JBL Go 3 vs Clip 4
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Differences Summary
Basic Specifications
Audio Quality
Build Quality
Verdict
Differences Summary
The JBL Clip 4's audio quality surpasses the Go 3 which is partially due to its wider frequency range. The Clip 4 is also better built with an IP67 rating, and it has a carabiner to clip onto a bag or any small loop.
Basic Specifications
JBL Go 3
Dimensions: 3.4 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches
Weight: 0.46 lbs
Frequency Range: 110 Hz - 20 kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
Battery: no capacity listed, rechargeable USB-C, stated up to 5 hours of battery life.
Waterproof rating: IP67 (dust resistant and can be submerged in 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes)
JBL Clip 4
Dimensions: 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches
Weight: 0.53 lbs
Frequency Range: 100Hz - 20 kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
Battery: no capacity listed, rechargeable USB-C, stated up to 10 hours of battery life.
Waterproof rating: IP67 (can be submerged in 3.3 ft or 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and has dust resistance)
Audio Quality
The Clip 4’s sound quality is a night and day improvement over the Go 3. The bass gets deeper and it has more detail over the Go 3 even though its overall EQ curve is a bit brighter. The treble gets a chance to breathe in the Clip 4.
Neither device has issues with volume, but the Go 3 tends to rattle with heavy bass depending on the surface you place it on. The above videos are audio samples recorded with my Sony ZV-1.
Build Quality
Both the JBL Go 3 and Clip 4 have small, portable form factors. However, the Clip 4 has a more sturdy build and it’s more convenient to carry around.
While the Go 3 is completely plastic, there is a harder frame around the Clip 4 that feels like metal even though I can’t completely confirm that. Either way, the Clip 4’s carabiner at the top lets you latch it onto a bag or other loop. You need an external clip to do the same with the Go 3’s loop.
There is padding on the bottom of both speakers, but the padding on the Clip 4 holds it in place much better to stop it from moving.
Both devices have IP67 Ingress Protection ratings which means they’re both waterproof and dust resistant. A demonstration of the waterproofing is in the videos below.
Verdict
I recommend the JBL Clip 4 over the Go 3. The Clip 4 is pretty much just better when it comes to both sound and build quality. If you can find these for a similar price, the Clip 4 is the way to go.
Product Listings
JBL Go 3: https://amzn.to/37IeKk9
JBL Clip 4: https://amzn.to/38BFdjs
