The JBL Clip 4 is the fourth generation of the JBL Clip. As its name suggests, it has a built-in carabiner hook to "clip" it onto your bag or backpack while on the go. It has a slightly different design than previous speakers in the Clip lineup, with a more square-like shape. Overall, it's lightweight and portable, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance to protect it against the elements while listening to your favorite music outdoors.
Our Verdict
The JBL Clip 4 is middling for music. It has a slightly bass-heavy sound out of the box, adding punch to the mix. However, voices and lead instruments are slightly muddied, and the speaker can't bring the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass. There aren't any sound customization tools, either.
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Clear reproduction of voices.
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Doesn't get very loud.
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No sound customization features.
The JBL Clip 4 isn't meant for watching videos and movies, but if you pair it to your phone to watch some videos, it can get the job done. Its low latency with iOS and Android devices means you don't notice any lip-synching issues, and audio is in sync with the video on your screen. Dialogue is reproduced with clarity, too. However, it doesn't get very loud, and there isn't a lot of rumble in the bass for action-packed scenes.
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Low latency over Bluetooth.
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Doesn't get very loud.
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Lacks low bass.
The JBL Clip 4 is decent for podcasts. With a clear reproduction of voices in the mix, dialogue is easy to follow, so you don't miss a beat in your favorite shows. Its portable design makes it easy to bring from room to room. That said, it doesn't get very loud, so if you plan to listen in a larger or more open space, you'll want to ensure you're close to the speaker to follow along with your podcasts.
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Portable design.
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Clear reproduction of voices.
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Doesn't get very loud.
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No sound customization features.
This speaker doesn't support voice assistants.
The JBL Clip 4 is acceptable for outdoor use. Overall, this small, lightweight Bluetooth speaker is easy to bring with you, whether on a hike or chilling at the park. It's sturdy and durable, too, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance to protect it against the elements. Since it doesn't get very loud, you'll want to keep it close by when listening to your favorite tunes.
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IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
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Portable design.
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Doesn't get very loud.
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Lacks low bass.
- 5.9 Music
- 5.6 Videos/Movies
- 7.3 Podcasts
- 3.1 Voice Assistant
- 6.3 Outdoors
- Updated Sep 24, 2024: The Compared To Other Speakers section and Updated Aug 15, 2024: We've added a comparison between this speaker and the JBL Clip 5 in Bluetoooth.
- Updated Jan 11, 2024: Updated review text for clarity and consistency. No changes in test results.
- Updated Sep 12, 2023: Added market comparison for the Bushnell Wingman Mini in the App box.
- Updated Apr 18, 2023: Added the Clip 4 Eco series to the Variants box.
- Updated Jan 16, 2023: Updated the review text for clarity and consistency. No changes in test results.
- Updated Dec 20, 2022: Changed Track Next/Previous from No to Forward Only (Physical).
- Updated Jan 07, 2022: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
- Updated Mar 12, 2021: Updated our Bluetooth latency results with iOS and Android devices.
- Updated Jan 18, 2021: After re-evaluating our subjective scoring, we updated the Ease of Use score for this speaker's controls to 'Great'.
- Updated Jan 15, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Jan 13, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Dec 22, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Dec 17, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The JBL Clip 4 comes in several color variants: 'Black', 'Blue', 'Gray', 'Green', 'Orange', 'Pink', 'Red', 'Squad', which has a camo motif, 'Teal', 'White', 'Yellow', and 'Blue-Pink'. We tested the black model, and you can see its label here. We expect all color variants to perform similarly to our model.
Also, you can find the Clip 4 Eco series in 'Blue', 'Green', and 'White'. These versions are made of recycled materials.
If you come across another variant, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Speakers
The JBL Clip 4 is the fourth generation of the JBL Clip. Like other speakers from the Clip lineup, it has a locking mechanism on its top side so you can hook it to objects like bags while you're on the go or outdoors. However, this generation is more square-shaped and has a larger logo on its front. It's a wallet-friendly speaker that lacks more premium features like sound customization, which you find with the Anker Soundcore 3 or JBL Go 4, and its battery life isn't as long-lasting as similarly-priced models like the Sony SRS-XB100.
See also our recommendations for the best portable Bluetooth speakers, the best Bluetooth speakers under $100, and the best golf cart speakers.
The JBL Clip 5 is the next generation of the JBL Clip 4 and comes with a host of improvements while maintaining the formula that has made the Clip series popular. Both speakers are well-built, extremely portable, and IP67-rated. With the new generation, the distinctive carabiner hook has been redesigned to be wider and easier to clip onto things. JBL have also added Bluetooth multi-device pairing, as well as companion app compatibility, so you can tweak the sound via a graphic EQ and presets. The newer version also has a more balanced sound and can get louder, though it compresses more at max volume. For these reasons, it's well worth picking up the Clip 5 over the Clip 4, regardless of your preferred usage.
The JBL Clip 4 is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Go 3. While both speakers have a great build quality and are very portable, the Clip 4 can reproduce slightly more bass and has a wider soundstage. It also has lower audio latency on iOS and Android, although some apps compensate for this differently. However, the Go 3 can reach max volume with fewer compression artifacts.
Both the JBL Go 4 and JBL Clip 4 can be a better choice for you, but it depends on your needs. The Go 4 is a bit smaller and lighter, and it floats if you drop it. Out of the two, it's the only one with a companion app that lets you EQ it, and it includes a bit more battery life. However, the Clip 4's integrated carabiner clip might be more helpful than the small fabric loop on the Go 4. The Clip 4 also has better directivity, providing a more consistent sound at various listening angles, alongside better bass extension. It has lower latency, which makes a difference when watching videos. Although, it compresses your audio more than the Go 4.
The Sony SRS-XB100 is a better speaker for most uses than the JBL Clip 4. While both speakers are very portable and similarly well-built, the Sony has a more balanced sound with less compression present at max volume. It also has a significantly longer battery life and is compatible with a companion app. The JBL has lower AV synchronization error though, so it's a better choice for watching movies or video content in general.
The JBL Flip 6 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4. The Flip 6 can get louder than the Clip 4, has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box, and can produce a more extended low bass. You can tweak its sound to your liking using the graphic EQ in its companion app. You can also pair the speaker to two devices at once, which is handy when you need to quickly switch between audio sources. The Clip 4 is smaller and has a built-in carabiner clip, making it easier to transport on the go. When placed flat on its back with its logo facing upwards, its soundstage is perceived as more open and spacious-sounding.
The JBL Flip 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4, though they have different strengths. The Flip 5 can get louder and has a better balanced sound profile that can reproduce a deeper bass than the Clip 4. It also has a longer battery life, lasting over eight hours from a single charge, though this can vary depending on your usage. However, the Clip 4 is smaller and more portable with a built-in carabiner hook. It also has a wider-sounding soundstage than the Flip 5 and is better built.
The Bose SoundLink Micro is a better speaker for outdoor use than the JBL Clip 4. The Bose has better controls, and while it doesn't get as loud as the JBL, it can reach its max volume with fewer compression artifacts. It also supports your smartphone's voice assistant, it has a companion app that allows you to connect it to other units, and you can pair it with up to two devices at a time. However, the JBL is better built and has a slightly better-balanced sound profile.
The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4 overall, though you may prefer one over the other depending on your listening habits. The Charge 5 offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce deeper bass than the Clip 4. It can also get louder and can last over 14 hours on a single charge, though this can depend on your usage. However, the Clip 4 is smaller and more portable thanks to its built-in carabiner hook. It also offers a wider-sounding soundstage.
The Sony SRS-XB13 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4. The Sony has a better-balanced sound profile that can produce a deeper low-bass than the JBL. It can get louder with fewer compression artifacts at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volumes, and it has a wider-sounding soundstage than the JBL. However, the JBL is somewhat better built and comes with a built-in carabiner hook, which can come in handy when you're on the move.
The JBL Clip 4 is better for most uses than the Anker Soundcore 2. Both speakers struggle to reproduce low-bass, but the JBL has a more extended low-bass than the Anker. Also, the JBL has a better soundstage. However, the Anker has a longer battery life and supports voice assistants from your smartphone. It can also play stereo content, unlike the JBL, which has to downmix this audio into mono.
The Anker Soundcore 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4 overall. The Anker has a customizable sound profile, thanks to the graphic EQ and presets available in its companion app. It can get louder than the JBL and has a longer battery life, though this can vary depending on usage. However, the JBL is smaller and more portable than the Anker. The JBL is also better built, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in a meter of water for 30 minutes.
The Sony SRS-XB12 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4 overall. The Sony has less compression present at max volume, so your audio sounds cleaner at louder volume levels. It supports voice assistants through your smartphone. It can also last over 13 hours from a single charge, though this can depend on your usage, and your experience may differ. That said, the JBL can produce a more extended low-bass. It also comes with a built-in hook to clip it to your bag.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4 overall. The Ultimate Ears can get louder with less compression at max volume, so your audio sounds cleaner when you blast the speaker. Its more balanced sound profile can produce a slightly deeper bass. It also has a long-lasting battery life of over 13 hours from a single charge, unlike the JBL's 5.5 hours. The JBL is smaller and has a built-in carabiner hook, making it easier to transport. It also has lower Bluetooth latency with iOS and Android devices.
The JBL JR POP and the JBL Clip 4 are similar speakers, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Clip 4 is better built and has a more neutral sound profile. However, the JR POP is smaller and has a kid-friendly design. While it doesn't get as loud as the Clip 4, it has less compression when you play it at max volume.
The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4. The Anker has a more balanced sound profile, and it's more customizable thanks to the graphic EQ in its companion app. Also, it has a longer battery life than the JBL and can get louder. However, the JBL's soundstage is perceived as more open, though its bass can sound a bit muddy. Although both speakers are outstandingly portable, the JBL has a clip that lets you attach it to your bag.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4. The Ultimate Ears has a better build quality, and due to its 360-degree design, it has a wider, more spacious-feeling soundstage, especially as it's in stereo. It also has a better-balanced sound profile, can get much louder, and has a longer-lasting continuous battery life. However, the JBL has lower latency on iOS and Android.
The Sonos Roam/Roam SL is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4. The Sonos has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box and gets louder. It also has a companion app with bass and treble adjustments. Voice assistant support is even available with the original Roam variant.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Clip 4 or the iFox iF012. The JBL offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce a more extended low-bass than the iFox. It also has a built-in carabiner hook to help transport it and has lower Bluetooth latency with iOS and Android devices. However, the iFox can get a bit louder with less compression present at max volume, so audio quality doesn't degrade as much at louder volumes. You can also use the iFox to accept and decline phone calls, and it comes with a removable suction cup and carabiner hook, which some users may prefer.
The Bushnell Wingman Mini and the JBL Clip 4 are both portable Bluetooth speakers designed for on-the-go use. The JBL is better for music, as it has a better low-frequency extension, so it brings out more rumble in the bass. The Bushnell is a better alternative for golfers since its companion app brings extra features for this use. The Bushnell's battery lasts longer, too.
The Sony SRS-XB23 is a better speaker for outdoor use than the JBL Clip 4. The Sony has better controls and a better-balanced sound profile. Since it's a 360-degree speaker, it can reproduce a wider soundstage. It also has a better battery life, and you can use your smartphone's voice assistant with it. It even has an app with a graphic EQ so you can tweak its sound.
Test Results
The JBL Clip 4 has a square-ish design that can easily fit in your hand. It comes in several colors, so you can find a style that best suits your preferences, and it has a carabiner hook built-in so that you can securely hang it from your bag. It also has a large JBL logo on its front side, which some users may find a little in-your-face. For another small, portable speaker that you can hook to your bag, check out the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore, which has a built-in carrying strap and a removable carabiner hook.
This battery-powered speaker is small and lightweight, so it's incredibly portable. It's designed to be taken along with you when you're out and comes with a built-in carabiner hook, which you can use to clip the speaker to your bag.
It has an impressive build quality. Aside from its rubber base, most of the speaker is wrapped in tight netting, and the built-in carabiner hook is thick and sturdy. It also has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance that certifies it to be fully dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Check out the iFox iF012 shower speaker for a small, well-built speaker with a removable carabiner clip and suction cup.
The controls are simple and easy to use. It has dedicated buttons to turn it on/off, play/pause audio, pair it via Bluetooth, and adjust the volume. You can also press the play button twice to skip to the next track, but there isn't a way to go to a previous track. The buttons are easy to press, and a chime plays each time you increase the volume. There's also a chime that plays while you're pairing a device. A white light appears to let you know when the speaker is on, and it flashes to let you know when you're pairing with a device. A red light on top of the speaker helps you keep track of the battery life. Since this speaker doesn't have a microphone built-in, you can't use its buttons to answer and end phone calls.
This speaker has a slightly bass-heavy sound. Extra punch in the bass range carries over into the mids, slightly muddying voices and lead instruments. Since it's a smaller speaker, it's no surprise that it also struggles to bring the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass. This is most noticeable with bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop.
Most music is mixed in stereo, but unfortunately, this speaker has to downmix it into mono to play it back. That said, it has excellent directivity and a more 360-degree design that brings consistent audio from all angles.
This speaker gets loud enough to fill an average-sized living room with sound. However, it's pretty small, so it's not meant for listening in larger, more open spaces. There's some compression as you push it to max volume, too. The equally portable JBL Go 4 is a bit louder at max and doesn't compress quite as much.
The manufacturer advertises a battery life of ten hours, but in our tests, this speaker lasted 5.5 hours. It's worth noting that the settings you use can impact a speaker's battery performance. This model also has an auto-off feature that shuts it down after twenty minutes without an audio signal, which helps conserve power.
Check out the Bushnell Wingman Mini if you want a speaker with a golf-centric companion app.
Aside from its USB-C charging port, this speaker has no wired inputs.
This speaker has great Bluetooth connectivity. Its range is impressive, so the speaker can pick up a signal even if your device is further away. Also, thanks to its low latency, you don't have any issues with lip-synching when you watch videos and movies. Some apps compensate for latency differently, so your real-world experience may vary slightly. Sadly there's no Bluetooth multi-device pairing though, so you'll need to pick up the JBL Clip 5 for this.