Short answer: the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks #27 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $20.99; the JBL Clip 3 ranks #36 and costs $49.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Tribit PocketGo side: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. Set against that: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class.
The case for the JBL Clip 3: Aux in. The tradeoff: Less bass than the Clip.
Buy the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Clip 3 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Clip 3. It ranks near the bottom of the 47 small speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit PocketGo is rated for 20 hours versus 10 hours for the JBL Clip 3.
If water resistance matters to you, the Tribit PocketGo at IP68 (extended submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip 3 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit PocketGo | JBL Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20.99 | $49.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #36 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Output Power | 7W | 3.3W |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 4.1 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g | 0.5 lbs / 227 g |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) | 3.8" x 5.4" x 1.8" (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | None |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| App | Yes (Tribit app) | No |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) | No |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Discontinued | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~100Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- JBL Go 3 vs Ortizan X10
- Soundcore Select 4 Go vs JBL Clip
- Tribit PocketGo vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Clip
The Two Speakers In Full
Tribit PocketGo: $20.99 Amazon
Pros: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. Costs about half the price of the JBL Go 5. Can stand, hang from its loop, or lay flat on its feet for flexible placement. About on par with the Soundcore Select 4 Go, and a touch louder at lower volumes. App support with signature EQ and customization.
Cons: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class. JBL Go 5 has better build quality plus lightshow, Auracast, and AirTouch. Loses more bass than the Soundcore Select 4 Go at maximum volume. Slightly nasal quality to the sound.
Full Tribit PocketGo review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Tribit app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g |
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JBL Clip 3: $49.99 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Aux in. Very portable with a built-in carabiner; genuinely waterproof. Real-world battery often beats the 10-hour rating, sometimes lasting close to 18 hours.
Cons: Less bass than the Clip. Quite a lack of bass. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip 3 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~100Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.8" x 5.4" x 1.8" (97 x 137 x 46 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 3.3W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 227 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons