Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential accessories for many of us, serving everything from shower soundtracks to backyard parties. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the ultra-compact JBL Go 4 ($39.99) and the premium Bose SoundLink Max ($299.99).
Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly in recent years, with improvements in battery life, sound quality, and durability becoming standard features. Both of these speakers represent different approaches to portable audio, with the JBL Go 4 launching in early 2024 as a refresh to their popular compact line, while the Bose SoundLink Max represents their premium portable offering.
The difference in size between these speakers is striking. The JBL Go 4 is genuinely pocket-sized at just 3.7 x 3.0 x 1.7 inches and weighing less than half a pound. It's the kind of speaker you can toss in a jacket pocket or small bag without a second thought. In contrast, the Bose SoundLink Max, at 10.4 x 4.7 x 4.1 inches and nearly 5 pounds, requires more deliberate packing.
This size difference directly impacts their use cases. The Go 4 is perfect for travel, commuting, or moving from room to room. The SoundLink Max, while still portable, is better suited as a semi-permanent fixture that occasionally moves to the patio or different rooms.
Here's where the price and size differences really show their impact. The Go 4 uses a single 45mm driver (about 1.75 inches) with a power output of 4.2W RMS (Root Mean Square, a measure of continuous power output). For its size, it produces remarkably clear audio, especially in the mid-range where vocals and most instruments sit.
The SoundLink Max, with its larger chassis, employs multiple drivers and passive radiators (speakers that enhance bass response without requiring power). This configuration allows for true stereo separation and significantly more powerful bass response. While the Go 4 can fill a small room, the SoundLink Max can easily handle larger spaces and outdoor areas.
Both speakers support modern Bluetooth codecs, but the SoundLink Max includes support for aptX Adaptive, a high-quality codec that can adjust its bitrate based on connection quality. This means better sound quality when conditions are good, and fewer dropouts when they're not.
The Go 4 includes JBL's latest PartyBoost feature, allowing you to connect multiple compatible speakers for stereo or synchronized playback. The SoundLink Max offers similar functionality through Bose's SimpleSync technology, though it's currently limited to connecting with other Bose products.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, but physics still dictates that larger devices can hold bigger batteries. The Go 4's 7-hour battery life is respectable for its size, while the SoundLink Max's 20-hour runtime reflects its larger capacity.
Both speakers use USB-C for charging, but the SoundLink Max adds the ability to charge other devices, effectively serving as a power bank in a pinch. The Go 4 charges in about 3 hours, while the SoundLink Max takes around 5 hours for a full charge.
The JBL Go 4 boasts an IP67 rating, meaning it's fully dustproof and can survive submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for pool parties or beach trips. The SoundLink Max, while water-resistant, isn't quite as rugged, though its aluminum and rubber construction feels more premium.
Both speakers offer companion apps, but they serve different purposes. The JBL Portable app provides basic EQ adjustments and firmware updates. Bose's app offers more sophisticated features, including multi-room audio setup and customizable sound profiles.
At $39.99, the JBL Go 4 delivers impressive value, especially considering its durability and sound quality relative to its size. The SoundLink Max at $299.99 requires more justification, but its superior sound quality, battery life, and versatility make it a reasonable investment for those who will use it frequently.
In testing, the Go 4 surprises with its clarity and volume capability. It handles most music genres well, though bass-heavy tracks reveal its physical limitations. The SoundLink Max, however, maintains composure even at high volumes, with bass you can feel and crisp highs that don't become harsh.
For home theater use, the SoundLink Max can serve as a decent temporary solution, though its Bluetooth-only connection means you'll experience some audio delay. The Go 4 isn't really suited for this use case due to its size and mono output.
Consider your primary use case:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases, but they're designed for different audiences. The Go 4 is perfect for those wanting good sound in an ultra-portable package, while the SoundLink Max serves as a more serious audio solution that happens to be portable.
The Go 4 represents JBL's latest iteration in their compact speaker line, with improvements in sound quality, battery life, and durability over its predecessor. The SoundLink Max builds on Bose's reputation for quality sound, incorporating modern features like USB-C charging and advanced Bluetooth codecs.
Whether you choose the budget-friendly JBL Go 4 or the premium Bose SoundLink Max, both speakers represent solid choices in their respective categories. The key is matching your choice to your specific needs and use cases.
| JBL Go 4 | Bose SoundLink Max |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and convenience | |
| 3.7 x 3.0 x 1.7", 0.42 lbs (truly pocket-sized) | 10.4 x 4.7 x 4.1", 4.9 lbs (bag/backpack carry) |
| Sound Output - Determines volume capability and sound quality | |
| 4.2W RMS, single 45mm driver | Dual full-range drivers with passive radiators (significantly more powerful) |
| Battery Life - Affects how often you need to recharge | |
| 7 hours (up to 9 with Playtime Boost) | 20 hours at moderate volume |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof, dustproof) | Water-resistant but not fully waterproof |
| Bluetooth Version & Range - Impacts connection quality | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, ~30ft range | Bluetooth 5.4, supports aptX Adaptive codec, ~30ft range |
| Charging Time - Convenience factor | |
| 3 hours via USB-C | 5 hours via USB-C, can charge other devices |
| Multi-Speaker Features - Expands usage possibilities | |
| PartyBoost for connecting multiple JBL speakers | SimpleSync for Bose ecosystem only |
| App Features - Customization options | |
| Basic EQ, firmware updates | Advanced EQ, multi-room audio, custom profiles |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $39.99 (excellent value for personal use) | $299.99 (premium pricing for superior audio) |
| Primary Use Case - Who it's best for | |
| Personal listening, travel, shower speaker | Small parties, home audio, outdoor gatherings |
| Sound Quality - Overall audio experience | |
| Clear mids, modest bass, good for size | Full range, deep bass, room-filling sound |
| Extra Features - Additional value | |
| Floating design, ultra-compact | Power bank functionality, premium build quality |
The Bose SoundLink Max ($299.99) is significantly better for home theater use due to its stereo sound and fuller range. The JBL Go 4 ($39.99) is too small for home theater applications and lacks the necessary bass response and volume.
The main difference is size and power. The JBL Go 4 is a pocket-sized personal speaker, while the Bose SoundLink Max is a larger, more powerful speaker designed for room-filling sound.
Both speakers can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, but the Bose SoundLink Max will provide a much better experience due to its superior sound quality and stereo separation.
The Bose SoundLink Max offers up to 20 hours of playback, while the JBL Go 4 provides about 7 hours. This significant difference makes the SoundLink Max more suitable for extended use.
The JBL Go 4 has superior water resistance with an IP67 rating, making it more durable for outdoor use. The Bose SoundLink Max is water-resistant but not fully waterproof.
The Bose SoundLink Max is better for outdoor gatherings due to its louder volume and better bass response. The JBL Go 4 is more suited for personal listening or small groups.
Both speakers offer multi-speaker connection features, but they only work within their own ecosystems. The JBL Go 4 uses PartyBoost, while the Bose SoundLink Max uses SimpleSync.
The JBL Go 4 offers excellent value at $39.99 for personal use, while the Bose SoundLink Max at $299.99 justifies its premium price with significantly better sound quality and features.
While the Bose SoundLink Max could serve as a temporary TV speaker, neither is ideal for permanent home theater use due to Bluetooth latency and limited connectivity options.
The Bose SoundLink Max delivers significantly better bass response due to its larger size and passive radiators. The JBL Go 4 has limited bass due to its compact size.
Both speakers work well for music streaming, but the Bose SoundLink Max offers superior audio quality and supports advanced codecs. The JBL Go 4 is adequate for casual listening.
For primary home use, the Bose SoundLink Max is the better choice due to its superior sound quality and versatility. Choose the JBL Go 4 if you need an ultra-portable secondary speaker.
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 - staples.com - 365wholesale.com - bose.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - staples.com - techforless.com - bestbuy.com - assets.bose.com
