JBL Clip 4: Portable Waterproof Speaker with Big Bass

The JBL Clip 4 is a pint-sized powerhouse that brings JBL’s signature punchy bass and crystal-clear mids to wherever life takes you, be it the shower, a hike up Stone Mountain, or your Atlanta backyard cookout. With Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, an IP67 waterproof rating, and up to 10 hours of playtime, this speaker proves that good things really do come in small packages. Whether you’re clipping it to your backpack or letting it float in your pool, the Clip 4 makes the moment pop without weighing you down.

Pros:

Cons:

Hangin’ Loud

Image credit: JBL

The JBL Clip 4’s claim to fame is its built-in carabiner, which snaps onto backpacks, belt loops, or handlebars with effortless flair. At just over five inches tall and under nine ounces, it’s the kind of pocket-sized speaker you’ll clip on and forget until you need a soundtrack. Its woven fabric cover and rubberized housing shrug off scuffs and spills, so whether you’re battling Atlanta traffic or trekking through a dusty trail, this thing stays looking fresh.

Dimensionally, the Clip 4 measures 1.8″ × 3.4″ × 5.3″, small enough to tuck into a jacket pocket but big enough to produce pleasantly surprising volume. Compared to its predecessor, the Clip 3, JBL tightened up the clip integration so it feels like one seamless piece instead of a slapped-on add-on. And that switch from micro-USB to USB-C charging? A thoughtful nod to modern convenience that means half the fuss when you’re juicing up overnight.

Controls sit flush against the fabric, each button giving a satisfying click and clear audio cues for pairing or power. The design isn’t just for show, it balances form and function so you can adjust volume or skip tracks by feel alone. The only nitpick is that the clip’s opening can be snug on thicker straps, but if your bag is that bulky, you probably have room for a larger speaker anyway.

Bass That Slays

Image credit: JBL

With a 5 W dynamic driver and JBL’s “extended frequency range,” the Clip 4 serves up richer lows and brighter highs than you’d expect from something this small. Bass stays tight even when you bump volume up for a small gathering, and mids cut through crisply on everything from trap beats to acoustic ballads. It’s not a club-shaking rig, but for backyard hangs or shower concerts, it more than does its job.

Bluetooth 5.1 ensures a rock-steady connection up to around 30 feet, so you can wander around the yard or kitchen without losing your groove. When calls roll in, hit the multifunction button for a surprisingly clear speakerphone experience, echo and background noise get canceled so you sound like you’re talking into a dedicated mic instead of a pool float.

JBL’s tweak to the audio profile sets the Clip 4 apart from budget clones. It strikes a satisfying balance: punchy bass that never overpowers, mids that keep vocals front-and-center, and treble that stays crisp without shrieking. For anyone who values sound over gimmicks, this little speaker holds its own.

All Day, Every Day

Image credit: JBL

JBL advertises up to 10 hours of playtime, and that metric stands up under most real-world conditions, enough juice for a full day of errands, workout sessions, or backyard cookouts. Charging via USB-C wraps up in about 2.5 hours, so overnight top-ups leave you ready for whatever tomorrow throws at you. There’s no fast-charge gimmick, but the reliability here trumps speed.

Thanks to an IP67 rating, the Clip 4 laughs in the face of rain, pool splashes, and dusty trails. Submerge it up to a meter for 30 minutes, and it still pumps out tunes like nothing happened. That rugged rubber seal and tight-weave fabric keep out grit and grime, proving this speaker isn’t just for gentle beach days, it’s built for real adventure.

One small quirk: there’s no multi-LED battery gauge, only a red warning light when you’re almost out of juice. A simple visual bar or app-based readout would’ve eased occasional low-battery panic. Still, when a speaker survives dunks and delivers consistent runtime, a single blinking light feels like a minor trade-off.

Extras & Evolution

Image credit: JBL

JBL didn’t just slap a new color on the Clip 4, they overhauled the guts. Bluetooth 5.1 replaces the older 4.2, USB-C replaces micro-USB, and the clasp now feels like a natural extension of the shell. Users moving up from the Clip 2 or 3 will appreciate these incremental upgrades that add up to a notably smoother experience.

While there’s no dedicated EQ or onboard app, PartyBoost lets you link the Clip 4 with other JBL speakers, just don’t expect traditional true-wireless stereo unless you invest in PartyBoost-compatible models like the Flip 6. And for those who love choice, JBL offers a spectrum of colors from Classic Black to bold Teal or Pink, letting your speaker reflect your style.

Under the hood, a signal-to-noise ratio of 85 dB keeps distortion low even at higher volumes. The IP67 rating doubles as a flex, dustproof and waterproof in one neat package. Sure, it won’t replace a bookshelf system, but if you crave reliable, go-anywhere sound without fuss, the Clip 4 still runs the show.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the JBL Clip 4?

If you’re after a speaker that’s as carefree as a sunny Atlanta day, waterproof, dustproof, clip-and-go, and built to last, the JBL Clip 4 deserves a front-row spot in your gear bag. It marries surprising sound clarity and bass depth with genuine portability, backed by reliable battery life and a rugged design. Yes, it’s missing a dedicated battery gauge and true stereo pairing, but those are small trade-offs for its overall versatility.