JBL Go 3
Score: 70/100
Soundcore Boom 2 Black
Score: 80/100Rankings
The Soundcore Boom 2 provides up to 80 W of bass-heavy audio, IPX7 floatable durability, and PartyCast 2.0 syncing for large outdoor events, all powered by a 24-hour battery. Its bulkier weight and bass-dominant tuning can be a trade-off for portability. Perfect for beach parties and camping where powerful sound is priority.
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 | 1,660 g |
40 mmbest | — | |
3 W | 80 Wbest | |
| ↓ 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 | 80 W |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.3 |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 209 g | 1660 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 86×40×69 mm mm | 11.65 in × 7.28 in × 3.98 in 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 Boom 2 for its massive 80W output, deep BassUp-enhanced bass, long 24-hour battery life, and rugged IPX7 floatable construction, while also highlighting the PartyCast 2.0 multi-speaker sync and customizable app features. The main criticisms focus on its relatively heavy 3.66 lb chassis and the tendency for bass to dominate the mids at full volume.
Everyday users echo the professional praise, emphasizing the speaker's portability, strong bass, long playtime, and useful power-bank function for outdoor activities. Common positive remarks center on the easy carry strap, intuitive controls, and suitability for beach or camping parties, while the few negative comments mention the weight and occasional bass-overpowering effect.
“Impressive bass and sound quality, especially given the size... takes it from 60W to 80W output”
“the perfect portable Bluetooth speaker”
“best speaker pound for pound”
Choose the Go 3 if you need water resistance and louder sound; stick with the original Go for ultra-compact portability and lower cost
