On the eve of the summer season, the JBL brand announced the youth ultra-compact speaker Go. According to the developer, this model is ideal for schoolchildren and students. If necessary, you can take it on a picnic, on a hike or to the beach. Well, the price of 2,000 rubles looks quite high for this category of consumers. Let's figure out whether JBL Go is worth attention and money?
This time our editorial team has one of the smallest speakers available on the market. We're talking about JBL Go. This is an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker with a speakerphone. The target audience is young people. Actually, for this reason, there are already 8 body color options on sale: black, white, red, yellow, blue, light blue, orange and pink. I tested the most boring option - black.
First impressions. Dimensions and scope of delivery
id="sub0">Since JBL Go is one of the cheapest price category(in retail the speaker costs 1990 rubles), the packaging is simple. This is a transparent plastic box in which the speaker is placed. Inside the cardboard cover you can find a charging cable that connects to the computer. The kit also includes instructions and a warranty card.
Scope of delivery:
- JBL Go
- USB cable for charging
- Documentation
In terms of size, the JBL Go is very compact. Dimensions are 68.3 x 82.7 x 30.8 mm, weight 130 grams. In terms of mobility, the performance is simply excellent. The gadget is so light that you can carry it with you all the time.
Appearance and controls
id="sub1">JBL Go has a minimalist appearance. The speaker is a kind of box, the body of which is made of rubberized plastic.
Top panel contains control buttons. There is a volume key, a power button, a call answer button, and a Bluetooth wireless pairing button. On the left side there is a recess with a partition for a strap. This will allow you to mount the speaker on the handlebars of a bicycle or somewhere else.
On the right side of the JBL Go you can see connectors for charging micro-USB and connecting an audio cable, as well as a microphone. The front part is covered with a metal grille that protects the speaker and a small LED indicator.
Functionality
id="sub2">With this speaker you can listen to music by connecting it to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth; in addition, there is a 3.5mm jack.
I tested the column with Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, iPhone 5S, MacBook Pro 13. The gadget is quickly identified and starts playing music.
To start pairing, you need to press the Bluetooth button on the top of the speaker. Will happen beep. Next, you need to find the column in the list of available wireless devices and confirm the connection.
In addition, the speaker can be used to communicate on the phone using a speakerphone. There is a built-in microphone here. The quality of voice transmission is not bad, but it cannot be called ideal. There is no noise cancellation, so the voice is not as good as it usually is during phone conversations. However, as an option it is a plus.
Sound quality
id="sub3">If we talk about technical specifications, then JBL Go is capable of reproducing sound in the range of 180 Hz - 20 kHz. Signal to noise ratio - 80 dB.
The sound quality is good, but there is a lack of power that more advanced models have. This is especially noticeable at maximum volume. The volume itself is high, but the quality suffers. The column begins to wheeze and rattle. Once you turn down the volume a little, everything returns to normal.
Low frequencies are poorly transmitted. Apparently it's a matter of size. The compact and miniature model cannot convey the “bottoms”.
At the same time, I can’t say that JBL Go is bad. It is suitable for listening to music while cycling, it is nice to take it on a country trip or watch a movie on your tablet if the standard volume is not enough. It’s just that the range of uses of the gadget is limited.
Battery life
id="sub4">The manufacturer claims 5 hours of music listening time. In practice, I got something like 4.5-5 hours. This is a decent level for a speaker with such compact dimensions. In addition to the original cable included in the kit, you can use a USB cable for charging. It will take 2 hours to fully charge via microUSB. Indicators will tell you the charging level.
Results
id="sub5">For its audience, JBL Go is good. It is compact, well assembled, inexpensive, and has a built-in speakerphone. The sound, of course, is not ideal (no low frequencies), but as a hiking option, cycling, picnics it is 100% suitable.
Advantages
- Small size, compact
- High quality build
- Bright appearance
- Built-in speakerphone
Flaws
- Flat sound
- Wheezing at maximum volume
On the day of publication of the test review, the JBL Go speaker could be purchased at a price of 1,990 rubles.
JBL GO - should be everywhere only high quality sound! This speaker is a convenient all-in-one solution. It supports Bluetooth, which allows you to connect it to any modern gadgets, and the built-in battery will give you 5 hours of music without interruption. JBL GO also features a built-in microphone...
Compact size. Powerful sound.
JBL GO - there should be only high-quality sound everywhere! This speaker is a convenient all-in-one solution. It supports Bluetooth, which allows you to connect it to any modern gadgets, and the built-in battery will give you 5 hours of music without interruption. JBL GO also features a built-in microphone with noise-canceling technology, allowing you to have hands-free calls. Available in 8 vibrant colors, a rubberized design and signature JBL styling, this portable speaker is for anyone who loves quality sound and portability. GO is equipped with a mount that allows you to attach the speaker to your backpack or clothing. Now you can never be separated from your favorite music.
Reproducible frequency range: 180 Hz - 20 kHz.
We are accustomed to the fact that if the JBL nameplate is visible on a device, then it is something expensive and at the same time of no less quality. But recently, the American manufacturer decided to expand its audience and began to slowly release affordable portable speakers. Last year they appeared in JBL sales Clip, and this is their continuation - Clip+. But today we will talk about the most affordable wireless speaker from JBL. Ladies and gentlemen, please love and favor ‒ GO, just JBL GO.
JBL GO comes in a translucent package, inside which you can find documentation and a charging cable.
Design
The speaker is small and neat, made in a rectangular form factor. The main body material is soft-touch plastic, but don’t be afraid of fingerprints, they are practically invisible. The front grill is metal and has the JBL logo visible on it.
By appearance The GO resembles a miniature guitar cabinet and even has feet on the bottom. On the left there is an eyelet for a lanyard, you can attach a carabiner and hang the speaker from something.
There are 8 colors available for sale that emphasize the youthfulness of the device.
Ergonomics
The model is compact (68.3x82.7x30.8 mm) and weighs only 130 g, it will be appropriate in places where there is no access to large speakers.
With such weight and size parameters and shape, you can attach a smartphone to the speaker and watch videos from YouTube, which is very convenient.
The speaker is closed, it is difficult to damage it, so you can safely throw the mini-acoustic system into your bag and not worry about its safety. The case is not waterproof, which is worth considering when listening to music on the beach.
Connection, control
The main connection interface is Bluetooth 4.1; only one device can be paired at a time. You can also see 3.5 mm mini-jack connectors for wired connection of audio and audio sources. Micro USB for charging.
The buttons on top are responsible for control: volume control, pairing, answering a call, on/off.
Sound
In terms of sound quality and volume, we have a leader in its price range (of course, we did not take Chinese noname into account). The speaker plays many times better than the one we recently reviewed Xiaomi Square Box and is approaching a more expensive solution from Chinese manufacturer‒ Mi Bluetooth Speaker. But the latter, to be honest, has more voluminous bass. The JBL GO boasts sound clarity and smoothness, even at maximum volume, which is quite high.
My column was the main one music system at home for a whole week. And the conclusion is this: for an apartment with an area of 40 m2, such a solution is quite enough to create a background - it can be heard anywhere. It’s a pity that the proprietary JBL Connect technology is not supported, which allows you to combine two speakers into one stereo system, but that would be too cool for such a price.
Functionality
The most interesting thing is that with a price tag of $30, the model has a microphone for use as a speakerphone. Also among the functional features is the presence of a 3.5 mm mini-jack; not all competitors can connect wired or wirelessly.
Autonomy
The built-in 600 mAh battery allows the speaker to play at medium volume and connected via Bluetooth for about 5-6 hours. Yes, this is not a record figure, there are models that easily work for 10 hours or more. Charging from a computer lasts 1.5 hours.
Results
Unexpectedly, JBL has released one of the most worthy contenders among inexpensive wireless speakers. Priced at $30, the model looks nice and is made of good materials, plays well for its size and has good functionality. The only thing you can find fault with is the autonomy of 5-6 hours, but this is not a significant drawback and for many this operating time will be enough.
Liked:
Appearance, body materials, bright colors
Sound
Functionality
Price
Compact dimensions
Didn't like:
- Not record-breaking autonomy
The editors thank the Portable store for providing the JBL GO speakers for review.
 | 1 | |
| Speaker power, W | 3 | |
| Subwoofer power, W | — | |
| Frequency range, Hz | 180-20000 | |
| Signal to noise ratio, dB | 80 | |
| Amplifier | built-in | |
| Bass reflex | — | |
| USB | Micro USB x1 (for charging) | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 | |
| AirPlay | — | |
| NFC | — | |
| mini Jack 3.5 mm | x1 | |
| Nutrition | from USB, from battery | |
| Autonomy, hours (battery capacity, mAh) | 5 hours /600 mAh | |
| Housing material | plastic | |
| Finishing material | no data | |
| Dimensions, mm | 68.3×82.7×30.8 | |
| Weight, kg | 0,13 | |
| Color | red | |
| Equipment | micro usb cable | |
| Additionally | Built-in microphone |
I bought this speaker for my grandmother. The speaker on the tablet broke and she decided not to bother with repairs and just ask to buy her a speaker. In principle, for this money there are not very many options: either noname from the basement or jbl. The choice is obvious, so we order. An hour later I picked it up and decided to unpack it right in the car and listen to what this pot-bellied little thing could reveal. A small disclaimer: I'm a bit of an audiophile, so at home I'm happy with the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, computer games voiced by thonet vander, and harman kordon plays in the car. Well, that is, it’s not so easy to surprise me. But you won't believe it, JBL did it. Because The speaker was intended only for TV series and rare conversations about Skype, so the sound didn’t really bother me that much. But after listening to my favorite track Oscar and The Wol - Joaquim, I was very surprised. Awesome tops. The instrumental just caresses the ears, there’s no other way to put it. The middle ones are no worse by the way. I had absolutely no hopes for the bass, but even he tried to prove himself and shake his own body. In general, the speaker is ideal for this ridiculous money. As soon as I save up bonus points, on the same day I will buy the same one for myself. I don’t really know why I need it, but let it be. Her sound is royal, nothing less.
Spending time in nature is especially important now, as is taking a portable audio device with you with decent time battery life. During the May holidays, I came across the JBL Go for review - an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker with a speakerphone, which is the subject of this review.
Spring view
Before us is the rectangular “brother” JBL Clip, the dimensions, materials and functionality of which are the main similarities. Portable JBL acoustics The Go looks stylish and feels great to hold. For review, I received a blue speaker with an orange cable included.
1 of 4
The speaker body is made of the usual rubberized plastic; a similar material is used in all the models I reviewed this year. portable acoustics from JBL. The top panel contains control buttons: volume control, power button, answer call and pairing via Bluetooth wireless interface. On the left side there is a recess with a partition for a strap, and on the right there are connectors for charging micro-USB and connecting an audio cable, as well as a microphone. The front part is covered with a metal grille that protects the speaker and a small LED indicator.
The speaker has a rich color palette of body design - there are seven options to choose from (see photo). The gadget is tiny, it will even fit in a purse: 68.3 x 82.7 x 30.8 mm. As I already wrote, the JBL team has provided a groove for attaching a strap, so placing the speaker inside a bag or pocket is not necessary, since you can hang it somewhere for your convenience. Strap not included. The design of the device is simple and original, nothing superfluous and quite practical.
Frequency range (Hz): 160-20000
Sensitivity (dB): 80
Total power (W): 3
Wireless interfaces
Bluetooth: 4.0
Dimensions
Dimensions (HxWxT): 68.3x82.7x30.8
Weight (g): 150
Battery life (h): 5
Functionality
The speaker is equipped with a Bluetooth wireless interface that will allow you to connect the device to any mobile device with support for this technology, and for the rest a 3.5mm jack connector is suitable. The presence of a microphone will provide you with a hands-free function with acceptable speech quality. Despite its modest dimensions, JBL Go works up to 5 hours without recharging.
Sound quality
The speaker demonstrates clear sound with a slight bass; the sound quality of this audio device can always be protected at a price of 2000 rubles. Playback low frequencies the JBL Clip seemed a little deeper to me. In turn, JBL Go gives the impression of being a solid wireless speakers with a decent volume reserve. The solution is still a budget one, this must be taken into account when purchasing.
Bottom line
Thanks to its low price and unusual design, this model of portable wireless acoustics will become an excellent gadget not only for the younger generation, but connoisseurs of compact and functional devices will also not miss the JBL Go. Probably the best budget device in its class.
