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The JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker: 4 Things You’ll Love

Qaisar Abbas

December 31, 2024

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The JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker is popular among music lovers who want a compact, durable, and portable speaker. Designed with an integrated carabineer clip, this speaker is perfect for outdoor adventures, casual listening, and travel. It offers a good balance of sound quality, battery life, and ruggedness, making it a go-to for those who need music on the move. In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about The JBL Clip 3, from its features to its pros and cons.

Key Features: JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker

• Waterproof: Rated IPX7, safe from water splashes
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of playtime on a full charge
• Integrated Carabineer: Clips easily to bags and gear
• Compact Size: Easily portable, weighing just under 8 ounces

Release Date

The JBL Clip 3 was released in 2018 as an upgrade to the JBL Clip 2. It brought significant improvements in sound quality, waterproofing, and battery life over its predecessor.

The JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker Unboxing

The unboxing experience for the JBL Clip 3 is simple. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The speaker itself
• A Micro USB charging cable
• A quick start guide
• Warranty information

JBL keeps packaging minimal and eco-friendly, focusing on the essentials.

Design and Display

The JBL Clip 3 is round and compact, with a durable fabric grille covering the front and a smooth rubber finish on the back. It has a rugged feel with an integrated carabineer at the top, making it easy to clip onto backpacks, belt loops, or bags. There’s no display on the device, but a set of intuitive controls is arranged for easy access.

The JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker Control

The speaker has simple controls:

• Volume up/down buttons
• Bluetooth pairing button
• A play/pause button

The controls are tactile, responsive, and designed to be used on the go.

Differences between Sizes and Variants

The JBL Clip 3 is the third-generation model in the JBL Clip series. It has an improved sound quality and longer battery life than its predecessor, the JBL Clip 2. However, there is no size variant available for the Clip 3—it’s designed as a single, compact unit.

Available Colors

The JBL Clip 3 comes in a range of vibrant colors, including:

• Black
• Black Camo
• Blue
• Gray
• Green
• Pink
• Red
• Sand
• Squad Camo
• Teal
• White
• Yellow

And various special editions

Features

Here is the list of JBL Clip 3 features:

1. Waterproof and DustproofThe JBL Clip 3 is rated IPX7, meaning it’s waterproof and safe for poolside, beachside, or rainy-day use. It can withstand splashes and even submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
   

2. Sound Quality

   Despite its small size, the JBL Clip 3 delivers clear, powerful audio. The bass isn’t as deep as larger speakers, but the sound quality is impressive for its size. It’s ideal for casual listening outdoors or in small spaces.

3. Connectivity
   The speaker uses Bluetooth 4.1, allowing seamless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It doesn’t support simultaneous pairing with multiple devices, but reconnecting to a new device is quick and hassle-free.
4. Battery LifeWith up to 10 hours of playtime on a full charge, the Clip 3 is designed to last through an entire day of outdoor activity or several days of light use. Charging is done via Micro USB and takes about 2 hours to fully charge.

Price and Availability

The JBL Clip 3 is widely available and priced affordably, typically between $40 and $60. You can find it on Amazon and at most electronics retailers.

Comparison: JBL Clip 3 vs. JBL Clip 4

The JBL Clip 4 improves upon the Clip 3 in several key areas, while maintaining its compact and portable design. The Clip 3 has an IPX7 waterproof rating, delivering up to 10 hours of playtime, while the Clip 4 offers slightly better sound quality, a more modern design, and a higher IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it even more durable for outdoor use. Additionally, the Clip 4 features USB-C charging for faster recharging, a noticeable upgrade over the Clip 3’s Micro USB. Both speakers offer portability with their integrated carabiner, but the Clip 4 also includes an improved bass response and better overall sound performance.

Key Features Comparison: JBL Clip 3 vs. JBL Clip 4

• Waterproofing:

  • Clip 3: IPX7
  • Clip 4: IP67 (dustproof & waterproof)

• Battery Life:

  • Clip 3: Up to 10 hours
  • Clip 4: Up to 10 hours

• Charging:

  • Clip 3: Micro USB
  • Clip 4: USB-C (faster charging)

• Sound Quality:

  • Clip 3: Decent for its size
  • Clip 4: Better bass and clarity

• Connectivity:

  • Both support Bluetooth, but the Clip 4 has a newer version, enhancing connectivity.

Comprehensive Comparison: JBL Clip 3 vs. JBL Clip 4

The JBL Clip series has long been known for its portable and durable Bluetooth speakers. While both the JBL Clip 3 and JBL Clip 4 are compact, water-resistant, and offer excellent portability, the Clip 4 brings several notable upgrades over its predecessor. Below is a detailed comparison between these two speakers, highlighting their key differences and which one might be the better choice depending on your needs.

1. Design and Build Quality

Clip 3 Design:

• Dimensions: The JBL Clip 3 Dimensions in inches are 3.8 x 5.4 x x 1.8. The Clip 3 is compact and lightweight, weighing just nearly 8 ounces, making it easy to carry around. It features a rounded shape with a durable fabric grille and rubber back for added protection.
• Carabiner Clip: The integrated carabiner makes it easy to attach the speaker to backpacks or bags, perfect for outdoor adventures.
• Waterproof Rating: The Clip 3 comes with an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Clip 4 Design:

• Dimensions: The Clip 4 is slightly larger than the Clip 3 but still very portable. It features a new, more refined shape and a more premium-looking design with a rubberized finish and a larger, stronger carabiner clip.
• Carabiner Clip: Like the Clip 3, the Clip 4 also features an integrated carabiner for portability, but it is sturdier and more robust for secure attachment to bags.
• Waterproof and Dustproof: The Clip 4 has an improved IP67 rating, making it not only waterproof but also dustproof, which gives it a more rugged feel, perfect for outdoor conditions.

2. Sound Quality

The JBL Clip 3 Sound Quality:

• Performance: Despite its small size, the Clip 3 provides decent sound quality for casual listening. It offers clear midrange and treble but lacks deep bass due to its compact size.
• Volume: The Clip 3 is loud enough for personal use or small outdoor spaces, but the bass response and overall loudness are limited compared to larger speakers.

The JBL Clip 4 Sound Quality:

• Performance: The Clip 4 delivers improved sound quality, with enhanced bass and more balanced audio. It delivers clearer mids and highs, and the bass is more noticeable than the Clip 3, making it better for a broader range of music.
• Volume: The Clip 4 can get louder than the Clip 3, making it suitable for slightly larger outdoor spaces or parties.

3. Battery Life and Charging

JBL Clip 3 Battery Life:

• Playtime: The Clip 3 offers up to 10 hours of continuous playtime on a full charge, depending on usage and volume levels. This is sufficient for a day of outdoor activities or travel.
• Charging: The speaker uses a Micro USB charging port, which takes approximately 2.5 hours to charge fully.

JBL Clip 4 Battery Life:

• Playtime: The Clip 4 also offers up to 10 hours of playtime, similar to the Clip 3, providing all-day listening on a single charge.
• Charging: Unlike the Clip 3, the Clip 4 has a USB-C charging port, offering faster charging speeds. It charges quicker than the Clip 3, cutting down the wait time for recharging.

4. Connectivity

Clip 3 Connectivity:

• Bluetooth Version: The Clip 3 features Bluetooth 4.1, which supports a stable connection and is compatible with most devices.
• Multi-Device Pairing: While the Clip 3 supports Bluetooth connections with a single device at a time, it can easily reconnect to previously paired devices.

Clip 4 Connectivity:

• Bluetooth Version: The Clip 4 features a newer Bluetooth version, providing improved range and faster connection speeds. It also allows for quicker device pairing.
• Multi-Device Pairing: While the Clip 4 still supports single-device connection, the newer Bluetooth version offers a more seamless connection experience compared to the Clip 3.

5. Price and Value

JBL Clip 3 Price:

• Affordable: The Clip 3 is usually priced between $40 and $60, making it an affordable option for those seeking a reliable portable speaker without breaking the bank.
• Value: While the Clip 3 is budget-friendly, it lacks some of the advanced features seen in the Clip 4, such as USB-C charging and superior sound quality.

JBL Clip 4 Price:

• Slightly Higher: The Clip 4 is priced a bit higher, typically around $60 to $80, reflecting its improved features and enhanced durability.
• Value: For those seeking better sound, faster charging, and improved durability, the Clip 4 offers excellent value for the price.

7. Which is the Better Option?

Clip 3: Best for Basic Use and Budget-Conscious Buyers

• The JBL Clip 3 is perfect for casual music listeners or outdoor enthusiasts who need an affordable, compact, and waterproof speaker. Its lightweight design and decent audio performance make it ideal for short-term outdoor use.

Clip 4: Best for Premium Sound and Durability

• The JBL Clip 4 offers better sound quality, a more rugged design, and faster charging with its USB-C port. It is a better choice for those looking for a more durable speaker with superior sound, especially for more demanding outdoor adventures.

 Which One Should You Buy?

While both the JBL Clip 3 and JBL Clip 4 are excellent portable speakers, the Clip 4 is the better option if you’re willing to spend a bit more for enhanced sound, improved durability, and faster charging. However, if you’re on a budget and need a speaker for basic outdoor listening, the Clip 3 remains a solid choice.

What You Need to Know About JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker?

The JBL Clip 3 is built for those who need a simple, portable, and durable speaker. It’s best suited for outdoor use, where it’s waterproofing and clip design shine. Though it lacks some advanced features, it fulfills its purpose well.

What’s Good about the JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker?

• The carabineer clip and compact size make it ultra-portable.
• With IPX7 waterproofing, it’s resilient in rough conditions.
• Solid 10-hour battery life.

What’s Not So Good about JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker?

• Due to its size, bass depth is limited.
• Bluetooth 4.1 is reliable but not the latest.
• Lacks customization or firmware updates.

Conclusion

The JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker is a fantastic portable speaker for the price. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, long battery life, and superior audio performance, the JBL Clip 3 delivers both functionality and portability.  With its waterproof design, decent sound quality, and convenient carabineer clip, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. While it lacks some high-end features, it excels at delivering reliable performance in a compact package.

FAQs: JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker