Short answer: the Klipsch Austin. It ranks #15 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $54.95 and is still sold new; the JBL Clip 3 ranks #47 (rated 2.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Clip 3’s replacement, the JBL Clip 5, is rated 3.4/5 at $49.95.
The Klipsch Austin is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 10dB, against 100Hz for the JBL Clip 3. It is rated IP67, while the JBL Clip 3 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Broadcast Mode), which the JBL Clip 3 cannot. The tradeoff: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers.
The JBL Clip 3 is the lighter choice. Very portable with a built-in carabiner; genuinely waterproof. At 0.5 lbs (227 g) it weighs much less than the Klipsch Austin at 0.9 lbs (397 g). The tradeoff: Less bass than the JBL Clip.
Buy the Klipsch Austin. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Clip 3 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Austin | JBL Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $49.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | ~100Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) | 0.5 lbs (227 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) | 3.8” x 5.4” x 1.8” (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS | 3.3W |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch Austin: $54.95 Amazon $54.95 eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Nashville (larger model, rated 3.3/5) and the Klipsch Detroit (larger model, rated 3.1/5).
Pros: Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Clear mids and crisp trebles. Rugged rubberized build with a metal grille; IP67. Supports TWS pairing with a second Austin. Measured bass extension of ~70Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers
Full Klipsch Austin review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch Austin vs Marshall Willen
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JBL Clip 3: $49.99 Discontinued Amazon $49.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Mar 2024.
Older models: the JBL Clip 2 (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5) and the JBL Clip (ranked higher, rated 2.7/5). See every JBL Clip generation.
Pros: Aux in. Very portable with a built-in carabiner; genuinely waterproof. Real-world battery often beats the 10-hour rating, sometimes lasting close to 18 hours. Measured bass extension of ~100Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Less bass than the JBL Clip. Quite a lack of bass. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip 3 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 3.3W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~100Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.8” x 5.4” x 1.8” (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (227 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons