters more than the price.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore Boom Go 3i is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Clip 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Soundcore Boom Go 3i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $79.99 |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.8 lbs / 380 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 4" x 4.2" x 1.8" (102.1 x 105.9 x 45.5 mm) |
| Output Power | 7W | 15W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 25mm tweeter + 42mm woofer + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 92dB |
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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 | 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soundcore Boom Go 3i: $79.99 Amazon Aliexpress
Pros: IP68 rated (full submersion + dustproof). ~24 hour battery life. RGB light strip syncs to the music. USB-C port doubles as a power bank for charging your phone.
Cons: Sounds a bit piercing and metallic. Bass knocks a little bit. Peak at 10khz
Setup: Try out Oluv’s EQ which slightly improves the sound
Full Soundcore Boom Go 3i review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4" x 4.2" x 1.8" (102.1 x 105.9 x 45.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 42mm woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 15W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 380 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: SoundCore Boom Go 3i - first look More from Oluv’Sone →
- Techder Audios: Soundcore Boom Go 3i - Soundtest HOW GOOD IS 15W? WITH BASS UP 2.0!? More from techderaudios →
- Storytripper HD: Bose Micro 2 vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Micro 2 More from storytripperhd →
- Gi Rides: Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 Binaural Audio
- TecH Moe: Soundcore Boom Go 3i: The Mini Speaker to Buy!
- Reddit Search for Soundcore Boom Go 3i Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Teufel Boomster Go
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Soundcore Mini 3 Pro
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Soundcore Mini 3
- See all 22 comparisons