Compare JBL Go 4 vs Edifier ES60

JBL Go 4
Edifier ES60

Quick verdict

What each product is best for

Choose JBL Go 4 for Bluetooth codec support and EQ customization.

Choose Edifier ES60 for Cohesive presentation and Omnidirectional sound.

Comparison Takeaways

JBL Go 4

Where It Has the Edge

  • Bluetooth codec support is 5.0 vs 2.0. The SBC-only wireless connection is considered perfectly acceptable for casual music, podcasts, and video. It lacks higher-quality codec...
  • EQ customization is 4.3 vs 2.4. The five-band EQ and presets are a major improvement, letting users tame the mids, add punch, or improve...
  • Bluetooth connectivity is 4.5 vs 3.0. Bluetooth setup is usually fast and straightforward across phones, tablets, and laptops. Reviewers commonly describe the connection process...
  • Price / value for money is 4.6 vs 3.4. At roughly $40 to $50—and especially when discounted—the speaker is widely considered an affordable way to get dependable...

Edifier ES60

Where It Has the Edge

  • Cohesive presentation is 4.5 vs 1.0. On dense rock material, the ES60 stayed controlled enough to deliver a well-rounded listening experience rather than becoming...
  • Omnidirectional sound is 4.5 vs 1.0. The front-and-rear driver layout gives the ES60 convincing room coverage and fairly consistent sound from multiple angles. Placement...
  • Dynamic headroom is 5.0 vs 2.0. One reviewer singled out the ES60’s dynamism as especially impressive, helping the compact speaker sound larger and more...
  • Wired input is 4.3 vs 1.7. USB-C audio is a widely appreciated extra, often praised for stable, cleaner playback and desktop flexibility. One customer,...
Average score
JBL Go 4
4.1
Edifier ES60
4.0
Omnidirectional sound
JBL Go 4
1.0

Sound is directional rather than truly room-filling in every direction. Reviewers often preferred laying the speaker face-up, while listening from behind it produced a muffled and narrower presentation.

Edifier ES60
4.5

The front-and-rear driver layout gives the ES60 convincing room coverage and fairly consistent sound from multiple angles. Placement still matters if you want the strongest frontal presentation.

Cohesive presentation
JBL Go 4
1.0

Complex tracks can sound muddled, with limited separation between instruments. The compact mono design favors an energetic, direct presentation over precise layering.

Edifier ES60
4.5

On dense rock material, the ES60 stayed controlled enough to deliver a well-rounded listening experience rather than becoming overwhelmed.

Bluetooth codec support
JBL Go 4
5.0

The SBC-only wireless connection is considered perfectly acceptable for casual music, podcasts, and video. It lacks higher-quality codec options for listeners who care about premium wireless audio.

Edifier ES60
2.0

Codec support is a recurring limitation: the ES60 is criticized for SBC-only Bluetooth with no AAC, LDAC, or aptX options.

Dynamic headroom
JBL Go 4
2.0

The Go 4 begins to sound thinner when pushed to roughly 70 percent volume and beyond. It has useful output for its size, but limited reserve for demanding outdoor or party use.

Edifier ES60
5.0

One reviewer singled out the ES60’s dynamism as especially impressive, helping the compact speaker sound larger and more energetic than expected.

Wired input
JBL Go 4
1.7

There is no 3.5mm auxiliary input, and the USB-C port does not carry audio. Reviewers who still use older wired players consider this a clear limitation.

Edifier ES60
4.3

USB-C audio is a widely appreciated extra, often praised for stable, cleaner playback and desktop flexibility. One customer, however, found USB-C output much quieter than Bluetooth.

EQ customization
JBL Go 4
4.3

The five-band EQ and presets are a major improvement, letting users tame the mids, add punch, or improve vocal clarity. The small driver limits how much extra bass the EQ can create, and Playtime Boost disables custom tuning.

Edifier ES60
2.4

EQ control is one of the most repeated complaints. The four presets can be useful, but many reviewers say they change too little and strongly miss a true manual or custom EQ.

Control button responsiveness
JBL Go 4
3.3

The controls are tactile and generally easy to operate, but some reviewers found that presses register best in the center of each button. The side controls can also be hard to see in darker finishes.

Edifier ES60
5.0

Top-panel controls earned strong praise for quick response, easy operation, and satisfying feedback.

Charging cable inclusion
JBL Go 4
3.2

Many packages include a USB charging cable, but the supplied cable is often described as very short and a wall adapter may be absent. Buyers may prefer to use their own longer cable and charging block.

Edifier ES60
4.8

The included USB-C cable is appreciated, with one reviewer specifically calling it sturdy and high quality.

Bluetooth connection stability
JBL Go 4
3.4

Most reviewers found pairing quick and playback stable, including use around the house and outdoors. A minority reported random disconnections, shutdowns, or unusually unreliable behavior.

Edifier ES60
4.9

Bluetooth performance is consistently positive where tested, with fast pairing, seamless connections, and no reported dropouts in those use cases.

Speakerphone quality
JBL Go 4
2.0

The lack of a microphone means there is no speakerphone function. Buyers who want hands-free calls need a different portable speaker.

Edifier ES60
3.5

Hands-free calls are generally usable and sometimes very clear, but other tests found the mic muffled. One owner also notes that microphone use is unavailable during USB-C audio playback.

Bluetooth connectivity
JBL Go 4
4.5

Bluetooth setup is usually fast and straightforward across phones, tablets, and laptops. Reviewers commonly describe the connection process as simple enough to complete in seconds.

Edifier ES60
3.0

Standard Bluetooth pairing was described as straightforward, though without the faster platform-specific pairing conveniences some users may expect.

Multi-speaker pairing reliability
JBL Go 4
3.8

Pairing through the JBL app is usually quick and dependable, and some owners found linking multiple speakers effortless. The physical Auracast-button process can be confusing, and one expert noted synchronization delay in stereo mode.

Edifier ES60
5.0

An owner using two ES60s reported being thrilled with the stereo result, providing a strong real-world endorsement of paired operation.

Price / value for money
JBL Go 4
4.6

At roughly $40 to $50—and especially when discounted—the speaker is widely considered an affordable way to get dependable portable sound and a rugged build. Some rivals offer more battery or bass for similar money.

Edifier ES60
3.4

Value is highly price-sensitive. Some reviewers call the ES60 excellent for the money, while others find the regular price steep because rivals offer longer battery life, stronger sound refinement, or tougher water protection.

Stereo imaging accuracy
JBL Go 4
4.2

A single Go 4 is mono and offers limited left-right separation. Pairing two identical units creates true stereo and a much wider, more immersive presentation, though occasional sync delay has been reported.

Edifier ES60
3.0

Imaging is mixed: some reviewers criticize weak vocal and instrument separation, while another heard a noticeably wider soundstage from the front/rear tweeter layout.

App reliability
JBL Go 4
4.7

The JBL Portable app is generally easy to connect, simple to navigate, and reliable for EQ, battery checks, updates, and speaker grouping. A few reviewers found it basic rather than feature-rich.

Edifier ES60
3.5

The ConneX app is usually described as easy or useful, but experiences vary: one firmware update was very slow, one source flagged regional availability, and a customer called the app limited.

Microphone
JBL Go 4
2.0

There is no built-in microphone, so the speaker cannot handle calls directly. Phone conversations and voice commands must stay on the connected device.

Edifier ES60
3.1

Microphone quality is serviceable rather than standout. Voices remain understandable, but reviewers describe the mic as somewhat muffled and less clear than hoped.

Weight convenience
JBL Go 4
4.8

At roughly 190 grams, the speaker is exceptionally light and easy to slip into a pocket or bag. Its low weight is a defining advantage for travel, hiking, cycling, and everyday carrying.

Edifier ES60
3.8

At roughly a kilogram, the ES60 has noticeable heft but remains portable for most reviewers. It fits in backpacks and is easy to move around, though one customer wished for a smaller form.

Voice clarity
JBL Go 4
5.0

Vocals and spoken content are usually clear, forward, and easy to understand, making the speaker useful for podcasts and audiobooks. Some default EQ settings can let voices compete with other elements, but tuning helps.

Edifier ES60
4.0

Vocals are often clear and forward enough to follow easily, but some tracks expose reduced accuracy or separation compared with the strongest competitors.

Everyday usability
JBL Go 4
4.8

Its pocketable size, simple setup, and grab-and-go design make it exceptionally easy to use around the home, at work, or while traveling. Reviewers often describe it as a speaker they carry without thinking.

Edifier ES60
3.8

Most reviewers find the ES60 easy to fit into desks, kitchens, travel, and general home use. A charging-resume issue and some PC/size quirks are notable exceptions.

Detail retrieval
JBL Go 4
4.7

The speaker reveals an impressive amount of vocal and instrumental detail for its size, especially after EQ tuning. Dense or heavily layered recordings can still lose texture and separation.

Edifier ES60
3.8

Detail is mixed by source. Some listeners praise excellent clarity and refinement, while more critical reviewers say the ES60 misses the nuance available from similarly priced rivals.

Battery life (if portable)
JBL Go 4
4.3

Battery life is adequate for casual outings, with many users getting roughly five to seven hours and some reporting longer results. Others experienced shorter or inconsistent runtime, while Playtime Boost extends playback at a noticeable cost to sound quality.

Edifier ES60
3.3

Battery opinions are sharply split. Several reviewers found roughly nine hours adequate or even good, while others called it underwhelming, terrible, or a major weakness—especially at higher volume.

Water resistance rating
JBL Go 4
4.7

Water protection is consistently praised: the IP67 speaker survives splashes, rain, dunking, and poolside use without trouble. Reviewers regularly treat it as a dependable beach, shower, and outdoor companion.

Edifier ES60
3.9

IP66 is considered useful for rain, splashes, poolside use, and outdoor listening. Multiple reviewers note that rivals with IP67 or IP68 ratings offer stronger protection against submersion.

Small-room suitability
JBL Go 4
4.3

The Go 4 is well suited to bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, hotel rooms, and small outdoor groups. It provides pleasant personal-scale sound without dominating nearby spaces.

Edifier ES60
5.0

The ES60 is particularly well suited to desks, bedrooms, nightstands, bookshelves, and other small-to-medium spaces because it produces far more volume than its footprint suggests.

Latency with TV (lip sync)
JBL Go 4
4.0

Reviewers who used the speaker with video reported low or minimal latency. It is suitable for casual phone, tablet, or laptop viewing without obvious lip-sync problems.

Edifier ES60
4.7

Movies and video playback were reported to stay in sync without distracting delay. The latency problem appears mainly in fast-paced gaming rather than normal video watching.

Inter-speaker connectivity
JBL Go 4
4.1

Auracast adds useful flexibility for linking compatible JBL speakers, and two Go 4 units can form a true stereo pair. Cross-model groups remain mono, and setup is usually easier through the app.

Edifier ES60
4.8

Stereo pairing is appealing and, for one owner using two ES60s, genuinely satisfying enough to earn an enthusiastic recommendation.

USB-C charging
JBL Go 4
4.1

USB-C charging is convenient and keeps the speaker compatible with common modern cables. The port is charging-only, fast charging is absent, and a full recharge can take around three hours.

Edifier ES60
3.5

USB-C charging is normally convenient and quick, but one customer reported a frustrating failure to resume charging automatically after the battery reached full.

Distortion at high volume
JBL Go 4
3.8

Many reviewers heard clean, surprisingly controlled sound at louder levels, while others noticed harsh treble, lost detail, or strain near maximum volume. It performs best below its absolute limit.

Edifier ES60
3.4

High-volume behavior depends on the listener and material. Some found no noticeable distortion or heard the speaker stay composed, while others reported compression, harsh treble, or thinner bass near the top of the range.

Drop resistance durability
JBL Go 4
4.6

Durability is one of the strongest points: reviewers repeatedly report drops, bumps, travel, and outdoor abuse without meaningful damage. The rubberized edges and solid construction inspire confidence.

Edifier ES60
4.3

The enclosure is generally viewed as sturdy and rugged, with reviewers expecting it to handle normal portable knocks and occasional drops.

Setup simplicity
JBL Go 4
4.6

Initial Bluetooth pairing is typically completed in seconds, and the app recognizes the speaker quickly. Stereo and multi-speaker setup is also straightforward when handled through the app.

Edifier ES60
5.0

Initial Bluetooth setup was extremely quick in one hands-on test, connecting successfully in under ten seconds on the first try.

Handle or strap quality
JBL Go 4
4.0

The built-in fabric loop feels sturdy and makes the speaker easy to hang from a bag or hook. Several reviewers still wish JBL had included an integrated carabiner or a more versatile strap.

Edifier ES60
4.3

The included carrying strap or lanyard is generally liked as a practical, premium-feeling portability extra.

Loudness / maximum volume
JBL Go 4
4.3

The Go 4 plays impressively loud for its palm-sized body and can cover a desk, hotel room, kitchen, or small gathering. It does not have the output or projection needed for large parties or noisy open spaces.

Edifier ES60
4.6

The ES60 plays unexpectedly loud for its size and can fill bedrooms, living rooms, garages, and even larger social spaces. Wired USB-C playback can be noticeably quieter for at least one owner.

Multipoint connectivity
JBL Go 4
5.0

Multipoint lets the speaker stay connected to two devices and switch between them smoothly. Reviewers found it useful for moving between a phone, tablet, or laptop without repeated pairing.

Edifier ES60
4.8

Multipoint worked smoothly in hands-on testing, including seamless switching between two connected devices after playback was paused.

Design and aesthetics
JBL Go 4
4.7

The compact shape, colorful fabric finishes, and rubber accents are widely praised as cute, modern, and premium-looking. Some buyers dislike the oversized JBL logo or particular accent colors.

Edifier ES60
4.9

Design is the strongest point of agreement: reviewers repeatedly praise the retro styling, faux leather, metal grille, gold accents, and premium feel. The ES60 is often treated as a speaker that doubles as a décor piece.

Dust resistance rating
JBL Go 4
4.4

The IP67 build handles dust, sand, and outdoor use with little concern. Reviewers found it well suited to beaches, trails, workshops, and other messy environments.

Edifier ES60
4.2

The IP66 dust protection is viewed positively for portable use, even if it is not the highest ruggedness rating in the category.

Frequency response balance
JBL Go 4
3.9

The tuning is often mid-forward, with clear voices and lively instruments but limited deep bass. Some listeners hear harsh or thin highs, while others find the overall balance remarkably full and controlled for the size.

Edifier ES60
3.7

Tuning draws mixed reactions: many hear a warm, balanced sound with clear mids and punchy bass, while others find the treble too aggressive, mids recessed, or the default sound over-bassy.

Bass performance
JBL Go 4
4.4

Bass is punchy and satisfying for such a tiny speaker, especially after EQ adjustment, but true low-bass depth is limited. Playtime Boost strips away much of the bass, and higher volumes can make the low end thin out.

Edifier ES60
4.6

Bass is one of the ES60’s clearest strengths, repeatedly described as punchy, warm, powerful, and impressive for the size. A few listeners wanted deeper extension or noted thinning at very high volume.

Low-volume performance
JBL Go 4
4.5

At low and moderate listening levels, the sound remains enjoyable and can compare closely with newer compact models. It works especially well for desk listening, quiet rooms, and background music.

Edifier ES60
4.7

The speaker also works well at modest levels, with quarter-volume listening repeatedly described as comfortable and suitable for personal spaces.

Value for money
JBL Go 4
4.5

The Go 4 delivers strong value through its durable build, app-based EQ, waterproofing, and surprisingly lively sound. Its case becomes even stronger on sale, though battery-focused buyers can find longer-lasting alternatives.

Edifier ES60
4.7

Several reviewers and customers see strong value when focusing on the big sound, build, and design, especially at lower prices. Full-price value is less universally convincing.

Music performance
JBL Go 4
4.6

The overall sound is lively, clear, and enjoyable for casual listening, with much more scale than the tiny enclosure suggests. It cannot match larger speakers for bass depth, openness, stereo width, or fine detail.

Edifier ES60
4.7

Music playback is generally enjoyable, with strong bass, good scale, and engaging dynamics. The main reservation is that more critical listeners hear less nuance and refinement than top rivals.

Overall satisfaction
JBL Go 4
4.4

Most owners are highly satisfied with the combination of sound, ruggedness, portability, and price. Negative experiences center mainly on isolated battery or connection failures and expectations beyond what such a small speaker can deliver.

Edifier ES60
4.3

Most reviewers like or recommend the ES60, especially for its style and energetic sound. The more cautious verdicts center on battery life, treble balance, EQ limits, and full-price competition.

On-device controls
JBL Go 4
3.8

The top-mounted play, skip, and volume controls are simple and useful, with separate power and pairing buttons on the side. A few users found the activation area narrower than the visible button surface.

Edifier ES60
3.8

Physical controls are usually simple, tactile, and easy to use. The main weakness is that volume-button behavior can be inconvenient when the speaker is connected to a PC over USB.

Charging time
JBL Go 4
4.0

A full recharge commonly takes around three hours, which reviewers consider acceptable but not especially quick for the available runtime. Some users praised faster charging, while others found the wait lengthy.

Edifier ES60
4.0

Charging feedback is mostly positive, with reviewers saying USB-C charging is quick, though one wanted faster charging.

AirPlay compatibility
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
3.0

AirPlay is absent, but one reviewer said that omission was not a dealbreaker given the speaker’s other connection options.

Audio format support
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
4.5

USB-C playback up to 48kHz was praised for sounding cleaner and sharper from a laptop.

Backwards compatibility
JBL Go 4
2.0

Auracast works with newer compatible JBL speakers, but it does not connect with older PartyBoost models. Owners of legacy JBL speakers may not be able to mix them into the same group.

Edifier ES60No score yet
Bluetooth range
JBL Go 4
3.8

Wireless range is generally strong for a speaker this size, with reports ranging from about 30 feet to nearly 100 feet in favorable conditions. A few owners encountered much shorter usable range.

Edifier ES60No score yet
Cabinet construction / bracing
JBL Go 4
4.5

The fabric wrap, rubberized edges, and sturdy body feel unusually solid for the price. The enclosure tolerates travel and rough handling well, though the fabric can collect dirt and sand.

Edifier ES60No score yet
Float capability
JBL Go 4
5.0

The speaker floats when dropped in water, making it easier to retrieve at a pool or lake. That adds practical reassurance beyond its waterproof rating.

Edifier ES60No score yet
Gaming latency
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
2.0

Fast-paced gaming is a clear weak spot, with noticeable audio delay reported in PUBG-style play even though movies and ordinary video stay acceptably synchronized.

LED lighting effects
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
4.6

The underside LED lighting is widely liked for adding soft ambience without overwhelming the retro design, and its customization is a frequent plus.

Lighting effects
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
4.4

Ambient lighting is usually praised as tasteful, cozy, and well matched to the design, though one reviewer wanted more color options.

Overall product quality
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
4.5

Build quality is consistently strong, with reviewers describing the ES60 as solid, premium, well made, and better finished than its price or size might suggest.

Overall sound quality
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
4.5

Overall sound earns broad praise for scale, clarity, warmth, and bass impact from a compact enclosure. Critical voices still point to treble harshness, weaker vocal nuance, and limited refinement versus leading rivals.

Packaging quality
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
4.6

Presentation is consistently positive, with neat, well-organized packaging that reinforces the premium impression before the speaker is even used.

Power adapter inclusion
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
2.0

One reviewer specifically disliked that no wall charger is supplied in the box, leaving charging speed dependent on the adapter already available.

Power reliability
JBL Go 4No score yet
Edifier ES60
1.0

A customer reported a serious charging-resume problem: after reaching full charge, the speaker would not automatically begin charging again without reconnecting the cable.

Soundstage height
JBL Go 4
1.0

The soundstage has little vertical dimension and becomes muffled from behind the speaker. Its presentation is broader than expected for the size, but not spacious or three-dimensional.

Edifier ES60No score yet
Status indicators
JBL Go 4
2.0

The basic light communicates low battery and operating status, but reviewers wanted a more precise, graduated battery display. The app provides a clearer percentage readout.

Edifier ES60No score yet
Sustainability
JBL Go 4
4.7

Reviewers appreciate the use of recycled fabric and plastic along with largely paper-based packaging. These materials add environmental appeal without making the speaker feel cheap.

Edifier ES60No score yet
Voice assistant responsiveness
JBL Go 4
2.0

The speaker has no native voice-assistant support, so commands must be made through the phone. Reviewers who wanted hands-free control viewed this as a notable omission.

Edifier ES60No score yet