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The JBL Go 3 is a compact and stylish mini Bluetooth speaker that punches above its weight in sound quality. It delivers clear, rich JBL signature sound with decent bass for its size, making it a good choice for casual listening at home, on the go, or outdoors. Portability is a strong point here — it’s lightweight, small enough to fit in your hand or bag, and designed with bright fabrics that also make it durable. Its IP67 rating means it’s fully waterproof and dustproof, so you don’t have to worry about using it near water or in dusty environments. Battery life offers around 5 hours of playtime per charge, which is reasonable but not the longest available in this category, so you might need to recharge if you plan extended outdoor use. Connectivity is straightforward and reliable with Bluetooth streaming that works well up to about 10 meters, compatible with most smartphones and tablets.
One limitation is the moderate maximum volume output (4.2 watts), which means it’s best suited for personal or small-group listening rather than loud parties. The charging time is about 5 hours, which is on the slower side. The JBL Go 3 is an ideal choice if you want a durable, easy-to-carry speaker with good sound for everyday use, especially outdoors, but it’s less suited for those needing longer battery life or louder volume.
The Marshall Emberton II is a compact, stylish portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers rich, clear 360° sound, making it a great choice for music that fills the space evenly. Its 20-watt output provides good volume for its size, suitable for both indoor and small outdoor settings. Portability is strong here—at just about 4.2 ounces and roughly 6 inches long, it’s easy to carry around.
Battery life is impressive, offering over 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is excellent for day-long use without frequent recharging. When it does need charging, it takes about 3 hours to refill fully, which is reasonable. Durability is another highlight with an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dustproof and can handle being submerged in water briefly, so it can accompany you on outdoor adventures without worry.
Connectivity is straightforward via Bluetooth with a 15-meter range, and you can enhance the experience using its dedicated app to adjust sound settings or update the firmware. A nice bonus is the Stack Mode feature, letting you pair multiple Emberton II speakers for louder, more immersive sound. While the sound quality is very good for its size, it might not fully satisfy audiophiles looking for deep bass or very high volume for large outdoor areas. The controls mainly rely on the app, which might feel less intuitive to those who prefer physical buttons. This makes it an excellent mini portable speaker for casual listeners who want a durable, long-lasting, and great-sounding device that’s easy to take anywhere.
The Bose SoundLink Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a solid choice for anyone looking for a mini portable speaker that delivers strong outdoor performance. It offers bold and resonant sound with good bass for its size, which is great for parties or group hangouts. With up to 20 hours of battery life, you can enjoy long listening sessions without frequent recharging, and the full charge takes about 5 hours. Portability is well considered: it’s compact enough to fit in a backpack or gym bag, weighing around 3.37 pounds, and features a handy carrying loop.
Durability is another highlight — it’s rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof, also shock and rust resistant, making it tough enough to handle outdoor adventures and accidental drops. Connectivity is straightforward through Bluetooth with a decent range of about 9 meters, and it supports pairing two speakers for a bigger sound or syncing with other Bose devices via the Bose app. The app also lets you tweak sound settings, check battery status, and update the speaker’s software, adding useful customization. One neat extra is the USB-C charge-out port, allowing you to charge your phone from the speaker, which is handy for outdoor use.
On the downside, the speaker is a bit heavier compared to some ultra-compact models, which might impact extreme portability. The maximum output power of 5.25 watts means it’s loud but might not fill very large spaces as powerfully as bigger speakers. Also, while the speaker is rugged, it doesn't have mounting options if you want to fix it somewhere. If you want a durable, well-rounded portable speaker that sounds great outdoors and lasts all day, the Bose SoundLink Plus is a reliable pick with smart features to enhance your listening experience.