Bose SoundLink Micro vs JBL Go 4: Which is Better?

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, two names that often come up in conversations:  Bose and JBL. Both companies have established themselves as leaders in the audio industry, offering a range of products that deliver high-quality sound in compact, durable designs. Both speakers are small, durable, and made to be used on the go. This makes them ideal for trips, outdoor activities, or just listening to music around the house.

Design and Build Quality

Bose SoundLink Micro

The Bose SoundLink Micro lives up to its name with its remarkably compact and portable design. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or slip into a pocket, making it incredibly easy to carry around. The speaker’s exterior is wrapped in a soft-touch silicone material that feels pleasant to the touch and provides a good grip. It also adds a layer of protection against minor bumps and scratches.

One of the standout features of the SoundLink Micro is its IPX7 water resistance rating. This means that the speaker can be submerged in water up to one meter deep for 30 minutes without any damage. Whether you accidentally drop it in the pool or get caught in a rainstorm, the SoundLink Micro is built to withstand the elements.

The speaker also comes with a tear-resistant silicone strap.  This sturdy strap allows you to securely attach the speaker to your backpack, bike handlebars, or even your wrist.  This feature adds an extra layer of convenience, especially for those who like to take their music with them on outdoor adventures.

The control buttons for the SoundLink Micro are conveniently placed on top of the speaker. This makes it easy to access the power, volume, Bluetooth pairing, and other multi-function controls. For hands-free talks or to use your voice assistant, the speaker also has a microphone built in.

JBL Go 4

The JBL Go 4 is another compact and portable speaker, although it’s slightly smaller in dimension than the SoundLink Micro. It features a rectangular design with rounded edges, giving it a sleek and modern look. The speaker’s exterior is made of durable plastic with a rubberized base that helps to prevent it from sliding around on surfaces.

Like the SoundLink Micro, the Go 4 is also equipped with an integrated loop that makes it easy to attach to a backpack or other object. However, the Go 4’s loop is made of fabric, which may not be as durable as the SoundLink Micro’s tear-resistant strap. The speaker is also IP67 water- and dust-proof, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes and is completely protected against dust ingress. This makes it even more rugged and suitable for outdoor use than the SoundLink Micro.

Controls for power, volume, Bluetooth pairing, and play/pause are accessible through the buttons on top of the Go 4. The speaker features an integrated microphone for hands-free calling and voice assistant functionality.

Sound Quality

Bose SoundLink Micro

Despite its small size, the Bose SoundLink Micro delivers surprisingly impressive sound quality. It produces a well-balanced audio profile with clear vocals, crisp highs, and a decent amount of bass. The speaker’s custom-designed transducer and passive radiators work together to create a sound that is much larger than you would expect from such a compact device.

The SoundLink Micro’s sound is particularly impressive in the mid-range, where vocals and instruments sound natural and detailed. The highs are also well-represented, with cymbals and hi-hats sounding crisp and clear. While the bass is not as powerful as you might find in a larger speaker, it’s still present and adds a satisfying depth to the overall sound.

One of the SoundLink Micro’s strengths is its ability to maintain clarity and detail even at higher volumes. The speaker doesn’t distort easily, allowing you to enjoy your music without sacrificing sound quality. Anywhere you are in relation to the speaker, the SoundLink Micro’s 360-degree design spreads the sound evenly, making the hearing experience more immersive.

JBL Go 4

The JBL Go 4 also offers good sound quality for its size, although it has a slightly different sonic character than the SoundLink Micro. The Go 4’s sound is more focused on the low-end, with a punchier bass response that is sure to please fans of electronic, hip-hop, and other bass-heavy genres.

While the Go 4’s bass is impressive, it can sometimes overshadow the mid-range and highs, making vocals and instruments sound slightly less clear and detailed than on the SoundLink Micro.  However, the Go 4 still delivers a satisfying listening experience overall, with a fun and energetic sound that is ideal for parties or outdoor gatherings.

Like the SoundLink Micro, the Go 4 can also get quite loud but with a little distortion at higher volumes.  Still, the Go 4’s sound is more directional than the SoundLink Micro’s, so you’ll get the best listening experience when you’re facing the speaker directly.

Features

Bose SoundLink Micro

Numerous helpful features that improve the Bose SoundLink Micro’s functionality and usability are included. Its ability to combine with additional Bose SoundLink speakers to build a stereo pair or multi-room audio system is one of its most noteworthy features. This enables you to enjoy your music across your house and broaden your listening experience.

You can get useful information about the battery life, Bluetooth connection status, and more with the built-in voice prompt feature of the SoundLink Micro. On top of that, the speaker’s multi-function button doubles as a voice assistant, so you can ask it questions, play music, or adjust the volume with just your voice.

JBL Go 4

The JBL Go 4 includes a few useful functions, but not as many as the SoundLink Micro. One of the Go 4’s standout features is its Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, which is faster and more stable than previous Bluetooth versions. This means that your music will be seamlessly played without any interruptions or pauses.

The Go 4 also has a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and voice assistant access. However, it doesn’t have a voice prompt feature or the ability to pair with other speakers for stereo or multi-room audio.  

It is noteworthy to mention that JBL Go 4 can be paired for stereo sound for a PartyBoost mode.  Althoug 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.  The newer Auracast technology allows the Go 4 to broadcast its audio to multiple other Auracast-compatible speakers simultaneously.  

Battery Life

Bose SoundLink Micro

Bose SoundLink Micro plays for up to 6 hours on a single charge, which is a respectable amount of battery life. This will last you through most outdoor activities or a beach day. You might need to pack a portable charger or figure out a means to recharge the speaker if you intend to use it for extended periods of time.

Compared to the USB-C connectors on many more recent gadgets, the micro-USB port on the SoundLink Micro is a little out of date for charging. Although, micro-USB cables are still easy to find, so this shouldn’t be a big problem for most people.

JBL Go 4

The JBL Go 4 has a slightly longer battery life than the SoundLink Micro, offering up to 7 hours of playtime in a single charge with a useful feature of Playtime Boost adding 2 hours plus of continuous music.  This is still not the longest battery life we’ve seen in a portable speaker, but it’s enough to get you through most casual listening sessions.

Like the SoundLink Micro, the Go 4 also charges via a micro-USB port. It’s worth noting that both speakers take a few hours to fully charge, so it’s best to plug them in overnight or when you have some downtime.

Price and Value

Bose SoundLink Micro

Given its pricing, the Bose SoundLink Micro is a high-end portable speaker. It is often more expensive than the JBL Go 4, but it has better sound quality, a more durable build, and a few extra features. The SoundLink Micro is an ideal option if you’re willing to pay more for the highest possible level of sound quality.

JBL Go 4

Because it costs less than the SoundLink Micro, the JBL Go 4 is a better option for customers on a tight budget. For the price, it’s still an excellent buy because it has a sturdy build, nice sound quality, and a respectable battery life. The Go 4 is an good choice if you’re looking for a portable speaker that won’t break the budget.

Read our full review: JBL Go 4 review: A Pocketful of Punchy Sound

The Bottom Line

You can’t go wrong with either the Bose SoundLink Micro or the JBL Go 4 if you’re looking for a top-notch portable Bluetooth speaker. If you value audio performance and are ready to spend more for it, the SoundLink Micro is a fantastic option due to its higher sound quality, more sturdy build, and a few additional capabilities.

In contrast, the JBL Go 4 is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers good sound quality,  portability, and long battery life.  While it doesn’t offer the same level of audio performance or features as the SoundLink Micro, it’s a solid option for those who want a reliable and durable speaker without spending too much.

Your priorities will ultimately determine which of the Bose SoundLink Micro and JBL Go 4 you should choose. The SoundLink Micro is the best option if you’re ready to spend money on a high-end portable speaker with exceptional features and sound. But the JBL Go 4 is a worthy contender if you’re searching for something less expensive that still sounds good.