Short answer: the Soundcore Select 3. It ranks #83 of 173 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $49.88; the JBL Grip ranks #96, rated 3.1/5, and costs $69.95, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The JBL Grip is the lighter pick. A 0.8 lbs (385 g) IP68 waterproof speaker with 14-hour battery life, a 7-band app EQ and ambient back lighting with settable themes. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Select 3 at 1.3 lbs (576 g). The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The Soundcore Select 3 is the longer-running pick. Two 1.5 inch drivers give genuine stereo in a small box, with BassUp for extra punch. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 14 for the JBL Grip. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip. The tradeoff: A retailer exclusive refresh of the Soundcore Select 2 formula, so bass depth is limited by the small drivers and BassUp compresses at high volume.
Buy the Soundcore Select 3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Grip and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A 385 g IP68 waterproof speaker with 14-hour battery life, a 7-band app EQ and ambient back lighting with settable themes.
Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video $69.95 Lowest eBay
Two 1.5 inch drivers give genuine stereo in a small box, with BassUp for extra punch.
Walmart $49.88 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 19, 2026 at 10:32 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 Grip | Soundcore Select 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $49.88 |
| Ranked | #96 of 173 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #83 of 173 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyCast) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.3 lbs (576 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 38mm (1.5”) full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 2.5”H x 7.2”W x 2.1”D (63 x 184 x 53 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 16W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | Yes |
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