The JBL Go 4 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a fantastic little device, and I’ve been using mine for quite some time now. This review shares my extensive experience.
The need for a portable Bluetooth speaker is a common one. Whether you’re looking for music at the beach, background tunes while cleaning, or something to enhance your camping trips, a good portable speaker elevates the experience. But with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For months, I struggled with the limitations of my phone’s speaker. The sound was tinny, lacked bass, and was easily drowned out by even moderate background noise. A quality portable speaker would have solved this problem immensely, making outdoor gatherings and even everyday activities much more enjoyable.
- Ultra-portable JBL Pro Sound with punchier bass: Don't let its little size fool you. The JBL Go 4 packs a serious musical punch, delivering big JBL Pro Sound with punchy bass. Your friends won't...
- Up to 7 hours of playtime plus 2 hours with Playtime Boost: Don't sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. JBL Go 4 gives you up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge. Simply tap Playtime...
- Waterproof and dustproof: The JBL Go 4's IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating ensures this portable speaker can handle almost any environment, from a poolside party to a seaside picnic.
Understanding Your Needs Before Purchasing a Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Bluetooth speakers cater to a wide range of needs and lifestyles. Consider your priorities: How important is sound quality? How long do you need the battery to last? What level of water and dust resistance is necessary for your environment? The ideal customer for a compact portable speaker like the JBL Go 4 is someone who values portability and ease of use above all else. If you require booming bass and extensive playtime, a larger model like the JBL Charge 5 might be a better fit. Conversely, if you need something incredibly tiny and lightweight for everyday use, the JBL Go 4 is perfect. Think carefully about your typical usage scenario before making a decision.
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- Unbelievable sound: 12W of pure audio power with enhanced bass Thunders from dual neodymium drivers. An advanced digital signal processor ensures pounding bass and zero distortion at any volume.
- Great Sound Quality: This portable bluetooth speaker has an impressive 15W Sound with clear bass and enhanced treble. Two P1S can be connected together to create the True Wireless Stereo(TWS) sound,...
Introducing the JBL Go 4: A Deep Dive into Features
The JBL Go 4 is a compact, waterproof, and dustproof Bluetooth speaker. It promises big JBL Pro Sound with punchy bass despite its small size. The package includes the speaker itself, a USB-C charging cable, and a warranty card. Compared to its predecessor, the JBL Go 3, the Go 4 boasts improved battery life, a more robust build, and the addition of Auracast technology for multi-speaker connectivity. This speaker is ideal for individuals and small groups seeking high-quality audio in a portable, durable package. It is not suitable for large gatherings or those requiring extremely powerful bass.
- Pros: Excellent sound quality for its size, impressive portability, IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, long battery life (up to 7 hours, plus 2 with Playtime Boost), Auracast multi-speaker connectivity, made in part with recycled materials.
- Cons: Lacks deep bass compared to larger speakers (this is expected given its size), limited controls on the device itself (some features require the JBL app), slightly more expensive than some competitors.
Unpacking the JBL Go 4’s Performance: Features and Benefits
Sound Quality and Bass Response
The JBL Go 4 truly surprised me with its audio performance. While it can’t compete with larger speakers in terms of sheer bass power, the bass it *does* produce is surprisingly punchy and well-defined for its size. The mids and highs are crisp and clear, resulting in a balanced and pleasant listening experience across a wide range of genres. I’ve listened to everything from classical music to heavy metal, and the Go 4 handled each with remarkable fidelity. The quality is noticeably better than the sound from my phone’s internal speakers, which was my primary reason for wanting a portable speaker.
Portability and Durability
The Go 4 lives up to its name: it’s incredibly portable. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to slip into a backpack, purse, or even a large pocket. The rugged build and IP67 rating provide peace of mind. I’ve taken it to the beach, the pool, and even on camping trips without any issues. It’s withstood accidental bumps and splashes with ease. The grippy silicone finish adds to its durability and prevents accidental slips.
Battery Life and Charging
The advertised 7-hour battery life is accurate under typical listening volumes. The Playtime Boost feature is a welcome addition, extending playback by a couple of hours. Charging is quick and convenient via USB-C. This was a big factor for me – I appreciate the convenience and speed of USB-C charging.
Connectivity and Auracast
Pairing the JBL Go 4 with my devices was seamless. The Bluetooth connection is stable and reliable, even at a reasonable distance. The Auracast feature allows for multi-speaker connection, although this is only in mono to distribute the audio to multiple speakers. For my purposes, the standard Bluetooth connection was more than sufficient.
Design and Aesthetics
The JBL Go 4 is more than just functional; it’s stylish. The compact design, vibrant color options, and durable materials all contribute to its appeal. The compact size belies the sound quality which is an impressive feat of engineering.
Ease of Use
The controls are intuitive and easy to use. While some advanced features require the JBL app, the basic playback controls are easily accessible on the speaker itself. The integration with the JBL app enhances the user experience by offering additional sound adjustments and multi-speaker controls.
Real-World Experiences: User Feedback
My personal experience with the JBL Go 4 has been overwhelmingly positive, mirroring many online reviews. Users consistently praise its surprisingly powerful sound for its size, exceptional portability, and robust durability. Many appreciate the long battery life and the convenience of the USB-C charging. Some reviewers note that the bass is not as deep as larger speakers, but this is to be expected given its compact form factor. The consensus seems to be that the JBL Go 4 delivers exceptional value for its price.
Final Verdict: Why the JBL Go 4 is a Great Choice
The JBL Go 4 solves the problem of inadequate sound from mobile devices by offering a portable, high-quality audio experience. It’s durable, easy to use, and surprisingly powerful for its size. It’s perfect for individuals who value portability, clear sound, and a robust build. Its ability to withstand water and dust makes it a versatile choice for outdoor activities. To experience the JBL Go 4’s excellent sound and portability for yourself, click here to check it out!
Last update on 2025-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API