If you need a baby Bluetooth speaker, rest assured that the JBL Clip is the best quality product on the market for the price. But with such frequent upgrades to these things, it’s hard to figure out which model is better value for money. Is it worth getting the new and improved Clip 3, or should you settle for the cheaper Clip 2? Let’s find out in this JBL Clip2 vs JBL Clip 3 Comparison Review.
JBL Clip 2 vs JBL Clip 3 Comparison Review
DESIGN
Aesthetics
With the new, JBL Clip 3, you’ll notice a much sleeker design. The clip itself is thinner and is integrated into the body of the speaker. On the older version, the wider clip is more obtrusive and connected to a separate rubber fixture.
The other thing that makes the Clip 3 more elegant, is the simplicity of the design. While the Clip 2 has an auxiliary cable attached at the back of the speaker, the Clip 3 has removed this accessory and replaced it with a simple auxiliary input, which sits under a rubber enclosure. So if you want to connect the new Clip 3 via a cable, you’ll have to buy it as a separate accessory. But for most people, the cable is an unnecessary attachment. Afterall, the wireless function is the Clip’s main selling point. Still, if you do run out of battery power, it’s a good backup to have. But I own the older Clip 2, and I’ve never had to use it.
Durability
When comparing the two speakers, it becomes clear that all the parts of the Clip 3 are more seamlessly stuck together, and there’s a little more insulation and rubber padding in the back. In fact, the JBL Clip 3 is a little wider on all sides, adding more surface area to the speaker as well.
Functionality
You’ll get the same functions on both, the Clip 2 and the Clip 3. But JBL has simplified things by moving the the play/pause and volume controls to the front of the speaker. I like this change to the design because you no longer have to look to the side of the speaker to find the buttons. And it makes accepting calls faster as well.
Waterproofness
Both speakers have an IPX7 waterproof rating. This means that you can submerge them under water for about 20-30 minutes or leave them in the rain for long periods of time. So, no changes in this department.
Connectivity
No changes here either. Pairing the Clip 2 to your phone is super quick and easy. After you’ve paired it to your device for the first time, it will automatically connect every time you turn the speaker on. So no upgrades to this feature are needed.
And like the Clip 2, the Clip 3 allows you to answer calls and use your voice assistant for hands free dialing. But again, the Clip 3 has moved this function to the front of the speaker, making it faster and easier to use.
Battery
The Clip 3 has stepped it up a notch and increased the battery life from 8 hours to 10 hours.
Both speakers come with a micro-USB to USB cable, which you just connect to your little white box or your computer.
SOUND
Volume
The Clip 3 has a higher max volume than the Clip 2. It’s not a huge jump, but it does make a difference, especially if you have some loud talkers in the group who like to shout after a few beers.
Clarity
Quality of sound may be the biggest and most impressive upgrade to the Clip 3. In fact, it’s enough to give me buyer’s remorse about my older Clip 2. Although the frequency range technically remains the same, I heard lower lows and higher highs on the Clip 3. And the detail also improved dramatically. In fact, it made the Clip 2 sound a little cloudy in comparison. Ugh. Anyone want to buy my Clip 2?
SUMMARY
The Clip 2 is a great product. But if you’re like me, you may ask, “why settle?” Spend the extra few bucks to get the improved Clip 3, which I think is the cutest and best sounding mini waterproof speaker on the market.
You can find these sweet little babies for the best price at:
Audio 46: JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (Use our promo code, “majorhifi” to get a 10% discount)
Amazon: JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black)
Amazon: JBL Clip 3 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Black
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