First Impressions: Compact Design and Build Quality
The JBL Go 4 immediately caught my attention for its compact and robust design. Its small size, paired with the sturdy build, makes it perfect for travel or casual use. The packaging felt premium and well-thought-out, reflecting JBL’s commitment to quality. Straight out of the box, you get the speaker, a USB-C charging cable, and some documentation, including a quick start guide. The addition of the carabiner strap, shown in the images, is a thoughtful touch for portability. It’s evident that JBL has focused on making this speaker not just functional but also extremely practical.
Build Quality and Portability
Examining the speaker itself, the texture feels rugged yet sleek, giving it a solid grip that makes it less prone to slipping. The buttons are tactile and easy to press, even when you’re on the move. I particularly loved how the controls are intuitive and well-placed on the side. The looped strap is durable and adds a lot of utility, especially when hanging it from a backpack or a bicycle handle.
One thing that stood out to me is its water and dustproof capability, rated at IP67. Although I haven’t fully submerged it in water, I tested it under a light drizzle, and it worked flawlessly. It’s reassuring to know that it can handle outdoor adventures with ease.
Performance: Sound Quality and Connectivity
Now, the most crucial aspect of any speaker: the sound quality. For such a small device, the JBL Go 4 delivers a surprisingly loud and clear sound. I tested it in both indoor and outdoor settings. Indoors, it fills up a small room effortlessly with crisp highs and decent mids. Outdoors, it holds its ground, although the bass isn’t as deep as you’d expect from a larger speaker. For its size, though, the bass is respectable and doesn’t distort at high volumes.
The Bluetooth connectivity is seamless. Pairing it with my smartphone took only a few seconds, and the connection remained stable up to a range of about 30 feet. I also appreciate the addition of the USB-C charging port for faster and more efficient charging. It’s a much-needed upgrade from older micro-USB ports.
Battery Life
The battery life is decent but not groundbreaking. JBL claims up to 5 hours of playback, and in my experience, I managed just under 5 hours at 70% volume. This is adequate for short outings or casual use, but if you’re planning a full day of activity, you’ll likely need to recharge it. Thankfully, the charging process is quick, and the USB-C cable provided works efficiently.
Pros
- Portability: Its compact size and lightweight design make it extremely travel-friendly. The strap adds another layer of convenience for on-the-go users.
- Durability: The IP67 rating ensures it’s resistant to both water and dust, perfect for outdoor use.
- Sound Quality: For its size, the sound is clear, with a good balance of highs and mids. The bass, while not overpowering, is satisfying for casual listening.
- Build Quality: The textured design feels premium and is easy to handle.
- Connectivity: Stable Bluetooth connection and USB-C charging are major pluses.
Cons
- Bass Depth: While the sound quality is generally good, bass enthusiasts might find it lacking.
- Battery Life: At just under 5 hours, it’s sufficient for short trips but could have been better for all-day use.
- Volume Range: It’s loud enough for small gatherings but not designed to entertain a large outdoor crowd.
Final Thoughts
The JBL Go 4 is an excellent companion for anyone looking for a small, portable, and reliable speaker. Its sleek design, durable build, and waterproof capabilities make it ideal for casual use, whether indoors or outdoors. While it may not satisfy audiophiles looking for deep bass, it performs exceptionally well within its size category. For its price, it’s hard to find a competitor that balances portability, durability, and sound quality as effectively as this little powerhouse does.
