194 grams light and small enough to fit in one hand: The new JBL Go 4 is the smallest Bluetooth speaker in the Harman subsidiary’s line-up. But you won’t necessarily notice this in the sound of the fourth edition, as our test reveals.
Technical data
| The product | Go 4 |
| Power output | 4.2 watts |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 |
| Connections | USB-C (charging port) |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Battery capacity | unknown |
| Battery life | up to 7 hours |
| Special features | IP67 certification, Auracast |
| Size | 94 mm x 78 mm x 42 mm |
| Weight | 194 gamm |
| Scope of delivery | Go 4; charging cable (USB-A to USB-C); quick start guide |
| Price | € 49.99 * |
JBL Go 4 test: Small but powerful
- Small and light
- classy look
- Robust, impeccable workmanship
The JBL Go 4 is a really tiny Bluetooth speaker. The design shows nuanced changes compared to its direct predecessor. It is encased in a robust mesh fabric that not only looks stylish, but is also excellently manufactured.
At the front, this merges into the manufacturer’s logo, which is rubberized and has orange accents. Rubberized plastic takes up a large part of the Go 4’s housing anyway, which has wide surfaces on the underside and at the back and can therefore be used either standing up or lying down.
The basic controls are located on the top and left side, while a small carrying strap is located on the top right. Below this is the USB-C port to supply the Go 4 with power. The build quality is excellent and leaves nothing to be desired. The speaker is also protected against the ingress of water in accordance with IP67.
Operation, app and battery life
- Simple, clear operation
- Generous buttons; weak app
- 7 hours of battery life
The JBL Go 4 is easy and convenient to operate using the large buttons on the top. There is a button for playing and pausing, as well as one each for turning the volume up and down.
Three more buttons can be found on the left-hand side. In addition to the power button, you will also find the Bluetooth pairing button and the Auracast button. An innovation that we have already seen in other new JBL devices. Auracast makes it possible to connect two Go 4s wirelessly as a stereo pair or to pair them with other JBL speakers with this feature to expand the sound.
Alternatively, you can use the JBL Portable app, although this is not mandatory. After all, apart from the equalizer – also available as a custom 5-band EQ on request – the app’s range of functions is extremely limited.
Another interesting feature is the PlaytimeBoost, which extends battery life and enhances the sound. However, this is noticeably at the expense of audio quality and is hardly recommended.
The battery life has also been boosted compared to its predecessor, but it is still not really great. Nevertheless, the Go 4 now lasts up to seven hours instead of just five. At high volume levels, it ends earlier. But that’s not surprising considering the compact dimensions. Charging via USB-C is pleasantly fast.
Sound quality of the JBL Go 4
- 4.2 watts of power
- Pleasantly lively sound
- Equalizer available
The JBL Go 4, like its predecessor, has a maximum output of 4.2 watts, which is quite a feat considering the size of the housing. The Go 3 already enjoyed enormous popularity with its rich, lively sound, but a lot has been done again with the new edition.
The frequency response has been extended, while the sound is now noticeably more balanced. The new version scores with more bass and additional detail in the mid-range. To notice this, however, you need to adjust the volume above the 70 percent mark. Below that, the Go 4 swallows up quite a lot of detail.
Above that, however, the handy Bluetooth speaker offers a full, fun sound – in keeping with its size, of course. On the other hand, it doesn’t reproduce the high tones and vocals quite as clearly as its direct predecessor – however, the equalizer can be used to get much more out of it.
The JBL Go 4 sounds really good for its compact dimensions, but a larger speaker such as the Sony ULT Field 1 (our test) sounds noticeably more detailed and lively.
JBL Go 4 test: Conclusion
If you’re looking for a good-sounding Bluetooth speaker in a pocket-sized format, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for with the JBL Go 4. The small speaker offers an appealing design, is extremely robust (and waterproof) and sounds well above its size – but you shouldn’t expect miracles. Larger speakers sound far better.
There’s not much to criticize. The battery life is a little poor, the app is rather useless and, apart from Auracast, you’ll also be looking in vain for special functions. But apart from that, the Go 4 hardly gives any cause for criticism.
JBL Go 4
Workmanship
Usability
Sound quality
Features
Value For Money
84/100
Tiny and robust Bluetooth speaker with convincing sound for its size and impeccable operation, but meager battery life.
