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JBL Go 4 vs JBL Go 3
JBL has been refreshing its portable outdoor Bluetooth speaker lineup, including the new ultra-portable Go 4. In this Go 4 vs. Go 3 article, we’ll highlight the differences between these two on-the-go speakers to let you know what’s new and improved and whether the upgrade is worth it. Let’s dive in!
Editor’s note: this article was published on July 11th, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
What’s it like to use the Go 4 compared to the Go 3?
Like the Go 3, the Go 4 retains its portability and IP67 protection rating. Weighing less than half a pound, the new Go 4 easily fits in the back pocket of your jeans. While the Go 3 was primarily wrapped in durable fabric, we see some additional rubberized silicon wrapped around the Go 4 for even more protection, which means less material to fray.
The controls are almost exactly the same; your raised playback buttons are still on top of the speakers’ enclosure, but JBL has reorganized things with the new Go 4 design. The USB-C charge port and loop attachment have been moved to the unit’s right side, and the left side of the speaker now features a recessed control panel with power, Bluetooth, and the new Auracast button. This new button allows you to connect to other Auracast speakers like the new Clip 5 and Xtreme 4.
Should you use the apps of either Go 4 or Go 3?
This is where we see the most significant upgrade with the Go 4. Unlike the Go 3, which has no software features, the Go 4 is supported by the JBL Portable app. You now have four different EQ presets to select from, along with a customizable 5-band graphic EQ so you can make your own.
The JBL Portable app will also allow you to connect another Go 4 speaker for stereo performance and offer further controls if you take advantage of the new Auracast feature. Another massive plus of app support is access to any future firmware updates.
The Go 4 connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.1, but the new Go 4 connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.3. Both speakers are SBC only.
Is battery life better on the Go 4 or Go 3?
The Go 4 improves battery life. While the JBL states the Go 3 offered only 5 hours of playback off a single charge, the company says the Go 4 can achieve 7 hours of playback. Of course, your mileage will vary depending on usage factors, like how loud you’ve been using your speaker and your EQ settings.
A quick note about the Go 4’s new “PlaytimeBoost” feature in the JBL app: it promises to extend your playback time, but it only accomplishes this by bypassing your EQ settings and cutting all low-end frequencies to save some battery. The result is a very treble-heavy sound, similar to a Podcast or Voice Enhancer EQ setting—not great.
Does the Go 4 sound better than the Go 3?
The goal of the Go series is to produce a lightweight, ultra-portable product, but the result is limited low-end response and a mid-heavy stock sound. You won’t be shaking any windows with your favorite EDM track while listening through this speaker, and instruments like a snare drum or distorted electric guitars tend to dominate the mono mix for rock music. It’s worth noting that the Go 4, like the Go 3, still offers the same 4.2W of output.
That being said, while the Go 4 and Go 3 share the same 1.75″ driver, it’s safe to say that the Go 4 sounds better, thanks to the new customizable EQ options. You can dial back the mid-range via the 5-band EQ, making for a more enjoyable listening experience with the Go 4. It’s worth experimenting with. Thanks to the new app support, you can tweak the sound of the Go 4 within a matter of seconds. You can even use it to squeeze a bit more low-end out of this little speaker, but it’ll cost you some battery life in return.
Should you get the Go 4 or Go 3?
There’s no doubt you should go for the Go 4 ($49.95 at Amazon). Companion app support alone makes this fresh design a worthy successor to the Go 3, not to mention its upgraded durability with extra silicon protection and longer battery life. For less than $50, you’ll get a fun, ultra-portable speaker you can take anywhere.
What should you get instead of the Go 4 and Go 3?
If you need something a little bigger than the Go 4 for your next outing, you’ll want to consider spending an extra $30 and snag the new JBL Clip 5 ($79.95 at Amazon). The Clip 5 offers 7W of output and 12 hours of battery life compared to the 4.2W of output and 7 hours of battery life offered by the Go 4. From battery to bass response, this slightly bigger, higher-wattage speaker delivers better overall performance while remaining portable.
To see all your options, make sure to take a look at our list of the best cheap Bluetooth speakers.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Both the JBL Go 4 and Go 3 have an ingress protection rating of IP67, which means they will survive a dunk in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes.
Yes. You can achieve this through the JBL Portable app.
Yes, both speakers will operate while charging.
No. Neither the Go 4 nor the Go 3 feature a microphone for fielding phone calls.
No. Bluetooth is your only option for connection.