Finally Reviewed the JBL GO3!

The JBL GO3, released in November 2020, is a super-compact speaker with so many great reviews and YouTube videos praising its performance. I’ve been using the GO3 since I bought it about a year ago, so I’d like to finally share my take on why this little speaker is worth it!

JBL / JBL GO3 Black Bluetooth Speaker

■ The January 2022 Giveaway from Sound House is the GO3!

JBL / JBL GO 3 Red Bluetooth Speaker

I wanted to write about the GO3 because it was the giveaway for Sound House in January 2022, and it’s in a cute red color! Sound House definitely knows how to pick great prizes.

By the way, did you know that Sound House holds a monthly giveaway? On the desktop version of their website, you can apply through the This Month’s Giveaway section at the bottom of the page. On the app, you can apply through the banner at the bottom that says This Month’s Giveaway. It’s a little low-profile, so there might be fewer applicants, which could mean a higher chance of winning! I apply every month, but I wonder how many people actually enter...

On a side note, I also love the Beat Point feature on the app. By simply logging in every day and drawing a lottery, you can earn quite a few points. The chances of winning 10 or 20 points are high! Once you accumulate 500 points, you can start to convert them to S points and use them for product purchases at Sound House. There are also bonus points for consecutive logins, so I think you could earn 500 points in about 1-2 months by logging in and drawing the lottery every day.

Okay, let’s back to the main topic!

■ The Biggest Appeal of the JBL GO3 is Its Sound Quality!

In my opinion, the biggest appeal of the GO3 is its sound quality. It’s hard to believe that such a small speaker can deliver such great sound. In fact, compared to larger speakers with higher wattage, the sound quality is still impressive. I’ve used Bluetooth speakers with higher wattage, such as the Sony SRS-XB22 and the JBL Charge 3.

The Sony SRS-XB22 is a stereo speaker with 14W (7W + 7W), while the GO3 is 4.2W. This means the SRS-XB22 can produce louder sound, as it has about three times the wattage. While the GO3 may not match the volume of the SRS-XB22, I personally believe the GO3 has better sound quality.

The SRS-XB22 is a multi-functional speaker with features like EXTRA BASS to emphasize the low end and an app-based equalizer. It even has lighting effects that sync with the music, making it a very fun speaker. However, sometimes the boosted bass can make the sound feel muffled or artificially produced. In contrast, the GO3 doesn’t have any features that alter its sound, and it doesn’t have lights, but it delivers a natural, balanced sound that is easy on the ears.

Compared to the JBL Charge 3, the GO3’s sound feels less powerful. Since the Charge 3 has 20W, it naturally sounds fuller and has more headroom. However, both the Charge 3 and GO3 have similar sound qualities—natural, well-balanced sound. Personally, I think I just prefer JBL’s sound, but for those who want heavy bass in their music, Sony’s speakers might be more appealing.

■ The GO3 Can Be Used in the Bath!

The GO3 is designed with waterproof and dustproof features, following the IP67 standard. This indicates the protection level against the intrusion of foreign objects as per IEC and JIS standards. The ‘6’ means it has the highest level of dust protection, so no dust will enter the device. The ‘7’ means it is waterproof, and it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes without taking on water.

In other words, the GO3 can easily be used in the bath. It can be left in the steamy bathroom for about an hour without any issues. Even if it accidentally falls into the bathwater, it’s safe! Moreover, it’s compact, so you can place it on the shampoo shelf or the corner of the bathtub. I absolutely love how casually you can use it.

With its excellent dustproof features, it can also be used on sandy beaches or in dusty environments. It’s a small, but tough speaker.

■ The Design is Cute!

The design is another major appeal of the GO3. It is wrapped in a material that resembles woven fabric, giving it a warm feel for a speaker. I also love the rounded design, which is both cute and attractive. The GO3 comes in six colors: Black, Blue, Orange, Pink, Red, and White. I personally bought the most neutral Black, but I think the Pink and Red also match its cute design beautifully.

The hanging part is designed with a cord-like detail, which is a nice touch. Instead of using metal or plastic, which would be more durable, JBL chose to prioritize design with a cord-like look, adding a playful touch.

JBL / JBL GO 3 Pink Bluetooth Speaker

The Pink version is a lovely color that isn’t too flashy and has a sophisticated vibe, making it a perfect choice for adult women.

■ It Has Two Anti-Slip Pads

A subtle but great feature is the two anti-slip pads on the GO3. Whether it’s standing up or lying down, the anti-slip pads work to keep the speaker secure, so you can use it with peace of mind. I really like how this compact speaker is so thoughtfully designed with these details.

■ Enjoy Music with the JBL GO3!

The GO3 is compact, making it easy to carry around. It doesn’t take up much space in a bag, and you can enjoy the same sound whether you’re at home, at the office, or at a friend’s house. Be sure to make the most of the GO3 and enjoy your music!

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