When it comes to portable audio, the choice between the $39.99 JBL Go 4 and $119.99 Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen isn't as straightforward as their price difference might suggest. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and who they're really best for.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in the past few years. What started as tinny, unreliable devices has evolved into sophisticated audio equipment that can rival some home systems. The latest models incorporate advanced features like adaptive EQ (which automatically adjusts sound based on the speaker's position) and multi-speaker pairing for stereo sound.
Both of our contenders represent the latest in portable audio technology, with the JBL Go 4 released in early 2024 and the Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen arriving in September 2024. These aren't just minor updates – both bring significant improvements over their predecessors.
The physical difference between these speakers is striking. The JBL Go 4 is remarkably compact, measuring just 94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm and weighing 190 grams – about the same as a large smartphone. You can literally slip it into a shirt pocket. The Bose SoundLink Flex, while still portable, is considerably larger at 201.4 x 52.3 x 90.4 mm and weighs 590 grams.
This size difference isn't just about convenience – it fundamentally affects how these speakers perform and where they're best used. The JBL's ultra-compact design makes it perfect for travel and daily commuting, while the Bose's larger size allows for more powerful drivers and better bass response.
Here's where things get interesting. The JBL Go 4 uses a single 45mm driver with 4.2W RMS power output. Despite its size, JBL has managed to squeeze impressive performance from this tiny package. The frequency response ranges from 90Hz to 20kHz, which means it can reproduce most musical frequencies except for the deepest bass notes.
The Bose SoundLink Flex takes a different approach with its larger custom-designed transducer and dual passive radiators (these are like speakers that move in response to air pressure from the main speaker, enhancing bass response). The result is noticeably fuller sound, especially in the lower frequencies.
In real-world testing, the difference is clear:
Both speakers have made significant improvements in their wireless capabilities:
Battery performance is crucial for portable speakers. The JBL Go 4 offers 7-9 hours of playback, depending on volume levels. This is sufficient for most daily use cases but might need charging during extended outdoor activities.
The Bose SoundLink Flex pushes this to 12 hours, giving you more flexibility for all-day use. Both charge via USB-C, with the JBL taking about 3 hours for a full charge and the Bose slightly longer at 4 hours.
Let's break down where each speaker truly shines:
The price difference between these speakers ($80) raises an important question: Is the Bose worth three times the price of the JBL? The answer depends entirely on your needs.
The JBL Go 4 delivers remarkable value at $39.99. It's a capable speaker that handles most everyday situations well. For personal use, casual listening, and travel, it's hard to beat.
The Bose SoundLink Flex at $119.99 justifies its premium with superior sound quality, better battery life, and more advanced features. If you're planning to use it as your primary portable speaker or need something that can handle small gatherings, the investment makes sense.
Consider these factors when making your choice:
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their respective categories. The JBL Go 4 is a marvel of miniaturization, offering surprisingly good sound in an ultra-portable package. The Bose SoundLink Flex delivers superior audio quality and versatility for those willing to spend more.
For most users, the decision will come down to how they plan to use the speaker most often. If it's primarily for personal listening while traveling or working, the JBL Go 4 offers exceptional value. If you're looking for a more versatile speaker that can handle both personal listening and small gatherings with superior sound quality, the Bose SoundLink Flex is worth the premium.
| JBL Go 4 | Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment consideration | |
| $39.99 (excellent value for personal use) | $119.99 (premium pricing for better features) |
| Size & Weight - Affects true portability | |
| 94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm, 190g (pocket-sized) | 201.4 x 52.3 x 90.4 mm, 590g (bag/backpack required) |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and clarity | |
| 4.2W RMS, single 45mm driver | ~10W RMS, custom transducer with dual passive radiators |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 7-9 hours (sufficient for daily use) | 12 hours (better for all-day events) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Durability factor | |
| IP67 (fully protected) | IP67 (fully protected) |
| Bluetooth Version & Features - Connectivity quality | |
| 5.3, basic multi-speaker pairing | 5.3, multi-point connection, aptX support |
| Frequency Response - Sound range capability | |
| 90Hz - 20kHz (limited bass) | 70Hz - 20kHz (better bass response) |
| App Support & EQ - Sound customization | |
| Basic EQ via JBL Portable app | Advanced features via Bose Connect, PositionIQ technology |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| USB-C charging, stereo pairing | USB-C charging, stereo pairing, position-adaptive audio, voice assistant |
| Use Case Sweet Spot - Primary purpose | |
| Personal listening, travel, backup speaker | Small gatherings, primary portable speaker, outdoor events |
| Build Quality - Long-term durability | |
| Plastic construction, good build | Premium materials, superior construction |
| Sound Character - Audio performance | |
| Clear mids, limited bass, good for voice | Rich sound, actual bass presence, better instrument separation |
| Max Volume - Space-filling capability | |
| ~83dB (suitable for personal space) | ~90dB (fills small rooms effectively) |
| Value Proposition - Price-to-performance | |
| Excellent value for personal use | Premium price justified by superior audio and features |
The $119.99 Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen offers better overall sound quality and features, while the $39.99 JBL Go 4 provides better value for personal use. The Bose delivers fuller sound with better bass, while the JBL excels as an ultra-portable option.
The JBL Go 4 costs $39.99, while the Bose SoundLink Flex is priced at $119.99, making it $80 more expensive. This price difference reflects the Bose's superior sound quality and additional features.
While neither speaker is designed specifically for home theater use, the Bose SoundLink Flex can serve as a decent temporary solution for small spaces due to its fuller sound and better bass response. The JBL Go 4 is too small for home theater applications.
The Bose SoundLink Flex delivers significantly better sound quality with fuller bass and clearer instrument separation. The JBL Go 4 provides good sound for its size but can't match the Bose's audio performance.
The JBL Go 4 is significantly more portable at just 190g and pocket-sized dimensions. The Bose SoundLink Flex is still portable but larger at 590g and requires a bag or backpack to carry.
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers 12 hours of battery life compared to 7-9 hours for the JBL Go 4. Both charge via USB-C, with the JBL charging slightly faster.
Both the JBL Go 4 and Bose SoundLink Flex support stereo pairing with a second identical speaker. However, they can't be paired with different models or brands.
Yes, both the JBL Go 4 and Bose SoundLink Flex have IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, making them fully protected against water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for outdoor gatherings due to its louder volume and better sound projection. The JBL Go 4 is better for personal outdoor listening like hiking or beach visits where portability is key.
Both speakers have built-in microphones, but the Bose SoundLink Flex offers better call quality with clearer voice pickup. The JBL Go 4 works for calls but isn't optimized for this use.
Both speakers have companion apps, but the Bose Connect app for the SoundLink Flex offers more features including PositionIQ technology. The JBL Portable app for the Go 4 provides basic EQ adjustments and firmware updates.
The JBL Go 4 offers better value for personal use and travel at $39.99. However, if sound quality is your priority and you'll use it frequently for small gatherings, the Bose SoundLink Flex justifies its higher price with superior performance and features.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - corporategift.com - jbl.com - target.com - dell.com - projectorscreen.com - mm.jbl.com - techradar.com - worldwidestereo.com - bose.com - howtogeek.com - bose.com - crutchfield.com - visions.ca - pcrichard.com - staples.com - rtings.com - bose.com - soundguys.com
