Short answer: the Monster Bluetooth Speaker. It ranks #36 of 54 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.0/5) at $19.99 and is still sold new; the JBL Clip 3 ranks #42 (rated 2.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Monster Bluetooth Speaker is the tougher choice. A very light, IPX7-rated mini speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, speakerphone support and TWS pairing. It is rated IPX7, while the JBL Clip 3 has no water resistance. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Clip 3 lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: Its tiny 36mm driver has very limited bass (about 95Hz at -10dB), elevated mids and rolled-off highs.
Why pick the JBL Clip 3: Aux in. The catch: Less bass than the Clip.
Buy the Monster Bluetooth Speaker. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Clip 3 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monster Bluetooth Speaker | JBL Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $49.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #36 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 95Hz | ~100Hz |
| Battery Life | 6.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) | 0.5 lbs (227 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 3.3W |
| Dimensions | Specifications vary by model | 3.8” x 5.4” x 1.8” (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.4” (36mm) full-range driver | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (carabiner hook, suction cup) | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.1 |
| Frequency Response | - | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Monster Bluetooth Speaker compares with other leading options:
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Marshall Willen II vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
Monster Bluetooth Speaker: $19.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A very light, IPX7-rated mini speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, speakerphone support and TWS pairing. It is a convenient rugged travel speaker when water resistance and small size matter more than bass. Measured bass extension of 95Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Its tiny 36mm driver has very limited bass (about 95Hz at -10dB), elevated mids and rolled-off highs. It cannot deliver the scale, detail or battery endurance of stronger small-speaker rivals, and no app or EQ is available to improve the tuning.
Full Monster Bluetooth Speaker review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 95Hz |
| Battery Life | 6.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | Specifications vary by model |
| Drivers | 1.4” (36mm) full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (carabiner hook, suction cup) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Dayton Audio Boost Mini
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Onn Small Rugged Speaker
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Clip
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Tribit PocketGo
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Go 3
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- See all 29 comparisons
JBL Clip 3: $49.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5.
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 Clip. Quite a lack of bass. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip 3 review and specifications →
| 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
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons