Short answer: the Soundcore Boom Go 3i. It ranks #2 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $59.99 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 Soundcore Boom Go 3i is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. An exceptionally rugged 0.8 lbs (380 g) mini speaker with IP68 protection, a floating sound-forward design, app EQ, RGB lighting, a battery display, USB-C power-bank output and Auracast/TWS linking. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Clip 3. It is rated IP68, while the JBL Clip 3 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the JBL Clip 3 cannot. The tradeoff: This is still a 15W mono speaker: bass impact and stereo width are limited, and critical listeners may find the upper treble piercing or metallic.
The JBL Clip 3 is the lighter option. Very portable with a built-in carabiner; genuinely waterproof. At 0.5 lbs (227 g) it weighs much less than the Soundcore Boom Go 3i at 0.8 lbs (380 g). The tradeoff: Less bass than the JBL Clip.
Buy the Soundcore Boom Go 3i. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Clip 3 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boom Go 3i | JBL Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $49.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (380 g) | 0.5 lbs (227 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 4.1 |
| Amplifier Power | 15W | 3.3W |
| Dimensions | 4” x 4.2” x 1.8” (102.1 x 105.9 x 45.5 mm) | 3.8” x 5.4” x 1.8” (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 42mm woofer + passive radiators | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~100Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore Boom Go 3i compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- Minirig Mini 2 vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
- Minirig Mini vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boom Go 3i: $59.99 Amazon $59.99 AliExpress $133.27 eBay
Pros: An exceptionally rugged 380g mini speaker with IP68 protection, a floating sound-forward design, app EQ, RGB lighting, a battery display, USB-C power-bank output and Auracast/TWS linking. It reaches about 92dB and independent testing finds it lasts nearly six hours at maximum volume with lights and BassUp enabled, matching its demanding claim.
Cons: This is still a 15W mono speaker: bass impact and stereo width are limited, and critical listeners may find the upper treble piercing or metallic. It is directional by design, so the sound changes off-axis, and independent reviews note it lacks a built-in microphone; it is far better for rugged outdoor background music than a large gathering.
Setup: Try out Oluv’s EQ which slightly improves the sound
Full Soundcore Boom Go 3i review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2026 (8 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 15W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4” x 4.2” x 1.8” (102.1 x 105.9 x 45.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 42mm woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (380 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: SoundCore Boom Go 3i - first look More from Oluv’Sone →
- Techder Audios: Soundcore Boom Go 3i - Soundtest HOW GOOD IS 15W? WITH BASS UP 2.0!? More from techderaudios →
- Storytripper HD: Bose Micro 2 vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Micro 2 More from storytripperhd →
- TecH Moe: Soundcore Boom Go 3i: The Mini Speaker to Buy! More from TecHMoE →
- Gi Rides: Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 Binaural Audio
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Minirig Mini 2
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Minirig Mini
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Teufel Boomster Go
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Soundcore Mini 3 Pro
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Soundcore Mini 3
- See all 61 comparisons
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