Short answer: the JBL Go 4. It ranks #30 of 62 small speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $49.95; the Hopestar H54 ranks #52, rated 2.6/5, and costs $59.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JBL Go 4 is the better-sounding, lighter option. A pocket sized waterproof mini speaker with a loop for hanging and app EQ. At 0.4 lbs (190 g) it weighs much less than the Hopestar H54 at 1.1 lbs (500 g). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Hopestar H54 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Hopestar H54 lacks. The tradeoff: Not much bass at all, especially with electronic/bass-heavy tracks pushed past ~50% volume.
What the Hopestar H54 does well: A compact waterproof speaker with microSD playback, an aux input, and stereo pairing with a second unit. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Go 4 lacks. The catch: Bright treble, not much bass, harsh mids.
Buy the JBL Go 4. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Hopestar H54 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 4 | Hopestar H54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.95 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #30 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #52 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~82Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| 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) | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 15kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 3” x 1.7” (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm) | 5.5” x 4.7” x 2.8” (140 x 120 x 70 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 45mm | 52mm |
| Amplifier Power | 4.2W | 5W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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