We’ll be talking about a Bluetooth speaker that, despite being small, has made a strong presence in the market—the JBL Go 3. Although it was launched a few years ago, its price has come down over time, making it worth buying again. And since many of you have been requesting it repeatedly, I thought, let’s take a closer look at it now—should this speaker really be an option in 2025-26?
First of all, the color variant I picked up matched my watch strap quite well. The joy of this small matching is different—those who are a little style-conscious about gadgets and accessories will understand. However, it’s not just the color match; the first thing you notice when you pick up the speaker is that it’s small but quite sturdy.
Weighing just 210 grams, it can be easily carried in your pocket, bag, or even hung on your bike or backpack. This is an added advantage for those who travel regularly or spend a lot of time outdoors.
Unboxing experience
JBL has always been serious about its packaging, and the Go 3 is no exception. The box is quite attractive with a transparent cover. Inside you will find—
- Some documents
- User Manual
- Warranty card
- Type-C charging cable
- And of course the speaker.
The first thing you notice when you hold the speaker in your hand is that it’s really rugged. The mesh fabric is tough, not afraid of tearing, and the silicone branding feels premium in the hand. The bottom is rubbery, so it won’t move when placed on any surface.
The Type-C port on top is well-positioned, and the strap on the side is quite sturdy—it can be used while hiking, cycling, or even hanging in the bathroom.
Buttons, controls and connectivity
Three control buttons on top of the speaker—
- Play/Pause
- Volume up
- Volume down
They are quite convenient to use. Pressing the play button twice quickly will skip to the next track—that’s also useful. The power button and Bluetooth button are on the side, which can be easily paired with your phone when pressed.
But there is a problem here:
The battery level is not visible anywhere.
Not on the phone, not on speaker.
This is really a big minus, because sometimes the speaker can suddenly turn off without you knowing.
Bluetooth 5.1 is used. Although this version is not very new, I did not experience any connection drops or lag while using it.
However, there are two areas of disappointment:
- No AUX port.
- No built-in microphone
This means that hands-free calling is not possible. This is inconvenient for those who frequently answer calls while listening to music.
IP67 rating — perfect for outdoor use
One of the biggest advantages of the Go 3 is its IP67 rating. This means—
- Water resistant
- Dust resistant
I’ve gotten the speaker wet in the rain a few times, even in the shower, but there were no problems. It really gives me extra confidence when using it outdoors.
It is very useful for those who go trekking or camping.
Sound quality — small but bold
Now let’s get to the real point—sound.
Hearing 4.2W of power, one might wonder—“What will happen with such a small power?”
But in reality it performs much better than expected.
What I like—
Loud volume
No distortion (even at full volume)
Vocals are very clear
The bass is smooth, feels good on the ears
Sound signature balanced
If there are 4-6 people in the room, everyone will be able to hear comfortably.
It’s not a heavy bass speaker, but the bass is well-presented for its size.
In most songs, the instruments and vocals are clearly distinguishable, which is commendable for a small speaker.
If you place it on a table and listen, you can also get a slight vibration—which further enhances the mood of the music.
Battery life
There’s a 750mAh battery inside, and the brand says it has a playtime of about 5 hours.
In my experience—
- More than five hours at 60-70% volume
- Lasts for about six and a half hours at medium volume
This is a pretty good battery backup for a speaker of this size.
What to buy in 2025-26?
Now the main question is-Is it still value for money?
Yes, you can buy it if—
- You want small, portable speakers.
- Used outdoors
- Prefers clear sound.
- Want sustainable build
- Want a branded option under Rs. 2000
Don’t buy if—
- A microphone is required to receive calls.
- Want AUX port
- Want to see the battery level?
- Looking for heavy bass speakers
The Go 3 is primarily for those looking for a balance of size, build, and sound.
In today’s market, where cheap unknown brands are abound, getting a branded speaker like JBL for Rs. 2000 is a really good deal.
And yes, the JBL Go 4 has been quite popular lately, but its price is around 3000 taka.
If you want, I will also do a comparative review of Go 3 vs. Go 4.
Last words
Although the JBL Go 3 is nothing new, it still holds its place today.
Good build, balanced sound, sturdy fabric, and water and dust resistance make this a reliable speaker on a small budget.
