JBL Go 4 Review: Tiny, Waterproof and Better Than the Go 3?

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The JBL Go 4 is one of the smallest speakers JBL makes, and one of the best-selling Bluetooth speakers on Amazon. It fits in your palm, survives a dunk in the pool, and adds features its predecessor never had, like multipoint pairing and Auracast multi-speaker support.

But a speaker this small has real limits. Here is what the Go 4 does well, where it falls short, and who should buy it.

Note: this review is based on JBL’s official specifications, retailer listings and published third-party reviews. We have not run our own lab measurements.

Quick Verdict

Best for: anyone who wants a tiny, tough, inexpensive speaker for the shower, a desk, a bike ride or a backpack, especially as a gift.

Skip it if: you want deep bass, room-filling volume or all-day battery life. A larger speaker such as the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is a better fit.

JBL Go 4 Specifications

Design: Truly Pocketable

At 3.7 x 3.0 x 1.7 inches and 6.7 oz, the Go 4 is about the size of a deck of cards that grew a little. The redesigned integrated loop lets you hang it from a backpack strap, a shower caddy or a bike handlebar, and the fabric grille and rubberized body come in a wide range of bright colors. JBL also uses post-consumer recycled plastic and fabric in its construction.

The IP67 rating means it is dustproof and can handle being submerged, so the beach, the pool and the shower are all fair game.

Sound: Big for Its Size, Small in Absolute Terms

JBL’s Pro Sound tuning gives the Go 4 a lively, punchy character, and reviewers consistently say it sounds fuller than its size suggests. Voices and podcasts are clear, and it is plenty loud for a bathroom, a desk or a small group sitting close by.

Physics still applies. With a single 4.2 W driver and a low-end limit of 90 Hz, there is no real deep bass, and it plays in mono. Outdoors or across a large room, the sound gets thin quickly. If you want stereo, the simplest upgrade is pairing two Go 4s.

Battery Life

JBL rates the Go 4 at up to 7 hours, and Playtime Boost can stretch that by up to 2 more hours by adjusting the sound to save power. That is an improvement over the Go 3 but still modest; expect a long afternoon rather than a full weekend. It charges over USB-C in about 3 hours.

What’s New vs the JBL Go 3

• Longer battery life with Playtime Boost
• Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, so two phones can stay connected
• Stereo pairing and Auracast for linking multiple speakers
• Redesigned integrated loop and new colors

Who Should Buy the JBL Go 4

• Shower and bathroom listeners who want waterproof music
• Cyclists, hikers and travelers who count every ounce
• Kids and teens who need something durable and simple
• Gift shoppers looking for a reliable brand at an entry price

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely compact and light at 6.7 oz
• IP67 waterproof and dustproof
• Lively, clear sound for its size
• Multipoint, stereo pairing and Auracast support
• USB-C charging and many color options

Cons

• Mono sound with limited bass
• Not loud enough for outdoor parties
• 7-hour battery is short compared with larger speakers
• No speakerphone microphone listed by JBL

Final Verdict

The JBL Go 4 is exactly what it promises to be: a tiny, tough, fun speaker that goes anywhere. The upgrades over the Go 3, especially multipoint, longer battery and multi-speaker support, make it the best version yet. Just keep expectations realistic: it is a personal speaker, not a party speaker.

Check the current price of the JBL Go 4 on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the JBL Go 4 waterproof?

Yes. It is rated IP67, so it is dustproof and can survive being submerged in water.

How long does the JBL Go 4 battery last?

Up to 7 hours, plus up to 2 more hours with Playtime Boost.

Can you pair two JBL Go 4 speakers?

Yes. Two Go 4s can play in stereo, and it can also connect with other Auracast-enabled JBL speakers.

Does the JBL Go 4 have a microphone?

JBL does not list a speakerphone microphone, so do not plan to use it for calls.

Is the JBL Go 4 loud?

It is loud for its size and fine for small rooms, but its 4.2 W output is not designed for large outdoor spaces.