Short answer: the PocketGo. These rank #27 and #25 out of 47 small portable speakers, at $22.99 and $39.95, and the cheaper one also wins on nearly every spec.
Battery life isn’t close. The PocketGo is rated for 20 hours against the Go 4’s 7 - nearly three times the runtime - and it costs less too. It also carries an IP68 rating against the Go 4’s IP67, and adds a microSD slot the Go 4 doesn’t have.
The Go 4’s own notes aren’t kind to it. Bass thins out fast on bass-heavy tracks past about half volume, and the midrange can sound grainy with sizzly treble at higher levels - the kind of small-speaker compromises the PocketGo’s fuller low end is built to avoid.
Both are pocket-sized, USB-C charged, and app-controlled with basic EQ options.
Buy the PocketGo. It’s cheaper, lasts longer, and doesn’t inherit the Go 4’s specific bass and clarity complaints.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit PocketGo is rated for 20 hours versus 7 hours for the JBL Go 4.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit PocketGo | JBL Go 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22.99 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Output Power | 7W | 4.2W |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 90Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver | 45mm |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g | 0.4 lbs / 190 g |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) | 3.7" x 3" x 1.7" (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Tribit app) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Discontinued | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~82Hz |
The Two Speakers In Full
Tribit PocketGo: $22.99 Amazon
Pros: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. Costs about half the price of the JBL Go 5. Can stand, hang from its loop, or lay flat on its feet for flexible placement. About on par with the Soundcore Select 4 Go, and a touch louder at lower volumes. App support with signature EQ and customization.
Cons: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class. JBL Go 5 has better build quality plus lightshow, Auracast, and AirTouch. Loses more bass than the Soundcore Select 4 Go at maximum volume. Slightly nasal quality to the sound.
Full Tribit PocketGo review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Tribit app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Go 5
- Tribit PocketGo vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Clip 5
- Tribit PocketGo vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Tribit PocketGo vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- Tribit PocketGo vs Marshall Willen II
- Tribit PocketGo vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Tribit PocketGo vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
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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
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 12, 2026 at 5:33 PM UTC 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.