JBL Go 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review — Waterproof, Dustproof & Punchy Bass
If you want a small Bluetooth speaker that you can drop in a bag and forget about until you need it, the JBL Go 4 fits that lifestyle perfectly. It’s the kind of ultra-portable speaker made for quick trips, outdoor afternoons, bedrooms, work desks, and casual everyday listening.
What makes it stand out is its combination of IP67 waterproofing, genuinely punchy bass for its size, and a clean, compact body that’s easy to carry anywhere. If you need a tiny but tough speaker that performs better than its footprint suggests, this one delivers.
• Best For: Travelers, outdoor users, students
• Rating: 4.5 / 5
• Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
• Waterproof Rating: IP67 (waterproof + dustproof)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless
• Highlights: Strong bass, ultra-portable, durable build
- Pros:
- • Very compact and travel-friendly
- • Strong bass and clear sound for its size
- • IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
- • Good 7-hour battery life
- • Fast, stable Bluetooth pairing
- • Built with recycled materials
- Cons:
- • Not loud enough for large outdoor groups
- • No aux input — Bluetooth only
- • Bass depth limited compared to bigger speakers
Michael Grant’s Hands-On Review
■ Sound Quality & Bass
For something that fits in the palm of your hand, the Go 4 delivers cleaner audio than you’d expect. The mids come out crisp, and the bass has enough punch to make pop, hip-hop, and EDM enjoyable without distortion. It won’t replace a full-size speaker, but for casual music, background listening, or small gatherings, it performs far above its size.
■ Durability & Outdoor Performance
This is where the Go 4 wins big. The IP67 rating means full protection against water and dust. I tested it around the pool, took it to the beach, and used it outdoors — it handled splashes and sand without issues. The rubberized exterior also adds grip and durability, making it a great everyday carry speaker.
■ Battery Life & Daily Usability
JBL rates the battery at 7 hours, and in my testing with moderate volume, it delivered close to that. At maximum volume, expect closer to 5–6 hours. Its compact size makes it a throw-in-your-bag item — perfect for a day trip, picnic, or evening listening.
■ Connectivity & Ease of Use
Pairing is hassle-free. It connects to phones, tablets, and laptops within seconds. There’s no lag, and controls are simple: volume, power, and Bluetooth. There’s no companion app, which keeps things straightforward. The only downside is the missing AUX input, but most users rely on Bluetooth anyway.
Comparison Table
| Product | Battery | Waterproof | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Go 4 | Up to 7 hrs | IP67 | Budget | Travel, outdoor, daily use |
| JBL Clip 4 | Up to 10 hrs | IP67 | Mid-range | Backpacks, hiking, outdoor users |
| Soundcore Mini 3 | Up to 15 hrs | Waterproof | Budget/Mid | Indoor/outdoor loudness, long trips |
FINAL VERDICT / CONCLUSION
The JBL Go 4 is a compact, durable, and genuinely enjoyable speaker that fits easily into daily life. It’s not designed to replace larger Bluetooth speakers, but it excels as an ultra-portable option you can take anywhere without worry. If you value mobility, simplicity, and dependable sound, this speaker makes the decision easy.
Michael Grant
Laptop, Tablet & Productivity Tech Expert
I’m Michael Grant, a technology research editor focused on laptops, tablets, monitors, and productivity gadgets that genuinely help people work better.
My work centers on analyzing real user feedback, performance data, and long-term reliability reports to understand how devices perform in everyday work scenarios. Rather than diving into unnecessary technical jargon, I focus on practical details like battery consistency, typing comfort, multitasking capability, and overall value.
On NextWebSolution.shop, my goal is simple: to break down complex tech choices using research and user experiences, so you can choose tools that improve productivity without unnecessary frustration.
Michael Grant