Short answer: the JBL Go 3 for better sound quality, the Tribit PocketGo for the lower price. The JBL Go 3 ranks #26 of 47 small speakers at $39.95. The Tribit PocketGo ranks #27 at $20.99, $18.96 cheaper.
What the JBL Go 3 offers: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. Watch for: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
What the Tribit PocketGo gets right: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. The catch: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class.
Buy the JBL Go 3 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit PocketGo if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit PocketGo is rated for 20 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Go 3.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 3 | Tribit PocketGo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.95 | $20.99 |
| Ranked | #26 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (Tribit app) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (6 presets + custom) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Max Volume | 88dB | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 209 g | 0.5 lbs / 220 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 6.0 |
| Frequency Response | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Output Power | 4.2W | 7W |
| Drivers | 36mm full-range driver | 1x 45mm full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes (up to 128GB) |
| Discontinued | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL Go 4 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- JBL Go 4 vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- JBL Go 4 vs Xiaomi Sound Pocket
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Go 4
- JBL Go 3 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
The Two Speakers In Full
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
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL GO 3 Review - vs Tribit Stormbox Micro - best small cheap speaker?
- DLX Willington: Jbl Go 3 vs Sony XB12 Sound Battle With Sound Sample
- Stereo Specs: JBL GO 4 vs JBL GO 3 : Is there more bass or not?Unboxing,Features,Specs,Sound Test & Comparison !
- StereoSpecs: JBL GO 4 vs JBL GO 3 : Worth the upgrade?
- Techder Audios: JBL GO 3 VS XIAOMI PORTABLE OUTDOOR SPEAKER “BEST COMPACT SPEAKERS!?”
- Techder Audios: HOPESTAR H54 VS JBL GO 3 “SIMILAR DESIGN BUT SOUND IS DIFFERENT?!’’
- Alan Ross Reviews: Harman Kardon Neo vs JBL GO 3 - best bluetooth micro speaker❗❗❗
- Techder Audios: JBL GO 3 VS ORTIZAN X10
- Reddit Search for JBL Go 3 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Tribit PocketGo: $20.99 Amazon
Pros: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. Costs about half the price of the JBL Go 5. Can stand, hang from its loop, or lay flat on its feet for flexible placement. About on par with the Soundcore Select 4 Go, and a touch louder at lower volumes. App support with signature EQ and customization.
Cons: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class. JBL Go 5 has better build quality plus lightshow, Auracast, and AirTouch. Loses more bass than the Soundcore Select 4 Go at maximum volume. Slightly nasal quality to the sound.
Full Tribit PocketGo review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Tribit app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons