JBL Go 5 vs Go 4: Which tiny JBL speaker should you buy?
The JBL Go 5 and JBL Go 4 are extremely similar Bluetooth speakers. Both are tiny, rugged speakers built for casual listening on the go, whether you’re clipping one to a backpack, tossing it in a bike basket, or bringing it to the beach.
JBL made a handful of upgrades with the Go 5, including a tougher IP68 rating, a more flexible EQ, and new ambient lighting, but this still feels more like a refinement than a major overhaul. So, which should you buy? Let’s break it all down.
How has this article been updated?
This article was published on May 8th, 2026, and is the first version.
What’s it like to use the JBL Go 5 compared to the Go 4?
The JBL Go 5 and JBL Go 4 look nearly identical at first glance, aside from the Go 5’s new ambient lighting strips.
The JBL Go 5 sticks closely to the same formula as the Go 4. It’s still a lightweight Bluetooth speaker with a built-in loop that makes it easy to clip onto a bag or toss in a backpack without thinking twice about it. JBL adds a few small upgrades this time around, including ambient lighting, a tougher IP68 rating, and the new AirTouch feature for instantly pairing two Go 5 speakers in stereo.
Despite being the older speaker, the JBL Go 4 still feels current. It keeps the same compact design, simple controls, and durable build, and it still offers more than enough protection for most people, thanks to its IP67 rating. While it misses out on the Go 5’s lighting and AirTouch pairing, the overall experience is similar between the two speakers.
How do you control the JBL Go 5 and Go 4?
Both speakers support Auracast connectivity, but only the Go 5 adds AirTouch stereo pairing.
The JBL Go 5 features raised playback controls along the top of the speaker, along with a recessed side panel for power, Bluetooth, and Auracast controls. JBL slightly reorganizes the layout compared to older Go speakers, but the overall experience still feels immediately familiar.
The JBL Go 4 uses nearly the same control layout, with raised playback buttons up top and a recessed side panel for power, Bluetooth pairing, and Auracast connectivity. Outside of the Go 5’s new AirTouch feature, there’s very little separating the two speakers when it comes to controls and general usability.
Does the JBL Go 5 or Go 4 have more features?
The JBL Go 5 technically offers a few more features, but the overall experience remains very similar between the two speakers. Both support the JBL Portable app, Auracast connectivity, firmware updates, customizable EQ settings, and JBL’s Playtime Boost feature, which reduces bass strength to help extend battery life.
The biggest upgrade on the Go 5 is the new 7-band EQ, compared to the Go 4’s 5-band EQ. JBL also adds ambient lighting this time around, though you still can’t customize the lighting color in the app. Outside of those additions, the two speakers offer nearly identical feature sets.
How do the JBL Go 5 and Go 4 connect?
Both speakers charge via USB-C, but only the Go 5 supports digital audio.
The JBL Go 5 connects over Bluetooth 6.0 and supports SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. It also supports wired audio playback over USB-C, which is a nice addition for a speaker this small, even if most people will probably stick to Bluetooth. Like the Go 4, it also supports Auracast for linking with other compatible JBL speakers.
The JBL Go 4 connects over Bluetooth 5.3, but it only supports the SBC codec. It still supports Auracast connectivity through the JBL Portable app, allowing you to link it with compatible JBL speakers or pair two Go 4 speakers together in stereo. For casual listening, the wireless experience feels very similar between the two speakers.
Is battery life better on the JBL Go 5 or Go 4?
The integrated loop makes it easy to attach the JBL Go 5 to bags or bikes.
The JBL Go 5 offers slightly better battery life, but the difference is fairly minor. JBL rates the Go 5 for up to 8 hours of playback, compared to 7 hours on the Go 4. Both speakers also support Playtime Boost, which reduces bass strength to help extend battery life even further.
Actual battery life will vary depending on volume level, EQ settings, and the type of content you’re listening to. If you regularly listen at higher volumes, expect both speakers to drain much faster.
Does the JBL Go 5 sound better than the Go 4?
The JBL Go 5 upgrades durability to IP68, while the Go 4 carries an IP67 rating.
Yes, but only slightly.
The JBL Go 5 sounds a bit more refined than the Go 4, especially at higher volumes. JBL slightly increases the output from 4.2W to 4.8W, and the Go 5 maintains its bass a little better as you push the volume higher. That said, the difference is fairly subtle unless you’re comparing the two speakers side-by-side.
At lower to moderate listening levels, both speakers sound extremely similar. They still lean heavily on the midrange, which pushes vocals, snare drums, and distorted guitars more forward in the mix. Bass depth remains limited simply because these are tiny mono Bluetooth speakers, so neither one produces huge low-end or room-filling sound.
The Go 5’s new 7-band EQ does help a bit, though. You get more control over the sound compared to the Go 4’s 5-band EQ, making it easier to adjust the midrange or bring out a little more brilliance in instruments like cymbals and guitars.
Still, it’s important not to overthink this category of speaker. Both the Go 5 and Go 4 prioritize portability and convenience over outright sound quality. They’re built for casual listening, podcasts, bike rides, camping trips, and throwing in a backpack — not critical listening sessions. So while the Go 5 technically sounds better, the overall listening experience remains very similar between the two speakers.
Should you get the JBL Go 5 or Go 4?
JBL kept the same compact, rugged design philosophy between the Go 4 and Go 5, with only a few small refinements separating the two.
If you already own the JBL Go 4, there’s very little reason to upgrade to the Go 5. The newer speaker adds a tougher IP68 rating, a 7-band EQ, and slightly better battery life, but the overall experience remains very similar.
For first-time buyers, the JBL Go 5 is the better choice if the price difference is small. It’s a slightly more polished version of the same ultra-portable speaker, with a few extra features and slightly better overall performance.
That said, the JBL Go 4 is still the better value once discounts start showing up. If you can grab it for less, you’re giving up very little compared to the Go 5.
What should you get instead of the JBL Go 5 and Go 4?
The Select 4 Go offers good sound and an IP67 protection rating at an affordable price.
If you want something slightly more versatile than either Go speaker, the JBL Clip 5 () is worth considering. It offers a bit more output, a built-in carabiner for easier attachment, and a design that feels better suited to outdoor use while remaining highly portable.
Alternatively, if you’re mainly focused on value, the Soundcore Select 4 Go () is hard to ignore. It’s often significantly cheaper than both JBL speakers while still offering solid durability, app support, and customizable EQ controls, making it an easy recommendation for casual listening on a budget.
