Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

JBL Go Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£25Audio output power:3.00 WBattery life:5 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:4.1Weight:130 g

JBL Go Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Go
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

9.6

User score

â–¼Worse than 67% of portable speakers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

4.8

Audio

20%

4.9

Battery

18%

8.3

Durability

16%

5.6

Connectivity

8%

4.4

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

4.5

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 93%
9.6

User score

User score
9.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.4

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 98%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Go

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

4.8

Audio

20%

4.9

Battery

18%

8.3

Durability

16%

5.6

Connectivity

8%

4.4

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

4.5

Smart features

5.7
User score
User score
9.6/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.4

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.6
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
JBL Go has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 92% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
Audio output power
3 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 3 W which is lower than that of 91.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.8% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
40 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 40 mm which is smaller than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 13.2% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
1
This portable speaker has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
180 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 180 Hz which is higher than that of 95.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.4% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.1
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
?
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
5 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 5 hours which is shorter than that of 91.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 5.4% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
600 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 600 mAh which is smaller than that of 94.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.4% of portable speakers.
Charging time
1 hour
This portable speaker has a charging time of 1 hour which is shorter than that of 96.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.8% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
IPX7
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
yes
This portable speaker is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
top; side
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
130 g
This portable speaker weighs 130 g which is lighter than that of 96.6% of portable speakers.
Height
?
Width
?
Depth
?
Carry options
strap
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

JBL Go vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • 2 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (1 hours vs 3 hours).
    1 hours vs 3 hours
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • 670 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (130 g vs 800 g).
    130 g vs 800 g
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • 19.7% higher user score
    User score
    9.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Go
    the average portable speaker
    JBL Go has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.58 vs 8).
    9.58 vs 8
  • 2.38x more popular
    JBL Go is more popular than the average portable speaker (10 vs 4.21).
    10 vs 4.21
  • 19.7% higher user score
    User score
    9.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Go
    the average portable speaker
    JBL Go has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.58 vs 8).
    9.58 vs 8
  • 2.38x more popular
    JBL Go is more popular than the average portable speaker (10 vs 4.21).
    10 vs 4.21
  • 3.6x cheaper
    JBL Go is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 2 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (1 hours vs 3 hours).
    1 hours vs 3 hours
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • 670 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (130 g vs 800 g).
    130 g vs 800 g
  • 7 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 12 hours).
    5 hours vs 12 hours
  • 120 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (180 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    180 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 2,000 mAh less battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (600 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    600 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 17 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20 W).
    3 W vs 20 W
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50 mm).
    40 mm vs 50 mm
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • 120 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (180 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    180 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 17 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20 W).
    3 W vs 20 W
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50 mm).
    40 mm vs 50 mm
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 7 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 12 hours).
    5 hours vs 12 hours
  • 2,000 mAh less battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (600 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    600 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 4 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2015 vs 2019).
    2015 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

D
deccanchronicle.com
05/03/2015
Summary of the review
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
25/03/2015
Summary of the review
T
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
22/06/2015
Summary of the review
I
installornot.com
26/03/2015
Summary of the review
A
areadvd.de
15/12/2015
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
26/04/2016
Summary of the review
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
16/11/2016
Summary of the review
0
01net.com
26/03/2015
Summary of the review
X
xataka.com.co
11 de noviembre de 2015
Summary of the review
M
macitynet.it
29/08/2015
Summary of the review
I
ilgiradischi.net
14/12/2019
Summary of the review
T
tech.everyeye.it
29/09/2015
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
06/10/2018
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about JBL Go

  • Ultra-compact, lightweight, and highly portable design
  • Surprisingly clear audio and strong vocal clarity for its small size
  • Excellent IP67-rated water and dust resistance, making it perfect for showers, pools, and outdoor use
  • Robust, sturdy, and durable build quality
  • Affordable price point offering great value
  • Stylish look with a wide variety of attractive color options

What customers don't like about JBL Go

  • Limited bass depth and punch due to the tiny form factor
  • Sound distortion or loss of clarity can occur at maximum volume levels
  • Battery life is relatively short compared to larger portable speakers
  • Exposed USB-C charging port lacks a protective rubber cover or flap
  • Lacks advanced features like a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls on newer iterations

Verdict

The original JBL Go is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized portable speaker featuring a 3-watt output power, a 40mm driver, Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, and a frequency response range of 180Hz to 20kHz. Its primary advantages include its highly lightweight design weighing just 133 grams, an integrated noise-cancelling speakerphone for clear hands-free calls, and a built-in strap hook for convenient travel. However, its main drawbacks are a relatively short battery life of up to 5 hours on a 1.5-hour charge, a complete lack of water resistance, and weak bass performance with noticeably missing deeper low frequencies.

Compare JBL Go with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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