JBL Go 4 Review: A $40 Bluetooth Speaker That Goes Everywhere
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a speaker this small. The JBL Go 4 fits in the palm of your hand, weighs about half a pound, and costs less than a nice lunch. But after tossing it in a backpack for a few weeks, I’m convinced its one of the better impulse buys under $50 right now.
It sounds way bigger than it looks. Thats the short version.
What Makes the Go 4 Different
JBL squeezed Bluetooth 5.3 into this thing, which means pairing is quick and the connection stays solid even when you walk into the next room. The IP67 dust and waterproof rating is real too. I’ve had it by the pool, in the shower, and sitting on a wet picnic table. No issues.
Battery life sits around 7 hours, which tracks with what JBL claims. I got closer to 6.5 at higher volumes, but thats still plenty for a beach day or a long hike. USB-C charging is nice since you’re probably already carrying that cable for your phone.
Sound Quality
For a speaker this size, the bass is surprisingly present. Its not going to rattle windows or anything, but there’s actual low end there. Mids are clear enough for podcasts and vocals, and the highs dont get harsh even when you push the volume up. I tested it mostly with hip hop, indie rock, and a few podcast episodes, and it handled all of them fine.
One thing worth mentioning: the Auracast feature lets you pair multiple Go 4 speakers together. I only had one unit, so I can’t speak to how well that works in practice. But if you and a friend both own one, thats a cool option.
Build and Design
The fabric mesh front looks and feels solid. Theres a loop strap on the side that clips onto bags or belt loops easily. The whole thing weighs 188 grams, which is light enough that you genuinely forget its in your bag. Control buttons sit on top: power, Bluetooth, volume up/down, and a play/pause button. Simple and easy to hit without looking.
Available in a bunch of colors too. I went with black, but they have blue, red, pink, and a few others.
- Genuinely waterproof, not just splash resistant
- Sound quality punches above its size
- USB-C charging
- Clip loop makes it easy to attach anywhere
- Under $40
- No aux input, Bluetooth only
- Bass drops off at max volume
- No built in microphone for calls
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 |
| Weight | 188g (6.6 oz) |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Driver Size | 45mm |
| Output Power | 4.2W |
| Multi Speaker | Auracast |
Common Questions
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