Music means a lot to many people all over the world, and the changing face of audio technology is allowing audiophiles everywhere to enjoy their favorite classic tracks and new releases across every genre in exciting, unexpected new ways.
Gone are the days of tangled headphone cables and bulky, unwieldy speakers, replaced instead with sleek, seamless, wireless devices and compact, portable, durable audio accessories, perfect for the modern listener.
Today’s audio equipment is setting new standards and reaching whole new heights than ever before, opening up entire new doors of opportunity for listeners to enjoy, and JBL, one of the most historic brands in the business, is leading the way.
→ Read our Clip 4 review
Founded back in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing, who named the company using his own initials, JBL has always been a pioneer for audio enthusiasts to keep up with. The company has consistently and repeatedly raised the bar, and in modern times, we’ve seen JBL adapting and embracing wireless technologies in some fun ways.
From the company’s wireless workout headphones to its portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL has put out a wide range of thrilling audio products recently, with the JBL Clip 3 being one of the latest and greatest innovations from the LA-based brand.
Portable, rugged, and powerful too, the JBL Clip 3 fits all the needs of today’s audiophile, clipping right onto your clothes and offering high quality playback of music and other audio files, but is it the right speaker for you? Our JBL Clip 3 review will help you find out.
Table of Contents
How We Started
Modern consumers have a lot of factors to take into account when shopping for audio equipment, and there are a lot of different brands and products out there to compare and choose between. To assist the widest possible audience and try to help everyone learn more about the JBL Clip 3, our in-depth review takes multiple factors into account.
To offer a fair, balanced, and detailed review of the JBL Clip 3 portable speaker, we put this device to the test, evaluating not just its sound quality with different genres of music and types of track, but also its design, the color options, the connectivity features, portability, volume, battery life, battery charge times, price, and more.
In short, we examined all of the many key aspects of this device in order to give you a full, comprehensive view of what it has to offer. We aimed to leave no stone unturned in our assessment, so whatever you want to find out about the JBL Clip 3, you should be able to find it in this review.
It’s important to remember, however, that reviews of certain aspects of devices like the JBL Clip 3 will always be subjective. People can have different opinions regarding a device’s design, color, portability, and performance, and factors like what kind of music you listen to and how you listen to your music may affect your overall enjoyment of this device.
Be sure, therefore, to take your own preferences into account when reading through our review of the JBL Clip 3, asking yourself questions regarding how you plan to use this speaker if you buy it and which of its features and factors can appeal to you the most.
Clip and Play Like no other, the JBL Clip 3 is a unique ultra-portable, ultra-rugged and waterproof Bluetooth speaker that is small in size but with surprisingly big sound. The upgraded durable and fully integrated carabiner clips to your clothes, belt loop or backpack, making the Clip 3 your outdoor companion on every adventure.
Check the price for Clip 3 on JBL’s website Here.
Overview
Before taking a closer look at the ins and outs of the JBL Clip 3 and investigating individual factors like sound quality, portability, and battery life, we’ll begin with an overview of what exactly this product is and what it has to offer.
Wireless audio technology is incredibly popular right now. Modern-day audiophiles don’t want to have to worry about carrying around reams of cables or fiddling with tangled wires in their pockets every time they want to listen to their music.
This is where devices like the JBL Clip 3 come into play. This is a portable Bluetooth speaker that can connect to your phone, tablet, and other Bluetooth-capable devices in a matter of seconds, without any need for cables or cords. It’s exceptionally small and portable, ready to be carried around right in your bag, pocket, or, as the name implies, clipped right onto your clothing.
Indeed, one of the key advantages and unique selling points of the JBL Clip 3 is that it comes with a padlock-style carabiner clip at the top, allowing it to be hooked around belt buckles, pocket straps, pieces of clothing, backpacks, and so on with ease.
As a wireless device, the JBL Clip 3 is powered by a built-in rechargeable Lithium ion battery, which can run fro up to 10 hours per charge, and it comes with a rugged, durable design, able to withstand immersion in water and take bumps and knocks without too many issues.
The JBL Clip 3 also comes with a built-in noise and echo-canceling speakerphone, allowing you to make and receive calls and chat to your contacts clearly, without any problems. All in all, this device aims to be your go-to portable speaker for hikes, camping, outdoor adventures, parties, and more.
Design
Along with other key factors like audio quality and battery life, one of the most important aspects to take into account when looking at any modern audio device like a portable Bluetooth speaker is its design. While the looks of a device don’t really have any effect on how it functions, a lot of people still like to have stylish, attractive products that fit their personality.
So how does the JBL Clip 3 actually look and what kind of build quality can it offer? Well, the design really is one of the standout features of this particular portable speaker. It’s nice and compact, measuring up at 5.4″ x 3.8″ x 1.8″ and weighing in at just under half a pound, making it highly portable and easy to fit in small bags and pockets without weighing you down.
The speaker itself is formed in a circular shape, with a relatively thin profile compared to other models and that aforementioned carabiner clip that sits on top. The carabiner flows nicely into the exterior shell of the unit, and the speaker features a few easy-to-press, chunky buttons that are very useful, while also blending nicely with the rest of the device.
As mentioned earlier on, the device is very rugged and durable. It’s rated as IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand rain, splashes, and even submersion in water without suffering any technical faults or failures, so this is absolutely the sort of speaker you can bring along on all of your outdoor adventures and camping trips.
Colors and Customization
Following on from the usual point, it would be customary to list the color options as part of the ‘Design’ section of the review, but when it comes to the JBL Clip 3, colors deserve their very own category, as you get a really wide range of options with this device.
When ordering a JBL Clip 3, you can choose from a dozen preset styles and colors, including full colors like gray, yellow, pink, red, and black, as well as patterns like camouflage. These color options already exceed those offered by most other brands and most other devices, but JBL goes one step further.
They also propose a ‘Design Your Own’ service, in which users can actually create their own styles for their devices. Once you enter the design mode, you’ll be able to completely customize your product, choosing from pre-made custom styles, adding text to the back of your speaker, designing your own theme from scratch, and even uploading your own photos to be printed on the speaker’s shell too.
It takes a little longer for the customized JBL Clip 3 devices to be created and shipped out, and obviously, you’ll have to pay a little extra for this privilege, but it’s a great bonus option from JBL and one that many people will love to take advantage of.
Check the price for Clip 3 on JBL’s website Here.
Portability
When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Clip 3, portability is obviously another one of the many important aspects to take into account; it’s vital to find a speaker that you can actually carry around comfortably at all times, ready to be used out and about at parties, campsites, parks, and other locations with your friends or family.
Some portable speakers can be somewhat disappointing in this regard, having awkward designs or weighing a little too much to really be easily and conveniently carried around. The JBL Clip 3, however, really is one of the most portable Bluetooth speakers on the market right now.
As stated earlier on, it’s very small and lightweight, so you won’t notice it weighing you down at any time and it won’t take up much space in a bag or pocket. But what really sets it apart is the carabiner on the top.
The carabiner is rigid and durable, ready to lock in place around a belt buckle, a loop on your pants, a handle on your backpack, and lots of other places too, without any risk of falling off over time. In our research, we’ve seen lots of users of the JBL Clip 3 trying it out in all kinds of different locations, and it always stays neatly in place.
Clip and Play Like no other, the JBL Clip 3 is a unique ultra-portable, ultra-rugged and waterproof Bluetooth speaker that is small in size but with surprisingly big sound. The upgraded durable and fully integrated carabiner clips to your clothes, belt loop or backpack, making the Clip 3 your outdoor companion on every adventure.
Sound Quality
Now, we move on from the looks and build of the JBL Clip 3 to take a closer look under the hood at the technology that powers the speaker, in order to see how it really functions in action and what kind of audio quality and clarity it can provide.
When it comes to speakers, sound quality is often one of, if not the most important factor in many people’s minds. A lot of folks are willing to look past aesthetic features and color options as long as a speaker can deliver when it comes to playing their music and providing them with the crisp, clear, powerful audio experiences they need.
It’s vital to make sure you find a speaker that can deliver in this department, as some may catch your eye with fancy designs but then fail to offer true enjoyment when actually turned on and pumped up to top volume. So what kinds of audio experiences is the JBL Clip 3 able to provide?
Well, we have to say that the JBL Clip 3 definitely isn’t the best portable speaker for audiophiles, but it’s certainly not the worst either. When compared to similar models on the market, it’s an above average contender, lacking a little in bass and struggling at the very highest frequencies, but doing more than enough to cope for everything in between.
In terms of volume, the Clip 3 also really packs a punch. Despite being such a small and compact device, it has a fuller and richer sound than you might expect and performs a lot better at top volume than many of the competing models on the market. You shouldn’t notice any weird hiss or unnatural sounds with this speaker, even when cranking it up on heavy bass tracks.
Overall, the audio quality is quite impressive. It’s not going to blow you away and can’t quite compete with some of the more audiophile-friendly models out there, but when you take into account its size, design, and price tag, it offers a lot of value in this area.
Check the price for Clip 3 on JBL’s website Here.
Battery
Like any other wireless device, the JBL Clip 3 is battery-powered. It has a 1,000 mAh lithium ion battery under the hood, and one more of the key aspects to consider when evaluating the overall quality of any portable Bluetooth speaker is how good the battery is and how long it lasts overall.
So how good is the Clip 3’s battery? Well, once again, we’re happy to report that we were extremely impressed with this part of the device. JBL officially markets the Clip 3 by stating that it can last for 10 hours on a single charge, which is pretty impressive on its own, but they might want to consider updating that claim.
Why? Well, in our tests and in the tests of many other users across the globe, we’ve discovered that the Clip 3 can actually last way longer than 10 hours. In fact, it can go up to about 16 hours on a single charge in some settings, even when playing at quite a high volume.
It’s only if you leave the device on top volume and have it playing non-stop that it wears out a little faster, and even then, it always seems to go beyond the advertised 10-hour limit. This is more than enough to get you through parties, workouts, and much more, so you won’t have to really worry about running out of charge at a bad time when using the Clip 3.
When the battery does finally wear out and it’s time to charge it up, the JBL Clip 3 is fitted with a simple micro USB port for charging back up. You’ll need to wait about 2-3 hours to get the device fully charged back up, and it’s a shame that JBL didn’t opt for a faster charging option here, but charge times are still quite competitive when compared to other models.
Connectivity and Ease of Use
Portable Bluetooth speakers function by connecting wireless to your devices and playing tracks and files stored on those devices, but some of them can be a lot easier to connect to others and offer more reliable connections, without the risks of any sudden drops, lags, or interruptions in your music playback.
Thankfully, the JBL Clip 3 is one of the better devices in this regard and doesn’t seem to have any connectivity issues whatsoever. All you have to do to get it up and running is press the Bluetooth button on the side. After that, head to the Bluetooth menu of your device and find the speaker to get it paired up.
It usually works fine, without any problems at all. However, if an issue does arise, you’ll need to reset the device, which can be a little trickier. You have to power it up, then hold down the play and volume up buttons at the same time to start the reset process and then try pairing again.
Luckily, as stated, the Clip 3 usually connects quite easily. It only has Bluetooth 4.1, rather than the more recent versions, but this is good enough for most situations, and since you’ll usually have the speaker clipped to your body or a bag nearby, the 10m working range shouldn’t cause any problems.
It’s worth noting, as well, that the Clip 3 comes with a built-in speakerphone, so if you happen to get a call on your phone while playing music, you can use the speaker to take the call. It works pretty well and audio comes through quite clearly in our experience, helping to make this device very simple to use overall.
Price
Check the price for Clip 3 on JBL’s website Here.
Of course, no review of any product can be complete without taking a look at the price, and this is always another important feature to think about when you’re evaluating whether or not you want to buy something and whether it’s really worth your money.
There are a lot of wireless speakers out there, with a wide range of price tags to match. Some of them can be surprisingly affordable, considering the technology they offer, and others are far more expensive. Which side of the balance does the JBL Clip 3 find itself on?
Well, the MSRP for the JBL Clip 3 at launch was $59.95. Nowadays, since the device has been out for some time, it’s possible to find it for about half of that price during sales events and from certain retailers, which makes it a highly affordable option.
If you don’t have a huge budget, this is definitely one of the top portable speakers for you to consider, which leads us to the next point.
Value
As well as the actual price tag of a product, we have to think about its value. Some speakers can be really cheap and seem like a great deal, but fail to offer much in the way of quality or durability. Others can be very expensive, but struggle to provide real value due to their outdated tech or flawed designs.
When it comes to value, we have to say that the JBL Clip 3 is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers out there right now. For the price, it offers endless hours of usability, a solid design, lots of fun color options, terrific audio performance, and a really durable, strong build that can serve you well for years to come, even in difficult conditions.
Who Should Get This?
The JBL Clip 3 can appeal to quite a wide range of people, but there are clearly some specific ideal users in mind when we look at the design and nature of this device.
Since it’s so rugged and durable, it’s definitely a good choice for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. It can work well by your side at parties, camping trips, and similar situations.
It can withstand water, rain, and different conditions with ease, so it’s ideal for active people who tend to go out, regardless of the weather, and the carabiner clip design allows it to work nicely for people who carry around backpacks often.
Since it’s quite an affordable option too, it’s a good choice for those who don’t want to spend too much while still getting a very impressive device, and the only crowd that it can’t totally appeal to are audiophiles who want the absolute crispest and clearest bass over anything else.
Our View
Check the price for Clip 3 on JBL’s website Here.
So, is the JBL Clip 3 worthy of a purchase? In our view, it certainly is. This is a very impressive device, no matter how you look at it. The design is great, the build quality is excellent, the speaker performance is more than sufficient for most people, and the price is perfectly fair and reasonable too. Overall, it’s one of the top portable speakers money can buy right now, with only one or two minor flaws.
Clip and Play Like no other, the JBL Clip 3 is a unique ultra-portable, ultra-rugged and waterproof Bluetooth speaker that is small in size but with surprisingly big sound. The upgraded durable and fully integrated carabiner clips to your clothes, belt loop or backpack, making the Clip 3 your outdoor companion on every adventure.
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