Short answer: the Vifa City for better sound quality, the JBL Go 4 for the lower price. The Vifa City ranks #10 of 47 small speakers at $106. The JBL Go 4 ranks #25 at $39.95, $66.05 cheaper.
What the JBL Go 4 gets right: It has a little more bass than the Go 3 and JBL fixed the strange mids peak. Set against that: 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.
The case for the Vifa City: It’s quite detailed, with a balanced, controlled sound and clear vocals even at low volume rather than a bass-forward “boombox” voicing, and two units can pair for a stereo setup. The catch: there’s a dip at 1200hz, it doesn’t boost bass at low levels, the bass isn’t that deep, and it’s only rated IPX4.
Buy the JBL Go 4 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Vifa City if sound quality matters more than the price.
If battery life is a priority, the Vifa City is rated for 12 hours versus 7 hours for the JBL Go 4.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Go 4 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Vifa City at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 4 | Vifa City | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.95 | $106 |
| Ranked | #25 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #10 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~82Hz | 73Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| 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 / 300 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 78Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.7" x 3" x 1.7" (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm) | 4.1" x 1.5" (105 x 39 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 45mm | 15mm tweeter, 65mm woofer |
| Output Power | 4.2W | 78W peak |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| NFC | - | Yes |
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
Vifa City: $106 Amazon
Pros: Quite detailed. Balanced, controlled sound with clear vocals even at low volume rather than a bass-forward ‘boombox’ voicing. Two units can pair for a stereo pair.
Cons: Dip at 1200hz. Doesn’t boost bass at low levels. Not that deep of bass. Only IPX4.
Full Vifa City review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 73Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 1.5" (105 x 39 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Drivers | 15mm tweeter, 65mm woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 78Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| NFC | Yes |
| Output Power | 78W peak |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 300 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons