Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Soundcore Boom Go 3i ranks #2 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $59.99; the JBL Grip ranks #80 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality at $99.95.
What the Soundcore Boom Go 3i does well: 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. The catch: 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 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 Boom Go 3i at $59.99 for a small speaker, or the JBL Grip at $99.95 for a medium speaker instead.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the Soundcore Boom Go 3i is rated for 24 hours, the JBL Grip only 14 hours.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boom Go 3i | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #2 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #80 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (7 band) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (380 g) | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 15W | 16W |
| Dimensions | 4” x 4.2” x 1.8” (102.1 x 105.9 x 45.5 mm) | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 42mm woofer + passive radiators | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~68Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soundcore Boom Go 3i:
- 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 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.
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 AliExpress 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 →
| Amplifier Power | 15W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 →
- Gi Rides: Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 Binaural Audio
- TecH Moe: Soundcore Boom Go 3i: The Mini Speaker to Buy! More from TecHMoE →
- 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 59 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 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