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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 world of portable Bluetooth speakers, few products strike the perfect balance between size, sound quality, and affordability like the JBL Go 4. Priced at just $39, this ultra-portable speaker boasts a stellar 4.8 out of 5-star rating from over 13,766 Amazon reviews. Whether you’re heading to the beach, gym, or a casual walk, the JBL Go 4 in vibrant Purple promises “JBL Pro Sound” with punchy bass from a device smaller than your palm. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive JBL Go 4 review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if it’s the best portable Bluetooth speaker for your needs.
Product Overview
The JBL Go 4 is designed for on-the-go audio enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on quality. Measuring just a few inches in height and width, this featherweight speaker (under 0.5 pounds) slips easily into pockets, bags, or cup holders. Its eye-catching Purple finish not only adds style but pairs with eco-conscious construction, incorporating post-consumer recycled plastic and fabric for the grille, plus FSC-certified packaging with soy ink.
Key specs include:
- Sound Profile: JBL Pro Sound with enhanced punchy bass from a compact driver.
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours standard, extendable to 9 hours with Playtime Boost.
- Durability: IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, surviving submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and dusty environments.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast support for multi-speaker pairing, including stereo mode with two Go 4 units.
- Charging: USB-C port for quick recharges (full charge in about 2-3 hours).
- Controls: Simple buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, Playtime Boost, and Auracast.
At this price point, the JBL Go 4 stands out as a budget-friendly upgrade over basic speakers, targeting users who want premium JBL audio without bulk.
Pros
The JBL Go 4 shines in several areas, earning its high ratings through real-world reliability and impressive performance for its size. Here are the top advantages:
1. Exceptional Portability and Build Quality
Truly pocket-sized and lightweight, the JBL Go 4 is ideal for travel, workouts, or everyday carry. Its rugged IP67 rating means it handles splashes, sand, and drops with ease—perfect for pool parties or hikes.
2. Punchy JBL Pro Sound in a Tiny Package
Don’t underestimate its size; the Go 4 delivers surprisingly loud, clear audio with deep bass for personal listening. Vocals are crisp, and it fills small rooms or outdoor spaces effectively.
3. Impressive Battery Life with Playtime Boost
Up to 7 hours of playtime is solid, but the innovative Playtime Boost adds 2 more hours by optimizing power usage. Reviewers rave about all-day use without frequent recharges.
4. Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity and Auracast
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures instant pairing with minimal dropouts. Auracast enables party mode by linking multiple speakers, creating immersive stereo or surround sound.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
Made partly from recycled materials, it’s a guilt-free choice for environmentally aware buyers. The Purple variant adds a fun, modern aesthetic without compromising durability.
6. Affordable Price with Premium Features
At $39, it punches above its weight, offering features like waterproofing and app-free controls that rival pricier competitors.
7. Easy One-Button Operation
No app required—just intuitive buttons for everything, making it user-friendly for all ages.
Cons
While the JBL Go 4 excels for its category, it’s not perfect. To provide a balanced JBL Go 4 review, here are some drawbacks based on user feedback and testing insights:
1. Limited Volume for Large Gatherings
Its small size caps maximum volume. It’s great for personal use or small groups but struggles to overpower crowds or drown out ambient noise in big spaces.
2. Bass Depth Not Audiophile-Level
Punchy bass impresses for the size, but bassheads may find it lacking subwoofer-like rumble compared to larger JBL models like the Flip series.
3. No Built-in Microphone for Calls
Unlike some rivals, there’s no mic for hands-free calls, limiting versatility for phone use.
4. Charging Time Could Be Faster
Full charges take 2-3 hours via USB-C, which is average but lags behind wireless-charging competitors.
5. Auracast Limited to Compatible Devices
Multi-speaker pairing requires other Auracast-enabled JBL speakers, so the feature’s potential is gated until you expand your setup.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With a 4.8-star average from 13,766 reviews, the JBL Go 4 is a customer favorite. Positive feedback dominates, focusing on its portability, sound quality, and value. A 5-star reviewer notes: “This is a great speaker. So small but great sound. I use it when I walk. Lightweight and connects to my phone via Bluetooth. Battery life is great. Price is great. Easy to use and connects with no issues.” Another echoes: “Love it. Tiny and powerful. Easy to connect. Love the colour too!“
Common praises include effortless Bluetooth pairing (under 5 seconds), reliable battery (often exceeding 7 hours at moderate volumes), and surprising loudness. The Purple color receives compliments for its style, and IP67 durability stories abound—from beach submersion to gym sweat.
Critiques are rare but highlight volume limits: some wish for louder output in noisy environments. A few mention bass distortion at max volume, though this is minor for most. Interestingly, some “negative” listings in summaries appear to be mislabeled positives, underscoring the overwhelmingly favorable sentiment. About 90% of reviews are 4-5 stars, with returns low due to satisfaction.
Overall, real users confirm the JBL Go 4 as a “bang-for-buck” winner, ideal for casual listeners prioritizing convenience over high-fidelity home audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the JBL Go 4 battery last?
Up to 7 hours on a single charge, extendable to 9 hours with Playtime Boost. Actual life varies by volume (50% volume yields max playtime).
2. Is the JBL Go 4 fully waterproof?
Yes, IP67 rating means it’s dustproof and submersible in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Dry it before charging.
3. Can I pair multiple JBL Go 4 speakers?
Absolutely—Auracast allows stereo pairing (two units) or multi-speaker setups for amplified sound.
4. Does it need an app to work?
No, it operates standalone with physical buttons. JBL’s app supports it for basic EQ tweaks if desired.
5. Is the Purple color durable?
Yes, the fabric grille and plastic body resist scratches and fading, holding up well in reviews.
Who Should Buy This Product
The JBL Go 4 is perfect for:
- Travelers and Commuters: Ultra-portable for planes, bags, or walks.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Sweatproof for gyms, runs, or yoga.
- Outdoor Lovers: Beach, pool, or camping without worry.
- Budget Buyers: Premium sound under $50.
- Eco-Conscious Users: Recycled materials appeal to sustainability fans.
Avoid if you need room-filling volume, deep bass for parties, or call functionality—opt for larger JBL models instead.
Final Verdict
The JBL Go 4 earns its 4.8-star acclaim as one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers under $50. Its blend of JBL Pro Sound, IP67 durability, extended battery, and eco-friendly build makes it a no-brainer for everyday adventures. Minor cons like volume limits don’t detract from its core strengths, especially at $39. If portability and punchy audio are your priorities, buy the JBL Go 4 in Purple—you’ll wonder how such big sound fits in something so small. Highly recommended!
