Short answer: the JBL Go 3, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Mini 3 ranks higher than it (#9 vs #31 of 62 small speakers, 4.1/5 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 3 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Deeper bass than most speakers its size. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 87Hz for the JBL Go 3. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 5 for the JBL Go 3. It links with other speakers (PartyCast up to 100 speakers), which the JBL Go 3 cannot. The tradeoff: Rolled off highs.
The case for the JBL Go 3: Genuinely pocket-sized at 0.5 lbs (209 g). The catch: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the JBL Go 3, since the Soundcore Mini 3 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini 3 | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $41 Discontinued | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #9 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #31 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (249 g) | 0.5 lbs (209 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Amplifier Power | 6W | 4.2W |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 2.8” x 3.3” (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) | 3.4” x 2.7” x 1.6” (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver | 36mm full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in loop) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soundcore Mini 3:
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- 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
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JBL Go 3: $39.95 Amazon $39.95 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 →
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- DLX Willington: Jbl Go 3 vs Sony XB12 Sound Battle With Sound Sample More from DLXWillington →
- Techder Audios: HOPESTAR H54 VS JBL GO 3 "SIMILAR DESIGN BUT SOUND IS DIFFERENT?!’’ More from techderaudios →
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- Stereo Specs: JBL GO 4 vs JBL GO 3 : Is there more bass or not?Unboxing,Features,Specs,Sound Test & Comparison !
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- YouTube: JBL Go 3 vs Soundcore Mini 2 Sound Comparison
- YouTube: JBL Go 3 vs Anker Soundcore Flare Mini Soundtest
- Head-to-Head Comparisons