Altec Lansing Mini H2O
Score: 69/100
JBL Go 3
Score: 64/100Rankings
The Altec Lansing Mini H2O is an ultra-compact, IP67-rated speaker that floats and includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calls. Its short 6-hour battery and mono sound limit extended or high-fidelity listening. Perfect for travelers needing a rugged, attachable speaker for short outings.
The JBL Go 3 is an ultra-compact Bluetooth speaker delivering punchy bass and clear highs from a 40 mm driver with a 3 W output. Its trade-offs include a modest 5-hour battery and no water-resistance rating, limiting longer outdoor use. Best suited for budget-conscious travelers needing a pocket-sized speaker for short sessions.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 hoursbest | 5 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 166.5 gbest | 209 g |
— | 3 Wbest | |
— | 40 mmbest | |
9.14 mbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 90 minutesbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 6 hours | 5 hours |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 166.5 g | 209 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 50.8×254×50.8 mm mm | 40×86×69 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Mini H2O's tiny footprint, feather-light weight, and robust IP67 rating that lets it survive water, dust, and drops while even floating. They also highlight the surprisingly punchy bass and durable rubberized casing, but note that the audio performance is average and lacks the depth found in larger competitors, and they do not emphasize any standout battery reliability.
Everyday users rave about the speaker's pocket-size convenience, vibrant colors, and the handy carabiner that lets them attach it to gear. They appreciate the loud, clear sound that cuts through outdoor noise and the 'everything-proof' durability that survives rough handling. Recurring criticisms focus on limited sound depth, occasional battery shortfalls, and confusion over exact dimensions.
Professional reviewers commend the JBL Go for delivering a surprisingly full-range sound with punchy bass and clear highs despite its miniature size, highlighting its value-for-money feature set that includes a speakerphone and wired input. However, they note its limited maximum volume, short 5-hour battery, and lack of any IP rating as drawbacks compared to newer JBL mini speakers.
Everyday users appreciate the big, punchy audio and the convenience of multiple colors and a strap hook, finding the 5-hour battery adequate for casual use and the speakerphone handy for calls. Common complaints revolve around the limited loudness, faster battery drain at high volumes, no water resistance, and occasional Bluetooth connectivity hiccups.
“Everything-proof durability for travel and clumsy handling.”
