Short answer: the JBL Go 3 for better sound quality, the Onn Small Rugged Speaker for the lower price. The JBL Go 3 ranks #31 of 62 small speakers, rated 3.2/5, at $35.95. The Onn Small Rugged Speaker ranks #35, rated 3.1/5, at $14.88, $21.07 cheaper.
The JBL Go 3 is the lighter option. A pocket sized waterproof speaker with a rope loop for clipping to a bag. At 0.5 lbs (209 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Onn Small Rugged Speaker at 0.6 lbs (286 g). Watch for: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
The Onn Small Rugged Speaker is the deeper-bass, longer-running choice. A very cheap, tough waterproof mini speaker with USB-C charging, an aux input, and a speakerphone mic. Its bass reaches about 66Hz before falling 10dB, against 87Hz for the JBL Go 3. It is rated for 10 hours of battery against 5 for the JBL Go 3. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Go 3 lacks. The tradeoff: Its 1.5-inch driver cannot create meaningful deep bass (about 66Hz at -10dB) or the clarity and scale of better small speakers.
Buy the JBL Go 3 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Onn Small Rugged Speaker if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A pocket sized waterproof speaker with a rope loop for clipping to a bag.
A very cheap, tough waterproof mini speaker with USB-C charging, an aux input, and a speakerphone mic.
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 | Onn Small Rugged Speaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.95 | $14.88 |
| Ranked | #31 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Party Sync Mode) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (209 g) | 0.6 lbs (286 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 | - |
| Frequency Response | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 2.7” x 1.6” (86 x 69 x 40 mm) | 4.7” x 2.3” x 2.6” (119.9 x 57.9 x 65 mm) |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | - |
| Amplifier Power | 4.2W | 3-5W |
| Drivers | 36mm full-range driver | 1.5” (38mm) full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
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