JBL’s flagship portable clip-on speaker returns as a fourth version. Its completely redesigned design promises new sound performance.
Still just as practical, robust, durable and easy to use, the fourth version of the Clip surprises with its progress in terms of sound reproduction. If a few rare references are ahead of it, the gap it widens on this last point with the majority of speakers of its size remains notable. If you have no problem with the absence of a mini-jack input, the JBL Clip 4 is positioned as an ultraportable speaker of choice.
Strong points
- Surprisingly rich and balanced sound reproduction considering its size.
- Outstanding build quality and finish.
- Robust design, waterproof (IP67).
- The carabiner, still just as practical.
- Quick and easy handling.
Weak points
- Traces of sibilance more or less marked depending on the listening conditions.
- Significant power reserve, strongly limited by distortion and pumping effects.
- No mini-jack input, no multipoint Bluetooth connection.
- Still no additional functionality.
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
Alternatively
The SRS-XB13 is a good extra speaker that will delight the most adventurous and the less fortunate to add sound to a small room such as a bedroom, a bathroom, or even an outdoor area near a swimming pool. In terms of sound performance, it is difficult for us to recommend it against a Go 3 or a JBL Clip 4, which are much more convincing. The XB13 does, however, have small practical arguments that are not insignificant to make: greater autonomy, slightly more complete controls and the possibility of connecting two similar speakers in stereo.