As enthusiasts of Bluetooth speakers, we plunged into the realm of JBL Go 3 Bluetooth speaker, where size, affordability, and portability collide with outdoor ruggedness. Priced at $39.95, the Go 3 emerges as a diminutive yet potent waterproof speaker, beckoning for outdoor escapades. While its compact size doesn’t pack booming bass, it does emit a commendable low-end presence at higher volumes, making it a solid value proposition.
Unique selling points of JBL’s Go 3
Rich Audio Output – Despite its compact size, the Go 3 impresses with its crisp and relatively powerful sound.
Portability and Design – Its easily transportable nature and revamped soap-on-a-rope-like appearance usher in a fresh, rugged design overhaul.
Waterproof Credentials – Sporting an IP67 rating, it fearlessly faces the elements, perfect for beachside bops or forest adventures.
Affordability – At a pocket-friendly price point, it delivers admirable features and audio prowess.
Ease of Use – A user-friendly interface and straightforward functionality make it accessible.
Pros and Cons of JBL’s Go 3
| Pros of JBL’s Go 3 | Cons of JBL’s Go 3 |
|---|---|
| Rich, crisp sound for its size | Lack of speakerphone functionality |
| Portable and compact design | Limited onboard controls |
| Waterproof with IP67 rating | Short battery life |
| Affordable pricing | Sinkability in water |
| Easy to use | Small loop for hanging |
Design and Build
The Go 3’s redesign showcases a thicker, more rounded profile swathed in fabric with added rubber reinforcement for durability. Despite minor fraying issues in some areas, the compact and lanyard-equipped design, available in various colourways, fits snugly into any bag or pocket. Control buttons for volume, play/pause, power and Bluetooth pairing adorn the device, albeit lacking track backward navigation and speakerphone functionality.
Battery
While sporting a USB-C charging port without a cover and an IP67 rating for dust and water ingress, the Go 3 disappoints slightly with a 2.5-hour full charge time for a mere five hours of playback. The lack of stamina improvement from its predecessor is a noticeable setback.
Speaker Output and Sound
With a maximum power output of 4.2W, the Go 3 delivers decent sound, sacrificing some nuances for outdoor convenience. Its performance ensures clear vocals but may sideline bass elements in favour of louder volumes, an essential aspect for outdoor usage where volume is paramount.
Connectivity
Featuring Bluetooth 5.1, the Go 3 supports only the SBC codec, restricting high-quality codecs like aptX or AAC. While lacking in advanced pairing features and app support for PartyBoost daisy-chaining, its volume output impresses, effortlessly covering most small outdoor areas.
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