The market for portable Bluetooth speakers is flooded with options, but few manage to stand out quite like the JBL Go 2. This compact speaker promises to deliver a balance of quality, durability, and portability, all at an affordable price. Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or simply want to enjoy music on the go, the JBL Go 2 aims to be your trusty companion. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll dive deep into its features, sound quality, battery life, and overall value for money.
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Overview of the JBL Go 2
Design and Build Quality
The JBL Go 2 boasts a simple yet sleek design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. It’s compact, measuring just 71.2 x 86.0 x 31.6 mm, and weighs a mere 184 grams, making it easy to carry around in a small bag or even your pocket.
The speaker comes in a variety of vibrant colors, from the classic black to more playful options like cyan, red, and yellow. Its rounded edges and rubberized coating not only add to its appeal but also provide extra durability. The Go 2 is designed to withstand rough handling and is even IPX7-rated, meaning it’s waterproof up to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use, especially near water.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound, the JBL Go 2 doesn’t disappoint, especially considering its size. The speaker features a 40mm driver that produces a surprisingly loud and clear sound. It has a frequency response range of 180Hz – 20kHz, which ensures that the mids and highs are well-represented. However, due to its small size, the bass may not be as deep as some users might prefer. Despite this, the overall audio performance is more than adequate for casual listening.
One of the highlights of the Go 2 is its ability to maintain sound clarity even at higher volumes. There’s minimal distortion, which is impressive for a speaker of this size and price range.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical aspect of any portable speaker, and the JBL Go 2 performs reasonably well in this department. The speaker is equipped with a 730mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery that offers up to 5 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. While this may not be the longest battery life on the market, it’s sufficient for short outings or a few hours of listening at home.
The charging time is approximately 2.5 hours, which isn’t too bad considering the playtime it offers. The Go 2 charges via a micro-USB port, which is somewhat dated but still functional.
Features and Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
The JBL Go 2 features Bluetooth 4.1, allowing for easy and stable connections to your devices. Pairing is straightforward, and the speaker has a range of about 33 feet (10 meters), which is standard for Bluetooth devices. The connection is generally stable, with minimal drops or interference, making it reliable for outdoor use.
Hands-Free Calling
One of the convenient features of the Go 2 is its built-in microphone, which allows for hands-free calling. The call quality is decent, with clear voice transmission, though the speaker’s microphone isn’t as sensitive as one might find in a dedicated phone or higher-end speaker.
Aux-In Port
In addition to Bluetooth, the JBL Go 2 also includes a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing you to connect it to devices that don’t support Bluetooth. This adds a layer of versatility, making the speaker compatible with a wider range of audio sources.
Performance in Different Scenarios
Indoor Use
Indoors, the JBL Go 2 excels as a small, portable speaker for casual listening. Whether you’re using it in the kitchen, bedroom, or living room, its sound output is more than sufficient for personal use. It can easily fill a small to medium-sized room with sound, making it a great companion for podcasts, audiobooks, or background music during social gatherings.
Outdoor Use
The JBL Go 2 shines as a portable outdoor speaker. Its waterproof design makes it ideal for poolside use, beach trips, or picnics. While it may not be powerful enough to serve as the main audio source for a large outdoor party, it’s perfect for more intimate settings or as a personal speaker.
Travel Companion
Given its compact size and durability, the JBL Go 2 is an excellent travel companion. Whether you’re on a road trip, camping, or just spending a day out, this speaker is easy to pack and provides a reliable source of music on the go.
Customer Reviews
| Feature | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 4.2 |
| Battery Life | 3.8 |
| Durability | 4.5 |
| Connectivity | 4.3 |
| Portability | 4.7 |
| Overall Satisfaction | 4.4 |
Selected Customer Reviews
- John D.
“I bought the JBL Go 2 for a beach trip, and it didn’t disappoint! The sound was clear, and it handled splashes like a champ. The battery life could be better, but for the price, I’m very satisfied.” - Lisa M.
“This little speaker packs a punch! I use it in my kitchen while cooking, and it fills the room with sound. It’s also super easy to carry around. Definitely worth the buy.” - Mark S.
“I’ve had the JBL Go 2 for a few months now, and it’s become my go-to travel speaker. The sound quality is great for its size, and I love that it’s waterproof. The battery life is decent but could be longer.”
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and Portable: Easy to carry and ideal for travel.
- Durable and Waterproof: Can withstand rough handling and is IPX7-rated.
- Good Sound Quality: Clear audio with minimal distortion at high volumes.
- Affordable: Offers good value for its price.
Cons
- Limited Bass: Not ideal for bass-heavy music.
- Average Battery Life: 5 hours of playback might not be sufficient for all-day use.
- Dated Charging Port: Uses a micro-USB port instead of USB-C.
Conclusion
The JBL Go 2 is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, portable Bluetooth speaker. Its compact size, durable design, and decent sound quality make it a solid choice for casual listeners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. While it has its limitations, particularly in bass response and battery life, the overall value it offers is hard to beat.
If you need a reliable speaker for on-the-go music, the JBL Go 2 is certainly worth considering. It’s a small package with a lot to offer, proving that good things do indeed come in small packages
