Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Soundcore Boom 3i ranks #31 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $118.99; the JBL Clip 5 ranks #22 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $59.95.
The Soundcore Boom 3i is the longer-running pick. A warm, punchy waterproof speaker that sounds great and is a strong value. It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Clip 5. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Clip 5 lacks. The catch: Not quite as good as a JBL Charge 5, doesn’t go quite as loud or sound quite as balanced, but very very close.
The JBL Clip 5 is the lighter option. A waterproof clip on speaker with a wide carabiner, a long battery, app EQ, and Auracast linking to other speakers. At 0.6 lbs (285 g) it weighs much less than the Soundcore Boom 3i at 1.7 lbs (783 g). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Soundcore Boom 3i cannot. The tradeoff: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the Soundcore Boom 3i ($118.99) for a medium speaker; the JBL Clip 5 ($59.95) suits a small speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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
| Soundcore Boom 3i | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $118.99 | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #31 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 3.3” x 3.1” (210 x 85 x 78.5 mm) | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 94mm woofer + tweeter | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (783 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 7W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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