JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Go 3 Review - Portable Speakers Put To The Test

We compare and review the two most affordable portable speakers in the JBL range to see if you can still get a big sound from a budget speaker.

FAQS & Tutorials - Updated 3rd December 2024

JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Go 3 Review - Portable Speakers Put To The Test

Written By

Andrew Hazell

JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Go 3 Review & Comparison

JBL have designed and manufactured some of our favourite portable speakers, boasting big sound and a rugged design. In this blog, Smart Home Sounds JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Go 3 Review will be exploring the differences between the JBL Go 3 (RRP £34.99) and JBL Clip 4 (RRP £49.99) which are JBL’s most affordable speakers in the portable range, so you can decide which will be best for you.

Article breakdown...

JBL Go 3 VS JBL Clip 4 Design
JBL Go 3 VS JBL Clip 4 Sound
JBL Go 3 VS JBL Clip 4 Connection and Battery
JBL Go 3 and JBL Clip 4 Q&A

We've condensed our thoughts into a Youtube Video below. At under 10 minutes in length, this is a great way to find out more about these two JBL speaker offerings to decide whether they're for you:

JBL Go 3 VS JBL Clip 4 Design

Both speakers are IP67 rated, meaning they’re protected against water and dust ingress. They're both incredibly small and light, making them perfect for taking on the go. Along with this, both sport the rugged design that JBL is known for. The Go 3 and Clip 4 utilise a hook/loop carry handle to ease portability.

Both speakers come in a multitude of different colours, so there’s something for everyone.


JBL Go 3	JBL Clip 4
✓ IP67✓ Integrated loop✓ Lightweight - 0.2kg ✓ Controls displayed ✓ Rubberised bottom	✓ IP67✓ Carabiner Hook✓ Lightweight - 0.2kg ✓ Controls displayed ✓ Rubberised bottom
✖ Small loop not as secure as the carabiner	✖ Can’t stand up, must lie flat

Winner: It's hard to choose between the pair but the JBL Clip 4 just clinches it for us thanks to its carabiner carry hook, this makes it really easy to attach to a bag or belt loop for taking on the go.

JBL Go 3 VS JBL Clip 4 Sound

Both speakers give a very similar sound with good mid-range and clear vocals and instrumentals. The Clip 4 has a cleaner sound, tighter bass and is generally more balanced than the JBL Go 3 but with a higher price tag, this is to be expected. Due to the design, the JBL Clip 4 also offers a slightly wider soundstage.


JBL Go 3	JBL Clip 4
✓ Surprisingly loud for the size✓ Clear well-balanced audio	✓ Surprisingly loud for the size✓ Clear well-balanced audio
✓ Surprisingly loud for the size✓ Clear well-balanced audio	✓ A wider soundstage than the Go 3✓ Deeper bass than the Go 3
OUTPUT POWER: 4.2WFrequency Response Range (Hz): 110 Hz - 20kH	OUTPUT POWER: 5WFrequency Response Range (Hz): 100Hz - 20kHz

Winner: The JBL Clip 4 scrapes a win again, the bass is slightly deeper and does provide a slightly wider soundstage too!

JBL Go 3 VS JBL Clip 4 Connection and Battery

Both come with Bluetooth 5.1, which allows for a long operating range, more stable connection and fewer issues with dropouts when compared to older versions of Bluetooth.


JBL Go 3	JBL Clip 4
✓ Bluetooth 5.1✓ 5 hours battery life✓ Charging time 2.5 hours	✓ Bluetooth 5.1✓ 10 hours battery life✓ Charging time 3 hours
✖ Battery life won't last all day but good for the price✖ Can’t connect with other JBL speakers✖ Isn't compatible with the JBL app so the EQ is not adjustable	✖ Isn't compatible with the JBL app so the EQ is not adjustable

Winner: Again, it's a close one but the added battery life does give the JBL Clip 4 the edge this time.

Value for money

Our JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Go 3 review has discovered that they are similar in terms of sound quality, connection and design, with the Clip 4 just edging the Go 3 on the features outlined above. Value for money is always important and thanks to a price drop of £15 when compared to the Clip 4, the Go 3 wins this affordability test with Smart Home Sounds.

Winner: If you're looking for the best value for money, the JBL Go 3 would be the winner of this round.

JBL Go 3 and JBL Clip 4 Q&A

Q. Is the JBL Go 3 right for me?

A. The Go 3 is JBL’s most affordable speaker in the portable range and offers an impressive sound for the size. The Go 3 remains clear even at high volumes and offers low distortion. If you’re on a budget this is a great speaker to consider and offers great value for money.

Q. What are the main differences between the JBL Go 3 and the JBL Clip 4?

A. The JBL Clip 4 offers a slightly more engaging sound, as the bass has more depth and there’s more clarity in the vocals and instrumentals. The battery life is doubled from 5 hours to 10 hours and features a slightly quicker recharge time too. The carabiner clip also offers more protection and usability, making it easy to fasten the Clip 4 to a backpack or belt loop.

Q. Who is the JBL Go 3 and JBL Clip 4 right for?

A. The design of both speakers means they’re perfect for those who want to attach a speaker to a rucksack or belt loop to take on the go. The lightweight design means it is extremely portable and you don’t even need to worry about the speaker taking up any room as it can hook on bags and luggage. Due to the IP67 rating, both speakers also sound great hooked in the shower and are protected against water splashes and submersion.

Q. Can the JBL Clip 4 or JBL Go 3 connect to the JBL app?

A. Sadly, the JBL Go 3 and JBL Clip 4 are not compatible with the JBL app at this time.

Q. Can I adjust the EQ on the JBL Clip 4 or JBL Go 3?

A. As the JBL Clip 4 and Go 3 are not compatible with the JBL app, there’s currently no way to change the EQ, so the speaker will sound the same out of the box.

Q. Does the JBL Go 3 or JBL Clip 4 have a voice assistant?

A. No, these speakers don’t feature voice assistants.

Q. Does the JBL Go 3 or JBL Clip 4 have PartyBoost or JBL Connect +?

A. The JBL Go 3 and Clip 4 can’t be connected to other speakers.

Verdict

There’s no denying both speakers are very similar in build, quality and what they can offer, however, there are some subtle differences making the Clip 4 an overall better speaker. Having said this, if you’re on a budget the Go 3 is a great little speaker and a wise choice. If you have a little more flexibility with your budget, the Clip 4 will provide a slightly more enhanced sound as well as an updated battery life. If you do have any unanswered questions, please feel free to get in touch with one of our friendly customer service advisors: