When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the $199 Sony XE300 and $40 JBL Go 4 represent two very different approaches to personal audio. Let's explore how these speakers stack up and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Today's portable speakers have evolved far beyond simple music playback devices. They now offer features like water resistance, multi-speaker pairing, and advanced audio processing. The key aspects buyers should consider are sound quality, portability, durability, and battery life - but how these factors matter depends entirely on how you plan to use the speaker.
The Sony XE300 and JBL Go 4 represent opposite ends of the portable speaker spectrum. Released in 2022, the XE300 showcases Sony's premium audio technology, while the Go 4, launched in early 2024, continues JBL's focus on ultra-portable convenience.
The XE300's 238mm length and 1.3kg weight put it in the medium-sized speaker category. It's portable enough for backyard parties or beach trips but not something you'd casually toss in a small bag. The speaker's pentagonal design, while unique, means it won't roll away on uneven surfaces.
In contrast, the Go 4 is remarkably compact at just 94mm length and weighing a mere 190g. It's genuinely pocket-sized and perfect for travel. This dramatic size difference directly impacts their sound capabilities and use cases.
The XE300 employs several advanced technologies that set it apart:
The result is impressive sound quality that maintains clarity at higher volumes. Bass response is particularly noteworthy, with genuine low-end presence that you can feel.
The Go 4 takes a simpler approach with a single 45mm driver. While it can't match the XE300's sound stage or bass response, JBL has made notable improvements over the Go 3, including:
Battery performance shows another significant difference between these speakers:
XE300:
Go 4:
Both speakers include modern Bluetooth 5.x connectivity, but the XE300 offers additional premium features:
The Go 4 keeps things simpler but includes:
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, meaning they're fully dustproof and can handle temporary immersion in water. This makes them equally suitable for poolside or beach use, though the XE300's larger size and better sound make it more practical for outdoor gatherings.
In practical use, the differences become clear:
The XE300 excels at:
The Go 4 is better for:
The price difference between these speakers is substantial, but so are their capabilities. The XE300's $199 price tag brings premium audio quality and features that justify the cost for users who need its capabilities. The Go 4's $40 price point makes it an excellent value for personal use, especially given its improved sound quality over previous models.
Consider these questions when choosing between the XE300 and Go 4:
The choice between these speakers ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. The Sony XE300 represents a premium option with superior sound quality and features, while the JBL Go 4 offers impressive value in an ultra-portable package. Both are excellent at what they're designed to do, but they serve distinctly different purposes.
For those seeking the best possible sound quality in a portable package and willing to pay for it, the XE300 is the clear choice. If you prioritize convenience and portability, or if budget is a major consideration, the Go 4 offers remarkable value while maintaining good sound quality for its size.
| Sony XE300 | JBL Go 4 |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $199 | $40 |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and use cases | |
| 238mm x 105mm x 119mm, 1.3kg | 94mm x 76mm x 42mm, 0.19kg |
| Sound Output - Determines volume capability and sound quality | |
| Dual passive radiators with X-Balanced speaker unit | Single 45mm driver, 4.2W RMS |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 24 hours, quick charging (70min play from 10min charge) | 7 hours, standard charging |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully dustproof and waterproof) | IP67 (fully dustproof and waterproof) |
| Bluetooth Version & Range - Affects connection quality | |
| 5.2 with LDAC, AAC, SBC support | 5.3 with SBC, AAC support |
| Extra Features - Adds versatility | |
| Party Connect (100 speakers), stereo pair, app EQ, multipoint connection | Auracast support, stereo pair, basic app EQ |
| Frequency Response - Indicates sound range capability | |
| 20Hz - 20kHz | 90Hz - 20kHz |
| Use Case Optimization - Best suited for | |
| Medium/large rooms, outdoor gatherings, parties | Personal listening, travel, desktop use |
| Recent Improvements - Latest tech advantages | |
| Line-Shape Diffuser, Battery Care feature (2022 model) | Improved bass, Auracast support (2024 model) |
The $199 Sony XE300 is significantly better for home theater use due to its fuller sound range and stronger bass response. While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater, the XE300's dual passive radiators and wider frequency response (20Hz-20kHz) make it more suitable as a temporary solution or for enhancing TV audio in smaller rooms. The $40 JBL Go 4 lacks the power and range needed for home theater applications.
The main difference is size and power. The Sony XE300 is a medium-sized speaker with superior sound quality and volume, while the JBL Go 4 is an ultra-portable mini speaker designed for personal listening.
While the Sony XE300 can pair with another XE300 for stereo sound, neither speaker is designed for true surround sound applications. For proper home theater surround, you'll want dedicated home theater speakers.
The Sony XE300 delivers significantly better bass thanks to its dual passive radiators and larger drivers. The JBL Go 4 has limited bass response due to its compact size and single small driver.
The Sony XE300 offers 24 hours of playback, while the JBL Go 4 provides 7 hours. Both are USB-C charging, but the XE300 includes quick charging capabilities.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, making them suitable for outdoor use. However, the XE300 has better volume and sound projection for outdoor spaces.
The Sony XE300 is better for movie watching due to its wider soundstage and better bass response, which helps with dialogue clarity and sound effects. The Go 4 isn't recommended for movie viewing.
The Sony XE300 can fill medium to large rooms with sound, while the JBL Go 4 is best suited for personal listening in small spaces like bedrooms or offices.
The Sony XE300 could serve as a temporary soundbar alternative in small rooms, though it's not ideal for permanent home theater use. The JBL Go 4 isn't suitable as a soundbar replacement.
The Sony XE300 offers more future-proof features with LDAC codec support and advanced app integration, while the JBL Go 4 includes newer Bluetooth 5.3 but fewer premium features.
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: bestbuy.com - sony.co.uk - soundguys.com - bestbuy.com - cgmagonline.com - sony.com - sony.com - bestbuy.com - sony.com - electronics.sony.com - helpguide.sony.net - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - corporategift.com - jbl.com - target.com - dell.com - projectorscreen.com - mm.jbl.com
