JBL Go 4 vs JBL Go 3: What’s new and should you upgrade?

The JBL Go 4 has been out for a while now, giving us plenty of time to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, the JBL Go 3. Both are ultra-portable Bluetooth speakers built for life on the move, but a few key differences might make one a better buy for you in 2025. Let’s see how they compare in this JBL Go 4 vs JBL Go 3 article.

What’s it like to use the JBL Go 4 compared to the JBL Go 3?

Like the Go 3, the Go 4 retains its portability and IP67 protection rating. Weighing less than half a pound, the new Go 4 easily fits in the back pocket of your jeans. While the Go 3 was primarily wrapped in durable fabric, we see some additional rubberized silicon wrapped around the Go 4 for even more protection, which means less material to fray.

The controls are almost exactly the same; your raised playback buttons are still on top of the speakers’ enclosure, but JBL has reorganized things with the new Go 4 design. The USB-C charge port and loop attachment have been moved to the unit’s right side, and the left side of the speaker now features a recessed control panel with power, Bluetooth, and the new Auracast button. This new button enables you to connect to other Auracast speakers, such as the new Clip 5 and Xtreme 4.

Does the JBL Go 4 or JBL Go 3 have a companion app?

This is where we see the most significant upgrade with the Go 4. Unlike the Go 3, which has no software features, the Go 4 is supported by the JBL Portable app. You now have four different EQ presets to select from, along with a customizable 5-band graphic EQ so you can make your own.

The JBL Portable app will also allow you to connect another Go 4 speaker for stereo performance and offer further controls if you take advantage of the new Auracast feature. Another massive plus of app support is access to any future firmware updates.

Is battery life better on the JBL Go 4 or JBL Go 3?

The Go 4 improves battery life. While the JBL states the Go 3 offered only 5 hours of playback off a single charge, the company says the Go 4 can achieve 7 hours of playback. Of course, your mileage will vary depending on usage factors, like how loud you’ve been using your speaker and your EQ settings.

A quick note about the Go 4’s new “PlaytimeBoost” feature in the JBL app: it promises to extend your playback time, but it only accomplishes this by bypassing your EQ settings and cutting all low-end frequencies to save some battery. The result is a very treble-heavy sound, similar to a Podcast or Voice Enhancer EQ setting—not great.

Does the JBL Go 4 sound better than the JBL Go 3?

The goal of the Go series is to produce a lightweight, ultra-portable product, but the result is limited low-end response and a mid-heavy stock sound. You won’t be shaking any windows with your favorite EDM track while listening through this speaker, and instruments like a snare drum or distorted electric guitars tend to dominate the mono mix for rock music. It’s worth noting that the Go 4, like the Go 3, still offers the same 4.2W of output.

That being said, while the Go 4 and Go 3 share the same 1.75″ driver, it’s safe to say that the Go 4 sounds better, thanks to the new customizable EQ options. You can dial back the mid-range via the 5-band EQ, making for a more enjoyable listening experience with the Go 4. It’s worth experimenting with. Thanks to the new app support, you can tweak the sound of the Go 4 within a matter of seconds. You can even use it to squeeze a bit more low-end out of this little speaker, but it’ll cost you some battery life in return.

Should you get the Go 4 or Go 3?

There’s no doubt you should go for the Go 4 (). Companion app support alone makes this fresh design a worthy successor to the Go 3, not to mention its upgraded durability with extra silicon protection and longer battery life. For less than $50, you’ll get a fun, ultra-portable speaker you can take anywhere.

What should you get instead of the Go 4 and Go 3?

If you’re on a tight budget but still want great sound on the go, check out the Soundcore Select 4 Go (). It’s also IP67 rated and delivers performance comparable to the JBL Go 4, even featuring a 9-band customizable EQ that allows you to fine-tune the sound to your liking.

However, if you’d prefer something louder but still portable, the JBL Clip 5 () is another fun option. Its built-in carabiner makes it easy to take just about anywhere.

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