Short answer: the Anker Soundcore Mini. It ranks #13 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $30; the JBL Go 4 ranks #25 and costs $39.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Anker Soundcore Mini gets right: Has an FM tuner, aux input and MicroSD. Quite cheap. Watch for: Not quite as deep of bass as higher ranked speakers. No waterproofing.
The case for the JBL Go 4: A little more bass than the Go 3 and they fixed the strange mids peak. The catch: Not much bass at all, especially with electronic/bass-heavy tracks pushed past ~50% volume.
Buy the Anker Soundcore Mini. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Go 4 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Anker Soundcore Mini is rated for 15 hours versus 7 hours for the JBL Go 4.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Go 4 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Anker Soundcore Mini at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Anker Soundcore Mini | JBL Go 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #13 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 200 g | 0.4 lbs / 190 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 5.3 |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Output Power | 5W | 4.2W |
| Dimensions | 3.7" x 3.6" x 3.6" (94 x 92 x 91 mm) | 3.7" x 3" x 1.7" (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2" (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 45mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~82Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Anker Soundcore Mini: $30 Amazon
Pros: Has an FM tuner, aux input and MicroSD. Quite cheap
Cons: Not quite as deep of bass as higher ranked speakers. No waterproofing
Full Anker Soundcore Mini review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.7" x 3.6" x 3.6" (94 x 92 x 91 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2" (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 200 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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JBL Go 4: $39.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: A little more bass than the Go 3 and they fixed the strange mids peak.
Cons: Not much bass at all, especially with electronic/bass-heavy tracks pushed past ~50% volume. Midrange can sound grainy and treble a bit sizzly; loses clarity at higher volumes.
Full JBL Go 4 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~82Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.7" x 3" x 1.7" (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 45mm |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 4.2W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 190 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Stereo Specs: JBL GO 4 vs JBL GO 3 : Is there more bass or not?Unboxing,Features,Specs,Sound Test & Comparison !
- StereoSpecs: JBL GO 4 vs JBL GO 3 : Worth the upgrade?
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Go 4 - first impressions (how to waste your money)
- Storytripper HD: JBL GO 4 vs TRIBIT MICRO 2 vs KLIPSCH AUSTIN vs SONY SRS-XB100
- GYMCADDY: Soundcore Select 4 Go Vs JBL Clip 5 And JBL Go 4
- Reddit Search for JBL Go 4 Review
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