JBL Pulse 3 vs 4 - Where are the differences?

The JBL Pulse 4 is the successor of the JBL Pulse 3. Furthermore the special feature is the lightshow of the Bluetooth speakers. But questions remain open. Where are the differences? Which JBL Pulse is better? Is it worth upgrading to the JLB Pulse 4? Let's take a look at the two devices in comparison.

Comparison table

Differences between JBL Pulse 3 and 4

Both loudspeakers are very similar in terms of important technology. Nevertheless, there are a few differences.

Dimensions and weight

The JBL Pulse 4 is slightly smaller than the Pulse 3, but much heavier. The Pulse 3 measures 9.2 x 9.2 x 22.3 cm. Pulse 4 here is 9.6 x 9.6 x 20.7. Thus Pulse 4 is slightly wider in diameter and also higher.

The JBL Pulse 4 weighs 1.26 kilograms, significantly more than Pulse 3, which weighs 960 grams.

Battery life

There is no difference in the point of battery life. Both have a battery life of up to 12 hours. Although the JBL Pulse with 7260 mAh provides more power in the battery. The JBL Pulse 3 here is 6000 mAh.

However, something has changed in the charging time. The JBL Pulse 4 can be charged within 3.5 hours. With the predecessor it still takes 4.5 hours. The reason for this will be the new USB-C connection in the fourth generation.

Connections

The JBL Pulse 4 requires you to make a few cuts in the connections:  

Connections and technology - JBL Pulse

	JBL Pulse 3	JBL Pulse 4
AUX	Yes	No
USB	MicroUSB	USB-C
Voice control	Yes	No
Handsfree	Yes	Yes
Automatic switch-off	Yes	Yes

JBL Connect Plus & JBL PartyBoost

The JBL Pulse 4 comes with the new JBL PartyBoost. It cannot be connected to older devices like the JBL Pulse 3. The JBL Pulse has JBL Connect Plus.

Which JBL Pulse is better?

Optically, the JBL Pulse 4 definitely makes a much better impression. However, these are almost the only advantages of the Pulse 4.

In terms of performance, both loudspeakers are identical. Both have 20 watts of 360 degree sound. Even if the battery of the Pulse 4 is larger, both pulses have a running time of up to 12 hours. Only the charging time is somewhat shorter with 3.5 hours with the JBL Pulse 4.

The JBL Pulse 3* can trump with a few additional functions, which have been cancelled with the JBL Pulse 4:
 

• AUX
• Voice control
• JBL Connect Plus (The Pulse 4 has PartyBoost)

If you want to save money and the JBL Pulse 3* is for you, then you are definitely well served with the device. If you like the look of the JBL Pulse 4*, you'll have to dig a little deeper into your pocket. In addition, you don't need a jack port or voice control. That's what USB-C is for. For most people, however, the jack connection is hardly relevant anymore. That's one reason why JBL has cancelled almost every model from 2019.