JBL Go 2 vs JBL Go 3: Which Is Better?

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Here we go with another comparison of portable Bluetooth speakers. JBL is known to produce transcendence products at a great price point, that’s why it’s our first choice.

The line successfully completes the aesthetic part of the speakers as well as the needed features to port around anywhere you want to in a compact little unit.

It’s really hard to choose when two items are very similar to each other. However, they may look similar, but on a closer look, there are hidden gaps.

Today we’re about to find out which one is the better option to choose by exposing the technology myth that the newer version is always better and the old one is trash. Is it true though?

Differences

  • JBL Go 3 doesn’t have a mic and speakerphone capability. JBL Go 2 is able to make clear phone calls.
  • JBL Go 3 has a lower low-frequency sound at 110Hz, whereas Go 2’s low frequency is 180Hz.
  • JBL 3 signal to noise ratio is 85dB and SNR on Go 2 80dB.
  • JBL Go 3 has a 5.1 newer version of the Bluetooth connection. and Go 2 has a 4.1 connection for data transferring.
  • JBL Go 2 (IPX7) and Go 3 (IP67) both have water-resistant and dustproof features, but Go 3 is approved to be better.
  • JBL 3 is prettier than JBL Go 2 in the design section and offers many color options.    
  • The output power in Go 3 is 4.2W and in Go 2 is 3W.
  • JBL Go 2 is lighter than Go 3 (noticeable thick).
  • Go 2 supports wired connectivity (1x 1/8″ 3.5 mm Stereo Audio, 1x USB Micro-B Power) and Go 3 has none. It works with Bluetooth only.
  • JBL Go 2 is more compact than Go 3. 

Similarities

    • The travel bag is NOT included in both models.
    • Battery life is 5 hours in JBL Go 2 and Go 3.
    • The rechargeable battery takes 2.5 hours to charge in JBL Go 2 and Go 3.
    • Both speakers have integrated audio amplifiers.

JBL GO2 as a Whole

The ultra-portable feature and the peerless price altogether are making JBL Go 2 great for shower singers, hikers, and beach lovers who prefer to enjoy music outdoors.

JBL Go 2 was first released on June 30, 2019, and still manages to keep up with up-to-date today’s technology without failing.

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JBL GO3 as a Whole

As you can guess, JBL Go 3 was released a year later on October 15, 2020. Again, the ultra portability is seen here too. More like a bookshelf mounting type speakers are great for a beach, rainy days, outside sports and activities.

The advertised price is a few bucks more expensive than the older version, but it isn’t making a lot of difference.

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JBL Go 2 vs Go 3: Design

JBL Go 2

The ultra-portable slimmer body (in comparison with Go 3) has a textured built material to keep the speaker safe on the go. The intention of the rubberized design is for full security, so it won’t drop or slip away easily.

Choosing another color option besides black, (blue or red) you have to pay a little extra money. 

JBL Go 3

The bold styling and super comfortable size, or let’s say half of the man-sized Bluetooth speaker has a thicker body than Go2. The extra rubberized body is more durable with zero chance of slipping away.

Go 3 looks way better than Go2 and offers extra color options (blue, pink, red, pink, squad, teal, gray). The end is rubberized and can withstand bumpy floors. 

As for the design part, JBL Go 3 is a winner.

Model

JBL GO 2

JBL GO 3

Product Dimensions

3.8 x 1.45 x 4.21 inches

3.4 x 1.6 x 2.7 inches

Item Weight

6.6 ounces

7.4 ounces

JBL Go 2 vs Go 3: Durability

JBL Go 2

On the side, the JBL 2 is IPX7 waterproof rated. The difference relies on the testing process though. The “X” in it means that this Bluetooth device didn’t undergo the testing process.

The durability and protection against dust are pretty much the same. 

JBL Go 3

JBL Go 3 was advertised IP67 waterproof rating which means it will protect itself a hundred percent from dust and water. It is far better because it’s tested underwater for half an hour at a depth of 3 feet (1m) depth. 

Use carelessly in every dirty place, the dustproof feature surely will protect the device from any potential harm that nature can cause.

As for durability, JBL Go 3 is again the winner.  

Model

JBL GO 2

JBL GO 3

Waterproof

IPX7

IP67

Dustproof

Yes

 Yes

JBL Go 2 vs Go 3: Audio Quality

JBL Go 2

Despite its small size, the quality is very decent, and the balanced bass with sounds are surprisingly, deep and punchy. It certainly won’t fill a room, but as long as you stay closer, the sound quality is perfectly fine. It’s fine though, there’s too much bass anyway and we don’t want to damage the voice coil of the speakers.

SNR (Signal-To-Noise Ratio) is excellent as well with 80dB noise production.

JBL Go 3

JBL Go3 fulfills the limitations of room capacity sound, and has a lower frequency range than Go 2. The lower the frequency is, the punchier the bass response gets. So the JBL Go 3 has a deeper bass than JBL Go 2.

The overall vocals and treble are producing the same quality, but the SNR is slightly louder at 85dB.

The winner of the section is JBL Go 3

Nevertheless, both speakers produce deep bass tones with a good amount of sound vibrations despite coming in a really compact size.

Sound Quality Comparison Chart

Model

JBL GO 2

JBL GO 3

Output Power

3.0 Watts

4.2 Watts

Frequency Response

180 Hz to 20000 Hz

110 Hz to 20000 Hz

Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR)

80 dB

85 dB

Active/Passive Radiator

Yes

Yes

Magnetic Shield

No

No

Bluetooth Transmitter Power

4 dBm

5 dBm

JBL Go 2 vs Go 3: Battery Life

As for the battery, JBL Go 2 and Go 3 have the same amount of rechargeable Li-ion battery longevity. They give 5 hours of playtime on a single charge. JBL Clip speakers on the other hand which are basically a portable line-up from JBL have longer battery life, but still, the Go lineup offers richer sound quality, which makes up for it.

There is no difference in the charging time either, Go 2 and Go 3 are fully charged for 2.5 hours.

Model

JBL GO 2

JBL GO 3

Battery Life

5 hours

5 hours

Recharge Time

2.5 hours

2.5 hours

Battery Type

1 Lithium Polymer

1 Lithium Polymer

Final Thought

Seems like JBL 3 nailed the comparison game. The design part is prettier, the audio quality is way better and durability is tested to be a few steps ahead.

There are many similar points which are the battery life and battery rechargeable time, but there is no way that JBL Go 2 can beat the Go 3 in overall performance.

JBL Go 2 is way lighter and slimmer than Go 3 and offers more wired connectivity options. Unfortunately, in Go 3 this is not optional.

A long story short, choose JBL Go 3, which is far better than Go 2 in any possible aspect. Plus, the price range is very affordable. Great value for the price.

Further Reading

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Whether you’re looking for information on audio equipment, looking to learn more about how things work in the music field, or looking for reviews of products, we got you covered!

 
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