JBL recently released two great portable Bluetooth speakers – the Clip 5 and Go 4. Both offer impressive sound in a compact, durable package at an affordable price. But there are some key differences between them.
In this article, we’ll compare the Clip 5 vs Go 4 head-to-head to help you decide which one is the best pick for your needs.
Pricing
There is about a $20 price difference between these two speakers. The JBL Go 4 has an MSRP of $49.99 while the Clip 5 is $69.99.
For that extra $20, you’re getting better sound, more power, deeper bass, and longer battery life with the Clip 5. You also get the very handy built-in carabiner clip.
JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Go 4: Specs Comparison
| Specification | JBL Clip 5 | JBL Go 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 138 x 94 x 46 mm | 85.3 x 75 x 41.3 mm |
| Weight | 240g | 134g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Transducer | 45mm | 45mm |
| Output Power | 7W RMS | 4.2W RMS |
| Frequency Response | 63Hz – 20kHz | 100Hz – 20kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >85dB | >85dB |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion polymer 3.7V | Lithium-ion polymer 3.885Wh |
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh | 850mAh |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Music Playtime | Up to 12 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Integrated Carabiner | Yes | No |
| PartyBoost Support | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $69.99 | $49.99 |
JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Go 4: In-depth review
Design and Durability
The Clip 5 and Go 4 have a similar design aesthetic. They are wrapped in fabric with a rubberized JBL logo on the front. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent them from moving around. Both are well-built and feel durable.
One of the biggest differences is the Clip 5 features JBL’s signature built-in carabiner so you can easily clip it to a backpack, belt loop, etc. This makes it very convenient for on-the-go use. The Go 4 has a fabric loop/strap instead which isn’t quite as handy.
Both have an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, so you can safely use them outdoors, at the pool, beach, etc. The buttons are also the same on both – controls for power, volume, play/pause, Bluetooth pairing, and a button to activate JBL’s “PartyBoost” mode.
So in terms of design, the Clip 5’s integrated carabiner gives it an edge for portability and easy attachment. But both are well-designed, durable little speakers.
Battery Life
The Clip 5 has an advantage when it comes to battery life. With its 1000 mAh battery, JBL says it provides up to 12 hours of playtime, or up to 15 hours in Partyboost mode.
The Go 4 has a smaller 850 mAh battery. JBL claims up to 7 hours of runtime for it, with Partyboost stretching that to 8-9 hours max.
In real-world testing at 50-70% volume, the Clip 5 provided around 8-9 hours of playtime. The Go 4 lasted for about 6 hours max.
So if you need the longest battery life, the Clip 5 is the clear winner. But both provide enough juice for an average day’s use. They charge via included USB-C cables.
Sound Quality
This is the most important aspect for any speaker. And it’s where the Clip 5 really distinguishes itself.
With its 7W output power and dual 45mm transducers, the Clip 5 gets significantly louder than the 4.2W Go 4. It produces deeper, punchier bass and generally fuller, richer sound. The Go 4 still sounds very good for its size, just not quite as powerful and dynamic as the Clip 5.
Across low, mid and high frequencies, the Clip 5 retrieves more detail and clarity. And it maintains composure and avoids distortion much better at higher volumes compared to the Go 4.
So while both deliver impressive sound quality for compact portable speakers, the Clip 5 is a clear level up from the Go 4 in terms of power, bass response, and overall fidelity. To most ears, it will be the better sounding speaker, especially for outdoor use.
Other Features
The Clip 5 and Go 4 are quite similar in terms of features otherwise:
- Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec support
- Straightforward control buttons
- Built-in microphone for phone calls
- USB-C charging port
- JBL Portable app with EQ presets and Partyboost control
So you get a fairly standard but solid set of features on both. The wireless range and stability is excellent on the two. And you can stereo pair either model with a second unit using JBL’s Partyboost.
JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Go 4: Final Verdict
The JBL Go 4 remains an excellent value in the sub-$50 portable Bluetooth speaker category. It’s a great pick if you want a compact, affordable speaker and don’t need the loudest volume. Sound quality and battery life are still very good for its size.
However, if you can stretch your budget by $20, the JBL Clip 5 is a worthwhile upgrade. The integrated carabiner makes it more convenient to take on the go. And it provides a noticeable step up in audio performance with fuller sound, punchier bass and higher maximum volume. Battery life is also significantly longer.
Overall, the Clip 5 edges out the Go 4 in this head-to-head comparison. While both are terrific portable speakers, the Clip 5 is the one I’d recommend for most people if you can make the small jump up in price. Its additional power, audio fidelity and usability make it the better all-around pick in my book.
You may also like to see:
JBL Go 4 vs Go 3: Unpacking the Differences
JBL Go 4 vs JBL Clip 4: Which is the Better Choice?
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
