JBL Go 4 Review: Portable Waterproof Speaker w/ Punchy Bass

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JBL Go 4 Review: Portable Waterproof Speaker w/ Punchy Bass

4.8

★★★★⯨ 4.8

About this item Ultra-portable JBL Pro Sound with punchier bass: Don’t let its little size fool you. The JBL Go…

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Introduction

In the crowded world of portable Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Go 4 stands out as a pint-sized powerhouse that’s capturing the attention of music lovers everywhere. Priced at just $39, this ultra-portable speaker boasts a stellar 4.8 out of 5-star rating from over 13,767 Amazon reviews. With its waterproof and dustproof design, punchy JBL Pro Sound, and eco-friendly materials, it’s designed for on-the-go adventures. Whether you’re heading to the beach, gym, or a spontaneous hike, the JBL Go 4 promises big sound from a tiny package. In this comprehensive JBL Go 4 review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, customer feedback, and whether it’s the best portable Bluetooth speaker for your needs.

Product Overview

The JBL Go 4 is the latest iteration in JBL’s popular Go series, emphasizing portability without sacrificing audio quality. Measuring just a few inches in each dimension and weighing under half a pound, it’s small enough to clip onto a backpack or toss in a pocket. Key specs include:

• Audio Features: JBL Pro Sound with enhanced punchy bass for its size.
• Battery Life: Up to 7 hours of playtime, extendable to 9 hours with Playtime Boost.
• Durability: IP67 rating for waterproof and dustproof protection.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth with Auracast support for multi-speaker pairing.
• Sustainability: Made partly from post-consumer recycled plastic and fabric, packaged in FSC-certified paper with soy ink.
• Other: Available in Black (and other colors), USB-C charging, no aux input.

At this price point, the JBL Go 4 targets casual users who prioritize convenience over audiophile-grade features. It’s not meant for room-filling parties but excels in personal listening scenarios.

Pros

The JBL Go 4 shines in several areas, earning its high ratings through practical, real-world advantages. Here are the top 7 pros based on specs and user experiences:

• Ultra-Portable Design: At its compact size and featherlight weight, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go speaker. Perfect for walks, travel, or gym sessions without adding bulk.
• Impressive Sound for Size: Delivers JBL’s signature Pro Sound with punchy bass that belies its dimensions. Vocals are clear, and mids are balanced, making it great for pop, rock, and podcasts.
• Solid Battery Life: Up to 7 hours standard, plus 2 more via Playtime Boost, suffices for most day trips. Charges quickly via USB-C.
• Rugged IP67 Protection: Fully waterproof and dustproof, it handles splashes, sand, rain, or dusty trails effortlessly—ideal for outdoor use.
• Auracast Multi-Speaker Pairing: Connect two for stereo sound or link multiple Auracast-enabled JBL speakers for amplified audio. A fun upgrade for bigger gatherings.
• Eco-Friendly Build: Incorporates recycled materials, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers without compromising quality.
• Affordable Price: At $39, it offers premium JBL performance at a budget price, delivering excellent value.

Cons

No product is perfect, and while the JBL Go 4 excels in portability, it has limitations. Here’s a balanced look at 4 key drawbacks drawn from product specs and broader user feedback patterns:

• Limited Battery for Extended Use: 7-9 hours is decent but falls short of competitors like the JBL Clip 4 (10+ hours) or larger models. Heavy bass playback drains it faster.
• Volume Caps at Personal Levels: It’s loud for one or two people but lacks the power for groups or noisy environments. Distortion creeps in at max volume.
• No Companion App or EQ Controls: Unlike higher-end JBL speakers, there’s no app for sound customization, limiting tweaks for different genres.
• Basic Connectivity: Bluetooth-only (no wired option), and Auracast requires compatible devices—older phones might not pair as seamlessly.

Customer Reviews Analysis

With a 4.8-star average from 13,767 reviews, the JBL Go 4 is overwhelmingly praised. Positive feedback dominates, focusing on its portability and sound quality. Common themes include:

• Sound and Portability (Top Praise): Reviewers rave about the “tiny but powerful” audio. One 5-star user noted, “So small but great sound. I use it when I walk. Lightweight and connects to my phone via Bluetooth.” Another said, “Love it. Tiny and powerful. Easy to connect.”
• Battery and Ease of Use: Many highlight reliable battery life and instant Bluetooth pairing. Comments like “Battery life is great” and “Easy to use and connects with no issues” are frequent.
• Durability: Outdoor enthusiasts love the IP67 rating, with users testing it at poolsides and beaches without fail.

Negative reviews are rare (under 5%), but patterns emerge: Some report battery life not matching claims under heavy use, occasional pairing glitches with crowded Bluetooth environments, and wishes for louder output. Even “0-star” labeled reviews in summaries often echo positives, suggesting isolated dissatisfaction with color options or packaging. Overall, 90%+ are 4-5 stars, indicating consistent quality. Compared to predecessors like the JBL Go 3, improvements in bass and Auracast boost satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions about the JBL Go 4 based on product details and reviews:

1. How long does the battery last on the JBL Go 4?

Up to 7 hours on a single charge, extendable to 9 hours with Playtime Boost. Real-world use averages 5-7 hours at moderate volume.

2. Is the JBL Go 4 fully waterproof?

Yes, its IP67 rating means it’s submersible in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and fully dustproof.

3. Can you pair multiple JBL Go 4 speakers?

Absolutely—Auracast allows stereo pairing of two units or linking with other compatible JBL speakers for party mode.

4. Does it have a microphone for calls?

No built-in mic for hands-free calling, focusing instead on playback quality.

5. What’s the charging time?

Full charge takes about 2-3 hours via USB-C; a quick 10-minute top-up yields hours of playtime.

Who Should Buy This Product

The JBL Go 4 is ideal for:

• Active Lifestyles: Runners, hikers, gym-goers, or travelers needing a clip-on speaker.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those wanting JBL quality under $50.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Pool parties, camping, or beach days demand its rugged build.
• Casual Listeners: Personal use for podcasts, workouts, or showers—not audiophiles seeking deep bass.

Avoid if you need all-day battery, app controls, or party-level volume. Alternatives like the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 offer more power at a higher price.

Final Verdict

The JBL Go 4 earns its 4.8-star acclaim as the best ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker for everyday adventures. Its punchy sound, IP67 durability, and eco touches make it a steal at $39, outperforming expectations for size and price. Minor cons like battery limits don’t overshadow its strengths, especially with thousands of glowing reviews. If portability is king, buy the JBL Go 4—it’s a reliable, fun companion that punches way above its weight. Highly recommended for on-the-go audio enthusiasts.