Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Miniroll for better sound quality, the JBL Go 3 for the lower price. The Ultimate Ears Miniroll ranks #12 of 47 small speakers at $49.99. The JBL Go 3 ranks #26 at $39.95, $10.04 cheaper.
What the Ultimate Ears Miniroll gets right: Good clarity and detail in the mids/highs with a warmer tonal balance than most ultra-portables its size. Watch for: Bass not quite as deep as the best rated speakers.
The case for the JBL Go 3: Genuinely pocket-sized at 209g. IP67 rated, survives full submersion in a meter of water for 30 minutes. Set against that: Not much bass at all, strange mids peak.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Miniroll if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Go 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Ultimate Ears Miniroll is rated for 12 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Go 3.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ultimate Ears Miniroll | JBL Go 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #12 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp/Auracast, Miniroll-only) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 279 g | 0.5 lbs / 209 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 4.8" x 4.1" x 1.9" (122.7 x 105 x 48.1 mm) | 3.4" x 2.7" x 1.6" (86 x 69 x 40 mm) |
| Charging Time | 2.3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Drivers | 45.6mm active with passive radiator | 36mm full-range driver |
| Output Power | 3W RMS | 4.2W |
| Max Volume | 83dB | 88dB |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 87Hz |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Frequency Response | - | 110Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Ultimate Ears Miniroll: $49.99 Amazon
Pros: Good clarity and detail in the mids/highs with a warmer tonal balance than most ultra-portables its size.
Cons: Bass not quite as deep as the best rated speakers
Full Ultimate Ears Miniroll review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.8" x 4.1" x 1.9" (122.7 x 105 x 48.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 45.6mm active with passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 83dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 3W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp/Auracast, Miniroll-only) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 279 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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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 | Pointing up |
| 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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