Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 on measured sound quality, the JBL Go 4 on price. The Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 62 small speakers, the Go 4 ranks #30, and the Soundlink Micro 2 costs $79.05 more.
Neither speaker is genuinely clean, but the Go 4’s problems are more fundamental. Our notes credit it with a little more bass than the Go 3 and note JBL fixed the strange mids peak from that model, but say there’s still not much bass at all, especially with electronic or bass-heavy tracks pushed past about half volume. The midrange can sound grainy with sizzle in the treble that loses clarity at higher volumes.
The Soundlink Micro 2 has genuine upgrades alongside its own coloration issues. Our notes point to an IP67 rating that survives a 1-meter dunk for 30 minutes, a compact fabric strap replacing the first-gen’s hook clip that was prone to breaking, USB-C charging, and surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike. But it lacks clarity, its bass is overly boosted enough to cause thudding and can overdrive at higher volumes, worse in this regard than the first-gen model, and its treble is also overly boosted, meaning both ends need to be turned down in the EQ. It also falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
A few spec differences stand out: the Soundlink Micro 2 adds AAC and aptX Bluetooth codec support where the Go 4 is SBC only, and it runs a longer 12 hour battery against the Go 4’s 7 hours, though the Go 4 is lighter and includes a built-in microphone the Soundlink Micro 2 lacks.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality and battery life matter more than price, but plan on EQing down both bass and treble.
Buy the JBL Go 4 if the lower price matters more, and you can live with thin bass and some midrange grain.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 4 | Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.95 | $129.00 |
| Ranked | #30 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 62 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 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (190 g) | 0.7 lbs (329 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Amplifier Power | 4.2W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in strap) |
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