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1 / 10JBL
JBL Pulse 3
Psychedelic lights, music, action.
MSRP
$159.99View on Amazon
Manufacturer's suggested retail price at launch. Check retailers for current availability.
Value for Money & durability / build quality
7/ 10
7
0.010.0
At 7, its value for money beats 36% of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 55 of the 164 we've cataloged.
8.5/ 10
8.5
0.010.0
At 8.5, its durability / build quality beats 40% of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 52 of the 164 we've cataloged.
Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
10.72 hBelow average10.72 h
5 h42 h
below average for bluetooth speakers — based on 135 of 164 we've cataloged.
IP Rating
IPX7IP6738%IPX732%IPX410%IP686%
IPX7 appears on 32% of the 128 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Bluetooth Version
4.25.335%5.020%5.411%4.29%
4.2 appears on 9% of the 132 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Is Portable
YesMost commonTrue92%False8%
True is the most common — on 92% of the 157 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 10.72 h
- Capacity
- 6000 mAh
- Charging Method
- Micro-USB
Build
- IP Rating
- IPX7
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 4.2
- Bluetooth Range
- 30 m
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth, wired-aux-3.5mm
- Multi Speaker Chain
- Yes
- Stereo Pairing
- Yes
Design
- Is Portable
- Yes
- Dimensions Depth
- 92 mm
- Dimensions Height
- 220 mm
- Dimensions Width
- 92 mm
- Power Source
- Rechargeable battery
- Weight
- 960 g
Features
- Speakerphone
- Yes
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
- Voice Assistant Support
- Google Assistant
Identity
- Model Number
- Pulse 3
Release
- Date
- 2017-01
- Msrp Usd
- 159.99 USD
- Year
- 2017
Sound
- Amplification
- Active (powered)
- Channels
- 2
- Driver Count
- 3
- Frequency Response
- 65-20000 Hz
- Frequency Response High Hz
- 20000 Hz
- Frequency Response Low Hz
- 65 Hz
- Total Power Output
- 20 W
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›Battery life7.0
Design7.5
Portability7.0
Value7.0
The verdict
The JBL Pulse 3 isn't the best speaker that the company offers, but it's definitely the most fun to look at. That alone could make it worth the money if you're into speakers that look like lava lamps.
✓What we like
✓Lighting is awesome<br>
✓Playback controls are conveniently along the back<br>
✓IPX7 waterproof<br>
✕What could be better
✕Charges via microUSB<br>
✕Have to choose between a play button or Google Assistant toggle<br>
✕Not the most portable speaker<br>
✕Sound quality is just ok<br>
✕Price<br>
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
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Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe JBL Xtreme 4 does one thing the newer Xtreme 5 can’tThere’s still one very good reason I’d buy the older Xtreme 4, and it’s not the lower price.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI built my own Dolby Atmos speaker system, but I still prefer headphones for musicInvesting in Dolby Atmos wasn't a waste, but listening through headphones is more than a gimmick.
Brady SnyderContributorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributorDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBest Bluetooth speakers to buy instead of JBLJBL speakers are popular, but they’re not your only option.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe JBL Xtreme 4 does one thing the newer Xtreme 5 can’tThere’s still one very good reason I’d buy the older Xtreme 4, and it’s not the lower price.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI built my own Dolby Atmos speaker system, but I still prefer headphones for musicInvesting in Dolby Atmos wasn't a waste, but listening through headphones is more than a gimmick.Brady SnyderContributorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBest Bluetooth speakers to buy instead of JBLJBL speakers are popular, but they’re not your only option.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterMore Bluetooth speakers
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