Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro for better sound quality, the JBL Clip 4 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro ranks #19 of 47 small speakers at $90. The JBL Clip 4 ranks #22 at $59.95, $30.05 cheaper.
On the Bose Soundlink Micro side: Rugged rubberized coating, IP67 rated (1m submersion for 30 minutes). Set against that: Lack of clarity.
What the JBL Clip 4 offers: Very light (0.4 lb) with a sturdy spring clip that attaches to bags/belts. Watch for: Quite a lack of bass.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip 4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro | JBL Clip 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90.00 | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #19 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | 80Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms | - |
| Max Volume | 90dB | 79dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 289 g | 0.5 lbs / 239 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.4" (98 x 98 x 35 mm) | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 135 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators | 1x 40mm (1.57") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Output Power | 5W | 5W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro: $90.00 Amazon
Pros: Rugged rubberized coating, IP67 rated (1m submersion for 30 minutes). Very compact and pocketable at 0.68 lb.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass
Full Bose Soundlink Micro review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.4" (98 x 98 x 35 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 90dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 289 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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JBL Clip 4: $59.95 Amazon
Pros: Very light (0.4 lb) with a sturdy spring clip that attaches to bags/belts. Real-world battery life often beats the 10-hour rating.
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Not very loud.
Full JBL Clip 4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 135 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm (1.57") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 79dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 239 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Danny Pops: MICRO SPEAKERS - my take on JBL Clip 4 VS Wonderboom 2 VS Bose Micro
- Gi Rides: Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 4 - sound battle
- Storytripper HD: JBL Clip 4 vs B&O A1 2nd vs Klipsch Austin
- CEONTHEMAKING: BATTLE Of The Compact Speakers Sony SRS-XB100 VS JBL Clip 4!
- Sis & Bro: Muzen Mini Wild Portable vs JBL Clip 4 - Bluetooth Speaker Review
- Reddit Search for JBL Clip 4 Review
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