- External characteristics
- Sound indicators
- conclusions
- comparison table
The sound in smartphones and laptops is being improved and improved, but it is still not good enough to listen to them through speakers. There is often not enough space in a backpack, so today we will look at hiking options for speakers with a carabiner.
Design and battery
The size of a kitchen sponge and the weight of a chocolate bar, the JBL Go 3 is tiny. It measures 86 x 69 x 40mm and weighs just 209g, so you can fit it in your bag or even a large pocket. This is a speaker that you can carry with you just in case you need it, and it won't take up too much space if you take it with you on vacation.
The JBL Go 3 has a rectangular shape with rounded edges and a large JBL logo on the front. It's covered in fabric mesh that looks and feels great. To make it easier for you to carry around, there is a woven handle on one side, and on the bottom you will find rubber pads that provide stability when placed on a table.
To control your music, there are three buttons along the top of the speaker - two volume controls and a pause/play button in the middle. You can also use the pause/play button to skip forward through tracks without having to reach for your phone.
You can buy JBL Go in 3 different colors including white, green, blue, red and pink. There are even some more unique colors available, such as Squad, green camo, and a two-tone pink and blue design. You're sure to find a color that suits your own style, and such a wide selection makes it a good gift.
This speaker is not only ultra-portable, but also durable. It will definitely take a little beating, and its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating means you can use it in the pool or even in the rain without worrying about damage.
On the side there is a small LED indicator, a power button and a Bluetooth button. Using it is very self-explanatory, you simply turn it on and press the Bluetooth button to connect to your phone. The LED indicator will flash blue when it is in pairing mode.
The battery will last for about 5 hours of music, which is enough for a trip to the beach, but perhaps not for anything more like a hike. There is a USB-C port under the handle for charging. It will take about two and a half hours to charge the battery to 100%, which is quite a long time considering the battery life.
External characteristics
Let's talk about the convenience of the changed design. The JBL Clip 3 has removed the cord, which previously (JBL Clip 2) was hidden and located outside at the same time. I use a portable speaker only via Bluetooth, so I welcome this solution.
JBL Clip 2
JBL partially thought about those who used a cable instead of Bluetooth to save power on their smartphone and speakers. They built in an additional AUX connector. But the AUX cable was not included in the package.
JBL Clip 3
This may be due to the trend of smartphones getting rid of 3.5mm audio jacks, such as the recently announced Xiaomi Mi A2.
Instead of a cord, the JBL Clip 3 is now framed by a metal holder, which makes it look more reliable than the JBL Clip 2.
JBL Clip 3
JBL Clip 2
The carbine itself also changed its shape. In addition to its aesthetic appearance, it has a more durable design and does not move anywhere when hanging on a backpack.
JBL Clip 3
JBL Clip 2
The volume keys have been moved to the outside of the speaker. Now you don’t need to clamp the column on both sides, you can simply press it from the top.
JBL Clip 3
JBL Clip 2
I don't know if it was the color or the material, but Clip 3 turned out a little dirty. Clip 2 does not leave fingerprints.
JBL Clip 3
Both models have a light indicator and a sound signal for turning on. Clip 2 has it at the back, while Clip 3 has it moved slightly forward.
JBL Clip 3
JBL Clip 2
Both speakers have microUSB.
Clip 2 has five color options, Clip 3 has ten.
Clip 3 – plays longer, charges longer.
The degree of moisture protection has not changed - IPX7. I like that the connectors are additionally tightly closed.
JBL Clip 2
Sound and characteristics
When it comes to sound, the JBL Go 3 is relatively modest. The power output isn't great, but at 4.2W it's an improvement over its predecessor's 3W. You won't use it to throw a big party anyway.
While it's not overpowering, it'll be loud enough to fill your kitchen while you're cooking, or to be heard at a picnic in the park. It is well suited for more personal use or for a small group of people.
The sound quality itself is quite good. You get plenty of bass so tracks sound full, but not so much that the mids and highs are overshadowed. You can hear the details in your favorite songs, from the clarity of the vocals to the individual instruments used.
This speaker is unlikely to win any awards for sound quality, but all things considered, JBL has done a great job of packing surprisingly accurate sound into such a small speaker.
The JBL Go 3 keeps things simple and therefore isn't very feature-rich. In fact, there are practically no additional functions. You don't get the JBL PartyBoost feature, which lets you pair with other JBL speakers to boost the sound, and there's no microphone, so it can't be used as a speakerphone. You get the latest Bluetooth 5.1, so at least you can count on the connection not to drop out.
JBL GO 3 speaker review - minimum size with maximum style
I'm still not sure I need an ultraportable speaker, but I definitely want a JBL GO 3.
I didn’t pay much attention to the first and second generation JBL GO portable speakers. Then these were bricks - first with straight lines and sharp corners, and later with a slightly more streamlined shape - aimed at those buyers who wanted to get a minimum-sized speaker. It seems like a good option to throw even in your hand luggage and take it on a trip or put it in your jacket pocket and drive off to the country, but these are not my use cases. However, by the third generation, the GO line radically changed the concept of appearance, received a third more powerful sound - and still managed to win my heart. And it all started with design.
In the new generation of GO acoustics, JBL brand designers decided to significantly refresh the appearance of the product, and did so with a nod to street fashion. The speaker comes in a clear plastic box, so its updated appearance is immediately noticeable and immediately attracts attention. The "teenage angularity" of the first generations is gone, and now JBL GO 3
looks and feels much more pleasant and ergonomic. And instead of hard plastic, most of the body is covered with acoustic fabric, and the ends and functional inserts are made of soft rubber and soft-touch plastic.
On the front, on the front side, there is a large JBL logo, on the top there is a rubber outline indicating the volume keys and start/stop playback, on the right side there are power buttons, Bluetooth activation, a light indicator between them and the product name, on the left there is a place for the USB Type- connector C and sang for carrying. The two remaining planes, the “back” of the column and the front part, received inserts for adhesion to the surface. There is a large rubber plate at the back and diagonal stripes at the front. The manufacturer suggests that the speaker can be placed vertically or horizontally to listen to music. However, if you wish, you can also use the side part, where the power and Bluetooth buttons are located, as a base. The keys are slightly recessed relative to the plane of the entire rubber insert, so JBL probably provided this option for using the GO 3.
A gray speaker arrived for review. But the gray here is not boring at all, since I would call the shade more of a gray-blue, and it is complemented by lilac rubber inserts, a yellow carrying loop and a sea green brand logo. Everything together looks very cool and the speaker is very attractive in terms of aesthetics. If you don’t like this particular combination, you can look at other options with a mix of colors. For example, where yellow is used with turquoise, olive with yellow and lilac, dark blue with light blue and pink, and there is also a camouflage trim on the body. Well, fans of classics or bright but monochromatic colors can take the JBL GO 3 in black, white, red, pink, blue and turquoise. A matter of taste, of course, but personally I definitely vote for the combined finish of the case - it looks not boring and overall very cool.
Since the JBL GO 3 is an ultra-portable speaker, you will want to take it with you in any circumstances. And, as a result, she needs protection from all kinds of external influences. The presence of rubberized inserts on all sides not only provides it with the ability to stand in three positions, but will also serve to soften shocks, protection against water and dust according to the IP67 standard allows you not to be afraid of rain, snow, splashes and even short-term immersions, acoustic fabric, which is logical, do not scratch, and if dirt appears, it can be easily cleaned under running water. In general, despite its toy and in some ways even cartoonish appearance, the speaker is in fact very well protected and will not make the owner worry about its safety again.
The only negative for me is that the carrying loop just begs to be attached somewhere, but the solution to this issue remains on the side of the owner of the speaker. I don’t have hiking backpacks or other camping equipment, but even the two absolutely urban models - Dolce and 3.1 Phillip Lim - have mounts on the sides where you can hang a keychain or attach something with a carabiner, for example, a portable speaker. And if we are talking about fashionable backpacks and such nice acoustics as the JBL GO 3, then I would like to have a mount for it that is suitable in color and style. It is clear that if there was a complete carabiner (even a removable one), it would begin to compete with the JBL Clip 3, but still I’m a little sorry that “out of the box” the loop here only serves to put it on your finger when carrying it, that is, without the possibility fasten it to something.
It is clear that in terms of sound you should not expect much from such a little thing, however, in this regard, JBL engineers were able to provide an increase compared to previous generations. In the first and second versions the power was 3 W, now it is 4.2 W. And as a result, when listening, the JBL GO 3 produces a sound that is much louder and steeper than you would expect from a speaker in a case of 87.5 x 75 x 41.3 mm and weighing 0.2 kg. Acoustics play, as they say, for all the money. Even if the sound, due to the physical limitations of the case, is a little “flat” and at times it lacks rich bass, even by touch you can clearly feel how the JBL GO 3 is “trying” to be loud and powerful. In general, if you approach sound issues wisely and understand in advance the features and limitations of the ultraportable format, these acoustics will please you with their sound and will prove to be more advantageous compared to many of their classmates. And among the general functionality, it is also worth noting the latest version of Bluetooth 5.1 and a 2.7 Wh lithium-polymer battery, which provides up to 5 hours of music playback and charges from zero to hundreds in 2.5 hours.
As a result, JBL GO 3 personally captivates me with its updated design and cool body color options. With an official price of only 2,599 rubles, this speaker is sure to become a New Year's hit and will be sold as a gift. It's inexpensive, but looks much cooler than its price. In addition, in the new generation JBL GO 3 has received a serious increase in ergonomics, is even better suited for use during outdoor activities and has become more powerful than previous generations. Overall, I sincerely recommend this cool little girl.
BUY AT HARMAN.CLUB
iGuides in Telegram - t.me/igmedia iGuides in Yandex.Zen - zen.yandex.ru/iguides.ru
Impression
The JBL Go 3 is a fantastic little speaker - it's very easy to use and does exactly what it says on the tin. This is one of the best waterproof speakers you can buy.
The sound won't knock you off your feet, but no one expected such a small device to shake the walls. However, it has surprisingly good quality and is still loud enough to fill a room if it's just you and a couple of other people.
Of course, you won't get much in the way of options, so if you need manual control over the audio or hands-free function, you'll have to look elsewhere. But if you just want a small speaker that's easy to carry around, then the JBL Go 3 fits the bill. Would also be a great gift!
Sound indicators
Manufacturers claim that the sound has become 10% more powerful. To the naked ear, the tracks on the JBL Clip 3 feel a little clearer than on the JBL Clip 2. The speakers highlight the voice well, so even if you turn on Korn and cannot make out individual instruments, you will hear the vocal part clearly.
This is not surprising; manufacturers rely heavily on voice. The speaker has a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, which is why it is important that your voice does not interfere with background noise.
In the presented models, fans of hard rock were left out, but for music lovers of genres where there are no bass guitars, powerful drums and distortion, JBL did their best. Those. The speakers cope with high frequencies, but do not interact well with low frequencies.
