When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL has long been a trusted name. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the ultra-compact JBL Go 4 ($39.99) and the more robust JBL Flip 6 ($99.99). Both speakers aim to deliver quality sound on the go, but they take notably different approaches to achieve this goal.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly in recent years. What started as simple wireless audio devices have become sophisticated sound systems with features like waterproofing, stereo pairing, and advanced audio processing. The key factors that matter most to users typically include:
The JBL Go 4 and JBL Flip 6 represent two distinct philosophies in portable audio. The Go 4, released in late 2023, prioritizes ultimate portability, while the Flip 6, launched in December 2021, focuses on delivering room-filling sound in a still-portable package.
The Go 4's dimensions (94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2mm) make it genuinely pocket-sized - about the size of a deck of cards. At just 190 grams, it's the kind of speaker you might forget you're carrying. The Flip 6, while still portable at 178 x 68 x 72mm and weighing 550 grams, requires more intentional packing space - think water bottle size.
This is where the technical differences really shine through. The Go 4 employs a single 45mm driver pushing 4.2W RMS (Root Mean Square, which measures continuous power output). It's impressive for its size, but physics sets certain limitations.
The Flip 6 takes a more sophisticated approach with its 2-way speaker system:
In practical terms, this means the Flip 6 delivers notably better sound separation and clarity. Bass response, in particular, benefits from the dual passive radiators - these are unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure from the powered drivers, effectively enhancing low-frequency response without requiring additional power.
I've tested both speakers in various settings, and while the Go 4 performs admirably for its size, the Flip 6's superior driver configuration becomes immediately apparent when playing bass-heavy tracks or when you need to fill larger spaces with sound.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, but size still largely determines capacity:
Go 4:
Flip 6:
The Flip 6's larger battery capacity provides a significant advantage for extended use, though both speakers now feature modern USB-C charging ports.
Both speakers carry an IP67 rating, meaning they're:
This represents a significant improvement over earlier models, particularly for the Go 4, which previously had a lower water resistance rating.
The Go 4 introduces several new features:
The Flip 6 offers:
The JBL Go 4 excels in:
The JBL Flip 6 shines in:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the Flip 6 can serve as a decent temporary solution for improving TV sound, particularly in smaller rooms. Its better frequency response and higher output make it more suitable than the Go 4 for this purpose. However, for serious home theater applications, a dedicated soundbar or proper speaker system would be more appropriate.
The Go 4's $39.99 price point delivers impressive value for those prioritizing portability and basic sound quality. The Flip 6, at $99.99, justifies its higher price through significantly better sound quality, longer battery life, and more powerful output.
Choose the Go 4 if:
Choose the Flip 6 if:
In my testing, the Go 4's sound quality impressed me for its size, but its limitations become apparent when pushing volume levels or playing bass-heavy music. The Flip 6, however, maintains clarity at higher volumes and handles complex musical passages with notably better definition.
Both speakers have shown impressive durability in my experience, with the water resistance being particularly useful during outdoor activities. The Go 4's ultra-portable size has made it my go-to for travel, while the Flip 6 has earned its place as my primary outdoor and small gathering speaker.
The choice between the JBL Go 4 and JBL Flip 6 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities. If maximum portability and value are your primary concerns, the Go 4 offers an impressive package at its price point. However, if you can accommodate a slightly larger speaker and your budget allows, the Flip 6's superior sound quality and features make it a more versatile choice that will likely provide a more satisfying listening experience across a broader range of situations.
| JBL Go 4 | JBL Flip 6 |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 4.2W RMS (suitable for personal listening) | 30W RMS total (20W woofer + 10W tweeter, good for small groups) |
| Size - Impacts portability and convenience | |
| 94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2mm (truly pocket-sized) | 178 x 68 x 72mm (water bottle sized) |
| Weight - Affects carrying comfort and travel friendliness | |
| 190g (0.42 lbs) | 550g (1.21 lbs) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use scenarios | |
| 7 hours (adequate for daily use) | 12 hours (suitable for longer events) |
| Speaker Configuration - Influences sound quality and clarity | |
| Single 45mm driver | Dual driver system (woofer + tweeter) with passive radiators |
| Charging Time - Important for quick turnaround | |
| 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.3 (latest technology) | 5.1 (still very capable) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Critical for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof) | IP67 (fully waterproof) |
| Special Features - Adds versatility | |
| Auracast™, JBL Portable app with EQ | PartyBoost, Enhanced bass radiators |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $39.99 (excellent value for portable use) | $99.99 (justified by superior sound and features) |
The JBL Flip 6 ($99.99) is objectively better in terms of sound quality and features, but the JBL Go 4 ($39.99) offers better value and portability. The Flip 6 has superior audio output, longer battery life, and better bass response, making it the better choice if budget isn't the primary concern.
The JBL Flip 6 can work as a basic TV speaker via Bluetooth if supported by your TV. While not ideal for home theater use, it's better than the JBL Go 4 for this purpose due to its fuller sound and stronger bass response. However, we recommend a proper soundbar for serious TV audio.
Size and sound output are the key differences. The JBL Go 4 is pocket-sized with 4.2W output, while the JBL Flip 6 is larger with 30W total output and a more sophisticated dual-driver system.
The JBL Flip 6 offers 12 hours of playback compared to 7 hours on the JBL Go 4. This longer battery life makes the Flip 6 more suitable for extended use during parties or outdoor events.
Yes, both the JBL Go 4 and JBL Flip 6 have IP67 waterproof ratings, meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The JBL Flip 6 is better for outdoor use due to its louder volume and stronger bass response. However, the JBL Go 4 is more portable if you're hiking or need to pack light.
No, they use different pairing technologies. The JBL Go 4 uses Auracast™, while the JBL Flip 6 uses PartyBoost. They can only be paired with other speakers supporting the same technology.
The JBL Flip 6 has significantly better sound quality with its dual-driver system and passive radiators. The JBL Go 4 sounds good for its size but can't match the Flip 6's audio performance.
Neither is ideal for dedicated home theater use, but the JBL Flip 6 can serve as a temporary TV speaker solution. The JBL Go 4 isn't recommended for movie watching due to its limited output.
The JBL Go 4 is better for traveling due to its compact size and lighter weight. The JBL Flip 6 is still portable but requires more bag space.
The $60 price difference between the JBL Go 4 and JBL Flip 6 is worth it if you need better sound quality, longer battery life, and more volume. If ultimate portability is your priority, save money with the Go 4.
The JBL Go 4 has slightly newer technology with Bluetooth 5.3 compared to the JBL Flip 6's Bluetooth 5.1, though this difference is minimal in real-world use.
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 - phonearena.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - wcucampusstore.com - jbl.com.sg - pcrichard.com - kh.jbl.com - musicarts.com - jbl.com - cnet.com - youtube.com
