JBL Go 3
Score: 70/100
Anker Soundcore 2
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Anker Soundcore 2 is a compact portable Bluetooth speaker delivering 12 W of dual-driver sound with 24 hours of battery life and IPX7 waterproof protection. Its drawbacks include an outdated Micro-USB charging port and limited TWS range, which may affect convenience. Ideal for budget-conscious users seeking robust bass in daily or outdoor settings.
The JBL Go 3 is an ultra-compact speaker offering punchy bass, a built-in noise-cancelling speakerphone, and IP67 waterproof/dustproof protection. Its limited volume, short 5-hour battery and older Bluetooth 4.1 limit its use for longer or louder sessions. Ideal for travelers and casual listeners needing a pocket-sized speaker.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5 hours | 24 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 209 gbest | 400 g |
40 mmbest | — | |
— | 5,200 mAhbest | |
3 W | 12 Wbest | |
— | 20 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 90 minutesbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 5 hours | 24 hours |
Audio(1) | ||
Output Power (W) | 3 W | 12 W |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 209 g | 400 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 86×40×69 mm mm | 165×54×45 mm mm |
IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers and editors consistently praise the Soundcore 2 for its surprisingly powerful 12W dual-driver output, BassUp-enhanced bass, and DSP-driven distortion-free performance, labeling it the best value cheap Bluetooth speaker. They also commend its rugged IPX7 rating and refined design, while noting drawbacks such as the outdated Micro-USB charging, lack of aptX Low Latency, and limited TWS range.
Everyday users love the speaker's huge stereo sound, body-shaking bass, long 24-hour battery life, and reliable IPX7 waterproofing, often describing it as superb for daily, home, and outdoor listening. Common complaints revolve around the Micro-USB charging port, bass-forward tuning that can mask mids, and occasional Bluetooth connectivity or TWS sync issues.
Choose the Go 3 if you need water resistance and louder sound; stick with the original Go for ultra-compact portability and lower cost
Choose Soundcore 2 for superior bass and endurance; pick JBL Go 3 if you need a lighter, USB-C-charged speaker for short trips.
