This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
I have used JBL’s GO series as my bath speaker for years, and my current one is the JBL GO4. The Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go looks and is named much like it, at roughly half the price. Side by side, the JBL wins on sound, build and day-to-day convenience, while the Anker is more than good enough for background audio in the bath.
What I tested
- The Anker speaker (blue), new out of the box
- JBL GO4, which I had been using for about a year and a half
- Both connected to a Mac playing the same music, plus my own measurements of size and weight
Comparison
| Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go | JBL GO4 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Price at the time of recording | About ¥3,000 on sale (usually around ¥4,000) | ¥6,809, low ¥6,000s with a 10% discount |
| Measured size (W × H) | 119 × 83 mm | 91 × 74 mm |
| Measured weight | 264 g | 196 g |
| USB-C port | Behind a flap (easy to open) | Exposed, yet waterproof |
| Sound | Fine for videos and podcasts | Louder, more bass, better separation |
What I found
- USB-C port: the JBL’s port is exposed but still waterproof, so I can plug it in without opening a flap. In a bathroom, that is the main reason I keep using it. The Anker uses a flap, though it opens easily.
- Buttons: the JBL has play/pause and volume on top with power on the side, which felt more intuitive. The Anker puts everything on top.
- Sound: the Anker sounded fine. Switching to the JBL, it was louder despite being smaller, with firmer bass and better separation. Sound is partly taste, so listen to the comparison at the end of the video.
- Build: the Anker feels a little toy-like next to the JBL. Nothing is badly made; the JBL simply feels more cohesive.
- Durability: my GO4 has survived about 18 months, including a few drops into the bath. My previous GO3 lasted three to four years without a fault, although its rubber logo started peeling after a few years. I had only just unboxed the Anker, so I can’t judge its durability yet.
Who it’s for
- Pick the Anker if you mostly play videos, radio or podcasts in the bath, want to try a cheap speaker first, or want one for the pool or the beach that you won’t worry about.
- Pick the JBL GO4 if you listen to music properly, want to carry it around (it is smaller and about 70 g lighter), or value a long track record.
Watch the review
The video is in Japanese. The sound comparison starts at around 12:20, and you don’t need Japanese for that part.
Limitations
This is a first impression of the Anker right after unboxing, not a long-term test. I have not compared battery life yet. Prices were Amazon Japan’s at the time of recording.
Products
Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go: on Amazon Japan
JBL GO4: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Earbuds, Speakers & Audio (35) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.