Short answer: the Soundcore Mini 3 ranks #9 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $41; the JBL Go 4 ranks #25 at $39.95. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The case for the Soundcore Mini 3: Deeper bass than most other speakers in the size. The catch: Rolled off highs.
On the JBL Go 4 side: A little more bass than the Go 3 and they fixed the strange mids peak. Watch for: Not much bass at all, especially with electronic/bass-heavy tracks pushed past ~50% volume.
Buy the Soundcore Mini 3 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Go 4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore Mini 3 is rated for 15 hours versus 7 hours for the JBL Go 4.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini 3 | JBL Go 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $41 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #9 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | ~82Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | - |
| Max Volume | 87dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 249 g | 0.4 lbs / 190 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours | 3 hours |
| Output Power | 6W | 4.2W |
| Dimensions | 2.8" x 2.8" x 3.3" (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) | 3.7" x 3" x 1.7" (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver | 45mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Mini 3: $41 Amazon
Pros: Deeper bass than most other speakers in the size.
Cons: Rolled off highs
Full Soundcore Mini 3 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 87dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 6W |
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Go 4: $39.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: A little more bass than the Go 3 and they fixed the strange mids peak.
Cons: Not much bass at all, especially with electronic/bass-heavy tracks pushed past ~50% volume. Midrange can sound grainy and treble a bit sizzly; loses clarity at higher volumes.
Full JBL Go 4 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~82Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.7" x 3" x 1.7" (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 45mm |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 4.2W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 190 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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