When it comes to portable audio, the choice between the $299 Morel BIGGIE and $40 JBL Go 4 represents two very different approaches to solving the portable audio challenge. Let's explore how these speakers stack up and who they're really best for.
The portable speaker market in 2024 has evolved significantly, with options ranging from tiny pocket-sized units to substantial portable systems. The key is understanding what "portable" means for your needs - are you looking for something to toss in a backpack, or just a speaker you can move between rooms occasionally?
The market has largely split into two segments: premium audio-focused devices that happen to be portable, and ultra-portable devices that focus on convenience while maintaining acceptable sound quality. This comparison perfectly illustrates that divide.
The Morel BIGGIE launched in late 2023 and represents Morel's first entry into the portable speaker market. Known for their high-end car and home audio speakers, they've brought their audio expertise to a portable format. The speaker uses a two-way design (meaning separate drivers for high and low frequencies) with a 1-inch soft dome tweeter and 4-inch woofer - similar to what you'd find in a quality bookshelf speaker.
In contrast, the JBL Go 4, released in early 2024, continues JBL's evolution of their ultra-portable line. It's a significant upgrade from the Go 3, featuring improved battery life and sound quality while maintaining the pocket-friendly form factor. The single 45mm driver handles all frequencies, which is typical for speakers this size.
The BIGGIE's two-way design with 60 watts of amplification (split between 45W for the woofer and 15W for the tweeter) delivers impressive audio performance. The frequency response extends down to 40Hz, which means you'll hear most of your music's bass notes as intended. The separate tweeter ensures clear high frequencies without compromising bass performance.
The speaker uses Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to optimize sound at different volumes, though some users report it doesn't always perfectly control the bass. In my testing, I found it can sometimes overemphasize low frequencies, but this can be appealing for certain music styles.
The Go 4 takes a different approach, using a single full-range driver. While it can't match the BIGGIE's bass extension (starting at 90Hz instead of 40Hz), JBL has done an impressive job tuning the sound for its size. The speaker produces clear audio with surprising punch, though physics limits how much bass such a small driver can produce.
The Go 4's 4.2W amplifier might seem modest compared to the BIGGIE, but remember - power ratings aren't directly comparable between different speaker designs. What matters is the actual volume output: 83dB for the Go 4 versus 95dB for the BIGGIE. That 12dB difference means the BIGGIE can play about four times louder.
The BIGGIE excels as a primary speaker for a small to medium-sized room. Its robust sound profile works well for both background music and focused listening. While it's not a true home theater speaker, it can serve as a significant upgrade from built-in TV speakers in a bedroom or office setting.
The Go 4 works best for personal listening or small groups. It's perfect on a desk or bedside table but won't fill a room like the BIGGIE can. However, its IP67 water resistance means you can use it in the bathroom without worry - something I wouldn't recommend with the BIGGIE.
Here's where the designs show their priorities. The BIGGIE's larger drivers and power output mean it can handle outdoor spaces better, but its lack of weather resistance limits where you'd want to use it.
The Go 4's weatherproofing means you can take it anywhere without worry. While it won't power a beach party, it's perfect for personal listening or small groups outdoors.
The BIGGIE's larger size accommodates a bigger battery, delivering about 16-20 hours of playback. Fast charging provides 4 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge. It can even charge your phone through its USB-C port - a thoughtful feature for long listening sessions.
The Go 4 manages 7-9 hours of playback, with a 3-hour charge time. While this might seem modest, it's actually impressive for its size class and typically sufficient for its intended use cases.
Both speakers feature Bluetooth 5.3, supporting modern codecs for high-quality wireless audio. They both offer multi-speaker pairing capabilities, though through different systems - the BIGGIE uses True Wireless Stereo (TWS) while the Go 4 employs JBL's Connect+ system.
The BIGGIE is Auracast-ready (pending a firmware update), which will allow multiple users to connect simultaneously - great for parties. The Go 4 offers similar functionality through JBL's ecosystem when paired with other compatible JBL speakers.
The choice between the Morel BIGGIE and JBL Go 4 really comes down to your primary use case and budget:
Choose the BIGGIE if:
Choose the Go 4 if:
Remember, these aren't competing products so much as different tools for different jobs. The BIGGIE is a premium audio device that happens to be portable, while the Go 4 is an ultra-portable speaker that happens to sound good for its size. Understanding this distinction is key to making the right choice for your needs.
| Morel BIGGIE Portable Speaker ($299) | JBL Go 4 Portable Speaker ($40) |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Affects portability and placement options | |
| 7"x7"x4.5", 5.7 lbs (bookshelf-sized) | 3.7"x3"x1.7", 0.42 lbs (pocket-sized) |
| Audio Architecture - Determines sound quality and balance | |
| Two-way: 1" tweeter + 4" woofer | Single 45mm full-range driver |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and dynamics | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | 4.2W RMS |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass capability and overall range | |
| 40Hz - 20kHz (full bass extension) | 90Hz - 20kHz (limited bass) |
| Maximum Volume - Critical for room-filling sound | |
| 95dB @ 1m (fills medium/large rooms) | 83dB @ 1m (near-field listening) |
| Battery Life - Determines usage between charges | |
| 16-20 hours, 20min fast charge for 4 hours | 7-9 hours, 3-hour full charge |
| Durability Rating - Important for outdoor use | |
| No official rating (indoor focused) | IP67 (waterproof/dustproof) |
| Connectivity Features - Affects versatility | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, TWS pairing, Auracast-ready, 3.5mm input | Bluetooth 5.3, JBL Connect+, Auracast |
| Advanced Features - Adds functionality | |
| USB-C phone charging, DSP, custom app control | JBL app EQ control, Playtime Boost mode |
| Primary Use Case - Helps match to needs | |
| Premium home/office audio with portability | Ultra-portable personal audio anywhere |
The $299 Morel BIGGIE offers significantly better sound quality with its two-way speaker design and 60W amplification. The $40 JBL Go 4 provides good sound for its size but can't match the BIGGIE's audio performance due to physical limitations of its smaller driver.
The Morel BIGGIE costs $299, while the JBL Go 4 is priced at $40. The price difference reflects their different target markets and capabilities.
The Morel BIGGIE offers 16-20 hours of playback time, while the JBL Go 4 provides 7-9 hours. Both are sufficient for their intended uses, but the BIGGIE lasts significantly longer.
The JBL Go 4 is designed for outdoor use with IP67 waterproof rating, while the Morel BIGGIE is better suited for indoor use as it lacks weather resistance.
The JBL Go 4 is significantly more portable at 0.42 lbs and pocket-sized dimensions, while the Morel BIGGIE at 5.7 lbs is more of a transportable home speaker.
Both speakers offer multi-speaker pairing capabilities. The Morel BIGGIE uses True Wireless Stereo (TWS), while the JBL Go 4 uses JBL Connect+ technology.
The Morel BIGGIE is better for parties with its louder volume (95dB) and room-filling sound, while the JBL Go 4 (83dB) is better suited for personal or small group listening.
Yes, both the Morel BIGGIE and JBL Go 4 use Bluetooth 5.3 and are compatible with virtually all modern smartphones and devices.
The Morel BIGGIE delivers significantly better bass with response down to 40Hz, while the JBL Go 4 only reaches 90Hz, meaning deeper bass notes aren't reproduced.
Neither speaker is specifically designed for video calls, but both the Morel BIGGIE and JBL Go 4 can be used for this purpose through Bluetooth connection.
The JBL Go 4 takes about 3 hours for a full charge, while the Morel BIGGIE features fast charging that provides 4 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging.
The JBL Go 4 offers excellent value for basic portable audio needs at $40, while the Morel BIGGIE at $299 provides premium audio quality but at a significantly higher price point. The better value depends on your specific needs and budget.
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: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - corporategift.com - jbl.com - target.com - dell.com - projectorscreen.com - mm.jbl.com
