JBL Clip 3 vs Clip 4
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Differences Summary
Basic Specifications
Audio Quality
Build Quality
Verdict
Differences Summary
The JBL Clip 4 is an improvement over the Clip 3 in terms of sound quality, and it has an extended low frequency range. The Clip 4 also utilizes the newer Bluetooth 5.1 version compared to 4.1 on the Clip 3. In addition, the Clip 4’s IP67 rating is better than the Clip 3’s IPX7 as the IP67 adds dust resistance on top of waterproofing.
The Clip 4 charges using USB-C vs the micro USB port on the Clip 3. The advantages of the Clip 3 is it has an aux port and a built-in microphone for voice calls.
Basic Specifications
These are just the most important specs. More can be found on JBL’s website.
JBL Clip 3
Dimensions: 3.8 x 5.4 x 1.8 inches
Weight: 0.46 lbs
Frequency Range: 120 Hz – 20 kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1 or aux cable
Battery: 1000 mAh, rechargeable micro-USB, stated up to 10 hours of battery life.
Waterproof rating: IPX7 (can be submerged in 3.3 ft or 1 meter of water for 30 minutes)
JBL Clip 4
Dimensions: 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches
Weight: 0.53 lbs
Frequency Range: 100Hz - 20 kHz
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
Battery: no capacity listed, rechargeable USB-C, stated up to 10 hours of battery life.
Waterproof rating: IP67 (can be submerged in 3.3 ft or 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and has dust resistance)
Audio Quality
Both of these speakers have very impressive sound for their size and price point. However, the Clip 4 gets an easy win.
In terms of frequency range, the Clip 4 can produce more lower bass sounds since it gets down to 100 Hz compared to the 120 Hz on the Clip 3. The tuning of the Clip 4 is also geared more towards the low end and the treble is toned down a bit to avoid too much sibilance.
A song I like to test with these devices is “Moonsiders 1st” from the Tekken 7 soundtrack. Right out the gate, there’s a very powerful bass drop that can only be truly felt with the Clip 4. The power the Clip 4 produces can vibrate through a table, but it’s not an obnoxious rattle. It’s just a deep, clean, and booming bass.
For both indoor and small outdoor settings like a park gathering, both devices get plenty loud but I’d recommend the Clip 4 because it simply sounds better.
Mic Audio Quality
Mic hole on the Clip 3
Only the Clip 3 has an internal mic. The audio is pretty muffled, and the plosive rejection is poor. However, the background noise rejection is excellent.
This mic works wonders in a pinch so you don’t have to fumble around changing your mic and speaker settings on your phone when you get a call outside.
Build Quality
Bottom of the Clip 3 and Clip 4.
The USB and auxilary ports on the Clip 3 are hidden behind a flap.
While the shape and aesthetics of the Clip 3 and 4 are a bit different, the overall build and functionality of both are not very different.
They both have a woven fabric that covers the front. The way the Clip 3’s is stitched makes it a bit more susceptible to sounding muffled after being submerged in water, but it still works well and the sound is back to its full clarity after the water evaporates. Both devices passed my waterproofing test as shown below. The Clip 4 even has dust resistance, but I didn’t have a good way to really test that.
On the back of the Clip 3 is a plastic pad, while the Clip 4 has striped padding that holds it in place a bit better. Neither move on their own when they play strong bass unlike the Go 2 and especially the Go 3 which can be a bit unstable.
Earning their name, both devices have a carabiner on the top which lets them easily clip onto a backpack loop or similar strap. They feel like a combination of plastic on the inside and metal on the outside, but I can’t confirm what kind of metal. Whatever the material is, it makes up the outside frame of both Clips while the rest of the bodies are made of plastic.
Opening the carabiner on the Clip 4.
Clip 3 (left) and Clip 4.
The buttons on both are very clicky and tactile. Both speakers are exceptionally durable and well built for their price.
Verdict
Winner: JBL Clip 4.
I recommend the JBL Clip 4 over the Clip 3. Both builds are great, but the Clip 4 sounds much better and it also has dust resistance.
Product Listings
JBL Clip 3: https://amzn.to/3s5btSL
JBL Clip 4: https://amzn.to/38BFdjs
