The portable Bluetooth speaker market has evolved dramatically in recent years, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in increasingly compact forms. Today's speakers offer impressive sound quality, durability, and features that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
When comparing the recently released Soundcore Boom 2 SE ($129.99) and JBL Go 4 ($39.99), we're looking at two very different approaches to portable audio. While both speakers share the "portable" designation, they serve distinctly different purposes and user needs.
The Boom 2 SE represents the modern party speaker evolution, offering substantial power in a still-transportable package. At 3.75 pounds, it's meant to be carried to your destination and set up, rather than constantly moved around. The design includes a sturdy handle and rugged construction that inspires confidence.
In contrast, the Go 4 follows the ultra-portable philosophy, weighing just 0.42 pounds. It's designed to slip into a pocket or bag without a second thought. This fundamental difference in design approach sets the stage for how each speaker performs in real-world use.
The Boom 2 SE employs what's known as a 2.1 channel system - meaning it has two tweeters (high-frequency speakers) and one subwoofer (for bass). The dual 15W tweeters handle the crisp highs and clear midrange, while the 50W subwoofer delivers the low frequencies that you can feel. This separation of frequencies allows each speaker component to focus on what it does best, resulting in clearer overall sound.
The Go 4 takes a simpler approach with a single 4.2W driver that handles all frequencies. While this might seem like a massive difference in power (and it is), it's important to understand that wattage doesn't tell the whole story. JBL has done impressive work tuning this single driver to deliver balanced sound for personal listening.
In actual use, the Boom 2 SE's superior power and dedicated bass driver make it capable of filling medium to large rooms with rich, full sound. The BassUp technology, which uses digital signal processing to enhance low frequencies, can boost bass response without muddying the overall sound. This is particularly noticeable with modern music genres that rely heavily on bass lines.
The Go 4, while not able to match the raw power, excels in near-field listening - when you're sitting at a desk or relaxing in a hammock. The sound is clear and well-balanced, though it naturally lacks the physical impact of its larger competitor.
Both speakers feature Bluetooth 5.3, the latest standard as of 2024, offering improved range and stability over older versions. The Boom 2 SE includes PartyCast 2.0, allowing connection of up to 100 compatible speakers - a feature that, while impressive, may be overkill for most users. The Go 4's Auracast support enables simpler two-speaker pairing for stereo sound.
The Soundcore app provides extensive control over the Boom 2 SE, including a 9-band equalizer and customizable light show settings. The JBL Portable app, while more basic, still offers useful EQ presets and firmware updates for the Go 4.
The Boom 2 SE's 3100mAh battery delivers up to 18 hours of playback at moderate volume, dropping to about 12 hours with heavy bass and lights enabled. It also doubles as a power bank for charging other devices - a genuinely useful feature during outdoor activities.
The Go 4's more modest battery provides 7-9 hours of playback, which is impressive considering its size. Both speakers use USB-C charging, with the Boom 2 SE taking about 4 hours for a full charge, while the Go 4 manages in 3 hours.
Both speakers feature robust water protection, with the Boom 2 SE rated IPX7 (can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes) and the Go 4 achieving IP67 (adds dust protection). The Go 4's additional dust resistance might make it more suitable for beach use, while the Boom 2 SE's ability to float could save it from pool accidents.
At $129.99, the Boom 2 SE represents solid value for those needing a powerful, feature-rich speaker. It's ideal for:
At $39.99, the Go 4 delivers impressive performance for its price point. It's perfect for:
While neither speaker is designed specifically for home theater use, the Boom 2 SE could serve as a temporary solution for watching movies in smaller rooms or outdoor movie nights. Its 2.1 channel system provides reasonable stereo separation and bass response for dialogue and sound effects. The Go 4, while capable of clear audio, lacks the power and stereo separation needed for satisfying movie playback.
The choice between these speakers ultimately comes down to your primary use case and budget. Here's a simple decision framework:
Remember that while the price difference is significant, these speakers serve different purposes. The Go 4 excels as a personal audio companion, while the Boom 2 SE delivers the power and features needed for group entertainment. Choose based on your specific needs rather than specs alone.
| Soundcore Boom 2 SE | JBL Go 4 |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $129.99 | $39.99 |
| Total Audio Output - Determines maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 30W total (dual 15W tweeters + 50W subwoofer) | 4.2W single driver |
| Speaker Configuration - Affects sound separation and clarity | |
| 2.1 channel with dedicated subwoofer | Single full-range driver |
| Battery Life - Important for extended use without charging | |
| Up to 18 hours (12 hours with effects) | Up to 7 hours (9 with Playtime Boost) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and placement options | |
| Larger party speaker (3.75 lbs) | Ultra-compact (0.42 lbs) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Determines outdoor usability | |
| IPX7 (waterproof, floatable) | IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality beyond basic audio | |
| Power bank, LED light show, PartyCast 2.0 (100+ speakers) | None significant |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection range and stability | |
| 5.3 with 100m range | 5.3 with 240m theoretical range |
| App Control - Customization options | |
| Full EQ control, light customization, firmware updates | Basic EQ presets, firmware updates |
| Charging Time - Downtime between uses | |
| 4 hours (USB-C) | 3 hours (USB-C) |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended purpose | |
| Group entertainment, outdoor parties, room-filling sound | Personal listening, travel, desk use |
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is significantly better for home theater use due to its 2.1 channel system and dedicated subwoofer. While neither is ideal for permanent home theater setup, the Boom 2 SE can serve as a temporary solution for movies in smaller rooms or outdoor viewing.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE costs $129.99, while the JBL Go 4 is priced at $39.99. The $90 difference reflects their different target uses and capabilities.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE delivers superior sound quality with its 30W total output and 2.1 channel system. The JBL Go 4's 4.2W single driver, while clear, can't match the depth and volume of the Boom 2 SE.
Both speakers are water-resistant. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is IPX7 rated and can float, while the JBL Go 4 has IP67 rating with additional dust protection. Both are suitable for outdoor use.
The Boom 2 SE offers up to 18 hours of playback (12 with effects), while the Go 4 provides 7-9 hours. Battery life varies based on volume level and feature usage.
The JBL Go 4 is significantly more portable at 0.42 lbs, compared to the Boom 2 SE's 3.75 lbs. The Go 4 can easily fit in a pocket, while the Boom 2 SE requires more carrying space.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE supports PartyCast 2.0, allowing connection of up to 100 compatible speakers. The JBL Go 4 supports basic stereo pairing with another Go 4.
The Boom 2 SE is better for movie playback due to its stronger bass response and stereo separation. Its 2.1 channel system provides clearer dialogue and more impactful sound effects.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3 and can connect to smart TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Boom 2 SE's stronger output makes it more suitable for TV audio.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE delivers significantly better bass through its dedicated 50W subwoofer and BassUp technology. The JBL Go 4's single driver provides limited bass response.
While both can function for video calls, neither is optimized for this use. The JBL Go 4 is better suited for desktop conferencing due to its size and clear vocal reproduction.
If choosing between these two, the Soundcore Boom 2 SE is the better choice for home theater use, though we'd recommend dedicated home theater speakers for permanent setup. Its higher power output and better bass response make it more suitable for movie and TV audio.
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: soundcore.com - gzhls.at - youtube.com - techradar.com - support.soundcore.com - digitaltrends.com - trustedreviews.com - soundguys.com - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - corporategift.com - jbl.com - target.com - dell.com - projectorscreen.com - mm.jbl.com
