I have both. Here is my thoughts:
1. Appearance:
SoundLink 3 has a old-timer classic look. The silver part of the box is paint sprayed mesh. the black parts around have a fine texture on it. The top is soft rubber. The whole thing feels like a old radio (in a good way) with a modern touch. I personally like it better than the jawbone box or UE style, which is way too future-ish young-kids looking. SoundLink 3 is also pretty heavy. Won't be a good choice to carry around. All in all, very solid build.
SoundLine Mini reminds me the Iphone. It is a whole piece of Aluminum, as least looks like it. Also heavy for its size. but much more portable.
2. Sound quality:
Low Volume: SoundLink3 sounds better than SoundLink2 hands down. When played at same low volume, soundLink3 is MUCH better than soundLink2 in my opinion. The sound is much more clear, vocal really stands out. the high pitch is better, but still not quite there. The mini actually sounds the best at low volume. SoundLink 3 has a "deeper/wider/thicker" sound than the mini, but some how the mini sounds more "clear" at low volume and my ear find it very pleasing.
When I say low volume, I mean put it on my office desk. close the door and listen to it when working.
High Volume: SoundLink 3 can get really loud. I can not bear how loud it gets when I crank it up. but I never liked loud music so keep that in mind. For my life, I will never need that much noise. But you may want it. when turn the volume up, SoundLink 3 start to sounds better than the Mini. I am impressed it can go quite loud without much distortion. I am not saying mini is not loud. To me, Mini is good enough for my medium size room, I don't even need to turn it up that much for it starts to feel too loud. I don't know why I would ever need SoundLink 3's loud volume. Unless I want to throw a pool party.
Base: The base on the Mini is just amazing. I still can not believe how such a small thing can pump out that much base. Very good. The main complain I have about UE boom box and Jawbone is they do have better high but the base is just lacking. But that again is a personal preference. My friend loves his UE box and complains every time when he hear my mini saying "too much base no high." But I like the base a lot, the music is "fuller". My opinion, UE & Jawbone sounds tin-can-ish. I don't want that much high with no base. But again "sound better" is your feeling, so listen to them and make your own decision.
SoundLink 3 has good base, too. also it can maintain a clear layer of sound with that base. the base is not as heavy flavored as the mini. At low volume, I think mini has a more noticeable base. At high volume, soundLink 3 start to catch up.
Conclusion:
1. If you like full base like me, go for Bose, if you likes high pitch better UE boom may be better. it is cheaper than Mini, and has a microphone you can make call, also has a cool app. I totally don't care about those. I want better sound for music.
2. For bose, SoundLink 3 can get much louder than Mini and it sounds better at high volume. If you want loud music so your office mate next door can go complain to the boss, chose soundLink3. If you only need to fill a medium office/living room with clear music, go for mini.
3. don't forget mini is 100 less than SoundLink 3. For me, if I can only keep one, I will keep the mini, it is good for all my needs. But I will keep both, I may start a party in the hall way, you never know.
--Update--
One more thing:
Do you know that the Bluetooth devices you use to connect to those speaker make a difference? I used Samsung Note phone, Iphone, Ipad & Kindle HDX to test the same song on SoundLink3, they actually sounds different form each device. Which is very strange. Isn't this suppose to be digital? Anyway, They are obviously different to me. The best sound actually comes from my Kindle HDX, Ipad and Iphone are OK, Samsung note sounds the worst. So if you have more than one bluetooth device, try pair them all and find out if they really sound different or I am just crazy.
This product is available as Renewed.
Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker III - Silver (Certified Refurbished) $299.00
(5)
Works and looks like new and backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
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Works and looks like new and backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
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Compare with similar items
This Item  Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $279.00 | $179.99 | $248.00 | -8% $182.77 New Price: $199.00 | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Delivery | — | — | — | — | Get it as soon as Friday, Jul 12 | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Bluetooth connectivity | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | Platinum Audio | ableseller | Adorama | WirelessWorld18 | Frontrow Tech LLC | ThrillingAudio |
| power source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| connectivity tech | Bluetooth, USB, Auxiliary | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth, USB | Auxiliary | Bluetooth, USB | Wireless |
| speaker type | Outdoor | Soundbar | Portable Bluetooth Speaker | — | Portable Speaker | Portable Speaker |
| mounting type | Table Top | Tabletop | Plug Mount | Tabletop | Floor Standing | Floor Standing |
| weight | 3.03 pounds | 0.7 kilograms | 3.1 pounds | 700 grams | 1.3 pounds | 1.3 pounds |
| control method | — | — | application, voice | touch | application, voice | application, voice |
| model name | FBA 369946-1300 | Soundlink Mini II | SoundLink Revolve II | — | SoundLink Flex | SoundLink Flex |
From the manufacturer
Share the music. Show your style.
Meet the speaker that brings your music and friends together—with a style that’s all your own. The SoundLink Bluetooth speaker III is our best-performing mobile Bluetooth speaker. It plays louder and longer than its popular predecessor, with advanced Bose technologies that reproduce the fullness, clarity and depth of your music. And a colorful assortment of optional covers let you personalize your speaker.
What’s in the Box
- SoundLink Bluetooth speaker III
- Wall charger
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Powerful PerformanceIt’s no secret: your music is the foundation for a good time. And this speaker delivers. Four drivers and two passive radiators provide full-spectrum audio and clarity at any listening level. Plus, you’ll hear incomparable bass performance not found in other mobile speakers. And improvements in digital signal processing let you share your music louder than the previous version of our Bluetooth speaker. |
Pair and PlayThis compact speaker pairs easily with your smartphone, iPad or other Bluetooth device. It has a range of about 30 feet, so you can enjoy the sound you want without wires. Simply press and hold the Bluetooth button on the speaker's top panel, and then choose the SoundLink speaker III from your device. The speaker remembers the most recent six devices you've used, so reconnecting is even simpler. |
Form and FunctionSure, the sound draws a crowd. But this speaker also has a sleek look you’ll appreciate. Curved edges and a thin profile make a bold statement, especially when you add a touch of color with an optional cover. The speaker easily slips right into a bag or backpack. The silicone button panel protects it from dirt and dust, while a wraparound metal grille adds to its durability and resists fingerprints. |
Videos
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This sleek speaker still sounds great after 6 years!
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Looks great, sounds AMAZING!
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HONEST Review of BOSE SoundLink III - Watch First!
✅ Before You Buy!
Reviews with images
I'd buy Bose Soundlink again.
I really like the speaker. I did a fair amount of research and kept coming back to this one.PROS: sleek design. I thought it didn't look very contemporary when I was shopping but it really fits well into my decor.The sound is very good the more I listen the more I like itI primarily stream Pandora and ITunes.CONS: pairing is not super intuitive. I had to pull up a "how to" video on You Tube. Having said that it really took less than 7 minutes to have the music playing.A couple times a week I need to go through the pairing process againWould be a nice feature to adjust the bass/treble. Hey Bose- that sounds like a good idea for an app!I added the second pic to give some scale.
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Stephen mcgwynn
It nice
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2020Color: Black/SilverVerified Purchase
Cliente de Amazon
Excelente bocina, de lo mejor que hay en el mercado...con un contra: su vejez.
Reviewed in Mexico on December 20, 2017Color: Black/SilverVerified Purchase
potlick
being the smart man I am
Reviewed in Canada on September 17, 2015Color: Black/SilverVerified Purchase
Chris B
BUYER BEWARE: Horrible Quality; Will Never Purchase Another Bose Product Again
Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2018Color: Black/SilverVerified Purchase
Chris B
Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2018
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