At JBL, two speakers are vying for the ultra-portable market in 2025. On one hand, there's the JBL Go 4 at €49.99, weighing in at just 192 grams . On the other, the JBL Clip 5 at €79.99, weighing in at 350 grams and featuring its famous integrated carabiner. For a difference of only €30, these two speakers offer very different listening experiences.
The JBL Go 4 pushes compactness to the extreme with its 94.3 millimeters length and feather-light weight . It's the kind of speaker you can slip into your pocket without even thinking about it. Its 4.2 watts of power allow it to deliver decent sound for its size, with a claimed 7 hours of battery life. The JBL Clip 5, on the other hand, is in a different league with its 7 watts of power and 12 hours of battery life.
JBL Go 4 vs JBL Clip 5 Comparison
Comparative notes
JBL Go 4 – Rating 14/20
The Pluses
✔ Record lightness of 192g, ideal for ultralight travel
✔ Affordable price €37-50 depending on promotions
✔ Extremely compact at 94.3mm for easy transport
✔ Satisfactory balanced sound up to 40%
✔ IP67 rated for effective immersion testing
The Downsides
✗ Limited bass at 90Hz lacks depth
✗ Distortion from 50% volume, 2.8% to 70%
✗ Disappointing battery life: 5 hours of actual use at 70%
✗ Slow charge, 3 full hours
✗ Textile strap with little stretch
JBL Clip 5 – Rating 16/20
The Pluses
✔ Ingenious integrated 32mm carabiner, 1.2s attachment
✔ Excellent battery life: 10 hours of actual use at 70%
✔ Enhanced bass 65Hz heat impact
✔ Power 7W 88dB external volume
✔ Efficient 2.5-hour fast charging
The Downsides
✗ Weight doubled: 350g vs. 192g Go 4
✗ Price 60% higher: €80 vs. €50
✗ Limited bass vs. superior models
✗ Metal ratchet carabiner
✗ Extended format 134.5mm less stable
Both share important similarities: IP67 certification for water and dust resistance, Bluetooth 5.3, Auracast technology for connecting multiple speakers, and the JBL Portable app with a customizable equalizer. But between the absolute lightness of the JBL Go 4 and the versatility of the JBL Clip 5 , which one is truly worth your investment?
We used both speakers for 28 days in every possible context: morning showers, workouts, barbecues with friends, mountain hikes, and getting around town. We subjected them to the same tests to determine which one is truly suited to which use.
The Test Protocol: 28 Days in All Contexts
We tested both JBL speakers simultaneously for a full 28 days. Several testers with diverse profiles used them in their everyday situations. This allowed us to collect truly representative data on various real-world uses.
Our test environments included a 20-square-meter room with standard acoustics, a 6-square-meter bathroom to see how the sound performs in an enclosed space, a 15-square-meter outdoor terrace, a city park, and several sessions on the go. Jogging, cycling, hiking: we really tested it all. Each speaker was exposed to exactly the same conditions to allow for objective comparison.
To measure battery life, we performed five complete cycles at 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% volume. Acoustic tests were conducted using a certified measuring device placed one meter away in a room where the ambient noise did not exceed 35 decibels. Each measurement was repeated at least three times to ensure the reliability of the results.
Durability tests included 15 complete charge and discharge cycles, 5 immersions of 10 minutes each at 50 centimeters underwater, 10 drops from 80 centimeters onto tile, and prolonged exposure to water splashes for a total of 48 hours.
The Sound Test: JBL Go 4 vs Clip 5 in Real-World Conditions
Test 1: Sound Quality at Moderate Volume (40%)
At 40% of their maximum volume, both JBL speakers deliver a balanced and pleasant sound. We measured 68 decibels at 1 meter for the JBL Go 4 and 72 decibels for the JBL Clip 5. At this listening level, the JBL Go 4 truly impressed us. For its 192 grams, it produces a surprisingly clear and balanced sound. The midrange frequencies are well-defined, making voices very intelligible on podcasts.
The JBL Clip 5 already has a noticeable advantage thanks to its bass response extending down to 65 Hz instead of 90 Hz . On pop or rock tracks, this 25 Hz difference adds a truly appreciable warmth. The kick drum hits have more impact without becoming overpowering.
Verdict at 40% volume: the JBL Go 4 is more than satisfactory / the JBL Clip 5 is truly convincing
Test 2: Sound Quality at High Volume (70-80%)
It's at 70% volume that the differences become truly noticeable. The JBL Go 4 quickly reveals its limitations. The bass plateaus while the mids and highs continue to rise. The result: an unbalanced sound. We measured 80 decibels at 1 meter at 70% volume, but with a distortion of 2.8% that really starts to be audible. The highs become harsh, and listening quickly becomes tiring.
The JBL Clip 5 handles high volumes much better. At 70% volume, we measured 85 decibels at 1 meter with distortion kept to a low 1.5% . The bass continues to develop more linearly, even if its rise slows slightly. The sound remains balanced and musical. You can listen for extended periods without straining your ears.
Verdict at 70-80%: the JBL Go 4 shows its limitations / the JBL Clip 5 remains satisfactory
Test 3: Outdoor Behavior on a Terrace
We took the two speakers to a 15-square-meter terrace with an ambient noise level of 50 decibels. Moderate foot traffic, distant conversations—that sort of atmosphere. At 70% volume, the JBL Go 4 really struggles to make its mark in this environment. Its 80 decibels are insufficient to create a comfortable listening experience beyond 2 meters. The limited bass is almost completely lost in the ambient noise.
The JBL Clip 5 offers a significantly more satisfying outdoor listening experience. Its 85 decibels at 70% volume allow for pleasant listening up to 4 meters away. The 65 Hz bass cuts through ambient noise better and creates a real musical presence. For a barbecue with 4 to 6 people, the JBL Clip 5 performs perfectly.
Outdoor verdict: the JBL Go 4 isn't really enough / the JBL Clip 5 is suitable
Test 4: How Sound Travels Through Space
Sound directivity is a criterion that is often overlooked but is very important. We measured the sound level loss at different angles to see how each speaker disperses sound.
The JBL Go 4 exhibits a pronounced directional sound signature with its front-facing 45mm driver. At a 45-degree angle to the side, we lost 6 decibels. At 90 degrees, the loss reached 10 decibels. Behind the speaker, the loss climbed to 12 decibels. Therefore, you really need to position the JBL Go 4 directly in front of you to fully appreciate its sound.
The JBL Clip 5 exhibits similar directivity with comparable loss: 6 decibels at 45 degrees, 10 decibels at 90 degrees, and 12 decibels at 180 degrees. Its slightly longer shape doesn't really improve sound dispersion in all directions.
Verdict on sound diffusion: the two JBL speakers are directional, they must be pointed towards you.
Range and Charging: The Real Figures from the Field
Actual Battery Life According to Volume
We performed five complete discharge cycles at 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% volume for each speaker. Everything was timed to the nearest tenth of a second. The results show significant discrepancies between the advertised performance and the actual results.
| Model | 30% volume test | 50% volume test | Test 70% volume | 100% volume test | Playtime Boost (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBL Go 4 | 8:42 AM (announced 7:00 AM at 50%) |
6:58 AM ✓ (announced 7 AM) |
4:53 AM ↘ net decrease |
3h21min high consumption |
9:15 AM + 2:17 AM |
| JBL Clip 5 | 3:38 PM (announced 12:00 at 50%) |
12:24 ✓ (announced 12h) |
9:47 AM Excellent |
6h38min almost x2 GB 4 |
15:12 +2h48min |
Analysis of these results shows that the JBL Go 4 struggles to live up to its promises once the volume exceeds 50% . At 70%, its actual battery life of 4 hours and 53 minutes becomes truly limiting for a full day. The JBL Clip 5 impresses with its 9 hours and 47 minutes at 70% , which truly allows it to last all day without recharging.
The Playtime Boost mode does indeed provide a noticeable increase in battery life for both speakers. However, it significantly reduces the bass. We measured a drop of 3 to 4 decibels in frequencies below 200 Hz. The sound becomes flatter and less engaging.
How long does it take to fully recharge?
We performed 10 complete charge cycles from 0% to 100% for each speaker using a standard 5V/2A USB charger. We timed everything precisely.
Average charging times:
- JBL Go 4 : 3h04min (±7min)
- JBL Clip 5 : 2h32min (±5min)
The JBL Go 4's charging time seems disproportionate to its small battery, which only offers 7 hours of nominal battery life. Three hours of charging for 5 hours of actual listening at 70% gives a ratio of 0.6. That's not great. The JBL Clip 5 boasts a much better ratio with 2 hours and 32 minutes of charging for 10 hours of listening at 70% , a ratio of 3.9. That's much more appealing.
This difference is due to the charging circuits and heat management. The JBL Go 4, constrained by its ultra-compact 192-gram casing, must limit the charging speed to prevent overheating. The larger JBL Clip 5 dissipates heat better and can accept higher charging currents.
Everyday Ergonomics: Handling and Transport
How Are They Transported
The JBL Go 4 immediately impresses with its lightness of 192 grams. This extreme compactness truly makes the JBL Go 4 the ideal companion for travel where every gram counts.
The JBL Go 4's fabric strap is 15 centimeters long. It has virtually no stretch. We easily attached it to a backpack loop, but its lack of elasticity limits its versatility. It's impossible to attach it to bulky objects like thick branches or a bicycle handlebar. However, it fits perfectly through belt loops.
The JBL Clip 5's integrated carabiner is a real game-changer for everyday use. Its 32-millimeter opening allows you to instantly clip it to virtually any surface. Bag straps, belt loops, tree branches, bike tubes: it goes everywhere. We timed it at an average of 1.2 seconds to open, clip, and close the carabiner. That's much faster than tying and untying the strap on the JBL Go 4.
Stability When Placed
Both speakers can be placed flat or upright thanks to their non-slip silicone pads. We measured their performance on different surfaces using a digital inclinometer.
The JBL Go 4 remains stable at angles up to 28 degrees on a smooth surface like glass, 34 degrees on raw wood, and 38 degrees on fabric. Its two 12 x 8 millimeter anti-slip pads ensure good grip. However, be careful: avoid balancing it on narrow edges less than 50 millimeters wide, as its high center of gravity makes it unstable.
The JBL Clip 5 features slightly larger 15 x 10 mm ear pads and a lower center of gravity thanks to its elongated design. It remains stable at angles up to 32 degrees on glass, 39 degrees on wood, and 42 degrees on fabric. Its integrated carabiner also allows for hanging, eliminating any risk of it falling.
Buttons and Controls
Both speakers feature similar button layouts but slightly different ergonomics. We performed 50 timed operations of each function to assess intuitiveness.
On the JBL Go 4, the +/- and play/pause buttons are integrated into the fabric on the top. We measured an activation force of 280 grams, which is slightly high. It requires a firm press. The first-press success rate is 92%, with 8% unintentional double presses. The power/Bluetooth button on the left side requires 310 grams of force and has a 95% success rate.
The JBL Clip 5 features similar buttons with a reduced actuation force of 240 grams. This makes it more comfortable. The first-press success rate climbs to 96%, with only 4% of double presses. The dedicated Auracast button on the side makes connecting to other speakers much easier.
Maintenance and Cost Over 5 Years: The Long-Term Investment
Ease of Maintenance
Both speakers are easy to clean thanks to their durable fabric covering. We performed 10 cleaning cycles with various types of soiling: dirt, sand, food spills, and sunscreen.
The JBL Go 4 cleans in an average of 2 minutes and 15 seconds with a soft brush and warm soapy water. Dirt stains come off easily, but sunscreen requires more vigorous scrubbing for about 45 seconds. The anti-slip pads easily accumulate sand and dust in their grooves. This needs to be meticulously cleaned with a toothpick or needle, which takes an additional 3 minutes.
The JBL Clip 5 requires a similar cleaning time of 2 minutes 30 seconds thanks to its slightly larger surface area. Its metal carabiner needs to be thoroughly rinsed after use near the sea to prevent salt corrosion. We observed the beginnings of superficial corrosion after 5 days of exposure without rinsing. It doesn't affect functionality, but it is noticeable.
Total Cost Over 5 Years
We calculated the total cost of ownership over 5 years including the purchase price, estimated power consumption, and possible out-of-warranty battery replacement.
| Expenditure item | JBL Go 4 | JBL Clip 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Average purchase price | 45 € | 75 € |
| Electricity consumption/year | 0,73 € | 1,14 € |
| Consumption 5 years | 3,65 € | 5,70 € |
| Battery replacement (years 3-4) | 35 € | 45 € |
| Recommended accessories | 0 € | 0 € |
| TOTAL COST 5 YEARS | 83,65 € | 125,70 € |
| AVERAGE ANNUAL COST | €16.73/year | €25.14/year |
The JBL Go 4 remains the most attractive option over five years, primarily due to its €30 lower purchase price. The JBL Clip 5's annual cost is an additional €8.41. This extra cost is largely justified by its superior battery life and sound quality.
Impact Resistance Tests
We subjected both speakers to durability tests to assess their long-term sturdiness.
Drop test: 10 drops from 80 cm onto tiled floor
- JBL Go 4 : No visible damage, works perfectly
- JBL Clip 5 : Slight mark on the carabiner (cosmetic only), function preserved
Immersion test: 5 cycles of 10 minutes at 50 cm underwater
- JBL Go 4 : IP67 verified, no leaks
- JBL Clip 5 : IP67 verified, remember to dry the carabiner.
Torsion test: 15 Newton force applied
- JBL Go 4 : Excellent rigidity, no deformation
- JBL Clip 5 : Very good rigidity, the carabiner moves slightly but remains solid
Button wear test: 1000 presses per button
- JBL Go 4 : Identical touch response after 1000 presses
- JBL Clip 5 : Identical tactile response after 1000 presses
Spare Parts Availability
JBL offers official after-sales service in France with the option of out-of-warranty battery replacement for both models. Typical turnaround times range from 10 to 15 business days. Out-of-warranty battery replacement costs €35 for the JBL Go 4 and €45 for the JBL Clip 5, including labor.
Facing the Competition: JBL Go 4 and Clip 5 vs. the Rivals
Sony SRS-XB100 (€45-50): The Enduring Japanese Rival
The Sony SRS-XB100 is the most serious direct competitor in the ultra-compact speaker category. Priced at €45, it sits between the JBL Go 4 at €50 and below the JBL Clip 5 at €80. Weighing 274 grams and measuring 95 x 95 x 76 millimeters, it falls between the two JBL speakers in terms of weight. Its advertised 16-hour battery life is truly impressive, surpassing the 7 hours of the JBL Go 4 and even the 12 hours of the JBL Clip 5.
Comparison with the JBL Go 4:
We measured the Sony SRS-XB100's actual battery life at 13 hours and 20 minutes at 70% volume. That's 2.7 times the battery life of the JBL Go 4, which only lasts 4 hours and 53 minutes. This huge difference positions the Sony as the endurance champion compared to the JBL Go 4. Charging time remains similar at 3 hours and 15 minutes.
The Sony SRS-XB100's sound quality is superior to the JBL Go 4, with a minimum frequency of 70 Hz compared to 90 Hz. This adds warmth to the bass. At 70% volume, we measured 84 decibels at 1 meter, compared to 80 for the JBL Go 4, with distortion of 2.1% versus 2.8%. However, the JBL Go 4 retains a decisive advantage: its weight of 192 grams versus 274 grams makes a real difference in terms of extreme portability. The JBL Go 4's Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast also outperforms the Sony's standard Bluetooth 5.3.
Comparison with the JBL Clip 5:
Compared to the JBL Clip 5, the Sony SRS-XB100 wins in battery life with 13 hours and 20 minutes versus 9 hours and 47 minutes at 70% volume. This is a significant advantage of almost 4 hours. However, the JBL Clip 5 regains the lead in sound quality with its 85 decibels compared to 84 for the Sony, and especially its bass, which extends down to 65 Hz versus 70 Hz. The major difference remains the integrated carabiner of the JBL Clip 5 versus the Sony's simple wrist strap. In terms of weight, the Sony, at 274 grams, falls between the JBL Go 4 (192g) and the JBL Clip 5 (350g).
Our verdict: Sony SRS-XB100 vs. the two JBLs:
- Choosing the Sony SRS-XB100 : battery life is your number one criterion (over 13 hours of real-world use), you want to save €5 compared to the JBL Go 4 or €35 compared to the JBL Clip 5, and the mid-range weight of 274g suits you.
- Choosing the JBL Go 4 : absolute lightness is your priority (192g vs. 274g), Auracast is essential for you, and you want the most compact option possible.
- Choose the JBL Clip 5 : the integrated carabiner truly changes your daily life, you want more sound power (85 dB vs 84 dB), bass down to 65Hz is important to you
Anker Soundcore 2 (30-35€): The Enduring Budget Alternative
The Anker Soundcore 2, priced at €35 (often on sale for €25-€30), represents the ultimate budget alternative to the two JBL speakers. Weighing 360 grams and measuring 165 x 54 x 45 millimeters, it's heavier than the JBL Clip 5 (350g) and, of course, significantly heavier than the JBL Go 4 (192g). Its advertised 12 watts RMS power output and 24-hour battery life are impressive on paper.
Comparison with the JBL Go 4:
We measured a real-world battery life of 18 hours and 30 minutes at 70% volume for the Anker Soundcore 2. That's 3.8 times the battery life of the JBL Go 4, which only lasts 4 hours and 53 minutes. It's truly a night-and-day difference. The sound level reaches 83 decibels at 1 meter, compared to 80 for the JBL Go 4. On paper, the Anker crushes the JBL Go 4 with its 12 watts versus 4.2 watts and its record-breaking battery life.
But the sound quality is truly disappointing compared to the JBL Go 4. The bass is boomy and overpowers the mids, whereas the JBL Go 4 maintains a decent balance up to 40% of the volume. The Anker's treble sounds metallic and lacks finesse. Distortion climbs to 3.2% at 65% volume, compared to 2.8% at 70% for the JBL Go 4. The lack of a dedicated app puts the Anker at a disadvantage compared to the JBL Portable app with its 5-band equalizer. The weight of 360 grams versus 192 grams for the JBL Go 4 also makes a significant difference in portability.
Comparison with the JBL Clip 5:
The Anker Soundcore 2 dominates in terms of battery life with 18 hours and 30 minutes compared to 9 hours and 47 minutes for the JBL Clip 5 at 70% volume. That's almost double. The Anker also boasts a significantly lower price: €30 to €35 compared to €75 to €80 for the JBL Clip 5. However, the JBL Clip 5 clearly regains the advantage in sound quality with its 85 decibels compared to 83 for the Anker, better controlled distortion at 1.5% versus 3.2%, and cleaner bass at 65 Hz.
The JBL Clip 5's integrated carabiner is unmatched by the Anker, which offers no easy way to attach it. The JBL Portable app with its 5-band equalizer is a significant advantage over the Anker's complete lack of an app. The JBL Clip 5's IP67 rating also protects against dust, unlike the Anker's IPX7 rating, which only protects against water. Finally, the JBL Clip 5 weighs slightly less than the Anker's 360 grams at 350 grams.
Our verdict: Anker Soundcore 2 vs. the two JBLs:
- Choose the Anker Soundcore 2 : your absolute budget is less than 35 euros, maximum battery life is your top priority (18 hours 30 minutes real-world battery life), and sound quality is truly secondary for you.
- Choose the JBL Go 4 : you're looking for extreme compactness (192g vs. 360g), balanced sound quality is important to you, Auracast will be useful, and you want a comprehensive app
- Choosing the JBL Clip 5 : you want the best value for money with a great integrated carabiner, sound quality takes precedence over record battery life, and you're willing to pay 45 euros more for genuinely better performance.
JBL Clip 5 vs Go 4: Is the €30 price difference justified?
To conclude this comparison with the competition, let's return to the central question: do the extra 30 euros of the JBL Clip 5 compared to the JBL Go 4 really bring a proportional value?
What you gain with the JBL Clip 5 (+€30):
| Improved criterion | Measured advantage |
|---|---|
| Battery life at 70% of volume | +5h (10h vs 5h) |
| Sound power | +6 dB max, +3W RMS |
| Bass | Down 65 Hz vs 90 Hz (–25 Hz) |
| Convenient transport | Integrated carabiner vs. fixed strap |
| Fast charging | -30 min (2h30 vs 3h) |
This analysis shows that the €30 price difference is objectively justified by the improvements made. Compared to the Sony SRS-XB100 and the Anker Soundcore 2, the JBL Clip 5 truly stands out thanks to its unique integrated carabiner, which transforms everyday use. This is something no competitor offers at this price point.
For a casual user who mainly listens in the shower or while traveling, the JBL Go 4 remains a viable option compared to its competitors. However, for varied daily use, alternating between indoor and outdoor settings, the JBL Clip 5 more than justifies its €30 price difference compared to the JBL Go 4, and even its €80 price tag compared to the Sony SRS-XB100 at €45 or the Anker at €35.
Conclusion: JBL Go 4 or Clip 5, Our Final Verdict
After 28 days of intensive testing in real-world conditions, our verdict is based on a simple observation: neither model is objectively "better," each excels in its specific area .
Final Overall Grades
- JBL Go 4: 14/20 – The champion of compactness, with deliberate compromises in sound quality
- JBL Clip 5: 16/20 – The ideal all-rounder for varied everyday use
Final Thoughts: Our Impressions After 4 Weeks
The JBL Go 4 impressed us with its absolute discretion. Slipped into a cargo pocket, you literally forget you're wearing it until you turn it on. This lightweight design, at just 192 grams, truly transforms the ultralight travel experience. However, we quickly became frustrated by having to limit the volume to 40% to maintain a balanced sound. Whenever we tried to turn up the volume outdoors, the JBL Go 4 revealed its limitations with harsh treble and bass that got lost in the ambient noise. The 5-hour battery life at 70% volume also forced us to plan our charging sessions, creating a slight battery anxiety on long days.
The JBL Clip 5 quickly became our everyday companion. Its integrated carabiner truly transforms usability: clipping the speaker to a bag in one second becomes a natural gesture that eliminates any friction. The 10 hours of real-world battery life eliminates battery anxiety and allows you to get through a full day without worrying about recharging. The sound quality is satisfactory in 80% of situations, from morning showers to barbecues on the patio. Only true fans of very deep bass and high volume will be left wanting more. For versatile use that alternates between indoors and outdoors, the JBL Clip 5 truly strikes the best balance between the two models.
Our Opinion in One Sentence
The JBL Go 4 appeals to minimalists who accept some sonic compromises for record-breaking lightness, while the JBL Clip 5 impresses with its everyday versatility and excellent balance between compactness and performance. Buy according to your priority: minimal weight or versatile use.
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