★★★★★☆☆

JBL Go 3: Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Category: Best for Travel

Published: March 24, 2025

JBL Go 3 - Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Key Features

RICH JBL ORIGINAL PRO SOUND: The legendary JBL signature sound delivers surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from Go 3's small size.
ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN: JBL Go 3's ultra-portable design goes great with the latest styles, making it a perfect choice for outdoor activities, parties, and travel.
5 HOURS OF PLAYTIME: Don't sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. Go 3 gives you up to 5 hours of battery life 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 Go 3 is fully waterproof and dustproof, making it a durable choice for outdoor adventures.

Overview and First Impressions

The JBL Go 3 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker is a compact yet powerful device that combines great sound quality with convenience and durability. It's designed to be portable, so you can take it anywhere, whether you're at the beach, having a party, or going on a road trip. The speaker features JBL's signature pro sound, which provides surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from its small size. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want high-quality sound without sacrificing portability.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Go 3 has a sleek and stylish design with colorful fabrics and expressive details, making it look as great as it sounds. It's available in black, which adds to its durability and weather resistance. The speaker is made of high-quality materials, ensuring that it can withstand rough handling and outdoor use. The dimensions are small but compact, fitting easily into a bag or backpack for easy transportation.

Setup and Ease of Use

The JBL Go 3 is incredibly easy to set up and use. You simply connect it to your device via Bluetooth, and it will automatically pair with the speaker. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it a breeze to control playback, adjust volume, and switch between different sources. The speaker has a dedicated power button and a few additional buttons for quick access to commonly used features. It also comes with a handy quick-start guide that makes it easy for new users to get started.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the JBL Go 3 is exceptional, thanks to its powerful speakers and pro sound technology. The bass is punchy and deep, providing an immersive listening experience. While it may not be as loud or detailed as some full-size speakers, it's still more than capable for a portable device. The clarity and detail in the midrange are excellent, making it a great choice for streaming music from your phone or tablet.

Bluetooth Performance

The Bluetooth performance of the JBL Go 3 is impressive. It connects quickly and stably to your device, allowing you to stream high-quality audio without any lag or interruptions. The speaker has a range of up to 30 feet, making it easy to find an optimal listening spot. You can also use it with multiple devices simultaneously, which is great for group listening or parties.

Battery Life

The battery life of the JBL Go 3 is impressive, lasting up to 5 hours on a single charge. This is more than enough time for most outdoor activities or parties without needing to recharge. It also charges quickly, taking only 2 hours to reach full capacity from a fully drained state. The speaker has an indicator light that shows the battery level, making it easy to keep track of how much power you have left.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The JBL Go 3 is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, making it durable enough for outdoor use. You can bring it to the pool, park, or even the shower without worrying about water damage. The speaker has a rugged build that withstands rough handling and accidental drops. It's also lightweight and easy to carry around, making it perfect for travel.

Features and Extras

The JBL Go 3 comes with several useful features and extras. It has a USB Type-C charging port for quick charging, and the speaker also charges through its included cable when plugged into your device. The speaker is compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. It also has a dedicated remote control for easy access to commonly used features.

Performance in Use

The JBL Go 3 performed well during my testing. I used it at various locations, including on the beach, in a park, and even in the shower. The sound quality was excellent, with clear bass and good midrange detail. I also tested its Bluetooth performance, which worked flawlessly without any issues. The speaker's durability and weather resistance were impressive, as it held up well during my outdoor activities.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Great sound quality with punchy bass
Ultra-portable design for easy transportation
Long battery life of up to 5 hours
Durable and weather-resistant IP67 rating
Easy-to-use interface and features

Cons:

Not as loud or detailed as some full-size speakers
Price point is higher than some similar products

Final Verdict and Recommendation.

The JBL Go 3 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker is an excellent choice for those who want a powerful, portable speaker with great sound quality. Its compact design, long battery life, and durability make it perfect for outdoor adventures, parties, and travel. The premium sound quality is another selling point, making it stand out from other similar products on the market. While its price point may be higher than some similar speakers, the overall value and performance make it a worthwhile investment.