JBL CLIP 3 Review, A Portable Bluetooth Speaker


Contents

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Upgraded battery life and sound quality
  • Durable, compact, and portable
  • Waterproof
  • With integrated carabiner

Cons

  • Bigger and heavier than Clip 2

Unboxing

I was so excited to check and see the Clip 3 in person. I got this in black. Don’t like black? The JBL Clip 3 is available in colors blue, camo, grey, pink, red, teal, and many more. You can get it in the color that suits the best to your taste and personality.

What is JBL Clip 3

Nothing can be more relaxing than hearing your favorite songs wherever you go. Hey, I’m talking about using a portable Bluetooth speaker that you can easily pair with your tablet or smartphone. When it comes to a Bluetooth speaker, the JBL Clip 3 is one of the best units I can recommend.

It’s a small, compact device that can go with you anywhere. JBL said it is the upgraded version of the previous JBL Clip 2. Is it worth considering? Should you upgrade to this one? In this review, I will be giving all you have to know about this product.

JBL CLIP 3

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Overview

As said earlier, the JBL Clip 3 is the successor of Clip 2. On the outside, I’m sure the improved robust design of the unit will impress you just like me. I guess you will love it even more if I say Clip 3 sounds better and lasts longer than its predecessor.

On the other hand, it is larger and slightly heavier than the Clip 2. Nonetheless, I don’t consider those things as a big deal because I love all other improvements made on Clip 3.

Related: How to Connect JBL Speakers

Design and Quality

I appreciated a lot how the JBL Clip 2 works. I feel how sturdy it is the first time I got my hands on it. The unit is perfectly round and quite heavy, weighing 7.06 ounces. Indeed, it is a little heavier than the Clip 2. Despite the slight upgrade in terms of weight and size, the performance is still the same. For me, it just got even better. The size and weight did not affect my daily usage.

This Bluetooth speaker fits perfectly in my hands. It measures 5.4” x 3.8” x 1.8”. It’s pretty small and compact that it can easily fit into my pocket or sling bag. On top of all these things, I love that it has a carabiner that allows one to clip it on a belt or somewhere else. With a carabiner, you’re free to run and move around without any chances of falling on the ground.

The JBL Clip 3 also has a decent rubbery texture, making it easier to grip. The carabiner encases the speaker in general. Hence, it builds a protective shield against dents and dings. You can even use it for hands-free calls as it goes with an in-built microphone.

To sum it up, Clip 3 looks simple and nice.

Audio Quality

Clip 2 went with a 3W speaker. Clip 3 got a better 3.3W speaker. That’s pretty good, but when I tested the device, I can’t almost see the difference. The sound produced by Clip 3 is more accurate, clearer, and crisp. Actually, the sound quality has minimal to zero difference from the sounds that previous versions can produce.

The JBL Clip 3 did a great job of producing the mid notes. Listening to acoustic songs is truly relaxing. The instruments and voices are clear and very audible. It may struggle to play some songs but stands out whenever you use it to play acoustic music. It is also good enough to use when listening to podcasts.

Battery Life

I told you before that Clip 3 lasts longer than its predecessor, proven by its 1,000 mAh lithium-ion battery. With that, the device can give up 10 to 16 hours of non-stop music streaming experience. That is a major upgrade because Clip 2 can last for just 5 to 8 hours.

The battery life is pretty impressive for a small device like this. As such, charging time will be longer, taking around 30 minutes. I don’t think that is a big deal, considering that the device is still using a micro USB charging port.

A micro USB cable is already available in the package, so you can charge the unit right away. I would be happier if JBL considered making the Clip 3 the first one to have USB type C. But, it’s okay for the price.

Connectivity

Another thing that can be disappointing for some is the Bluetooth version used for Clip 3. Many were happy that Clip 2 got Bluetooth 4.2 that adds connectivity, range, and protection. I wondered why it was a step down for Clip 3, having Bluetooth 4.1. The connection is not as fast as you want it to be, the range decreases, and the device becomes less secure. Nonetheless, it does not have a major effect on the performance of the device.

Water Resistance

Unlike other Bluetooth speakers in the market, the JBL Clip 3 features the IPX7 water resistance rating. So, if you’re walking down the store and the wave brought you down, you don’t need to worry about the device. The water will not be able to easily penetrate the device because the ports are all covered with protective plugs. So, be sure to plug the ports before you go so that your speaker will stay safe even if you dropped it in  the water by accident.

Related: How to Reset JBL Clip 3

Key Features

  • Upgraded Carabiner – the unit’s carabiner has been a portion of the improved frame, giving additional security for the device. It is a triangle-shaped thing connected with  a material made of silicone.
  • A 1,000 mAh battery that ensures extended hours of play and fun.
  • IPX7 Water Resistance Rating – protects your device against water splashes and accidental drops.
  • Bluetooth 4.1 ensures good performance and sound production.
  • 3.3-watt speaker – the lows, mids, and high tones are clear and crisp. The voices are also clear and audible enough.
  • More color options – get this compact Bluetooth speaker in your favorite color.

FAQ

Is the JBL Clip 3 heavy?

No. It’s portable enough, weighing only 7.06 oz.

How long does this speaker last?

You get 10 to 16 hours of listening to music and watching videos with the Clip 3, thanks to its 1,000 mAh battery.

Can I swim without removing this Bluetooth speaker on my belt?

Although Clip 3 has an IPX7 water resistance rating, you should still keep it protected against water damage. This waterproof protection is designed to keep your device safe in case it accidentally fell out of your pocket and landed on the water.

Verdict

I hope this JBL Clip 3 review enlightened your mind to decide if you should upgrade or not. The major upgrades made in this unit are worth considering. If you want a portable Bluetooth speaker with a bigger battery, waterproof resistance, and good performance, Clip 3 is no doubt a good option.

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