Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Mini 3 is the better pick: it ranks #9 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5), against #57 (rated 2.4/5) for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. If you want one new, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 ranks #1 at $39.99.
The Soundcore Mini 3 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. Deeper bass than most speakers its size. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 120Hz for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 10 for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It is rated IPX7, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 has no water resistance. Watch for: Rolled off highs.
The case for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Mini 3 lacks. The tradeoff: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the Soundcore Mini 3 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini 3 | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $41 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #9 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (249 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours | 3 hours |
| Amplifier Power | 6W | 8W |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 2.8” x 3.3” (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soundcore Mini 3:
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs Soundcore Mini 3
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Soundcore Mini 3
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs Soundcore Mini 3
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Teufel Boomster Go vs Soundcore Mini 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Mini 3: $41 Discontinued eBay
Older models: the Soundcore Mini (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5) and the Soundcore Mini 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every Soundcore Mini generation.
Pros: Soundcore Mini 3 uses 52mm full-range driver. Its 249 g, claimed 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, up to 87dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Deeper bass than most speakers its size. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 58Hz specification. Rolled off highs. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Mini 3 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 6W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 2.8” x 3.3” (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (249 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Soundcore Mini 3 Pro
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- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro
- Soundcore Mini 3 vs Soundcore Mini
- See all 30 comparisons
Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of ~120Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 8W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Harman Kardon Neo
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- See all 29 comparisons