Bose SoundLink Color II
Score: 71/100
JBL Clip 4
Score: 72/100Rankings
The JBL Clip 4 is an ultra-portable speaker with a built-in carabiner, IP67 protection, and a built-in mic, providing up to 10 hours of playtime in a lightweight 240 g package. Its modest 5 W output and limited bass restrict it to personal listening. Perfect for travelers and commuters needing a clip-on speaker.
The Bose SoundLink Color II is a compact, splash-resistant speaker featuring NFC pairing, built-in mic, and low-latency Bluetooth. Its shallow bass, modest volume, and limited 8-hour battery life constrain its use in larger settings. Suited for casual listeners who value portability and quick pairing.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8 hours | 10 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 540 g | 240 gbest |
— | 5 Wbest | |
9 mbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 180 minutesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 8 hours | 10 hours |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 540 g | 240 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 133×127×57 mm mm | 135 x 86 x 46 mm mm |
IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the SoundLink Color II for its pocket-size portability, robust Bluetooth performance with low latency, and rugged IPX4 silicone build. However, they consistently note that the acoustic performance is average, with weak bass extension, rolled-off treble and limited SPL, making it less suitable for listeners who prioritize deep, powerful sound.
Everyday users love how easy it is to toss the speaker into a bag and take it to the pool or gym, praising its splash resistance, simple controls and reliable Bluetooth. The most common criticisms revolve around thin bass, muted mids/treble and occasional pairing glitches, especially when trying to use multiple devices.
Professional commentary emphasizes that the Clip 5 packs a surprising amount of power and bass for its size, thanks to its 7 W RMS output and upgraded Bluetooth 5.3. However, reviewers also point out audio shortcomings such as thin mids, limited bass depth, and the lack of any equalizer or stereo-pairing options, positioning the speaker as a solid portable option but not a high-fidelity solution.
