JBL Clip 3 vs Clip 4: Which Portable Bluetooth Speaker Should You Buy?
If you are looking for a small, durable and affordable speaker that you can easily clip to your backpack, belt or bike, you might be interested in the JBL Clip series. These speakers are designed to be your outdoor companions, with waterproof and dustproof features, built-in carabiners and long battery life. But which one should you choose: the JBL Clip 3 or the JBL Clip 4? In this blog post i will compare these JBL Clip 3 and JBL Clip 4 two speakers & help to you decide which 1 is best.
Design and Features
The JBL Clip 3 and the JBL Clip 4 have some similarities in
their design, but also some noticeable differences. Both speakers have a
circular shape, a fabric-covered front with three playback buttons (play/pause,
volume up and volume down), and a rubberized back with a USB charging port and
a power button. Both speakers also have an integrated carabiner that allows you
to easily attach them to anything you want.
One feature that the JBL Clip 3 has that the JBL Clip 4 does
not have is an AUX input. This means that you can connect your device to the
speaker with a 3.5mm cable if you don't want to use Bluetooth. This can be
useful if you want to save battery life or if you have a device that does not
have Bluetooth.
Another difference between the two speakers is their IP
rating. The JBL Clip 3 has an IPX7 rating, which means that it can withstand
being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The JBL Clip 4 has an
IP67 rating, which means that it can also withstand being submerged in water up
to 1 meter for 30 minutes, but also being exposed to dust and sand.
However, the JBL Clip 4 has a more streamlined and modern look than the JBL Clip 3. The carabiner is larger and more ergonomic, and it is built into the frame of the speaker instead of being a separate metal piece. The JBL Clip 4 also has a USB-C port instead of a micro-USB port, which means faster and more convenient charging. The JBL Clip 4 also comes in more color options than the JBL Clip 3, including some eye-catching patterns and camo prints.
Sound Quality and
Performance
The JBL Clip 3 and the JBL Clip 4 are both small speakers that deliver decent sound quality for their size. However, the JBL Clip 4 has some advantages over the JBL Clip 3 in terms of sound quality and performance.
The JBL Clip 4 has a larger driver size (40mm vs 30mm) and a
higher output power (5W vs 3W) than the JBL Clip 3. This means that it can
produce louder and clearer sound with more bass and less distortion. The JBL
Clip 4 also has a wider frequency response range (100Hz-20kHz vs 120Hz-20kHz)
and a higher signal-to-noise ratio (85dB vs 80dB) than the JBL Clip 3. This
means that it can reproduce more details and nuances in the sound with less
background noise.
Both speakers also have built-in microphones that allow you
to take hands-free calls or use voice assistants. However, the JBL Clip 3 has a
noise-canceling microphone that can reduce background noise and enhance your voice
clarity. The JBL Clip 4 does not have this feature, so your voice might not be
as clear or loud on the other end.
The battery life of both speakers is similar, with up to 10
hours of playtime on a single charge. However, the charging time of the JBL
Clip 4 is shorter than the JBL Clip 3, thanks to its USB-C port. The JBL Clip 4
can be fully charged in about three hours, while the JBL Clip 3 takes about
four hours.
The JBL Clip 4 also has a newer Bluetooth version (5.1 vs 4.1) than the JBL Clip 3. This means that it can offer better wireless connectivity with lower latency, higher stability and longer range. The JBL Clip 4 also supports multi-point connection, which means that it can connect to two devices at the same time and switch between them easily.
Pros & Cones JBL 3 vs JBL 4
Pros of JBL Clip 3:
- 1. Has an AUX input for wired connection
- 2. Has a noise-canceling microphone for clear voice calls
- 3. Lighter than Clip 4
- 4. Cheaper than Clip 4
Cons of JBL Clip 3:
- 1. Lower output power and frequency response than Clip 4
- 2. Uses microUSB for charging, which is outdated
- 3. Not dustproof
- 4. Carabiner is not detachable
Pros of JBL Clip 4:
- 1. Higher output power and frequency response than Clip 3
- 2. Uses USB-C for charging, which is faster and more convenient
- 3. Dustproof and waterproof
- 4. Carabiner is detachable and can be replaced
Cons of JBL Clip 4:
- 1. No AUX input for wired connection
- 2. No noise-canceling microphone for voice calls
- 3. Heavier than Clip 3
- 4. More expensive than Clip 3
Conclusion JBL Clip 3 vs JBL Clip 4
The JBL Clip 3 and the JBL Clip 4 are both great portable
Bluetooth speakers that offer good value for money. However, if you want a more
updated and improved speaker with better sound quality, design and features,
you should go for the JBL Clip 4. It has a more modern and sleek look, a more
durable and versatile carabiner, a USB-C port, a dustproof feature, a louder
and clearer sound, a newer Bluetooth version and a shorter charging time. The
only reasons to choose the JBL Clip 3 over the JBL Clip 4 are if you really
need an AUX input or a noise-canceling microphone.
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