When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the new JBL Go 4 ($49.95) and Bose SoundLink Flex ($119.99) represent two different approaches to solving the same problem: delivering great sound on the go. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly in recent years, with major improvements in battery life, durability, and sound quality. The biggest advances have been in digital signal processing (which helps small speakers produce better bass) and waterproofing technology.
The SoundLink Flex was released in late 2021 and introduced Bose's PositionIQ technology, which automatically adjusts audio equalization based on the speaker's orientation. The JBL Go 4, scheduled for release in June 2024, brings Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support - a significant upgrade that enables better sound quality and more efficient battery use compared to older Bluetooth versions.
Despite its tiny size, the Go 4's 45mm driver and 4.2W output deliver surprisingly punchy audio. The speaker uses a front-firing driver combined with a passive radiator (a special type of speaker component that helps produce better bass without requiring additional power). While it won't shake your walls, the sound is clear and well-balanced for personal listening.
The new Bluetooth 5.3 implementation allows for better wireless audio quality through more efficient data transmission. This means you're getting cleaner sound with less possibility of dropouts compared to older Bluetooth speakers.
The SoundLink Flex takes a different approach, using larger drivers and more powerful amplification to produce fuller sound with noticeably better bass response. The PositionIQ technology is particularly clever - if you set the speaker upright, lay it flat, or hang it from its loop, it automatically adjusts the sound to maintain optimal audio quality.
Having tested both speakers, the SoundLink Flex produces fuller, richer audio that fills a room more effectively. However, the Go 4's sound is remarkably good for its size and price point.
Battery technology has seen significant improvements in recent years, particularly in charge management and efficiency. The JBL Go 4 offers 7 hours of playback, with an additional 2 hours possible using its "Playtime Boost" feature (which optimizes performance for longer battery life at the expense of maximum volume).
The SoundLink Flex provides 12 hours of playback, making it more suitable for all-day use. Both speakers use USB-C charging, with the Go 4 taking about 3 hours for a full charge and the Flex requiring approximately 4 hours.
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, which means they're:
The SoundLink Flex adds flotation capability, which could be handy for pool use. The Go 4 compensates with a more impact-resistant design thanks to its rubber housing.
The Go 4's Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support is particularly noteworthy as it enables:
The SoundLink Flex uses Bluetooth 4.2, which is still reliable but lacks these newer features. However, it does offer multi-point pairing, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly.
Here's where the differences become stark:
The Go 4's smaller size makes it incredibly versatile - it fits in a pocket or small bag easily. The SoundLink Flex requires more space but delivers substantially more volume and bass in return.
At $49.95, the JBL Go 4 delivers exceptional value, especially considering its modern features and solid build quality. The SoundLink Flex at $119.99 represents a different value proposition - you're paying for superior sound quality, longer battery life, and Bose's reputation for audio excellence.
For personal desktop use or casual listening while working, the Go 4's compact size and clear sound make it an excellent choice. Its smaller footprint is perfect for cramped desks or small spaces.
The SoundLink Flex excels here with its louder volume and better bass response. Its ability to float and longer battery life make it ideal for beach trips or pool parties.
While neither speaker is designed to replace a proper home theater system, the SoundLink Flex can serve as a decent bathroom or kitchen speaker due to its fuller sound and better volume capabilities. The Go 4 is better suited for personal listening in these scenarios.
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
The JBL Go 4 and Bose SoundLink Flex represent different approaches to portable audio. The Go 4 emphasizes ultimate portability and modern features at an accessible price point, while the SoundLink Flex focuses on delivering superior sound quality and battery life for those willing to carry a larger device.
For personal use and maximum portability, the Go 4's combination of features, size, and price make it hard to beat. However, if you're often sharing your music with others or want the best possible sound quality in a portable package, the SoundLink Flex's additional investment will be worthwhile.
Both speakers showcase how far portable audio technology has come, offering features and sound quality that would have been impossible in this form factor just a few years ago. Your choice ultimately depends on how you plan to use the speaker and what aspects of performance matter most to you.
| JBL Go 4 | Bose SoundLink Flex |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $49.95 (excellent value for personal use) | $119.99 (premium pricing reflects larger size/better sound) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and carrying options | |
| 94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2mm, 190g (pocket-friendly) | 201 x 52 x 93mm, 590g (requires bag/larger pocket) |
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound fullness | |
| 4.2W RMS (sufficient for personal listening) | Not specified, but notably more powerful |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use sessions | |
| 7 hours (9 with Playtime Boost) | 12 hours (better for all-day use) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects range and connection stability | |
| 5.3 with LE Audio (latest tech, better range) | 4.2 (older but reliable) |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof) | IP67 (waterproof and floats) |
| Special Features - Unique capabilities that add value | |
| Auracast multi-speaker sync, Playtime Boost | PositionIQ auto sound adjustment, Multi-point pairing |
| Charging - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C, 3 hours to full | USB-C, 4 hours to full |
| Sound Quality Focus - Key performance characteristics | |
| Clear mids and highs, limited bass | Fuller range with strong bass response |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended application | |
| Personal listening, travel, desktop audio | Small gatherings, outdoor events, room-filling sound |
The Bose SoundLink Flex ($119.99) is better suited for home theater use due to its fuller sound and stronger bass response. However, neither speaker is designed to replace proper home theater speakers. If you need a small speaker for watching TV in a bathroom or kitchen, the SoundLink Flex is the better choice over the JBL Go 4 ($49.95).
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers 12 hours of playback compared to 7-9 hours for the JBL Go 4. For all-day listening, the SoundLink Flex is the better choice.
Yes, both the JBL Go 4 and Bose SoundLink Flex have IP67 waterproof ratings. The SoundLink Flex has the advantage of floating in water and producing louder volume for outdoor spaces.
The JBL Go 4 is significantly more portable at 190g and pocket-sized dimensions (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2mm), while the SoundLink Flex is larger and heavier at 590g.
The JBL Go 4 costs $49.95, while the Bose SoundLink Flex is priced at $119.99 - a $70 difference that reflects the Flex's larger size and better sound quality.
The Bose SoundLink Flex delivers superior sound quality with better bass response and fuller overall sound. The JBL Go 4 offers good sound for its size but can't match the Flex's audio performance.
While both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capabilities, the Bose SoundLink Flex is better suited due to its superior sound quality. However, for proper TV audio, a dedicated soundbar or home theater system is recommended.
The JBL Go 4 is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and clear sound at close range. The SoundLink Flex might be overkill for very small spaces.
Both speakers can work with your phone's voice assistants (Siri or Google Assistant), but neither has built-in voice assistant capabilities.
The JBL Go 4 features newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology for better streaming quality, while the SoundLink Flex uses Bluetooth 4.2 but compensates with superior speaker drivers and sound quality.
Both speakers have built-in microphones and can be used for calls, but the Bose SoundLink Flex generally provides better call quality due to its superior speakers and microphone performance.
The JBL Go 4 offers excellent value at $49.95 for personal use, while the Bose SoundLink Flex at $119.99 justifies its higher price with significantly better sound quality and battery life.
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 - bose.com - bose.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - projectorscreen.com - assets.bose.com - boselatam.com - adorama.com - bose.com
