Short answer: the JBL Clip 4 for better sound quality, the JBL Clip for the lower price. The JBL Clip 4 ranks #22 of 47 small speakers at $59.95. The JBL Clip ranks #35 at $50, $9.95 cheaper.
What the JBL Clip 4 gets right: Very light (0.4 lb) with a sturdy spring clip that attaches to bags/belts. The catch: Quite a lack of bass.
The case for the JBL Clip: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. The tradeoff: Quite a lack of bass.
Buy the JBL Clip 4 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Clip 4 is rated for 10 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Clip.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Clip 4 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 4 | JBL Clip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.95 | $50 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 239 g | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 135 x 46 mm) | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Output Power | 5W | 7W RMS |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm (1.57") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| Max Volume | 79dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Go 4
- JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Go 3
- JBL Go 4 vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Ultimate Ears Miniroll vs JBL Clip 4
- JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Clip 3
The Two Speakers In Full
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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Clip: $50 Discontinued
Pros: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Has its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, so you don’t need to carry one separately.
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Mids are a little hollow. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 7W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons


