JBL Go 4 review: A Pocketful of Punchy Sound

The JBL Go 4 is the latest iteration of JBL’s popular Go series of portable Bluetooth speakers. Known for their compact pocketful size and punchy sound, the Go series has been a favorite among music enthusiasts who value portability without compromising on sound quality. The JBL Go 4 continues this tradition, offering several improvements over its predecessors.  

If you’re searching for a speaker that’s both portable and powerful, the JBL Go 4 could be the answer. This review will walk you through its features, improvements over prior generations, and why it can be the ideal addition to your travel kit.

Comparison with Previous JBL Go Models: What’s New?

It’s important for people who are already familiar with the JBL Go series to know what makes the JBL Go 4 different from its predecessors. This most recent version has a number of improvements that improve sound quality and user experience. A dedication to quality and innovation can be seen in the progression of the JBL Go 3 to the JBL Go 4.

The most noteworthy improvements are in sound clarity and bass augmentation. While earlier models provided respectable audio quality, the JBL Go 4 goes a step further. Better drivers capture every beat and note with accuracy by delivering deeper lows and crisper highs. Music enthusiasts will like the enhanced audio experience.

In terms of design, the JBL Go 4 maintains the iconic compact structure but introduces subtle improvements for better handling and durability. It is important to note that JBL has also implemented improved water and dust resistance, making it more resilient during outdoor adventures. For travelers, this means that you won’t have to worry as much about the weather affecting your music experience.

Design and Build Quality

Let’s talk about design—a key element that can make or break a portable speaker’s appeal.

The first thing you’ll notice about the JBL Go 4, it retains its compact, boxy aesthetic, which is both stylish and practical.  The rectangular shape has become a signature of the Go series, but with JBL Go 4, it has slightly rounded edges that give it a modern look.  Available in a range of vibrant colors, including classic black, blue, red, and more, the Go 4 caters to a variety of personal styles.  

Despite its small size, the JBL Go 4 feels incredibly sturdy. The speaker is made of durable materials that can withstand the rigors of everyday use. The rugged fabric and rubberized housing not only contribute to a sleek appearance but also provide added protection against drops and bumps. The front of the speaker features a metal grille that houses the driver, with the iconic JBL logo prominently displayed. The back is where you’ll find the charging port, an auxiliary input, and the power button, all neatly tucked away under a rubber flap that helps protect them from dust and water.

There is also a sturdy loop at  the back made from woven fabric. This loop allows you to easily attach the Go 4 to your backpack, belt, or even a bicycle handlebar, providing a convenient way to carry it on the go.

The JBL Go 4’s IP67 grade, which means it is both dustproof and waterproof, is one of its best features. Its portability and water resistance make it a top pick for use in outdoor settings like the pool, the beach, or outdoors. Thanks to its small size and sturdy construction, the Go 4 is an ideal travel companion.

Sound Quality

Despite its compact size,  the JBL Go 4 has surprisingly good sound clarity. It has a single 43 x 47 mm driver that makes a well-balanced sound with a focus on precision and clarity. The speaker can handle frequencies from 180Hz to 20kHz, so you can hear all the different types of sound, from deep bass to clear highs.

The Go 4’s bass response is particularly noteworthy for a speaker of its size. It delivers a punchy and satisfying low-end that adds depth and richness to your music. While it won’t shake the room like a larger speaker, the bass is certainly enough to provide a solid foundation for most genres of music and is more than adequate for personal listening.

The midrange is likewise remarkable, with clean and authentic vocals and instruments. The Go 4 reproduces every aspect of the music accurately, even with intricate musical arrangements. The highs are crisp and detailed, adding sparkle and airiness to the overall sound.

The speaker’s maximum volume is surprisingly loud for its size. It can easily fill a small room or outdoor space with sound. But at louder volumes, there might be a little drop in audio clarity and some distortion. It is recommended to maintain a moderate volume for the best possible listening experience.

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that the JBL Go 4 is a small speaker, so its capabilities are limited. While it performs admirably for its size, it may not satisfy those who are looking for a more immersive, room-filling sound experience. However, for casual listening on the road, the JBL Go 4 is more than capable of delivering a satisfying audio experience.

Portability

Portability is one of the key selling points of the JBL Go 4. Weighing just 0.18 kg and measuring approximately 8.6 x 7.1 x 3.2 cm, the Go 4 is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and you can easily slip it into a small bag or even a large pocket.

For added convenience, the Go 4 comes with a built-in loop that allows you to attach it to a backpack or hang it anywhere you like. This feature is particularly useful during outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or camping, where carrying a bulky speaker would be impractical.

The JBL Go 4 is a versatile speaker that can give a soundtrack to any activity, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a picnic, or daily use around the house.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important consideration for any portable speaker, and the JBL Go 4 does not disappoint in this regard. The speaker is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 7 hours of playback time on a single charge.  I find the Playtime Boost features beneficial because they add up to 2 more hours to your battery life when you need it the most. This is a slight improvement over its predecessor, the JBL Go 3, which only offered 5 hours of battery life.  But if you want to use the speaker for a long time, you might need to charge it in the middle of the day.

The USB-C charging cord that comes with the JBL Go 4 makes charging it simple. It takes around 2.5 hours to fully charge the speaker, which is about average for a device this size. Although a quicker charging time would have been preferable, the 2.5-hour charge time is acceptable.

Connectivity

The JBL Go 4 has Bluetooth 5.1, so you can connect your devices with confidence. You can easily pair the speaker with your mobile device or computer, and the connection will stay strong for up to 10 meters. The Go 4 is ideal for gaming and video streaming because it has low latency thanks to the Bluetooth 5.1 standard.

In addition to Bluetooth, the JBL Go 4 also includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input, allowing you to connect devices that don’t support Bluetooth. This is a nice touch, as it adds versatility to the speaker and ensures that you can use it with a wider range of devices.

One notable feature missing from the JBL Go 4 is the option to connect extra speakers for stereo sound. This is a function that is becoming more popular in portable Bluetooth speakers, so its omission is quite surprising. However, given the size and price of the Go 4, this absence is justifiable.

Durability and Water Resistance

As mentioned earlier, the JBL Go 4 comes with an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof. This level of protection allows the speaker to be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without being damaged. It’s also resistant to dust and sand, making it ideal for outdoor use.

The JBL Go 4’s robust build makes it resistant to everyday life’s little knocks and bumps. The Go 4 is designed to withstand accidental drops and jostling in your bag. There is extra safety from the rubberized finish, and the metal grille helps keep the driver safe.

If you intend to use the JBL Go 4 near water, its water resistance is especially helpful. For people who like being outside and want a speaker that can keep up with their active lifestyle, this makes the Go 4 ideal.

User Interface and Controls

The JBL Go 4 features a simple and intuitive user interface. The top of the speaker houses the control buttons, which include power, Bluetooth pairing, volume up, volume down, and a multi-function button that can be used to play/pause music, skip tracks, or answer calls. The buttons are well-spaced and easy to press, even when you’re on the move.

One feature that is also missing from the JBL Go 4 is voice assistant integration. Unlike some of JBL’s larger speakers, the Go 4 does not support voice commands, which means you won’t be able to use it to access Siri or Google Assistant. This is a minor drawback, but it’s worth noting if you’re someone who frequently uses voice assistants.

The JBL Go 4 also lacks an app for additional customization or firmware updates. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it would have been nice to have some level of control over the speaker’s sound profile or the ability to receive firmware updates that could improve performance or add new features.

Comparison with Competitors

The JBL Go 4 faces stiff competition in the portable Bluetooth speaker market. Some of its closest rivals include the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3, the Anker Soundcore Flare 2, and the Sony SRS-XB13. Let’s see how the Go 4 stacks up against these competitors.

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 

• Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3: Compared to the Go 4, the Wonderboom 3 has a longer battery life and 360-degree sound. But it’s also more costly and larger.
  

Anker Soundcore Flare 2

• Anker Soundcore Flare 2: The Flare 2 boasts LED lights that pulse to the beat of your music. It also has a longer battery life than the Go 4. However, it’s not as portable and doesn’t offer the same level of water resistance.

Sony SRSXB13 

• Sony SRS-XB13: Like the Go 4, the XB13 is water-resistant and has a similar level of portability. The battery life is also longer. But the volume and bass response are significantly lower.
  

The JBL Go 4 holds its own against the competition. It offers a great balance of portability, sound quality, and durability at an affordable price.

The Bottom Line

The JBL Go 4 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, portable Bluetooth speaker. It offers impressive sound quality for its size, a durable and water-resistant design, and a price point that won’t break the bank. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive speakers, the Go 4 excels at what it was intended to do: provide high-quality punchy sound in a pocketful and affordable package.

While the battery life could be better and the microphone quality is average, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by the speaker’s many strengths. Its combination of portability, durability, and sound performance makes it one of the best choices in its category.

If you’re looking for a speaker that can keep up with your busy schedule, the JBL Go 4 is definitely worth considering. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it delivers where it counts, making it a smart investment for music lovers on the go.

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Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

1. Can the JBL Go 4 be used for phone calls?

• Yes, the JBL Go 4 has a built-in microphone, allowing you to use it as a speakerphone for hands-free calls.

Does the JBL Go 4 support voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant?

• No, the JBL Go 4 does not have built-in support for voice assistants.

3.  Can I pair two JBL Go 4 speakers for stereo sound?

• Yes, the JBL Go 4 can pair with other speakers, but with some limitations:

• It cannot pair for stereo sound or traditional PartyBoost: Older JBL features like connecting two speakers for left/right stereo or the PartyBoost feature for multiple speakers are not supported by the Go 4.

• It CAN pair using Auracast: The newer Auracast technology allows the Go 4 to broadcast its audio to multiple other Auracast-compatible speakers simultaneously. This is not stereo, but more like having the same audio playing on multiple devices in the same area.

4. Does the JBL Go 4 come with a carrying case?

• No, the JBL Go 4 does not come with a carrying case. However, its durable design and compact size make it easy to carry without a case.

5. Can the JBL Go 4 be used while charging?

• Yes, you can use the JBL Go 4 while it is charging, though this may slightly affect the charging time.

6.  Does the JBL Go 4 have any LED indicators?

• Yes, the JBL Go 4 has LED indicators that show the speaker’s power and Bluetooth connection status, as well as battery level during charging.

7. Can the JBL Go 4 play music from a USB drive?

• No, the JBL Go 4 does not have a USB port for playing music from a USB drive.