Short answer: the Soundcore Select 4 Go. It ranks #23 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $19.39; the JBL Go 3 ranks #26 and costs $39.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Soundcore Select 4 Go offers: Quite inexpensive for what you get. Watch for: Not as deep of bass as higher ranked speakers.
The case for the JBL Go 3: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. The tradeoff: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the Soundcore Select 4 Go. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Go 3 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore Select 4 Go is rated for 20 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Go 3.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Select 4 Go | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.39 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #23 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 265 g | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 4.8" x 3.3" x 1.9" (121 x 83 x 48.5 mm) | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Charging Time | 4 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Drivers | 1.75" (44mm) full range | 36mm full-range driver |
| Output Power | 5W | 4.2W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 87Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 88dB |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Select 4 Go: $19.39 Aliexpress Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Quite inexpensive for what you get
Cons: Not as deep of bass as higher ranked speakers. Doesn’t get very loud before sound quality drops; some sibilance on snare/stick transients. No built-in mic; playback is mono unless you buy a second unit.
Full Soundcore Select 4 Go review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.8" x 3.3" x 1.9" (121 x 83 x 48.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75" (44mm) full range |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 265 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 3: $39.95 Amazon
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.
Cons: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Full JBL Go 3 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 88dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 4.2W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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