Short answer: the JBL Go 3, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Mini 2 ranks higher than it (#28 vs #31 of 59 small speakers, 3.3/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Go 3 is still sold new at $39.95.
The Soundcore Mini 2 is the longer-running option. In side-by-side tests it had clearly more bass than the JBL Go 3 and came close to the far pricier Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 at moderate volume. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 5 for the JBL Go 3. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Go 3 lacks. The catch: A lab test by Fnac measured only 72dB at 10 percent distortion, bass starting around 100Hz and treble falling from 5kHz, and it vibrates and turns boomy at full volume.
The case for the JBL Go 3: Genuinely pocket-sized at 0.5 lbs (209 g). It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the JBL Go 3, since the Soundcore Mini 2 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini 2 | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #28 of 59 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #31 of 59 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x full-range driver, 1x passive radiator | 36mm full-range driver |
| Amplifier Power | 6W RMS | 4.2W |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (207 g) | 0.5 lbs (209 g) |
| Dimensions | 3.1”H x 2.8”W x 2.8”D (80 x 70 x 70 mm) | 3.4” x 2.7” x 1.6” (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Lights | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 87Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Omnidirectional | - | Pointing up |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in loop) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore Mini 2 compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore Mini 2 vs Soundcore Mini 3
- Soundcore Mini vs Soundcore Mini 2
- JBL Go 3 vs Teufel Boomster Go
- JBL Go 3 vs JBL Go 5
- JBL Go 3 vs Boat Stone 190
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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 Mini 2 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Mini 3, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5, released 2021 (also discontinued). It adds app control and adjustable EQ, but drops the aux input and stereo pairing.
Older model: the Soundcore Mini (ranked higher, rated 3.8/5). See every Soundcore Mini generation.
Pros: In side-by-side tests it had clearly more bass than the JBL Go 3 and came close to the far pricier Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 at moderate volume. IPX7 waterproofing, 15 hours of battery, an aux input and TWS pairing with a second unit.
Cons: A lab test by Fnac measured only 72dB at 10 percent distortion, bass starting around 100Hz and treble falling from 5kHz, and it vibrates and turns boomy at full volume. The JBL Go 3 is a little crisper and louder. It charges over micro USB and is discontinued.
Full Soundcore Mini 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 6W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 3.1”H x 2.8”W x 2.8”D (80 x 70 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x full-range driver, 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (207 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Go 3: $39.95 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Go 5, ranked higher, rated 3.2/5, released Mar 2026. See every JBL Go generation.
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 →
| Released | Sep 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 4.2W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL GO 3 Review - vs Tribit Stormbox Micro - best small cheap speaker? More from alanrossreviews →
- DLX Willington: Jbl Go 3 vs Sony XB12 Sound Battle With Sound Sample More from DLXWillington →
- Stereo Specs: JBL GO 4 vs JBL GO 3 : Is there more bass or not?Unboxing,Features,Specs,Sound Test & Comparison !
- StereoSpecs: JBL GO 4 vs JBL GO 3 : Worth the upgrade?
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- Alan Ross Reviews: Harman Kardon Neo vs JBL GO 3 - best bluetooth micro speaker❗❗❗
- Techder Audios: JBL GO 3 VS ORTIZAN X10
- YouTube: JBL Go 3 vs Anker Soundcore Flare Mini Soundtest
- YouTube: JBL Go 3 vs Soundcore Mini 2 Sound Comparison
- Head-to-Head Comparisons