Short answer: the JBL Go 5 has the newer protection and app features, but the Soundcore Mini 3 is the better value if bass weight matters. JBL adds IP68 protection, AirTouch stereo linking, and a seven-band custom EQ. The Mini 3 counters with unusually deep bass for its tiny size.
The Go 5 is only a modest change from the Go 4, making its value proposition less convincing. The Mini 3 gives up some top-end air through its rolled-off highs, so it is better for casual warm background playback than detail-focused listening.
Buy the JBL Go 5 if IP68 protection, app EQ, and simple stereo linking are worth the premium.
Buy the Soundcore Mini 3 if you want more low-end presence from a small speaker for less.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 5 | Soundcore Mini 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $41 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #29 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #9 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (230 g) | 0.5 lbs (249 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) | 2.8” x 2.8” x 3.3” (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Drivers | 45mm | 52mm full-range driver |
| Amplifier Power | 4.8W | 6W |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 160ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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