Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 ranks #58 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality at $49.99; the JBL Go 3 ranks #26 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $39.95.
Why pick the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2: Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 uses 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. The catch: Bass is limited by its 60Hz specification.
What the JBL Go 3 does well: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. The catch: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 at $49.99 for a medium speaker, or the JBL Go 3 at $39.95 for a small speaker instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 is rated for 24 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Go 3.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #58 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) | 0.5 lbs (209 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) | 3.4” x 2.7” x 1.6” (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 4.2W |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 36mm full-range driver |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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
Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2: $49.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Soundcore 2 (rated 3/5).
Pros: Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 uses 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. Its 372 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, up to 99dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 60Hz specification.
Full Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) |
- Links
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JBL Go 3: $39.95 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Go 5, rated 3.2/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 87Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Full JBL Go 3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 4.2W |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (209 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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