JBL Go 4
Score: 75/100
JBL Clip 5
Score: 81/100Rankings
The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable speaker with a built-in carabiner, IP67 protection and up to 15 hours of playback. Its small size limits maximum volume and it lacks a built-in microphone for calls. Best suited for hikers and travelers needing rugged, hands-free audio on the go.
The JBL Go 4 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker delivering big-sound performance and robust IP67 durability in a palm-sized body with Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast for flexible multi-speaker setups. Its limited volume and absence of a built-in microphone are trade-offs. Suited for travelers and casual listeners needing a compact, durable speaker.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
7 hours | 15 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 190 gbest | 285 g |
45 mmbest | 45 mmbest | |
850 mAh | 1,400 mAhbest | |
4.2 W | 7 Wbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 180 minutesbest | 180 minutesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 7 hours | 15 hours |
Battery Capacity (mAh) | 850 mAh | 1400 mAh |
Audio(2) | ||
Output Power (W) | 4.2 W | 7 W |
Frequency Response (Hz) | 90 Hz – 20 kHz Hz | 95-20000 Hz Hz |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 190 g | 285 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 76.2×43.2×94.0 mm mm | 134.6×45.7×86.4 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently commend the JBL Go 4 for delivering big-sound performance and robust IP67 durability in an ultra-compact package. They emphasize the value of Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast for flexible multi-speaker setups, while noting that the audio output, though impressive for size, is not meant for large-area coverage.
Everyday users love the speaker's portability, ruggedness, and balanced sound, especially for personal listening at the beach, pool, or shower. Common criticisms focus on limited volume for bigger spaces and occasional wear on the rubber buttons after heavy use.
Professional reviewers and editors are not directly quoted in the available data, but product pages emphasize the Clip 5’s "big JBL Pro Sound" in a tiny form factor, its IP67 ruggedness for outdoor use, and versatile Auracast pairing. The narrative positions the speaker as ideal for portability over raw power, highlighting its carabiner and extended battery life as key differentiators.
Everyday users praise the Clip 5 for its remarkable versatility, noting the impressive sound quality in a travel-friendly package and the convenience of the carabiner for on-the-go listening. Common themes include appreciation for the waterproof rating, solid bass for its size, and the long battery life, while few complaints are recorded.
