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JBL Pulse 4 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£170
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Audio output power: 20.00 W
  • Battery life: 12 hours
  • IP rating: IPX7
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 1260 g

JBL Pulse 4 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.

7.1

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

6.5

Technical Score

20.0%

9.5

User score

Very good
6.5

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

5.7

Audio

20.0%

7.3

Battery

18.0%

7.1

Durability

16.0%

5.9

Connectivity

8.0%

7.0

Controls

3.0%

8.2

Design

3.0%

5.7

Smart features

Good
9.5

User score

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 components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2621)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(2276)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(329)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Exceptional
  • 8.0
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    5.7

    IP rating

    20.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    5.2

    Battery life

  • 5.5
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    5.2

    Battery life

    15.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 4.6
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    8.9

    Weight

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JBL Pulse 4 is a portable Bluetooth 4.2 speaker that delivers 20W RMS of 360-degree signature sound through a 2.25-inch upward-firing transducer and a bottom passive radiator. Its primary characteristic and pro is the stunning, high-resolution 360-degree LED lightshow that visualizes music and can be customized via the companion app or synced with other units by shaking. Powered by a 7,260 mAh battery, it offers up to 12 hours of playtime on a 3.5-hour USB-C charge, while its robust IPX7 waterproof rating allows it to be safely submerged up to 3 feet deep. However, notable cons include the total omission of a 3.5mm AUX input, lack of a built-in microphone/speakerphone, and a slightly heavy build at 2.8 pounds.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Pulse 4

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

5.7

Audio

20.0%

7.3

Battery

18.0%

7.1

Durability

16.0%

5.9

Connectivity

8.0%

7.0

Controls

3.0%

8.2

Design

3.0%

5.7

Smart features

6.5
JBL Pulse 4 has a technical score of 6.49 points, which is lower than 68.5% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2621)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(2276)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(329)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

9.5
JBL Pulse 4 has a user score of 9.51 points, which is higher than 94.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
10
JBL Pulse 4 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.9
JBL Pulse 4 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 60.4% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

20.00 W
JBL Pulse 4 has an audio output power of 20.00 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 20.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

57.00 mm
JBL Pulse 4 has a driver unit size of 57.00 mm which is larger than that of 63.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.7% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 57.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

1
JBL Pulse 4 has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 1.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

70.00 Hz
JBL Pulse 4 has a lowest frequency of 70.00 Hz which is higher than that of 61% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.6% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 70.00 Hz.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Pulse 4 supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

4.2
JBL Pulse 4 supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
JBL Pulse 4 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Pulse 4 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

12 hours
JBL Pulse 4 has a battery life of 12 hours which is longer than that of 47.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 15.7% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

7,260 mAh
JBL Pulse 4 has a battery capacity of 7,260 mAh which is larger than that of 91.5% of portable speakers.
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

3 hours
JBL Pulse 4 has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

15 W
JBL Pulse 4 has a maximum charging input power of 15 W which is higher than that of 73.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.5% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Pulse 4 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

IPX7
JBL Pulse 4 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
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Pulse 4 is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
JBL Pulse 4 is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

1 m
JBL Pulse 4 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
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

side
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Pulse 4 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Pulse 4 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Pulse 4 does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Pulse 4 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

1,260 g
JBL Pulse 4 weighs 1,260 g which is heavier than that of 61.2% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

20.7 cm
JBL Pulse 4 has a height of 20.7 cm which is taller than that of 79.4% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

9.6 cm
JBL Pulse 4 has a width of 9.6 cm which is narrower than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

9.6 cm
JBL Pulse 4 has a depth of 9.6 cm which is deeper than that of 59.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

none
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

JBL Portable
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Pulse 4 supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

OTA
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Pulse 4 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Pulse 4 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

JBL Pulse 4 vs the average portable speaker

  • 4,660 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Pulse 4 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (7,260 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
    When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 5000 mAh

    JBL Pulse 4 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (7,260 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).7260 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Pulse 4 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 1 m

    JBL Pulse 4 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).1 m vs 0 m
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    JBL Pulse 4 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
    What it is: Indicates whether sound is spread evenly in all directions.
    When it matters: When even sound coverage around the speaker matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    JBL Pulse 4 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    JBL Pulse 4 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 2.
    What it is: The number of source devices that can stay connected at the same time.
    When it matters: When switching between several connected source devices matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    JBL Pulse 4 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    JBL Pulse 4 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 app eq bands.
    What it is: The number of adjustable equalizer frequency bands available in the app.
    When it matters: When fine-grained sound adjustment in the companion app matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5 bands

    JBL Pulse 4 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).3 vs 0
  • Supports party mode
    JBL Pulse 4 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
    What it is: Indicates whether multiple speakers can play the same audio together.
    When it matters: When several compatible speakers should play together.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Pulse 4 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    JBL Pulse 4 has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
    What it is: Indicates whether the device uses a USB Type-C connector.
    When it matters: When modern charging and connection compatibility matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Pulse 4 has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
  • Better ingress protection
    JBL Pulse 4 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
    When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: IP67+

    JBL Pulse 4 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).IPX7 vs IPX5
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    JBL Pulse 4 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • 7 mm larger main driver
    JBL Pulse 4 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (57 mm vs 50.00 mm).
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    JBL Pulse 4 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    JBL Pulse 4 has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
  • 4,660 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Pulse 4 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (7,260 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • 5 W higher charging input power
    JBL Pulse 4 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (15 W vs 10 W).
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Pulse 4 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
  • Better ingress protection
    JBL Pulse 4 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    JBL Pulse 4 has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    JBL Pulse 4 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
  • Supports party mode
    JBL Pulse 4 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • 8.5 cm narrower
    JBL Pulse 4 is narrower than the average portable speaker (9.6 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • Supports firmware updates
    JBL Pulse 4 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features
  • 9 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Pulse 4 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (83 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 83.00 dB.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JBL Pulse 4 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    JBL Pulse 4 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 1.
  • 10 Hz less deep bass extension
    JBL Pulse 4 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (70 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 70.00 Hz.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    JBL Pulse 4 does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Pulse 4 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    JBL Pulse 4 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    JBL Pulse 4 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
  • 8.3 cm taller
    JBL Pulse 4 is taller than the average portable speaker (20.7 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 460 g heavier
    JBL Pulse 4 is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,260 g vs 800 g).
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    JBL Pulse 4 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    JBL Pulse 4 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 9 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Pulse 4 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (83 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 83.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    JBL Pulse 4 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (83 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).83.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JBL Pulse 4 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    JBL Pulse 4 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    JBL Pulse 4 does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
    What it is: Indicates whether a standard 3.5 mm analog audio socket is present.
    When it matters: When you need a reliable wired analog audio connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Pulse 4 does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    JBL Pulse 4 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= -10 °C

    JBL Pulse 4 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    JBL Pulse 4 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 1.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    JBL Pulse 4 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).1 vs 2
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Pulse 4 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
    What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
    When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5.0

    JBL Pulse 4 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
  • 10 Hz less deep bass extension
    JBL Pulse 4 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (70 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 70.00 Hz.
    What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <= 60 Hz

    JBL Pulse 4 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (70 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).70.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Durability
Design

Graphic comparison of JBL Pulse 4 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
2621 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
2276 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
329 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about JBL Pulse 4?

  • Stunning and customizable 360-degree LED light show
  • Clear, crisp sound quality with a balanced mid-range
  • Sturdy, premium, and durable build quality
  • IPX7 waterproof rating ideal for pool or outdoor use
  • Reliable and quick Bluetooth connectivity
  • Convenient USB-C charging port
  • PartyBoost feature allows pairing with compatible JBL speakers

What customers dislike about JBL Pulse 4?

  • Lacks low-end sub-bass and deep rumble
  • Relatively heavy and bulky for a highly portable speaker
  • Expensive pricing compared to other speakers with similar audio specs
  • Acrylic outer shell is highly prone to fingerprints and smudges
  • No 3.5mm auxiliary (AUX) input or standard USB port
  • Lacks speakerphone capability and voice assistant functionality
  • No built-in equalizer (EQ) customisation tools in the app
  • Bass response noticeably drops off at maximum volumes
  • Not backward compatible with older JBL Connect Plus speakers

Expert reviews

P
pcmag.com
09/10/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review - PCMag
T
techradar.com
23/10/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 review - TechRadar
E
ecoustics.com
07/03/2021
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Bluetooth Speaker Review: See Your Music
C
cgmagonline.com
09/06/2021
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review - CGMagazine
R
rtings.com
16/02/2024
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Speaker Review - RTINGS.com PCMag
U
uk.pcmag.com
09/10/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review - PCMag UK
A
au.pcmag.com
10/10/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review - PCMag Australia
R
resonancereviews.com
05/11/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Bluetooth Speaker Review: See Your Music
T
trustedreviews.com
22/01/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review - Trusted Reviews
L
latestintech.com
12/10/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review - LatestinTech
C
chip.de
30/04/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 review - CHIP
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A
areadvd.de
07/09/2019
Summary of the review
IFA 2019: JBL Pulse 4 Preview – The Light Show Speaker Returns with Powerful Sound
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computerbild.de
19/11/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: The Return of the Lava Lamp?
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allround-pc.com
09/01/2020
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Pulse 4 Bluetooth Speaker
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letemsvetemapplem.eu
24/11/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: Great Sound and Plenty of Color to Boot
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lesnumeriques.com
06/01/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: A Bluetooth speaker that bets heavily on visuals.
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letemsvetemapplem.eu
24/11/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: Great sound and lots of color for your parties
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C
culturasonora.es
14/08/2026
Summary of the review
The Best JBL Bluetooth Speakers (2026 Review)
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es.gizmodo.com
09/09/2019
Summary of the review
The JBL Pulse 4 portable speaker guarantees you will be the center of attention
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M
macitynet.it
22/12/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: A Feast of Music and Color
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smartworld.it
02/03/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: But at What Price?
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gqitalia.it
21/04/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4: the bluetooth speaker to get the party started
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letemsvetemapplem.eu
24/11/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: Good sound and so many more colors
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tg24.sky.it
23/01/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 speaker review | Sky TG24
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techpulse.be
27/01/2020
Summary of the review
A Musical Light Show
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techgirl.nl
28/01/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 is the ultimate party starter
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wonen.nl
14/08/2026
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 review - Tested at home on WONEN.nl
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consumentenbond.nl
14/08/2026
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Black - Test, Reviews & Prices
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global.techradar.com
23/01/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 review
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