The JBL Go 4 is the latest addition to JBL's lineup of portable Bluetooth speakers, designed to offer a balance of portability, durability, and sound quality at an affordable price. Priced at just under $50, the Go 4 competes with other budget-friendly Bluetooth speakers like the Tribit Stormbox Micro and the Anker Soundcore 3. Despite its compact size, the Go 4 promises to deliver decent sound quality, robust build, and useful features such as IP67 water and dust protection and multi-point connectivity. This review will delve into various aspects of the JBL Go 4, including its design, features, sound quality, connectivity, and battery life, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of its performance.
Design & Build Quality
The JBL Go 4 sports a boxy design with a mesh speaker cover on the front and rear faces, and edges wrapped in grippy rubber. This design not only makes it aesthetically pleasing but also ensures durability. The speaker measures 3.7 x 3 x 1.7 inches and weighs just 6.7 ounces, making it highly portable. It can easily fit into a bag or large pocket, making it an ideal companion for travel or small gatherings.
The controls are conveniently placed on the top and side of the speaker. The top features buttons for volume and playback, while the side houses buttons for power, Bluetooth, and speaker hookup. These buttons provide a firm click when pressed, adding to the overall quality feel of the device. The Go 4 also includes a hook for attaching to a carabiner or strap, enhancing its portability.
Overall, the JBL Go 4's design is both functional and stylish, making it a great choice for those who need a durable and portable speaker.
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Features
The JBL Go 4 may be a budget-friendly speaker, but it comes packed with several useful features. One of its standout features is its IP67 rating, which makes it waterproof and dustproof. This means you can take it to the beach, pool, or even use it in the shower without worrying about water damage.
Another notable feature is its multi-point connectivity, which allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful for switching between devices without having to disconnect and reconnect each time. The Go 4 also supports Auracast, enabling you to link multiple speakers together for a more immersive sound experience.
The speaker is made partly from recycled plastic, aligning with JBL's commitment to sustainability. While it lacks some advanced features found in more expensive models, such as voice assistants or high-resolution audio support, it covers the basics well and offers a few extras that enhance its usability.
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Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the JBL Go 4 delivers a surprisingly robust performance for its size. JBL claims that the Go 4 produces "JBL Pro Sound" with "punchy bass." While it may not handle sub-bass-heavy genres like drum and bass exceptionally well, it performs admirably for most other types of music.
In testing, the Go 4 handled mid- and high-frequency sounds well, providing clear and distortion-free audio even at higher volumes. Songs with complex arrangements and multiple instruments were reproduced with good clarity, although the bass response was somewhat limited. This is a common issue with small speakers, and the Go 4 is no exception.
The speaker's sound quality can be further enhanced using the JBL Portable app, which offers EQ settings to customize the audio output. This allows users to tweak the sound to their liking, making the Go 4 a versatile option for various listening preferences.
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Connectivity
The JBL Go 4 features Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and efficient connection with your devices. Pairing the speaker with a smartphone or tablet is quick and straightforward, and the connection remains stable even at a distance. The Go 4 also supports multi-point connectivity, allowing you to switch between two devices seamlessly.
The JBL Portable app, available on both iOS and Android, enhances the connectivity experience by offering additional features such as EQ customization and firmware updates. The app also makes it easier to connect multiple JBL speakers using Auracast, enabling a more immersive audio experience.
However, it's worth noting that the Go 4 does not have a built-in microphone, so it cannot be used for hands-free calls or voice assistant commands. This might be a drawback for some users, but considering its price point, the Go 4 offers a solid connectivity experience overall.
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Battery Life
The JBL Go 4 offers a battery life of up to 7 hours on a single charge, which is decent for a speaker of its size. In real-world testing, the battery life was consistent with JBL's claims, providing around 3 hours of playback with 60% battery remaining. However, this is slightly less than some of its competitors, such as the Tribit Stormbox Micro, which offers up to 8 hours of playback.
The Go 4 also features a "Playtime Boost" mode, which extends battery life by reducing bass output. While this can be useful in situations where you need longer playback time, it significantly impacts the audio quality, making the sound treble-heavy and less enjoyable.
Charging the Go 4 takes around 3 hours, which is relatively standard for portable Bluetooth speakers. While the battery life is not the best in its class, it is sufficient for most casual listening scenarios and short trips.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the JBL Go 4 is a solid choice for those seeking a portable and affordable Bluetooth speaker. It offers decent sound quality, robust build, and useful features like IP67 water and dust protection and multi-point connectivity. While it may not excel in bass performance or battery life compared to some of its competitors, it provides good value for its price.
The Go 4 is particularly suitable for casual listening and small gatherings, making it a versatile option for various scenarios. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, and the JBL Portable app adds extra functionality for those who want to customize their listening experience.
Overall, the JBL Go 4 is a likeable little speaker that delivers on its promises, making it a worthwhile investment for budget-conscious consumers.
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