JBL Go 4 - Ultra-Portable, Waterproof and Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker, Big JBL Pro Sound with Punchy bass, 7-Hour Built-in Battery, Made in Part with Recycled Materials (Purple)
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AI Verdict
This is a super-portable, waterproof speaker for personal listening on the go; it's perfect for clipping to a bag but won't be loud enough for a party.
For anyone who needs a speaker that's extremely portable and durable, this is a perfect match. Its IP67 rating and integrated loop make it a fantastic companion for travel or outdoor activities where you just need personal sound.
If you need longer battery life and sound that can fill a room, look for a larger speaker with at least a 12-hour rated battery and 20W of output power.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating means it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Features Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast for pairing with other new JBL speakers.
- The JBL Portable app allows for a 5-band customizable EQ to fine-tune the sound.
- The redesigned integrated loop is larger and more practical for carrying than the Go 3's.
- Surprisingly clear and full sound for its palm-sized form factor.
Cons
- Advertised 7-hour battery life drops to 4-5 hours at max volume.
- Playtime Boost feature significantly reduces bass and overall sound quality to save power.
- Lacks a built-in microphone for taking phone calls.
- Auracast is not backward-compatible with older JBL speakers using PartyBoost.
- Bass can sound thin or distort at volumes above 80%.
Dimension Scores
Delivers surprisingly clear and full mids for its size, and the companion app's 5-band EQ is a huge plus.
It gets louder than you'd expect and has punchier bass than the Go 3, but it lacks a passive radiator and can't produce deep lows.
Features modern Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast for multi-speaker pairing, though it's not compatible with older PartyBoost speakers.
It's tiny, weighs only 190g (6.7 oz), has a useful integrated loop, and is fully waterproof with an IP67 rating.
Best For
- Listening to podcasts or music in the shower.
- Clipping to a backpack for background music on a hike.
- Use in a hotel room while traveling.
- A personal speaker on a desk that doesn't take up much space.
Not Recommended For
- Providing music for a noisy backyard party.
- Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound and deep bass.
- Watching movies, due to noticeable audio latency and mono sound.
Watch Out For
- The 'Playtime Boost' isn't an extra battery; it just cuts bass and changes the EQ to use less power, making music sound thin.
- The actual battery life is closer to 4-5 hours if you listen at high volumes, not the advertised 7 hours.
- The exposed USB-C charging port needs to be completely dry before you can safely charge it after it gets wet.
- Stereo pairing using Auracast can sometimes have a noticeable audio delay between the two speakers.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 050036399326 |
| ASIN | B0CTNWKGM2 |
| Brand | JBL |
| Color | Purple |
| Shape | rectangular prism |
| Style | Go 4 |
| Material | plastic (recycled) |
| Set Name | JBL Go |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Model Name | JBL Go 4 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Ounce |
| Item Weight | 6.7 ounces |
| Manufacturer | JBL |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Speaker Size | 1.75 Inches |
| Speaker Type | Outdoor |
| Charging Time | 3 Hours |
| Input Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Is Waterproof | True |
| Mounting Type | Built-in Loop |
| Series Number | 4 |
| Warranty Type | Limited Warranty |
| Control Method | App |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Meters |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Dustproof, Lightweight, Portable, Stereo Pairing, Waterproof |
| Battery Capacity | 7 Hours |
| Tweeter Diameter | 1 Inches |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Item model number | JBLGO4PURAM |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop |
| Frequency Response | 20000 Hz |
| Product Dimensions | 3.7"D x 1.7"W x 3"H |
| Included Components | 1 x JBL Go 4, 1 x Type-C to Type-A charging cable, Quick Start Guide, Safety Sheet, Warranty Card |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Outdoor |
| Customer Package Type | FFP |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Specific Uses For Product | Travel |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Music Players |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 180 Watts |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 11200130009416 |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 2.0 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about the Go 4 is how much better and fuller it sounds than its tiny size suggests. Many owners feel the redesigned, larger loop is a significant upgrade over the Go 3, making it much easier to clip onto things. The biggest recurring complaint is the battery life; while JBL claims 7 hours, users report getting only 4-5 hours at higher volumes. The sound is impressively clear for vocals and podcasts, but the bass can get thin and distorted when you push the volume past 80%. People love the addition of app support for EQ adjustments, but the 'Playtime Boost' feature is widely seen as a gimmick that ruins the sound quality.
“i honestly can't believe how loud this thing gets for how small it is, i use it in the shower and at my desk and its perfect but the battery dies way faster than they say it does if you actually crank it up.”
Common Praise
- The sound is incredibly full and loud for something that fits in your palm.
- Finally has app support with a customizable EQ, which really improves the sound.
- The IP67 rating is legit; it survives being dropped in the pool or used at the beach without issue.
- Pairing two Go 4s for stereo sound creates an impressive soundstage for such small speakers.
- The new integrated loop is much more functional than the previous model's small string.
- Feels premium and well-built in the hand.
Common Complaints
- Battery life is much shorter than the advertised 7 hours, especially at high volume.
- The 'Playtime Boost' feature makes music sound tinny and flat by cutting all the bass.
- Bass starts to distort at higher volume levels.
- The Bluetooth range seems shorter for some users compared to the Go 3.
- There's no microphone, so you can't use it for phone calls.
- Auracast doesn't work with older JBL speakers that use PartyBoost.
Ownership Tips
- You learn pretty quickly to keep the volume under 80% to avoid distortion and make the battery last longer.
- The fabric grille is a magnet for sand and dirt, so it needs a good brushing off after a trip to the beach.
- The JBL Portable app is a must-have; being able to tweak the EQ makes a huge difference in the sound.
- After a few weeks, I've noticed the rubberized bottom does a great job of keeping it from vibrating off surfaces.
- I bought a second one for stereo pairing, and it's a game-changer for watching movies on my laptop, even with a slight delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pair the JBL Go 4 with a JBL Go 3 or other older JBL speakers?
No, the Go 4 uses the new Auracast connection protocol, which is not compatible with the PartyBoost feature found on the Go 3 and other previous models.
Does the JBL Go 4 have a microphone for phone calls?
No, the Go 4 does not include a built-in microphone for speakerphone functionality.
How long does the JBL Go 4 take to fully charge?
It takes approximately 3 hours to charge the battery from empty to full.
Can you use the speaker while it's charging?
Yes, you can play music on the Go 4 while it is plugged in and charging via USB-C.
What does the Playtime Boost button do?
It changes the sound profile by reducing bass to conserve energy, adding up to 2 hours of playtime at the cost of sound quality.
Does the JBL Go 4 have an AUX input?
No, the only way to connect to the speaker is via Bluetooth.
Can you disable the speaker's feedback sounds?
Yes, the startup and other feedback tones can be turned off within the JBL Portable app.
Buying Guide
Before you buy, think about *how* you'll use this. It's a personal speaker, designed to be better than your phone's speakers and easy to carry. It's not for big groups. The main selling points are its tiny size and IP67 waterproof rating, which means you can genuinely take it anywhere without worrying about rain or dropping it in the pool.
IP67 Rating
This is its superpower. The '6' means it's totally sealed from dust and sand, and the '7' means it can be fully submerged in about 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. It makes it worry-free for the beach, shower, or a rainy day.
7-Hour Playtime
This is the battery life you can expect at around 50% volume. If you're blasting it, expect that number to drop to 4 hours or less. The 'Playtime Boost' gives you more time but at the cost of sound quality.
Auracast
This is the new way JBL speakers connect to each other. You can pair two Go 4s for stereo sound or connect to a whole group of other Auracast speakers. It's the future for JBL, but it won't connect to your friend's older JBL speaker that uses 'PartyBoost'.
4.2W RMS Output Power
This number tells you how much power it has. 4.2 watts is not a lot, which is why it's a personal speaker. It's loud enough for you and a friend at a picnic, but it will get drowned out by a noisy crowd.
Alternatives
If this speaker isn't loud enough or the battery life seems too short, search for a 'portable Bluetooth speaker' with at least 15-20W of power and a battery rated for 12 hours or more.
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