Speakers come in all shapes and sizes, but we’ve seen more micro models in recent years thanks to devices like smartphones and slates. JBL has produced its fair share of them, which leads us to the JBL Clip 4 vs. Clip 3 debate. These popular, portable speakers are best-sellers, but you may be surprised at how the new version compares to the previous model.
JBL Clip 4 vs. Clip 3: Side-by-Side Comparison
| JBL Clip 4 | JBL Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2020 | 2018 |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz – 20kHz (85dB) | 120Hz – 20kHz (80dB) |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP | AVDP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Microphone | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| 3.5 mm jack | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Size | 3.3 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches | 5.4 x 3.8 x 1.8 inches |
| Weight | 239 grams | 226 grams |
| Discontinued | No | Yes |
JBL Clip 4 vs. Clip 3: What’s the Difference?
At a glance, you can tell that JBL switched things up with the new JBL Clip 4. It has a different style, and the company removed a few features from the JBL 3 while improving other areas of its portable speaker.
Design
It’s not unusual for a company to keep the design of a product relatively the same from year to year. JBL has done that in the past, but bucked that trend with the JBL Clip 4. The company redesigned the portable speaker, and the improvements aren’t just cosmetic.
While the new JBL Clip 4 is only a few grams heavier than the previous version, the carabiner clip has been overhauled. It’s sturdier and a little larger on the new model.
- RICH JBL ORIGINAL PRO SOUND: The legendary JBL signature sound delivers surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from Clip 4's small size.
- ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN AND INTEGRATED CARABINER: JBL Clip 4's ultra-portable design with a redesigned integrated carabiner for extra protection, take your JBL Clip 4 anywhere and everywhere. Just clip...
- 10 HOURS OF PLAYTIME: Don't sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. Clip 4 gives you up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge.
- WIRELESS BLUETOOTH STREAMING: Wirelessly stream music from your phone, tablet, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device.
- IP67 WATERPROOF AND DUSTPROOF: To the pool. To the park. In the shower. JBL Clip 4 is fully waterproof and dustproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere.
The logo is also larger, although both have rubber around the casing to improve grip. The controls are still accessed through buttons on the front, but the color selection has changed dramatically.
One of the perks of the JBL Clip is the fact the company released it in a dozen colors. From Sand and Green to Camouflage patterns and Pink, there is an option for everyone.
There are only six colors for the JBL Clip 4, and none are quite as wild as what you’ll find on the older model. As a bonus, the Clip 3 allows you to “customize” the speaker with text and images, but only if you place an order through the company’s official site.
Design is a draw for us. The new model is a little smaller, overall, but with a more squared-off design. Both are lightweight and portable. The Clip 3 doubles the number of colors and offers some great customization options, but that selection will shrink as the stock begins to dry up.
Audio
If you’re not blown away by the design changes between the JBL Clip 4 vs. Clip 3, we don’t think the audio will make much of a difference either. The company kept things largely the same on their micro speaker, although there are a few noteworthy changes.
The frequency response is listed at 100Hz – 20kHz on the JBL Clip 4, compared to 120Hz – 20kHz on the JBL Clip 3. If you’re considering upgrading, you may notice a difference. Both speakers are loud and clear given their size, but neither has serious bass.
Considering the price, we feel the sound is excellent, and most user reviews for the speakers share the same sentiment. If you want a portable speaker with more clarity and range, the Bose SoundLink Flex is a good choice, but it’s three times the price. The JBL Clip 4 is a little louder, but the sound profiles are comparable.
Features
JBL may have changed the design and frequency of JBL Clip 4, but they omitted a few features from the previous version in the process. The 3.5 mm headphone jack is gone, and so is the ability to function as a 2-way device.
- SOUND TO GO - Never leave awesome sound at home again. This ultra-portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker is small in size but with surprisingly big sound. Clip it on with the built-in carabiner, press...
- UP TO 10 HOURS OF PLAYTIME - The JBL Clip 3 features a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery with up to 10 hours of battery life, plus a metal carabiner so you can easily hook it to your clothes,...
- NOISE CANCELLING & WIRELESS STREAMING - Wirelessly stream high-quality sound from your smartphone or tablet. Plus, take crystal-clear calls from your speaker with the touch of a button, thanks to the...
- WATERPROOF & DURABLE - No more worrying about rain or spills: JBL Clip 3 is completely waterproof—you can even immerse it in water. Plus, the improved, durable fabric material and rugged rubber...
- THE SOUND PROMISE - JBL has brought music to life in a way people can feel for over 70 years. From Woodstock to the Motion Picture Academy, our speakers unleash the power of music so you can live life...
The JBL Clip 3 has a 3.5 mm jack which helps extend its capabilities. It also has a built-in microphone, which allows you to take calls through the speaker. It’s not quite as resistant to the elements as the newer model, however, and has an older micro USB port.
JBL went with a USB-C port on the newer model but removed its two-way capabilities along with the headphone jack. It’s rated at IP67 compared to the JBL Clip 3 at IPX7, so it’s more resistant to dust and dirt outdoors. Connectivity is better on the JBL Clip 4, as well, thanks to Bluetooth 5.1 (compared to Bluetooth 4.1 on the Clip 3).
JBL Clip 3 vs. Clip 4 Battery Life
Battery life on portable speakers is hit or miss. The volume level can drain batteries quickly, along with additional tech. JBL designed the Clip series with that in mind, so both of these speakers have excellent battery life.
JBL claims you’ll get 10 hours of playback from the JBL Clip 3 and JBL Clip 4. The number varies by usage, but, based on reviews, it’s on the mark. At moderate levels, some users reported 12 hours or more from this tiny speaker. It’s a significant improvement over the JBL Clip 2 which had around half the juice as the company’s newer speakers.
Neither of these speakers has fast charging capabilities, and the company didn’t put a number on recharge times. We found that they were mediocre, although both speakers can play music while they charge.
Pricing & Availability
The JBL Clip 3 is somewhat dated against the Clip 4 and other, newer portable speakers. JBL Clip 3 reviews date back as far as 2018, whereas the Clip 4 has only been around a few years. That affects the availability, but not necessarily the price.
You can pick up the JBL Clip 4 for around $55, depending on the retailer and color you choose. There are bundles available at a higher price as well. While older, the JBL Clip 3 is still on par with the Clip 5. This shows where pricing is concerned; it’s typically only $5-10 cheaper despite being twice as old.
If you have your sights set on a certain color, you’ll have better luck with the JBL Clip 4, even if it only has half the selection. That’s a factor that can raise the price of the JBL Clip 3 significantly and reduce the cost of the newer model in some cases.
JBL Clip 4 vs. Clip 3: 4 Must-Know Facts
- The carabiner on the Clip 4 is made from aluminum, but not rated to carry weight.
- JBL Clip speakers have PCM circuits to prevent overcharging.
- The original JBL Clip used Bluetooth 3.0 and had a completely different style.
- JBL has a variety of larger portable speakers, including the Charge, Flip, Go, and Boombox.
JBL Clip 4 vs. Clip 3: Which One Is Better?
Choosing between the JBL Clip 4 vs. Clip 3 can be challenging. We feel that both speakers provide a similar audio experience, although the Clip 4 is a bit louder at 5 watts. Connectivity and the range have also improved along with the ingress rating which includes dust.
While the JBL Clip 3 doesn’t have those things, it does have a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a microphone. If those are useful features, it’s a better choice than the Clip 4. Otherwise, the JBL Clip should be at the top of your list when you consider the minor price difference and better connectivity.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Nasty-N/Shutterstock.com.
