Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Go 4 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers at $99.99. The JBL Go 4 ranks #25 at $39.95, $60.04 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Go 4: It has a little more bass than the Go 3 and JBL fixed the strange mids peak. The catch: there’s still not much bass at all, especially with electronic or bass-heavy tracks pushed past about 50% volume, and the midrange can sound grainy with a bit of sizzle in the treble that loses clarity at higher volumes.
What the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 gets right: It’s IP67 rated and survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes, has a compact fabric strap for clipping to bags or bikes that replaces the first-gen’s hook clip (which was prone to breaking), charges via USB-C, and delivers surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike. Set against that: it lacks clarity, the bass is overly boosted enough to cause thudding and can overdrive or distort at higher volumes (worse in this regard than the first-gen model), the treble is overly boosted so bass and treble need to be turned down in the EQ, and it falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Buy the JBL Go 4 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality matters more than the price.
If battery life is a priority, the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 is rated for 12 hours versus 7 hours for the JBL Go 4.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 4 | Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.95 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #25 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~82Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 190 g | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.7" x 3" x 1.7" (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm) | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Drivers | 45mm | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| Output Power | 4.2W | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
| 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Compact fabric strap for clipping to bags/bikes - replaces the 1st-gen’s hook clip, which was prone to breaking. USB-C charging. Surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass that causes some thudding, and can overdrive/distort at higher volumes - worse in this regard than the 1st-gen model. Overly boosted treble, turn down bass and treble in the EQ. Falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons