Short answer: the Soundcore 3. It ranks #62 of 157 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $59.99; the JBL Grip ranks #89, rated 3.1/5, and costs $99.95, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Soundcore 3 is the deeper-bass, longer-running pick. Identical in acoustic design and performance to the retailer variant Soundcore Select 2. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 10dB, against 68Hz for the JBL Grip. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 14 for the JBL Grip. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip.
The case for the JBL Grip: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
Buy the Soundcore 3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Grip and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 3 | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #62 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #89 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (7 band) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 16W |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP68 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (strap) |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soundcore 3:
- Earfun Uboom L vs Soundcore 3
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore 3
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore 3
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore 3
- Minirig 4 vs Soundcore 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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: $59.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Soundcore 2 (ranked lower, rated 3/5).
Pros: Soundcore 3 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. Identical in acoustic design and performance to the retailer variant Soundcore Select 2. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 60Hz specification.
Full Soundcore 3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons