JBL Clip 3 vs. JBL Clip 4: Which Is Better?

JBL is a well-known worldwide brand for its impressive sound production. They stepped up the Bluetooth speaker game with the Clip speaker series. People loved it and the series quickly became popular with its style and offered service. Those are some of the best portable speakers.

So yeah, you can’t go wrong with those Bluetooth speakers.

Now, both JBL Clip 3 and JBL Clip 4 are preferred by the majority of music lovers. They do care about the design, and you will adore every color a second you lay your eyes on it. The sound quality and bold style are nothing but a perfect choice for any music enthusiast.

However, which one to choose since both of them are pretty much similar in any way. It makes us wonder which one is better. Stick with us till the end of the article to find out.

JBL Clip 3 vs. JBL Clip 4: Introduction

Let me throw in a few extra words regarding those bluetooth speakers.

About JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth Speaker 

JBL Clip 3 is a Bluetooth speaker that was released back on June 30, 2019, and continues to be the unbeaten valued speaker for its price point. People prefer to use it on the go, while doing sports, on the beach, or in the mountains. So imagine that portability and lightweight body construction.

The unexpected should be expected by JBL Clip 3 if I have to sum up quickly. If you’re sick and tired of these boring designed speakers where the battery drains in an hour and sound terrible. This is your go-to sign.

About JBL Clip 4 Bluetooth Speaker 

JBL Clip 4 is the newer version of the Clip series and came into our lives back on December 6, 2020. However, many technology brands tend to release better and more updated versions of the latest product, but that is discussable for the Clip 4 series. 

There are some slight changes in the shape and offered quality in the Clip 4 series, but the real question is that are they for good. Let’s find out.

Design

JBL Clip 3 

This is a portable Bluetooth speaker that comes in a circle shape that can be hung everywhere. When I say everywhere, I mean it because it’s designed to be hung in your bag, pants, wallet, belt, and neckless accessory. 

The eye-pleasing decorative patterns have a lot to offer. Choose between, black, black camo, camo only, gray, green, pink, red, sand, teal, white, and yellow colorful options. 

JBL Clip 4 

The JBL 4 is slightly different in design. They got rid of a circle shape in Clip 3 and replaced it with a more general oval style. The logo and the controls are pressed in the front in a bigger way that is noticeable from very far away.

The portability is not questionable. Clip it however you desire, thanks to the compactness and built quality, it won’t fall. 

Just like Clip 3, also Clip 4 offers a beautiful color option to light up that classic boring personality. You get to choose between black, blue, pink, red and white colors. To spice up even more, there is an option with gray color mixed with gold and pink.

Model	JBL Clip 3	JBL Clip 4
Item Weight	7.8 ounces	8.4 ounces
Product Dimensions	4.33 x 2.17 x 4.3 inches	1.8 x 3.4 x 5.3 inches
Color Choices	Black, Black Camo, Camo Only, Gray, Green, Pink, Red, Sand, Teal, White, Yellow	Black, Blue, Pink, Red, White, Gray.

Durability

JBL Clip 3

JBL Clip 3 is built from an integrated metal carabiner to protect the speaker from any unexpected possible damage. Enjoy to the fullest every adventure even in the rain because it is rated IPX7 and can withstand underwater for 30 minutes. Plus, it has dustproof protection.

JBL Clip 4

JBL Clip 4 is hard to crack and reliable. The dustproof feature is against rust and bad weather conditions. It can withstand rainy days because it’s rated with IP67 waterproof protection as well.  

Model	JBL Clip 3	JBL Clip 4
Dustproof	Yes	Yes
Waterproof	IPX7	IP67
Integrated Carabiner	Metal	Metal

Sound Quality

JBL Clip 3

JBL Clip 3 has a 40mm sound transducer. It performs very well, especially with acoustics and vocals where they seem to be loud enough to please the ears. The bass sound suffers to give that satisfaction, but clarity is perfectly fine if you love to listen to relaxing music and podcasts.

The output power is 3.3 W RMS with a 120 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response range.

JBL Clip 4

JBL Clip 4 has a 40mm sound transducer as well. We can see a little improved sound quality here where the bass is actually good for its small size. perfect, but it’s nicer in comparison with Clip 3. The vocals sound is super clear. The bass may not be.

The output power is 5.0 W RMS with a 100 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response range.

Model	JBL Clip 3	JBL Clip 4
Drivers	40 mm	40 mm
Frequency Response	120 Hz to 20 kHz	100 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio	80 dB	85 dB
Power Output	3.3 W RMS	5.0 W RMS

Noise Cancelling Feature

The noise-canceling feature is designed to block out external noises in particular.

The JBL Clip 3 has a Noise-Cancelling feature to prevent that echo effect you get from the microphone. You can also talk for hours with its built-in microphone

Unfortunately, JBL Clip 4 doesn’t have that feature and it is a big miss. No built-in mic as well.

Model	JBL Clip 3	JBL Clip 4
Noise-Cancelling	Yes	No

Battery Life

JBL Clip 3

When it comes to battery life, Clip 3 does an amazing by offering up to 10 hours of playtime. It is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer (3.700V/1000mAh) battery type.

JBL Clip 4

Clip 4 also offers 10 hours of rechargeable battery life. The battery type is Lithium-ion polymer (3.885V/1000mAh) which shows a little bit more power in comparison with JBL Clip 3.

Model	JBL Clip 3	JBL Clip 4
Battery Type	Lithium-ion polymer (3.700V/1000mAh)	Lithium-ion polymer (3.885V/1000mAh)
Battery Life	Rechargeable/ 10 Hours	Rechargeable/ 10 Hours

 

JBL Clip 3 Vs. JBL Clip 4: Which One is Better?

JBL Clip 3 

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• JBL Clip 3 has an AUX input that will let you a wider range of connections.
• Includes Noise-Cancelling Feature where Clip 4 doesn’t.
• It’s more economical.
• JBL Clip 3 is lighter than Clip 4.

JBL Clip 4

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• Clip 4 has a 20Hz lower frequency.
• The output power in Clip 4 is 2W higher than in Clip 3.
• Transfers data faster with the 5.1 Bluetooth version. In Clip 3 is 4.1.
• Clip 4 included a USB-C type. 

Final Thought

Both of these speakers have been made keeping the portability in mind. Colorful designs, great features, and mostly their durability level is awesome. Clip 3 and 4 can handle water for half an hour and is dustproof as well.

The audio quality is perfectly fine for their compatible size and above all, the 10 hours of music playtime will go through an entire day pf music entertainment.

Sometimes the newer version cannot beat the old one Don’t get fooled, consider facts before getting one. Which one you think is better?

Further Reading

Here comes alternatives as a replacement to JBL. Check out these great speakers for outdoor projectors. Plus there are Bluetooth speakers for motorcycle riders, and speakers For MacBook Pro. If you don’t need them now, most probably you will need them in a near future.

If you own a Fluance RT8 vinyl turntable, with some sound quality speakers, gain the upper hand in music. I can’t pass without recommending KEF Q950 speakers, It just wouldn’t be fair.