JBL Go 4 Review

The market for ultra-portable speakers is a crowded one, but JBL has consistently carved out a space with its Go series. With the new Go 4, the company isn’t just releasing another iteration; it’s refining a successful formula with modern features that challenge what we should expect from a speaker that fits in the palm of your hand. This tiny audio companion aims to be the definitive choice for those who refuse to compromise on sound, no matter where they are.

The JBL Go 4 refines the puck-like, fabric-wrapped design of its predecessor, sporting slightly softer, more rounded edges and a chunkier, more robust integrated loop. This isn’t just an aesthetic tweak; the larger loop makes it significantly easier to clip onto a backpack, belt loop, or shower hook. The build quality feels excellent, with a reassuring heft and durable-feeling materials. True to its go-anywhere ethos, the Go 4 carries an IP67 rating, making it completely dustproof and waterproof enough to survive a full dunk in the pool. It’s a design that is both stylish and supremely practical.

When it comes to audio performance, you have to manage expectations for a speaker this small, but the Go 4 punches well above its weight class. It delivers surprisingly clear and balanced sound, with a focus on mids and highs that makes vocals and podcasts particularly crisp. While it won’t shake the room, the bass is present and punchy enough to give music a sense of life, a notable improvement over previous generations. The primary limitation, common to all micro-speakers, is performance at peak volume, where audio can become strained and distorted. Keep it below 85%, and the sound profile remains impressively composed.

What truly sets the Go 4 apart from its predecessors and many competitors are its modern features. For the first time, the Go series gets integration with the JBL Portable app, which is a game-changer. This allows for customizable EQ settings, letting you tailor the sound to your preference—a feature almost unheard of at this size and price point. Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support, ensuring a stable, efficient connection. The headline feature, however, is Auracast. This new technology allows you to pair an unlimited number of other Auracast-enabled JBL speakers for a synchronized audio experience, moving beyond the limitations of proprietary pairing systems like PartyBoost.

With a rated battery life of up to seven hours (plus an additional two with the app’s “Playtime Boost” mode engaged), the Go 4 offers enough stamina for a full day’s outing. While not class-leading, it’s a respectable figure given its diminutive size. The value proposition here is strong. JBL has packed a genuinely rugged build, surprisingly capable sound, and a suite of modern software features into an affordable, pocket-sized package. It’s an incremental update, but one where every change adds tangible value.

Ultimately, the JBL Go 4 is the definitive ultra-portable speaker for the modern user. It’s built for travelers, students, hikers, and anyone who needs a small, reliable audio source for their laptop, hotel room, or bathroom. While it can’t defy the laws of physics to produce deep, resonant bass, its combination of durability, sound clarity, and forward-thinking features like app control and Auracast make it an outstanding choice in the micro-speaker category.

Where to Buy:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=JBL+Go+4&tag=cp01a-20