Short answer: the JBL Go 3. It ranks #31 of 62 small speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $35.95. The Monster Bluetooth Speaker ranks #39, rated 3.0/5, at $19.99, $15.96 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
What the JBL Go 3 does well: A pocket sized waterproof speaker with a rope loop for clipping to a bag. Watch for: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Why pick the Monster Bluetooth Speaker: A very cheap, light waterproof travel speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, and stereo pairing. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Go 3 lacks. The catch: Its tiny 36mm driver has very limited bass (about 95Hz at -10dB), elevated mids and rolled-off highs.
Buy the JBL Go 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $15.96 with the Monster Bluetooth Speaker does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A pocket sized waterproof speaker with a rope loop for clipping to a bag.
A very cheap, light waterproof travel speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, and stereo pairing.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 3 | Monster Bluetooth Speaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.95 | $19.99 |
| Ranked | #31 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz | 95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (209 g) | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Frequency Response | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 2.7” x 1.6” (86 x 69 x 40 mm) | Specifications vary by model |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | - |
| Amplifier Power | 4.2W | 5W |
| Drivers | 36mm full-range driver | 1.4” (36mm) full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (carabiner hook, suction cup) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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