The JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker is an ultra-portable, high-quality audio device designed to elevate your music experience. Compact and rugged, this speaker is perfect for those on the go, offering a robust sound profile, excellent water resistance, and an extended Bluetooth range. Whether at the beach, hiking, or relaxing at home, the JBL Go 4 brings powerful sound to any environment. Let’s dive into the features, specs, and overall performance of the JBL Go 4 to help you decide if it’s the right choice.
Quick Highlight: JBL Go 4
- Release Date: May 19, 2024
- Price: $42.00
- Maximum Output Power: 4.2W
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Water Resistance: Submersible (IPx7)
- Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.8 x 4.2 cm
- Battery Life: 6.9 hours
- Weight: 0.4 lbs. (0.2 kg)
- Connectivity: Wired and Wireless (Bluetooth 5.3)
- Charging Port: USB-C
Release Date
The JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker was officially released on May 19, 2024. This compact yet powerful device has quickly gained popularity due to its affordability and outstanding performance for its size. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking for a portable speaker that doesn’t compromise on quality.
JBL Go 4 Unboxing
When you unbox the JBL Go 4 Ultra Bluetooth speaker, here’s what you’ll find:
- The JBL Go 4 speaker itself
- A USB-C to USB-A charging cable
- Quick Start Guide
The absence of a charger is typical for many modern Bluetooth speakers, but the USB-C charging cable ensures quick and easy recharging.
Quick Specs: JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker
- Speaker Type: Home Speaker
- Connectivity: Wired and Wireless (Bluetooth)
- Battery Life: 6.9 hours
- Charging Time: 2.3 hours
- Water Resistance: Submersible (IPx7)
- Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.8 x 4.2 cm
- Weight: 0.4 lbs. (0.2 kg)
- Bluetooth Range: 334.6 feet (102 meters)
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Multi-Device Pairing: Yes, supports 2 devices at once
Design and Display
JBL Go 4 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker boasts a sleek, compact design that fits easily in the palm of your hand. It’s an ideal companion for travel or outdoor adventures, measuring only 9.4 x 7.8 x 4.2 cm and weighing just 0.4 lbs. (0.2 kg). Its dust-proof (IP6x) and submersible (IPx7) water resistance enhance the rugged build, making it perfect for poolside parties or beach trips.
JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker Controls
The JBL Go 4 features simple and intuitive physical controls, including:
- Music Play/Pause
- Track Next/Previous
- Volume Up/Down
These straightforward controls make it easy to adjust your music on the go without needing to reach for your phone. The absence of a microphone means this speaker doesn’t support hands-free calling or voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, but it’s designed for straightforward, no-fuss use.
Differences between Sizes and Variants
The JBL Go 4 is a part of the well-known JBL Go series, which includes smaller and larger models. Compared to its predecessors, the Go 4 delivers improved sound quality, a longer Bluetooth range, and enhanced water resistance. It offers better battery life and a more robust design compared to the Go 3, while still maintaining its ultra-portability.
JBL Go 4 Available Colors
The JBL Go 4 comes in a variety of colors to match your style, making it as much a fashion statement as it is a functional audio device. Its sleek design is available in classic colors like:
- Black
- Black & Orange
- Blue
- Pink
- Purple
- Red
- Sand
- Squad
- White
Features
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Powerful Sound for Its Size
Despite its small size, the JBL Go 4 delivers 4.2W of maximum output power, ensuring crisp highs and balanced bass. It’s perfect for personal listening, small gatherings, and outdoor activities where you want clear and vibrant sound in a portable form.
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Superior Water Resistance
The JBL Go 4 is IPx7 rated for water resistance, meaning it’s fully submersible in water up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for pool parties, beach trips, or rainy days. With dust-proof capabilities as well, it’s ready for any adventure.
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Extended Bluetooth Range
With Bluetooth 5.3 technology, the JBL Go 4 offers an impressive Bluetooth range of up to 334.6 feet (102 meters), allowing you to stream music from a distance without worrying about connection drops. It also supports multi-device pairing, so you can connect two devices at once for a seamless listening experience.
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Compact and Lightweight
Weighing just 0.4 lbs. (0.2 kg) and with compact dimensions, the Go 4 is one of the most portable speakers on the market. It’s small enough to slip into a backpack or even a large pocket, making it an easy companion for any on-the-go situation.
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Efficient Charging
With a USB-C charging port, the JBL Go 4 charges quickly and efficiently. It takes just 2.3 hours to fully charge, giving you up to 6.9 hours of playback time. Whether you’re traveling or enjoying a long day outdoors, you’ll have ample battery life to get you through the day.
Price and Availability
The JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker is available for $42.00, making it an affordable option for those looking for quality sound in a compact form. It’s available for purchase on various online platforms, including JBL’s official website and major retailers like Amazon.
Comparison: JBL Go 4 vs. JBL Go 3
The JBL Go 4 and JBL Go 3 are both ultra-portable Bluetooth speakers, but the Go 4 stands out with several upgrades over its predecessor. Released in May 2024, the JBL Go 4 delivers improved sound quality, a longer Bluetooth range, and enhanced water resistance compared to the Go 3. With a maximum output power of 4.2W, it offers richer sound and more balanced bass.
The Go 4 also features an impressive Bluetooth range of up to 334.6 feet (102 meters), a significant improvement over the Go 3’s range. Additionally, its IPx7 water resistance makes it fully submersible, making it more durable for outdoor and aquatic adventures. While the Go 3 offers a similar level of portability, the Go 4’s battery lasts 6.9 hours, and it charges quickly via USB-C, unlike the Go 3. At an affordable price of $42, the Go 4 is the better choice for users seeking more robust features in a compact design.
Key Specifications Comparison: JBL Go 4 vs. JBL Go 3
- Sound Quality: 4.2W output for clear sound (Go 4), compared to Go 3’s 4W.
- Bluetooth Range: 334.6 feet (102 meters) for the Go 4, longer than Go 3.
- Water Resistance: IPx7 (submersible) for the Go 4, superior to Go 3’s lower rating.
- Battery Life: 6.9 hours (Go 4), slightly better than Go 3’s 5 hours.
- Charging Port: USB-C for faster charging in the Go 4.
- Weight & Size: Both are lightweight, but the Go 4 offers better durability for outdoor use.
See a comprehensive comparison of JBL Go 3 Eco vs JBL Go 3
Side-by-Side Analysis
1. Sound Quality
- JBL Go 4: Despite its compact size, the Go 4 boasts a maximum output power of 4.2W, delivering crisp highs and balanced bass. The sound profile is designed for more vibrant and full-bodied audio, making it ideal for personal listening, outdoor adventures, and small gatherings.
- JBL Go 3: The Go 3 offers a slightly lower maximum output power of 4W, which is still impressive for its size but doesn’t quite match the fuller sound of the Go 4. While it provides clear sound, the bass may not be as pronounced, and the overall output is a bit less powerful compared to the Go 4.
2. Bluetooth Range
- JBL Go 4: The Go 4 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, extending its wireless connectivity to an impressive 334.6 feet (102 meters). This extended range allows for greater flexibility in placement and mobility, ideal for outdoor environments where you might be moving around.
- JBL Go 3: The Go 3 uses Bluetooth 5.1, with a shorter range of around 33 feet (10 meters). This range is standard for most portable speakers but limits your ability to move freely without losing connectivity.
3. Water Resistance
- JBL Go 4: One of the standout features of the Go 4 is its IPx7 water resistance, meaning it’s fully submersible in water up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for poolside parties, beach outings, or even unexpected rain showers.
- JBL Go 3: The Go 3 has IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand dust and water splashes or immersion in shallow water up to 1 meter, but it isn’t rated for submersion beyond 30 minutes, making it less ideal for more extreme wet conditions.
4. Battery Life
- JBL Go 4: The Go 4 features 6.9 hours of battery life, which is decent for a compact speaker of its size. However, it might fall short for extended listening sessions, especially during long outdoor events or trips.
- JBL Go 3: The Go 3 has a slightly lower battery life of 5 hours, making it less ideal for all-day use compared to the Go 4. However, it still performs well for casual use and short listening sessions.
5. Charging
- JBL Go 4: The Go 4 uses a USB-C charging port, allowing for faster charging and greater convenience, as USB-C is now a standard charging option across many devices. It takes 2.3 hours for a full charge.
- JBL Go 3: The Go 3 uses the older Micro-USB charging port, which is slower and less universal than USB-C. It also takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to charge completely.
6. Design and Portability
- JBL Go 4: With dimensions of 9.4 x 7.8 x 4.2 cm and weighing 0.4 lbs (0.2 kg), the Go 4 is incredibly compact and portable. Its sleek and modern design is available in a variety of colors, making it visually appealing as well as functional.
- JBL Go 3: The Go 3 is slightly smaller at 8.6 x 6.8 x 4.0 cm and weighs 0.4 lbs (0.18 kg), but the differences in size are minimal. It also offers portability and a similar selection of colors, but its design is a bit more rounded and rugged.
7. Multi-Device Pairing
- JBL Go 4: The Go 4 supports multi-device pairing, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously for a seamless audio experience. This feature is convenient for switching between devices without needing to disconnect and reconnect each time.
- JBL Go 3: Unfortunately, the Go 3 does not support multi-device pairing, so you’ll need to manually disconnect from one device to connect to another.
8. Price
- JBL Go 4: Priced at $42, the Go 4 offers solid value for the upgraded features it provides.
- JBL Go 3: The Go 3 is priced slightly lower, at around $39, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Who is the Better Option?
While both the JBL Go 4 and JBL Go 3 are excellent portable speakers, JBL Go 4 is the clear winner due to its superior sound quality, extended Bluetooth range, better water resistance, longer battery life, and faster charging via USB-C. It’s the more future-proof and durable option, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and those seeking a more reliable audio companion. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the JBL Go 3 still offers solid performance at a lower price.
What’s good about the JBL Go 4 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
The JBL Go 4 offers excellent sound quality for its size, superior water resistance, and easy portability. The Bluetooth 5.3 technology ensures a stable and long-range connection, while its affordable price makes it a great value for those seeking quality sound on the go.
What’s Not So Good about the JBL Go 4 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
The battery life of 6.9 hours may not be sufficient for extended use, especially on long trips or extended outdoor events. Additionally, the lack of voice assistant support or a microphone limits its functionality for calls and hands-free operation.
Should You Buy the JBL Go 4?
If you’re looking for an affordable, portable, and durable speaker that delivers great sound and water resistance, the JBL Go 4 is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who need a small speaker for outdoor adventures or personal use.
Conclusion
The JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a compact, durable, and high-quality audio device. With its impressive IPx7 water resistance, extended Bluetooth 5.3 range, and sleek, lightweight design, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures, poolside parties, or everyday use. While the 6.9 hours of battery life may not be ideal for long listening sessions, its quick recharge time and portable form factor more than makeup for it. Priced at just $42, the JBL Go 4 offers exceptional value for those looking for a robust speaker that doesn’t compromise on performance. Whether you’re on the go or relaxing at home, the JBL Go 4 is sure to elevate your music experience.
How long does the battery last on the JBL Go 4?
The JBL Go 4 offers a battery life of up to 6.9 hours on a single charge. While this may not be suitable for extended listening sessions, it’s more than enough for everyday use or short outdoor adventures. Plus, with a quick 2.3-hour USB-C charging time, you can easily recharge it and be ready to go in no time.
Can I use the JBL Go 4 with multiple devices?
Yes, the JBL Go 4 supports multi-device pairing, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously. This feature lets you seamlessly switch between devices, whether you're playing music from your phone or tablet, enhancing your listening experience with flexibility and convenience.
