JBL Go 4 vs Clip 5: Which Portable Speaker Delivers Better Value?

Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential gadgets for many of us, offering a perfect blend of convenience and sound quality. Today, we're comparing two recent additions to JBL's portable speaker lineup - the JBL Go 4 ($49.95) and JBL Clip 5 ($79.95), both launched in early 2024.

Understanding Portable Speakers in 2024

Modern portable speakers have evolved significantly. They're no longer just simple music players - they've become durable, feature-rich devices that can handle everything from poolside parties to video calls. The key factors to consider are sound quality, battery life, durability, and special features that might enhance your specific use case.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Go 4 continues the compact rectangular design of its predecessors, but with refined edges and improved materials. At just 0.42 pounds and roughly the size of a deck of cards, it's genuinely pocket-sized. The speaker uses recycled plastics and fabric, showing JBL's commitment to sustainability.

The Clip 5 takes a different approach with its circular design and integrated carabiner. While heavier at 0.628 pounds, this added weight brings more powerful drivers and better battery life. The carabiner isn't just an afterthought - it's a robust, wide-opening metal clip that's fully integrated into the design.

Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning they can handle submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This is particularly impressive for the price point and makes them genuinely all-weather companions.

Audio Performance

Here's where things get interesting. The Go 4's 4.2-watt output through its 40mm driver might seem modest, but JBL has done impressive work with the tuning. The speaker produces clear, warm sound that's perfect for personal listening, though it does start to strain at maximum volume.

The Clip 5, with its 7-watt output and larger 45mm driver, delivers noticeably more powerful sound. The extra power isn't just about volume - it provides more headroom for dynamic range, meaning you'll hear more detail in complex music. This becomes especially apparent when listening to bass-heavy tracks or when using the speaker outdoors.

Both speakers support the JBL Portable app, which includes a 5-band equalizer. This is a significant upgrade from previous models, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences. The app also enables "Playtime Boost" mode, which can extend battery life by optimizing performance.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life shows a clear distinction between these models:

• Go 4: 7 hours standard, up to 9 hours with Playtime Boost
• Clip 5: 12 hours standard, up to 15 hours with Playtime Boost

Both charge via USB-C in about 3 hours, but the Clip 5's larger battery capacity gives it a significant advantage for all-day use. In real-world testing, these numbers are pretty accurate when playing at moderate volumes (50-60%).

Connectivity and Special Features

Both speakers feature Bluetooth 5.3, which provides improved range and stability compared to previous generations. They also support Auracast, JBL's newest feature that allows multiple speakers to connect together. This is particularly useful if you want to create a wider soundstage or increase volume for larger spaces.

Multi-point connection is supported on both models, letting you connect two devices simultaneously - handy for switching between your phone and laptop without re-pairing.

Real-World Performance

After extensive testing, here's how they perform in different scenarios:

Indoor Use

• Go 4: Excellent for desktop use, bathroom music, or bedside table. The smaller size fits anywhere, and the sound is more than adequate for personal listening.
• Clip 5: Better for filling a room with sound, making it more suitable for small gatherings or background music while cooking.

Outdoor Use

• Go 4: Good for personal listening while gardening or at the beach, but can struggle to cut through background noise.
• Clip 5: The clear winner here. Better volume, longer battery life, and the carabiner make it more versatile for outdoor activities.

Value Proposition

The JBL Go 4 at $49.95 represents excellent value for personal use. It's a significant upgrade from its predecessor with better sound, longer battery life, and new features like Auracast and app support.

The Clip 5 at $79.95 justifies its higher price through better audio performance, significantly longer battery life, and the versatility of its integrated carabiner. For many users, these improvements will be worth the extra $30.

How to Decide

Choose the Go 4 if:

• Your primary use case is personal listening
• Ultimate portability is crucial
• You're on a tighter budget
• You don't need mounting options

Choose the Clip 5 if:

• You often share music with others
• You need longer battery life
• The carabiner mounting would be useful
• You're willing to pay more for better sound quality
• You frequently use your speaker outdoors

Technical Innovation

Both speakers represent significant technical improvements over their predecessors. The addition of Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast support shows JBL's commitment to future-proofing their devices. The use of recycled materials without compromising build quality is also noteworthy.

The improved app support with customizable EQ is a particularly welcome addition, allowing users to fine-tune their listening experience. This level of customization wasn't available in previous generations of either model.

Final Thoughts

Both speakers excel in their respective niches. The Go 4 is a fantastic personal speaker that prioritizes portability and value, while the Clip 5 offers better overall performance and versatility at a higher price point.

For most users, the decision will come down to intended use case rather than pure specifications. If you're primarily using the speaker for personal listening and want something ultra-portable, the Go 4 is an excellent choice. If you need something more versatile that can handle group listening and outdoor activities, the Clip 5's additional features and performance make it worth the extra investment.

Remember, both speakers come with JBL's standard warranty and support, so you're making a safe choice either way. The key is matching the speaker's capabilities to your specific needs and use cases.

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